Cost Of Living
Taking into account the cost of goods and services like housing, groceries, transportation and utilities, the overall cost of living in this area is well below average.
Housing
High scores in the housing category are a distinguishing feature of this area, possibly driven by a favorable home affordability ratio, higher home values and appreciation rates.
Health & Safety
Good air quality as well as nearby health facilities like hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, fire and police stations all contribute to a higher than average health and safety score.
Amenities
The majority of amenities are not ideally located within walking distance. To access these amenities, residents may be required to rely on a vehicle or public transit.
Commute
A low commute score could be due to longer-than-average work commutes and the limited availability of public transportation in this area.
Schools
The low schools score could result from issues like below-average graduation rates, inadequate reading and math scores, and the unavailability of local elementary and high schools.
Ottawa, Kansas is a moderately-sized city with a population of 12,308 inhabitants. The majority of Ottawa residents report their race to be White; this is followed by Black and Asian. If you are not a fan of long commutes, you will enjoy living in Ottawa. With an average one way commute time of only 20 minutes, getting to and from work is a breeze compared to the national average of 26 minutes.
If you’re considering moving to any new city, it could be a very intimidating task. However, it could also be a positive experience if you are willing to get to know the area before actually living in Ottawa, Kansas. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is of utmost importance, ensuring a secure environment with low crime. Proximity to your workplace or school helps reduce commuting time and offers convenience. Access to amenities such as parks, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities enhances your daily life. Public transportation options contribute to easy mobility. A sense of community fosters a supportive and engaging environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere should align with your desired lifestyle, ensuring a fulfilling living experience. Considering these items will guide you towards finding the perfect neighborhood that fits all your needs. The best areas in Ottawa and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from crime, cost of living, health & safety, education, housing, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Kansas and national averages.
Ottawa, KS receives 70 out of 100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #144 in Kansas and #6,544 in the USA. There are nine total categories that form the livability score. Ottawa scores well for crime (B-) and housing (A) There is at least one category that did not score well in Ottawa. The following was graded with a discouraging score: amenities (F), education (D-) and employment (D).
In today's ever-changing economic climate, pursuing a cost-effective lifestyle takes on heightened importance, particularly with the continual increase in prices for everyday necessities. When living in Ottawa, residents are privileged to experience a cost of living that stands 22.21% below the national average. This advantageous position has a far-reaching impact, spanning a wide array of expenditures, encompassing not just goods and services, but also housing, groceries, and transportation costs. As a result, this area emerges as a central hub where your financial resources yield greater value, allowing for the maintenance of an economically sustainable lifestyle. This affordability holds exceptional significance in an era characterized by mounting expenses, making Ottawa an attractive destination for individuals seeking financial prudence without compromising their quality of life.
The Ottawa unemployment rate of 2.58% has continued to decrease over the years and is now well below the national average. The result could lead to reduced poverty and inequality in the area, higher wages and increased economic growth. This is a positive sign in the overall health of the local economy.
A healthy real estate market serves as a key economic indicator. It could signify overall local economic strength, stability and reflects consumer confidence in the area. Based on multiple factors including: median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability, Ottawa has received high marks in the housing category. Based on these calculations, the apartment rental and real estate market appears to be very healthy.
There are many factors that go into deciding if an area is the right fit for your lifestyle. Certain “must haves” like low crime, great schools and nearby amenities are all at the top of most people's lists. But before even considering if those options are attainable, we'll need to know if the real estate in Ottawa is actually affordable. The median home price for Ottawa homes is $114,700, which is 15.2% lower than the Kansas average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Ottawa, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 2.4, which is 4% lower than the Kansas average.
| Statistic | Ottawa | Kansas | National |
| Average one way commute | 20min | 19min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 80.2% | 82.2% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 9.5% | 9.3% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.0% | 0.5% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.0% | 0.3% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 1.7% | 2.4% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 4.3% | 4.2% | 4.6% |
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