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

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Highlights
Are people in Lawrence older or younger than people in Ottumwa?
- The Median Age in Lawrence is 9.1 years younger than in Ottumwa.

Are housing costs cheaper in Lawrence or Ottumwa?
- Lawrence housing costs are 180.1% more expensive than Ottumwa housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Lawrence or Ottumwa?
- The average commute for residents of Lawrence is 2.9 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 Lawrence?
Lawrence, Kansas is an incredible city located in northeastern Kansas. It's known for its beautiful scenery, diverse culture, and vibrant nightlife. Visitors can take advantage of outdoor activities like visiting Clinton State Park or going for a walk at Burcham Park to explore the local area. Culture enthusiasts can visit places like Lawrence Arts Center or Allen Fieldhouse to gain insight from local culture. After exploring, sample delicious food from restaurants like Free State Brewing Co. or Burger Stand at The Casbah. With so much to offer, Lawrence is an amazing place to visit for an unforgettable experience!

 Ottumwa, IALawrence, KSUnited States
 Population  Unlock94,745329,725,481
 Median Income$48,198  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock28.638.4
 Avg. Home Price$97,700  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock3.7%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

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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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Reviews for Lawrence    19 Reviews

Over 10 years ago

I don't know why people have written negative reviews about Lawrence, but I have lived here for two years and love it. The quality of life is great - it is a college  More

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Over 12 years ago

Great college town, wonderful people and community. Fun  More

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Over 13 years ago

While I was a grad student at KU I lived in Lawrence, KS. I was unimpressed by the town and even less impressed by the over-inflated ego of its inhabitants. Let's be  More

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