Commute
An elevated score in the commute category points to excellent public transit accessibility and shorter-than-average work commute times in this area.
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.
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.
Crime
This area reports elevated crime rates per 100,000 individuals, potentially pointing some areas being unsafe for its residents. Stats are based on both property and violent crimes.
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.
Ottumwa, Iowa is a medium-sized city with a population of 24,505 people. At 83%, the majority of the Ottumwa population is White; this is followed by 5% Black and 2% Asian. If you are not a fan of long commutes, you will enjoy living in Ottumwa. With an average one way commute time of only 16 minutes, getting to and from work is a breeze compared to the national average of 26 minutes.
Without the right tools, relocating to any new city can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Ottumwa, Iowa could be a fulfilling experience for anyone who puts in the effort 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. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like amenities, crime, cost of living, commute, employment, you can easily compare the best places to live in Ottumwa and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Ottumwa to Iowa and the national average.
The livability score in Ottumwa is 75/100 and the city is ranked in the 89th percentile of all cities across America. Pack your bags! This is a very high score in comparison to other US cities. Living in Ottumwa could be a great choice! There are nine total categories that generate the livability score. Ottumwa scores well for cost of living (A+) and housing (B+) There is at least one category that did not score well in Ottumwa. The following was graded with a discouraging score: crime (F) and employment (F).
A robust real estate market serves as a crucial economic indicator, reflecting the local area's strength, stability and the confidence of its residents. Ottumwa excels in the housing sector, scoring high marks based on factors such as median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability. These calculations suggest that the apartment rental and real estate market in the region is exceptionally healthy, highlighting the area's economic vitality and attractiveness to potential homebuyers and renters.
Certain items on your wish list like shopping, restaurants, nightlife, parks and proximity to public transportation are all important things to look for. Having said that, perhaps the most important metric to consider when contemplating a move to Ottumwa is real estate affordability. The median home price for Ottumwa homes is $75,800, which is 42.9% lower than the Iowa average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Ottumwa, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 1.8, which is 25% lower than the Iowa average.
| Statistic | Ottumwa | Iowa | National |
| Average one way commute | 16min | 19min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 82.7% | 80.7% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 11.5% | 8.6% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.9% | 1.1% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.0% | 0.5% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 1.6% | 3.5% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 2.6% | 4.5% | 4.6% |
Here are the best places to live in Iowa
10 best cities to buy a new house in Iowa
Top 10 best public schools in Ottumwa
10 Best cities in Iowa for employment