Cost Of Living
Taking into account the cost of goods and services like housing, groceries, transportation and utilities, the overall cost of living in this area is well below average.
Crime
Crime per 100,000 people is significantly lower than the national average, making it a safe place to live. These crime statistics include both violent and property crimes.
Housing
High scores in the housing category are a distinguishing feature of this area, possibly driven by a favorable home affordability ratio, higher home values and appreciation rates.
Health & Safety
Good air quality as well as nearby health facilities like hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, fire and police stations all contribute to a higher than average health and safety score.
Amenities
The majority of amenities are not ideally located within walking distance. To access these amenities, residents may be required to rely on a vehicle or public transit.
Commute
A low commute score could be due to longer-than-average work commutes and the limited availability of public transportation in this area.
Schools
The low schools score could result from issues like below-average graduation rates, inadequate reading and math scores, and the unavailability of local elementary and high schools.
Located in the state of Kansas, Ottawa is a mid-sized city with a population of 12,572 people. If we look at the most recent Census, Ottawa is known to have a predominantly White population. The next two most common races are Black and Asian. If you prefer shorter commutes, living in Ottawa will be a delight. With an average one-way commute time of just 20 minutes, traveling to and from work is notably more convenient than the national average, which stands at 26 minutes.
Without the right tools, relocating to any new city can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Ottawa, Kansas could be a good experience for anyone who puts in the time to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. To help you find the best places to live in and around Ottawa, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like amenities, crime, education, employment, housing and more.
Ottawa, KS receives 69 out of 100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #170 in Kansas and #7,856 in the USA. For each of the livability categories, we can establish that Ottawa ranks very well for housing (A+). There is at least one category that you should be aware of in Ottawa. The following was graded with a discouraging score: amenities (F) and education (F).
Feeling a sense of safety in the area that you live in is a must for most people. Low crime rates can have a positive impact on things like home prices, home appreciation rates and can help foster positive community dynamics and social cohesion. Ottawa has a violent crime rate of 150 crimes per 100,000 residents which is far lower than the national average.
Unemployment rates can vary significantly among cities, impacting job prospects, wage levels and the overall economic health of an area. In Ottawa, the unemployment rate stands at 2.7%, suggesting increased job opportunities and a heightened demand for workers. This scenario can lead to higher wages, as the demand for employees outpaces job availability. Importantly, a low unemployment rate often signifies a robust and flourishing local economy.
Finding affordable real estate and housing in Ottawa can be tricky. Having said that, this area might be the place to get the best of both worlds. Based on factors like home/rental affordability and appreciation rates, this area has received an above average score in the housing category. A healthy real estate market can lead to wealth appreciation for property owners, as rising property values can contribute to homeowners' equity, financial stability and the ability to build long-term wealth.
There are many factors that go into deciding if an area is the right fit for your lifestyle. Certain “must haves” like low crime, great schools and nearby amenities are all at the top of most people's lists. But before even considering if those options are attainable, we'll need to know if the real estate in Ottawa is actually affordable. Median real estate prices in Ottawa come in at $207,617, which is 15.8% lower than the Kansas average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Ottawa, the home price to income ratio is 2.9, which is 3.3% lower than the Kansas average.
| Statistic | Ottawa | Kansas | National |
| Average one way commute | 20min | 19min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 80.2% | 82.2% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 9.5% | 9.3% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.0% | 0.5% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.0% | 0.3% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 1.7% | 2.4% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 4.3% | 4.2% | 4.6% |
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