2025 Compare Cities Overview:
West Branch, IA vs Ottumwa, IA

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Highlights
Are people in Ottumwa older or younger than people in West Branch?
- The Median Age in Ottumwa is 1.1 years older than in West Branch.

Are housing costs cheaper in Ottumwa or West Branch?
- Ottumwa housing costs are 61.5% less expensive than West Branch housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Ottumwa or West Branch?
- The average commute for residents of Ottumwa is 8.9 minutes shorter than it is for residents of West Branch.

Things to do in West Branch?
Living in West Branch, IA is a pleasant experience for many. The city is located near the beautiful Cedar River, with plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation such as fishing, camping, and boating. It also has a bustling downtown area with plenty of restaurants and shops to explore. There are several parks in town that provide an ideal place to take a leisurely stroll or have a picnic. There's something for everyone in this small but vibrant Midwestern community. The friendly people who live here make it even more inviting, making it easy to build relationships with neighbors and fellow residents. West Branch truly offers the best of both worlds - the convenience of city living combined with the natural beauty of rural Iowa.

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!

 West Branch, IAOttumwa, IAUnited States
 Population  Unlock25,379329,725,481
 Median Income$67,460  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock37.738.4
 Avg. Home Price$254,000  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock5.2%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time25.26  Unlock26.38
Reviews for West Branch    1 Reviews

Located just off of Interstate 80, West Branch is home to several companies, including: US AutoForce, Altorfer, Inc. and Procter and Gamble. The city is currently  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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