Ottawa, KS
Population 12,632 · Kansas
About Ottawa, KS
Ottawa is a mid-sized city located in Kansas with a population of 12,632 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $64,655 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 36.5 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Ottawa features a median home value of $165,700, which is 32% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Ottawa in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $949, 18% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 5,530 total housing units, 62% are owner-occupied (3,161 units) and 38% are renter-occupied (1,973 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Ottawa shows an unemployment rate of 2.1%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 10.7%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Ottawa have an average one-way commute time of 21.6 minutes.
Education & Demographics
27.5% of Ottawa residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 3.4% White, 2.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, and 0.3% Asian residents, with 1.0% of the population being foreign-born.
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.
Compare Ottawa With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Ottawa
What is the population of Ottawa, KS?
The population of Ottawa, KS is 12,632 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Kansas.
What is the median household income in Ottawa?
The median household income in Ottawa, KS is $64,655 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Ottawa?
The median home value in Ottawa, KS is $165,700, which is 32% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Ottawa?
The median monthly rent in Ottawa, KS is $949, which is 18% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Ottawa?
The unemployment rate in Ottawa, KS is 2.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Ottawa, KS a good place to live?
Ottawa offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 12,632 and a median age of 36.5, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Ottawa, KS?
27.5% of residents in Ottawa 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 Ottawa?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Ottawa, KS: median home value is $165,700 (32% below national), median rent is $949/month, and median household income is $64,655. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.6x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Ottawa?
The poverty rate in Ottawa, KS is 10.7%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Ottawa, KS?
Ottawa's population is 3.4% White, 2.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, 0.3% Asian, and 1.2% two or more races. 1.0% of residents are foreign-born.