2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Ottumwa, IA vs Fort Madison, IA

Change Cities
Highlights
Are people in Fort Madison older or younger than people in Ottumwa?
- The Median Age in Fort Madison is 5.2 years older than in Ottumwa.

Are housing costs cheaper in Fort Madison or Ottumwa?
- Fort Madison housing costs are 6.8% more expensive than Ottumwa housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Fort Madison or Ottumwa?
- The average commute for residents of Fort Madison is 0.4 minutes longer than it is for residents of Ottumwa.

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!

Things to do in Fort Madison?
Fort Madison is located in Lee County in the southeastern corner of Iowa. The town is home to just under 11,000 residents who enjoy easy access to the Mississippi River as well as recreational activities found at riverside campgrounds and throughout nearby wooded areas. Additionally, Fort Madison has several parks where visitors can explore nature or take part in special events such as concerts and festivals.

 Ottumwa, IAFort Madison, IAUnited States
 Population  Unlock10,340329,725,481
 Median Income$48,198  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock42.938.4
 Avg. Home Price$97,700  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock5.7%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time16.38  Unlock26.38
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

Reviews for Fort Madison    2 Reviews

Over 17 years ago

Pros: 1. Extremely low crime rate 2. Extremely low cost of living and housing 3. Affordable place to live Cons: 1. Poor school system 2. Not very much to  More

   |    Reply

Over 19 years ago

The Mayor is Steve  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Fort Madison


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.