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

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Highlights
Are people in Ottumwa older or younger than people in Pella?
- The Median Age in Ottumwa is 1.2 years older than in Pella.

Are housing costs cheaper in Ottumwa or Pella?
- Ottumwa housing costs are 64.5% less expensive than Pella housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Ottumwa or Pella?
- The average commute for residents of Ottumwa is 5.6 minutes longer than it is for residents of Pella.

Things to do in Pella?
Pella is a city located in Marion County, Iowa and home to just over 11,000 people. It was founded by Dutch immigrants in 1847 and has become known as the “Windmill City” due to its connection to the wind energy industry, with one of the first modern-style wind turbines being installed here in 1978. Pella is also home to Central College which was founded in 1853. The city features a historic downtown district and a number of cultural attractions such as Vermeer Windmill, Tulip Time Festival, National Sprint Car Hall of Fame and Museum, and the Scholte House Museum.

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!

 Pella, IAOttumwa, IAUnited States
 Population  Unlock25,379329,725,481
 Median Income$80,270  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock37.738.4
 Avg. Home Price$275,300  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock5.2%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time10.75  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Pella    1 Reviews

Smal conservative town. Strong Dutch heritage. Very clean nice community. Great for families and retirees from the midwest. Terrible weather, and limited  More

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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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