2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Hays, KS vs Ottumwa, IA

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Highlights
Are people in Ottumwa older or younger than people in Hays?
- The Median Age in Ottumwa is 5.2 years older than in Hays.

Are housing costs cheaper in Ottumwa or Hays?
- Ottumwa housing costs are 56.4% less expensive than Hays housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Ottumwa or Hays?
- The average commute for residents of Ottumwa is 4.9 minutes longer than it is for residents of Hays.

Things to do in Hays?
Hays is an incorporated city situated within Ellis County, Kansas boasting plenty of activities like visiting its local museums like the Fort Hays State Historic Site suitable for anyone interested in the area's history plus nearby Sternberg Museum of Natural History has various events and exhibits convenienty situated close by. There are also several shopping outlets and eateries providing unique items or delicious cuisine good for anyone looking to browse around or have a meal out during their visit here!

Things to do in Ottumwa?
Ottumwa, IA is a charming city located in Wapello County. With an estimated population of 25,000 people, Ottumwa has something special for everyone. From outdoor activities like fishing and hiking to cultural attractions like the American Gothic House–there's always something new to explore in this lively city. Residents also benefit from easy access to quality public and private schools as well as excellent healthcare facilities. Whether you're looking for adventure or relaxation—Ottumwa has something special for everyone!

 Hays, KSOttumwa, IAUnited States
 Population  Unlock25,379329,725,481
 Median Income$50,941  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock37.738.4
 Avg. Home Price$224,100  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock5.2%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time11.44  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Hays    1 Reviews

Over 17 years ago

Pros: 1. Low crime rate 2. Low cost of living and housing 3. Affordable place to live 4. Good school system 5. A good place to live and raise a family Cons: 1.  More

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Reviews for Ottumwa    5 Reviews

Over 12 years ago

Ottumwa has a seemingly high rate of theft-related crimes as well as drug use which I'm sure correlates to the incidences of assault. For a community of 20-30,000, the  More

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Over 16 years ago

ottumwa, Iowa has no diverse culture. It is not very open especially when it comes to branching out to new ideas of others culture...The idea of culture here is the pro  More

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Over 17 years ago

Pros: 1. Extremely low cost of living and housing 2. Affordable place to live Cons: 1. High crime rate 2. Very poor school system 3. Economically depressed 4.  More

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