City profile
Ottawa, IL
LaSalle County · Population 18,447
Ottawa is a town in LaSalle County, IL with about 18,447 residents and a typical home value near $154,000. It is 45 miles from Naperville, IL, which shapes its climate, healthcare access and amenities.
Climate
Climate type
Four seasons
Winter avg
26°F
Summer avg
74°F
Sunny days / yr
189
Home prices & cost of living
Median home price
$154,000
Typical monthly housing
$1,102
Cost of living (100 = U.S.)
85
Taxes
- Property tax
- 2.07%
- State income tax (top)
- 4.95%
- Social Security
- Not taxed
- Pensions
- Not taxed
- Sales tax (state + avg. local)
- 8.86%
FEMA natural hazard risk
Relatively Moderate · county score 86/100
Top hazards: Cold wave, Riverine flooding, Drought
Nearest major airport
63 mi to Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)
Political lean (2024 county vote)
Leans Republican · 40% Democratic / 59% Republican
Community
Population
18,447
Black population
2.5%
County
LaSalle County
Detailed crime figures are available for our 201 hand-researched cities.
2025–2026 trends
2026 market trends
- ▸More retirees are leaving IL than arriving, mostly over cost
- ▸Home prices are still rising in 2026 — good for long-term value, less room to negotiate
- ▸Climate/cost risks to check: severe storms
Highlights
- About 18,447 residents
- Typical home value about $154,000
- 45 miles from Naperville, IL
Trade-offs
- Smaller community with fewer local amenities
- Scores for this place are estimated from Census data and the nearest major city
Figures are estimates from public sources (see How we match). Verify before making decisions.