2026 Compare Cities Overview:
Knoxville, TN vs Ottumwa, IA

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Highlights
Are people in Ottumwa older or younger than people in Knoxville?
- The Median Age in Ottumwa is 4.2 years older than in Knoxville.

Are housing costs cheaper in Ottumwa or Knoxville?
- Ottumwa housing costs are 69.0% less expensive than Knoxville housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Ottumwa or Knoxville?
- The average commute for residents of Ottumwa is 3.3 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Knoxville.

Things to do in Knoxville?
Knoxville, Tennessee is a vibrant city full of history, culture and entertainment. Located in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, this lively city offers something for everyone. There are plenty of outdoor activities to explore like hiking and biking at nearby Ijams Nature Center or boating on the beautiful Tennessee River. Visitors can also take in some local culture by checking out one of the many art galleries or heading down to Gay Street for some great shopping and dining. Knoxville really has it all - from museums and live music to amazing restaurants and lots of history - making it an ideal place to visit!

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!

 Knoxville, TNOttumwa, IAUnited States
 Population  Unlock25,379329,725,481
 Median Income$44,308  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock37.738.4
 Avg. Home Price$314,700  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock5.2%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time19.67  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Knoxville    122 Reviews

What’s not to like? Friendly folks, mountains, rivers, lakes, streams, trees, amazing southern cuisine. Minimal traffic, solid museums, kid friendly everything, great  More

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I lived in Knoxville for 3 years and still go there to see a doctor of mine until my treatment is over. You could not pay me to return to Knoxville now that I foster  More

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Over 5 years ago

This is my second residence in Knoxville and I'm loving my return after a 30 year absence. I love the city and county and the atmosphere surrounding them. What's not to  More

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Reviews for Ottumwa    5 Reviews

Over 13 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 17 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 18 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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