Ottawa, IL demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
18,447
-1.4% year-over-year change
Median household income
$71,413/yr
-2.2% year-over-year change
Housing units
8,217
-2.1% year-over-year change

Ottawa population

How many people live in Ottawa

Ottawa is home to 18,447 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 46.9% of Ottawa locals are male, and 53.1% are female.

Total population
18,447
-1.4% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
46.9%
8,650
Female
53.1%
9,797
Value Percent YoY change
Male 8,650 46.9% -3.5%
Female 9,797 53.1% 0.5%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Ottawa is 40, with the population distributed as follows: about 20.1% are children under 15, then 11.6% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 24.7% of the population, while another 27.3% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 16.4% are 65 or older.

Median age
39.8
Age breakdown
Under 15
20.1%
15 to 24
11.6%
25 to 44
24.7%
45 to 64
27.3%
Over 65
16.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 3,701 20.1% 0.1%
15 to 24 2,135 11.6% -2.6%
25 to 44 4,559 24.7% -0.5%
45 to 64 5,028 27.3% -4.5%
Over 65 3,024 16.4% 1.5%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Ottawa, 96% of the population are US-born citizens, while 2.2% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.7% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 87.7% of locals are Caucasian, 2.5% are African American and 1% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 6.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
96%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
2.2%
Non-citizens
1.7%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 17,719 96% -2.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 413 2.2% 39.1%
Non-citizens 315 1.7% 17.1%
Racial breakdown
White
87.7%
Black or African American
2.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
6.4%
Other
2.5%
Value Percent
White 16,173 87.7%
Black or African American 458 2.5%
Asian 184 1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 1 0%
Two or more races 1,174 6.4%
Other 457 2.5%

Households in Ottawa

A peek inside Ottawa households

Ottawa has 7,553 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 60.9% are families, while the remaining 39.1% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
7,553
-0.1% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
2,956
Family households
4,597
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 2,956 39.1% -0.8%
Family households 4,597 60.9% 0.4%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Ottawa

The housing landscape of Ottawa

Ottawa's housing consists of 8,217 units, with 70.1% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 8.8% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 0.2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
8,217
-2.1% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 5,757 70.1%
1 unit, attached 726 8.8%
2 units 499 6.1%
3 or 4 units 315 3.8%
5 to 9 units 207 2.5%
10 to 19 units 319 3.9%
20 to 49 units 99 1.2%
50 or more units 276 3.4%
Mobile home 19 0.2%
Homes built since 2020
61
45.2% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Ottawa

In Ottawa, the median construction year is 1958. About 24.8% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 8.9% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 11.7% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 3.8% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.7% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 2,038 24.8% -3.5%
Built between 1940 and 1949 734 8.9% -15.7%
Built between 1950 and 1959 1,600 19.5% 4.4%
Built between 1960 and 1969 485 5.9% -17.2%
Built between 1970 and 1979 844 10.3% -14.3%
Built between 1980 and 1989 594 7.2% 2.8%
Built between 1990 and 1999 588 7.2% 20.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 965 11.7% 3.4%
Built between 2010 and 2019 308 3.8% 15.8%
Built in 2020 or later 61 0.7% 45.2%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Ottawa occupancy rates

Out of the 7,553 occupied housing units in Ottawa, 69.7% are owner-occupied, while 30.3% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 8.1% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
7,553
-0.1% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
2,290
Owner occupied
5,263
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 2,290 30.3% -1.1%
Owner occupied 5,263 69.7% 0.4%
Unoccupied housing units
8.1%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Ottawa housing costs

Housing costs in Ottawa come to a median of $1,017 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $920.

Median housing costs per month
$1,017/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Ottawa
$920/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Ottawa

Ottawa education at a glance

About 40.2% of the population in Ottawa went to high school, while 25.8% pursued college studies. Another 8.8% earned an associate degree and 16.1% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 6.2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 396 2.9% 19.6%
High school diploma 5,534 40.2% -6.6%
College diploma 3,562 25.8% 0.6%
Associate degree 1,218 8.8% -10.4%
Bachelor's degree 2,221 16.1% 5.7%
Graduate degree 848 6.2% 5.3%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Ottawa

How much people earn in Ottawa

The average annual household income in Ottawa was $96,329 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +4.4% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $71,413, reflecting a -2.2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Ottawa
$96,329/year
4.5% year-over-year change
Median household income in Ottawa
$71,413/year
-2.2% year-over-year change

Ottawa income by age

In Ottawa, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $84,435. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $84,753 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $38,487, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $45,980 in earnings. Overall, 82.9% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $38,487 -0.7%
25 - 44 $84,435 0.9%
45 - 64 $84,753 5.1%
Over 65 $45,980 -15.3%
Above poverty level
14,502
Below poverty level
2,989
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 14,502 82.9% -4.7%
Below poverty level 2,989 17.1% 18.2%

Average renter income in Ottawa

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Ottawa, their median household income was $33,703 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 32.8%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$33,703
Rent-to-income ratio
32.8%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Ottawa

Workforce and job types in Ottawa

The job market in Ottawa is powered by 8,361 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 70.1% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 29.9% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 4.4% run their own businesses, 70.1% are employed by private companies, and 17.7% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
8,361
-4.3% year-over-year change
White collar
5,862
Blue collar
2,499
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 5,862 70.1% -3.0%
Blue collar 2,499 29.9% -7.3%
Employer type
Self employees
4.4%
Private companies
70.1%
Governmental workers
17.7%
Not for profit companies
7.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 364 4.4% -31.3%
Private companies 5,861 70.1% -3.6%
Governmental workers 1,483 17.7% 1.4%
Not for profit companies 653 7.8% -1.5%
Unemployment rate
6.9%
4.8% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Ottawa stands at 6.9%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Ottawa

How people get around in Ottawa

Commuting methods vary: 92.1% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.6% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 7,449 92.1% -5.1%
Taxicab 54 0.7% 25.6%
Bus or trolleybus 18 0.2% 80.0%
Motorcycle 11 0.1% 0.0%
Bicycle 27 0.3% 0.0%
Walk 47 0.6% 51.6%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Ottawa by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
61350 23,713 9,756 $77,921 $102,699

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FAQs about Ottawa demographics 

What is the total population of Ottawa?

Ottawa has a total population of 18,447 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by -1.4% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Ottawa?

The gender ratio in Ottawa is as follows:
  • 46.9% males (8,650 residents)
  • 53.1% females (9,797 residents)

What is the median age in Ottawa?

The median age in Ottawa is 39.8.

What is the age distribution of the population in Ottawa?

The age distribution in Ottawa is as follows:
  • Under 15: 20.1% (3,701 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.6% (2,135 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 24.7% (4,559 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 27.3% (5,028 residents)
  • Over 65: 16.4% (3,024 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Ottawa?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Ottawa is as follows:
  • White: 87.7% (16,173 residents)
  • Black or African American: 2.5% (458 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 1% (184 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (1 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 6.4% (1,174 residents)
  • Other: 2.5% (457 residents)

What percentage of the population in Ottawa are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 96% of the population in Ottawa.

How many housing units are there in Ottawa?

There are 8,217 housing units in Ottawa, reflecting a -2.1% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Ottawa and what is the average household size?

Ottawa has a total of 7,553 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Ottawa?

Ottawa has a median household income of $71,413, representing a -2.2% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Ottawa?

The employment rate is 93.1% in Ottawa, with a workforce of 8,361 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 70.1% (5,862 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 29.9% (2,499 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 4.4% (364 residents)
  • Private companies: 70.1% (5,861 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 17.7% (1,483 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 7.8% (653 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025