Ottumwa, IA
Population 25,352 · Iowa
About Ottumwa, IA
Ottumwa is a mid-sized city located in Iowa with a population of 25,352 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $56,994 per year, which is 24% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 37.4 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Ottumwa features a median home value of $92,400, which is 62% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Ottumwa one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $956, 18% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 11,525 total housing units, 61% are owner-occupied (6,255 units) and 39% are renter-occupied (3,958 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Ottumwa shows an unemployment rate of 3.7%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 18.9%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Ottumwa have an average one-way commute time of 17.2 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
20.1% of Ottumwa residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 10.4% White, 2.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, and 5.0% Asian residents, with 12.3% of the population being foreign-born.
How Ottumwa Ranks in Iowa
Cost of Living in Ottumwa, IA
Compared to national averages, Ottumwa has a median household income of $56,994 (24% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $92,400, which is 62% below the national median. Monthly rent at $956 is 18% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Ottumwa's income is 16% below the state average of $67,947, and home values are 30% below the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Ottumwa, IA?
Ottumwa offers affordable housing with a median home value of $92,400, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $956/month, and short commute times averaging just 17.2 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($56,994) that falls below the national average. However, Ottumwa’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Ottumwa has a population of 25,352 with a median age of 37.4 years. Compare Ottumwa with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
Similar Cities Near Ottumwa
Cities in Iowa with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Dodge | 24,788 | $61,769 | $128,900 | Compare |
| Clinton | 24,425 | $57,493 | $115,400 | Compare |
| Johnston | 24,196 | $103,430 | $346,200 | Compare |
| Burlington | 23,800 | $55,274 | $115,800 | Compare |
| Waukee | 26,974 | $106,728 | $328,200 | Compare |
| Mason City | 27,135 | $62,369 | $130,000 | Compare |
| Muscatine | 23,567 | $59,332 | $146,900 | Compare |
| Marshalltown | 27,491 | $68,854 | $117,100 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Iowa
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Ottumwa With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Ottumwa
What is the population of Ottumwa, IA?
The population of Ottumwa, IA is 25,352 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Iowa.
What is the median household income in Ottumwa?
The median household income in Ottumwa, IA is $56,994 per year, which is 24% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Ottumwa?
The median home value in Ottumwa, IA is $92,400, which is 62% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Ottumwa?
The median monthly rent in Ottumwa, IA is $956, which is 18% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Ottumwa?
The unemployment rate in Ottumwa, IA is 3.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Ottumwa, IA a good place to live?
Ottumwa offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 25,352 and a median age of 37.4, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Ottumwa, IA?
20.1% of residents in Ottumwa aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Ottumwa?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Ottumwa, IA: median home value is $92,400 (62% below national), median rent is $956/month, and median household income is $56,994. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.6x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Ottumwa?
The poverty rate in Ottumwa, IA is 18.9%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Ottumwa, IA?
Ottumwa's population is 10.4% White, 2.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, 5.0% Asian, and 4.3% two or more races. 12.3% of residents are foreign-born.