Ottumwa, Iowa Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Ottumwa, Iowa is 25,352 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 19th-largest city in Iowa. The median household income is $56,994, the median home value is $92,400, and the median age is 37.4.
The population has grown 2.4% since 2010 (25,055 → 25,648).
25,352
Population
1578
People / sq mi
$56,994
Median Income
$92,400
Median Home Value
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Ottumwa covers 16.1 sq mi of land at 1578 people per square mile.
About Ottumwa, IA
In Ottumwa, home values do the distinguishing — a median of $92,400. With 25,352 residents, Ottumwa is a city in Iowa. It ranks #19 among cities in Iowa by population.
Earnings trail the nation, with the median household making $56,994, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty sits at 14.0%, above the national 12.4%. Real estate is inexpensive, with a typical home worth only $92,400, with typical rent around $956.
College attainment is 20.1%, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is rare here (3.7%, below the national 14.0%), and the average commute runs about 17 minutes each way.
Ottumwa city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of Ottumwa city had a population of 25,055 in 2010 and 25,648 in 2024, a 2.4% growth over 14 years. The peak was 25,648 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.18%.
25,648
Population (2024)
25,055
Population (2010)
25,648
Peak (2024)
0.18%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 25,055 |
| 2011 | 24,894 |
| 2012 | 24,836 |
| 2013 | 24,875 |
| 2014 | 24,800 |
| 2015 | 24,810 |
| 2016 | 24,648 |
| 2017 | 24,436 |
| 2018 | 24,415 |
| 2019 | 24,368 |
| 2020 | 25,459 |
| 2021 | 25,408 |
| 2022 | 25,217 |
| 2023 | 25,438 |
| 2024 | 25,648 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 77.5% |
| Black or African American | 4.6% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 2.7% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Economy & Income
$56,994
Median Household Income
$31,698
Per Capita Income
14.0%
Poverty Rate
2.3%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$92,400
Median Home Value
$956
Median Rent
61.2%
Owner-Occupied
Education
85.6%
High School+
20.1%
Bachelor's+
Commute
0.5%
Drive Alone
77.9%
Public Transit
3.7%
Work From Home
17.2 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
17.6%
Foreign Born
81.1%
Non-English at Home
6.2%
Veterans
16.5%
With Disability
93.1%
Health Insurance
92.5%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Manufacturing | 26.3% |
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 22.8% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 6.1% |
| Construction | 5.6% |
| Retail Trade | 5.3% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 4.5% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 3.5% |
| Information | 3.5% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 2.5% |
| Public Administration | 2.2% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 1.1% |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Ottumwa, Iowa has a population of 25,352 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 19th-largest city in Iowa.
The median household income in Ottumwa, Iowa is $56,994, with 14.0% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Ottumwa, Iowa is $92,400, with median monthly rent at $956 and a homeownership rate of 61.2%.
The median age in Ottumwa, Iowa is 37.4 years. The population is 51.2% male and 48.8% female.
The population has grown 2.4% since 2010 (25,055 → 25,648).
Where to stay in Ottumwa
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.