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
Ottawa County is a county in Ohio with a population of 40,161. It ranks #62 among counties in Ohio by population. The median age is 50.3, older than the national median. The population is 50.1% male and 49.9% female.
The median household income in Ottawa County is $75,728, near the US median of $74,580. 5.0% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $200,700, with monthly rent averaging $909. The homeownership rate of 83.6% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Ottawa County reflects 28.5% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 6.9% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 24.4 minutes each way.
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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Part of Ohio
Metro areas in Ohio
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.
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Statewide data for Ohio
Population, race, income, age, and trends across Ohio
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.