City profile
Ottumwa, IA
Wapello County · Population 25,430
Ottumwa is a town in Wapello County, IA with about 25,430 residents and a typical home value near $106,000. It is 64 miles from Iowa City, IA, which shapes its climate, healthcare access and amenities.
Climate
Climate type
Four seasons
Winter avg
22°F
Summer avg
76°F
Sunny days / yr
195
Home prices & cost of living
Median home price
$106,300
Typical monthly housing
$704
Cost of living (100 = U.S.)
71
Taxes
- Property tax
- 1.43%
- State income tax (top)
- 3.8%
- Social Security
- Not taxed
- Pensions
- Not taxed
- Sales tax (state + avg. local)
- 6.94%
FEMA natural hazard risk
Relatively Low · county score 65/100
Top hazards: Drought, Tornado, Heat wave
Nearest major airport
73 mi to Des Moines International Airport (DSM)
Political lean (2024 county vote)
Leans Republican · 34% Democratic / 65% Republican
Community
Population
25,430
Black population
4.1%
County
Wapello County
Detailed crime figures are available for our 201 hand-researched cities.
2025–2026 trends
2026 market trends
- ▸Home insurance premiums are rising quickly here
- ▸Home prices are still rising in 2026 — good for long-term value, less room to negotiate
- ▸Climate/cost risks to check: hail, derechos
Highlights
- About 25,430 residents
- Typical home value about $106,000
- 64 miles from Iowa City, IA
Trade-offs
- 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.