2025 Compare Cities Education:
Marion, IA vs Ottumwa, IA

Change Cities
Highlights
- Ottumwa spends 27.1% less per student than Marion.
- The Student Teacher Ratio is 1.4% lower in Ottumwa than in Marion. (lower means fewer students in each classroom).
- Ottumwa had 10.5% fewer residents who had graduated High School compared to Marion
 Marion, IAOttumwa, IAUnited States
 Expend. per Student  Unlock$11,720$15,905
 Educ. Expend. per Student$11,730  Unlock$13,142
 Instr. Expend. per Student  Unlock$6,352$7,999
 Pupil/Teacher Ratio14.7  Unlock16.23
 Students per Librarian  Unlock7584573
 Students per Counselor365  Unlock530
 Grade School Educ.  Unlock6.5%4.8%
 Some High School Educ.2.4%  Unlock6.3%
 High School Educ.  Unlock86.6%88.9%
 Some College Educ.20.4%  Unlock20.0%
 2 yr College Grad.  Unlock10.7%8.7%
 4 yr College Grad.36.7%  Unlock33.7%
 Masters Grad.  Unlock5.7%9.3%
 Professional Degree1.3%  Unlock2.2%
 Doctorate Degree  Unlock0.9%1.5%
Reviews for Marion    3 Reviews

I've lived in Marion for ~22 years now, and it has its pros (+) and cons (-): + Marion is one of the safest places to live in the country. + The cost of living vs  More

   |    Reply

Over 15 years ago

Marion is clean, affordable and has one of the lowest crime rates in the state. The people here are friendly and helpful. Marion shares a border with Cedar Rapids  More

   |    Reply

Marion is one of the fastest growing communities in Iowa. We have a highly educated workforce, affordable housing, low crime and excellent education. Plus, there is much  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Marion

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

   |    Reply

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

   |    Reply

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

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Ottumwa


Premium Subscription
Includes Cost of Living compares for child care, utilities, transportation, health, taxes, housing for home owners vs renters, weather, insurance premiums and so much more.


The premier source for comprehensive city data for over 30 years.

© Best Places. All rights reserved.