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.
Schools
The schools category earns a high score due to factors like exceptional test scores, strong education levels and the close proximity of elementary and high schools in this area.
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.
Employment
In the employment category, a low score could be attributed to low income levels and high unemployment in the area, suggesting potential difficulties in finding lucrative employment.
Ottawa, Ohio is a small-sized city with a population of 4,455 people. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (89% White). Given that fact, Ottawa could be considered less diverse than other cities. If you're not a fan of traffic congestion and long commute times to work, Ottawa is the place to be. Commutes to work here are shorter, with an average one-way commute time taking only 17 minutes, significantly lower than the national average of 26 minutes.
Are you trying to ascertain if living in Ottawa is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a fulfilling experience before relocating to any new city in Ohio, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. Finding the best places to live in Ottawa and nearby areas is a much easier task when you can rely on information and data from the livability score, which includes crime, commute, health & safety, education and other important metrics.
Ottawa has a livability score of 79/100 and is ranked #121 in Ohio and #1,984 in the USA. Pack your bags! This is a very high score in comparison to other US cities. Living in Ottawa could be a great choice! This city is also ranked in the top 10 percentile of all cities across the USA. For each of the livability categories, we know that Ottawa ranks very well for crime (A), cost of living (A+), education (A) and housing (B+). On a less positive note, Ottawa does not have favorable grades for the following: amenities (D-) and employment (D-). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.
Parents and families often rely on school test scores when making decisions about local public schools. Test score data serves as a crucial metric for comparing and assessing various educational institutions. In Ottawa, the average school test scores reached an impressive 77%, significantly higher than the national average. This remarkable performance underscores the commitment of the educational system to equip students with the knowledge and resources necessary for success. It allows your children to receive the support and skills that are essential for thriving academically, making Ottawa an excellent choice for families seeking a high-quality education.
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.
Assuming that Ottawa meets all of your requirements like low crime rates, good schools and great local amenities, the next most important item to examine is the affordability of real estate in Ottawa. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Ottawa are simply unattainable. Median real estate prices in Ottawa come in at $262,823, which is 11.9% higher than the Ohio 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 3.9, which is 25.8% higher than the Ohio average.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Statistic | Ottawa | Ohio | National |
| Average one way commute | 17min | 23min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 81.2% | 83.4% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 12.1% | 7.8% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.0% | 1.7% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.8% | 0.3% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 0.0% | 2.3% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 5.9% | 3.7% | 4.6% |
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