Ottawa County, Ohio Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 62nd-largest in Ohio
The population of Ottawa County, Ohio is 40,161 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 62nd-largest county in Ohio. The median household income is $75,728, the median home value is $200,700, and the median age is 50.3.
The population of Ottawa County has declined 4.0% since 2010 (41,359 → 39,692), a -0.29% annualized rate.
40,161
Population
-0.29%
Annual growth
158
People / sq mi
$75,728
Median Income
$200,700
Median Home Value
Ottawa County covers 255 sq mi of land at 157.7 people per square mile.
About Ottawa County, OH
Homeownership is the standout figure in Ottawa County: 83.6% of homes are owner-occupied, higher than the national rate. With 40,161 residents, Ottawa County is a county in Ohio.
Households take in a median $75,728, comfortably near the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate, 5.0%, is on the lower side for US counties and below the national 12.4%. Homes carry a median value of $200,700, with typical rent around $909.
College attainment is above the local norm at 28.5%, below the national 35.0%. About 6.9% of the workforce is home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 24 minutes each way.
The ownership rate anchors the housing story in Ottawa County, and tends to move with the age structure and home-value figures above.
Ottawa County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Ottawa County had a population of 41,359 in 2010 and 39,692 in 2024, a -4.0% growth over 14 years. The peak was 41,359 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.29%.
39,692
Population (2024)
41,359
Population (2010)
41,359
Peak (2010)
-0.29%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 41,359 |
| 2011 | 41,323 |
| 2012 | 41,246 |
| 2013 | 41,041 |
| 2014 | 40,906 |
| 2015 | 40,761 |
| 2016 | 40,531 |
| 2017 | 40,652 |
| 2018 | 40,819 |
| 2019 | 40,532 |
| 2020 | 40,298 |
| 2021 | 40,175 |
| 2022 | 39,984 |
| 2023 | 39,819 |
| 2024 | 39,692 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 92.7% |
| Black or African American | 1.1% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.0% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
50.3
Median Age
49.9%
Female
50.1%
Male
27.1%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 14.5% · Seniors (65+): 27.1%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $75,728+$6,048 vs state |
| Mean household income | $104,516 |
| Per-capita income | $47,629 |
| Poverty rate | 5.0%-4.2% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 1.7% |
| Employment-to-population | 55.8% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Ottawa County is professional & business services, accounting for 23.0% of workers.
How residents commute
0.4%
Drive alone
1.3%
Carpool
83.8%
Public transit
6.9%
Work from home
24.4 min
Avg commute
Housing
$200,700+$1,500 vs state
Median home value
$909
Median rent
83.6%
Homeownership rate
28,762
Total housing units
62.9%
Occupied
37.1%
Vacant
16.4%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
95.7%
With health insurance
93.2%
With broadband internet
14.4%
Foreign-born
8.1%
Veterans (18+)
15.7%
With a disability
97.7%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
94.1%
High School+
28.5%
Bachelor's+
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County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Ottawa County, Ohio has a population of 40,161 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 62nd-largest county in Ohio. Population density is 158 people per square mile.
The population of Ottawa County has declined 4.0% since 2010 (41,359 → 39,692), a -0.29% annualized rate.
The median household income in Ottawa County, Ohio is $75,728, with mean (average) household income of $104,516 and per-capita income of $47,629. 5.0% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Ottawa County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (92.7%), Black or African American (1.1%), Hispanic or Latino (1.0%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Ottawa County, Ohio is 50.3 years. Residents are 49.9% female and 50.1% male.
The median home value in Ottawa County is $200,700 and median monthly rent is $909. 83.6% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 28,762 total housing units, 37.1% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Ottawa County, Ohio is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 23.0% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.7%.
Columbus is among the largest cities associated with Ottawa County, Ohio, with a population of 906,480.
Ottawa County, OH Climate
Ottawa County, OH has an average annual temperature of 9.9°C (50°F) and receives about 875 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
9.9°C
Avg Temp
875
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -4° / 24° | 45 mm |
| February | -3° / 27° | 43 mm |
| March | 3° / 37° | 65 mm |
| April | 9° / 48° | 78 mm |
| May | 15° / 59° | 84 mm |
| June | 21° / 69° | 96 mm |
| July | 23° / 73° | 88 mm |
| August | 22° / 71° | 91 mm |
| September | 18° / 64° | 83 mm |
| October | 11° / 53° | 58 mm |
| November | 5° / 41° | 74 mm |
| December | -1° / 30° | 70 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 Ottawa County, OH
The most comfortable months to visit Ottawa County, OH are typically June, August and July, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 28°C high). The coldest is January (near -8°C low). June is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Ottawa County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.