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% |
Largest cities in Iowa
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City rankings
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).
Ottumwa city, IA Climate
Ottumwa city, IA has an average annual temperature of 10.5°C (51°F) and receives about 899 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
10.5°C
Avg Temp
899
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -5° / 22° | 27 mm |
| February | -2° / 28° | 23 mm |
| March | 4° / 39° | 60 mm |
| April | 11° / 51° | 92 mm |
| May | 17° / 62° | 104 mm |
| June | 22° / 71° | 104 mm |
| July | 25° / 76° | 118 mm |
| August | 23° / 74° | 104 mm |
| September | 19° / 66° | 110 mm |
| October | 12° / 54° | 66 mm |
| November | 4° / 40° | 55 mm |
| December | -3° / 27° | 36 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Ottumwa city, IA
The most comfortable months to visit Ottumwa city, IA are typically June, August and September, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 31°C high). The coldest is January (near -10°C low). July is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Ottumwa
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.