2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Ottumwa, IA vs Grinnell, IA

Change Cities
Highlights
Are people in Grinnell older or younger than people in Ottumwa?
- The Median Age in Grinnell is 0.9 years older than in Ottumwa.

Are housing costs cheaper in Grinnell or Ottumwa?
- Grinnell housing costs are 87.0% more expensive than Ottumwa housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Grinnell or Ottumwa?
- The average commute for residents of Grinnell is 0.7 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 Grinnell?
Living in Grinnell, IA is a unique experience. This small town of just over 9,000 people has a small-town feel but with the amenities of a larger city. The community is vibrant and friendly, which makes it easy to make connections and build relationships. There are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy such as biking, hiking, fishing, and camping in the nearby parks and lakes. Restaurants provide fun and variety for dining out or takeout. There are also great cultural attractions such as museums, galleries, music venues, theaters and more. In addition Grinnell has an excellent school system with some of the best education opportunities in the state. All these qualities make it a great place to live!

 Ottumwa, IAGrinnell, IAUnited States
 Population  Unlock9,481329,725,481
 Median Income$48,198  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock38.638.4
 Avg. Home Price$97,700  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock4.7%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 Grinnell    1 Reviews

Over 17 years ago

Planning on moving to CA...well, actually BACK to CA... Too Cold  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Grinnell


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.