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 is a moderately-sized city located in the state of Iowa. The city has a population of 25,168 inhabitants. At 83%, the majority of the Ottumwa population is White; this is followed by 5% Black and 2% Asian. If you prefer shorter commutes, living in Ottumwa will be a delight. With an average one-way commute time of just 16 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 Ottumwa, Iowa 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. Finding the best places to live in Ottumwa 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.
The livability score in Ottumwa is 77 out of 100 and the city is ranked in the 90th percentile of all cities across America. Based on this score, Ottumwa would be considered a very livable city! This city is also ranked in the top 10 percentile of all cities across the USA. If we dig down a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Ottumwa has higher than average grades for the following: cost of living (A+) and housing (A+). There are some categories that Ottumwa ranks poorly for, including: crime (F) and employment (D-). It might be worth taking a closer look to figure out why.
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.
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 Ottumwa is actually affordable. The median home price for Ottumwa homes is $139,301, which is 42% 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 2.2, which is 26.7% 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% |
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