Ottawa, KS
Population 12,632 · Kansas
About Ottawa, KS
Ottawa is a mid-sized city in Kansas with a population of 12,632 residents. The median household income is $64,655 per year, which is near the national average. The median age in Ottawa is 36.5 years.
Housing in Ottawa has a median home value of $165,700 and median monthly rent of $949. Of the 5,530 total housing units, the majority are owner-occupied, with 3,161 owner-occupied and 1,973 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Ottawa is 2.1% and the poverty rate is 10.7%. 27.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 21.6 minutes.
How Ottawa Ranks in Kansas
Cost of Living in Ottawa, KS
Compared to national averages, Ottawa has a median household income of $64,655 (14% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $165,700, which is 32% below the national median. Monthly rent at $949 is 18% below the US average of $1,163. Within Kansas, Ottawa's income is 1% above the state average of $63,989, and home values are 45% above the state median of $113,913.
Why Live in Ottawa, KS?
Ottawa offers affordable housing with a median home value of $165,700, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $949/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.1%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 10.7%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 21.6 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($64,655) that falls below the national average. However, Ottawa’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Ottawa has a population of 12,632 with a median age of 36.5 years. Compare Ottawa with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Kansas.
Similar Cities Near Ottawa
Cities in Kansas with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| El Dorado | 12,882 | $54,828 | $113,800 | Compare |
| Arkansas City | 11,909 | $53,475 | $81,700 | Compare |
| Winfield | 11,731 | $58,140 | $121,200 | Compare |
| McPherson | 13,956 | $77,746 | $204,300 | Compare |
| Lansing | 11,229 | $100,871 | $247,500 | Compare |
| Haysville | 11,117 | $69,057 | $155,100 | Compare |
| Merriam | 11,036 | $71,665 | $242,400 | Compare |
| Atchison | 10,795 | $54,695 | $130,200 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Kansas
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Ottawa
What is the population of Ottawa, KS?
The population of Ottawa, KS is 12,632 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Ottawa?
The median household income in Ottawa, KS is $64,655 per year.
What is the median home value in Ottawa?
The median home value in Ottawa, KS is $165,700.
What is the average rent in Ottawa?
The median monthly rent in Ottawa, KS is $949.
What is the unemployment rate in Ottawa?
The unemployment rate in Ottawa, KS is 2.1%.