Cost of Living in Ottumwa, IA
Population 25,352 · Iowa · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Ottumwa lands reasonably close to national benchmarks on most cost indicators, with a median home value of $92,000 — 70% below the US figure. That makes it a useful reference point for comparing with more extreme markets in Iowa.
Located 70 miles southeast of Des Moines, Ottumwa is far enough out that local conditions diverge meaningfully from the big-metro baseline. Median home values run roughly 50% lower than Des Moines' $184,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Ottumwa
The median home value in Ottumwa is $92,400 — 70% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $956/month, 27% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $56,994/year is 24% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.7%, below the national average of 4.8%. Iowa's top state income tax rate is 5.7% and the combined sales tax is 6.9%. The climate averages highs of 61.2°F and lows of 40.2°F, with about 23.6" of annual snowfall. Overall, Ottumwa has a cost of living index of 47 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 53% less expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 32 | 37 | 50 | 63 | 73 | 82 | 86 | 84 | 77 | 64 | 50 | 37 |
| Low °F | 14 | 18 | 29 | 39 | 51 | 61 | 65 | 62 | 53 | 42 | 30 | 20 |
| Precip" | 1.01 | 1.41 | 2.24 | 3.75 | 5.03 | 5.38 | 3.87 | 4.44 | 3.50 | 2.81 | 2.09 | 1.44 |
| Snow" | 7.1 | 5.8 | 3.0 | 1.4 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.5 | 1.6 | 4.2 |
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Ottumwa, IA?
Ottumwa has a cost index of 47 (100 = national average). It is 53% below the national average.
What is average rent in Ottumwa, IA?
The median gross rent in Ottumwa is $956 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Ottumwa?
The median home value in Ottumwa is $92,400 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Ottumwa?
The median household income in Ottumwa is $56,994 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Ottumwa, IA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Ottumwa is 6.9%. The Iowa state income tax top rate is 5.7%.
Is Ottumwa, IA affordable?
Yes, Ottumwa is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 47 — about 53% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Ottumwa?
Ottumwa has average high temperatures of 61.2°F and average lows of 40.2°F. Annual precipitation is 37". Average annual snowfall is 23.6". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Ottumwa at a Glance
- Population
- 25,352
- Median Income
- $56,994
- Home Value
- $92,400
- Median Rent
- $956/mo
- Unemployment
- 3.7%
- Avg High Temp
- 61.2°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.9%
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Explore county-level cost of living data
Iowa Rankings
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