Ottawa, KS demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
12,678
0.4% year-over-year change
Median household income
$71,699/yr
10.9% year-over-year change
Housing units
5,583
1.0% year-over-year change

Ottawa population

How many people live in Ottawa

Ottawa is home to 12,678 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50.2% of Ottawa locals are male, and 49.8% are female.

Total population
12,678
0.4% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50.2%
6,366
Female
49.8%
6,312
Value Percent YoY change
Male 6,366 50.2% 2.4%
Female 6,312 49.8% -1.6%
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 37, with the population distributed as follows: about 18.8% are children under 15, then 16.5% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 24% of the population, while another 25.9% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 14.9% are 65 or older.

Median age
36.9
Age breakdown
Under 15
18.8%
15 to 24
16.5%
25 to 44
24%
45 to 64
25.9%
Over 65
14.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 2,384 18.8% -1.9%
15 to 24 2,088 16.5% 1.2%
25 to 44 3,036 24% -1.7%
45 to 64 3,281 25.9% 4.0%
Over 65 1,889 14.9% -0.3%
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, 97.3% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.9% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.8% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 89.6% of locals are Caucasian, 1.7% are African American and 0.9% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 6.7% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
97.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.9%
Non-citizens
1.8%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 12,335 97.3% -0.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 118 0.9% -16.9%
Non-citizens 225 1.8% 112.3%
Racial breakdown
White
89.6%
Black or African American
1.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.9%
Asian
0.9%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
6.7%
Other
0.2%
Value Percent
White 11,363 89.6%
Black or African American 213 1.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native 111 0.9%
Asian 109 0.9%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 6 0%
Two or more races 846 6.7%
Other 30 0.2%

Households in Ottawa

A peek inside Ottawa households

Ottawa has 5,233 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 62.4% are families, while the remaining 37.6% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
5,233
1.9% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
1,970
Family households
3,263
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,970 37.6% 2.8%
Family households 3,263 62.4% 1.4%
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 5,583 units, with 66.9% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 3.1% 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 7.5% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
5,583
1.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 3,734 66.9%
1 unit, attached 175 3.1%
2 units 298 5.3%
3 or 4 units 390 7%
5 to 9 units 249 4.5%
20 to 49 units 274 4.9%
50 or more units 46 0.8%
Mobile home 417 7.5%
Homes built since 2020
55
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Ottawa

In Ottawa, the median construction year is 1967. About 24.4% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 3.9% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 9.9% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 3.5% between 2010 and 2019, and 1% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 1,362 24.4% -3.3%
Built between 1940 and 1949 220 3.9% -10.2%
Built between 1950 and 1959 586 10.5% 4.5%
Built between 1960 and 1969 835 15% 17.8%
Built between 1970 and 1979 472 8.4% 15.1%
Built between 1980 and 1989 419 7.5% 27.4%
Built between 1990 and 1999 886 15.9% -14.6%
Built between 2000 and 2009 552 9.9% -21.8%
Built between 2010 and 2019 196 3.5% 59.4%
Built in 2020 or later 55 1% N/A
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 5,233 occupied housing units in Ottawa, 59.8% are owner-occupied, while 40.2% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 6.3% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
5,233
1.9% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
2,106
Owner occupied
3,127
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 2,106 40.2% 6.7%
Owner occupied 3,127 59.8% -1.1%
Unoccupied housing units
6.3%
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 $1,107 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,032.

Median housing costs per month
$1,107/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
$1,032/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 42.9% of the population in Ottawa went to high school, while 24.5% pursued college studies. Another 8.6% earned an associate degree and 15.2% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 7.7% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 112 1.1% -20.0%
High school diploma 4,196 42.9% 6.2%
College diploma 2,399 24.5% -1.5%
Associate degree 837 8.6% 13.0%
Bachelor's degree 1,488 15.2% -1.7%
Graduate degree 756 7.7% -12.3%
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 $78,671 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2.8% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $71,699, reflecting a +10.9% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Ottawa
$78,671/year
2.8% year-over-year change
Median household income in Ottawa
$71,699/year
10.9% 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 $94,256. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $64,021 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $43,194, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $64,167 in earnings. Overall, 91.1% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $43,194 -0.1%
25 - 44 $94,256 12.8%
45 - 64 $64,021 -13.2%
Over 65 $64,167 20.0%
Above poverty level
10,939
Below poverty level
1,072
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 10,939 91.1% 1.7%
Below poverty level 1,072 8.9% -15.9%

Average renter income in Ottawa

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Ottawa, their median household income was $36,750 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 33.7%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$36,750
Rent-to-income ratio
33.7%
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 6,732 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 71% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 29% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 6.8% run their own businesses, 73.3% are employed by private companies, and 14.4% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
6,732
1.7% year-over-year change
White collar
4,777
Blue collar
1,955
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 4,777 71% 0.3%
Blue collar 1,955 29% 5.5%
Employer type
Self employees
6.8%
Private companies
73.3%
Governmental workers
14.4%
Not for profit companies
5.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 460 6.8% -4.6%
Private companies 4,934 73.3% 1.0%
Governmental workers 970 14.4% -2.7%
Not for profit companies 368 5.5% 43.8%
Unemployment rate
2.9%
39.9% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Ottawa stands at 2.9%, 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: 84.5% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.6% 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 5,497 84.5% 1.9%
Bus or trolleybus 4 0.1% N/A
Walk 107 1.6% 13.8%
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
66067 16,330 6,553 $77,255 $81,616

Find your place

Explore more communities

FAQs about Ottawa demographics 

What is the total population of Ottawa?

Ottawa has a total population of 12,678 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 +0.4% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Ottawa?

The gender ratio in Ottawa is as follows:
  • 50.2% males (6,366 residents)
  • 49.8% females (6,312 residents)

What is the median age in Ottawa?

The median age in Ottawa is 36.9.

What is the age distribution of the population in Ottawa?

The age distribution in Ottawa is as follows:
  • Under 15: 18.8% (2,384 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 16.5% (2,088 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 24% (3,036 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 25.9% (3,281 residents)
  • Over 65: 14.9% (1,889 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Ottawa?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Ottawa is as follows:
  • White: 89.6% (11,363 residents)
  • Black or African American: 1.7% (213 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.9% (111 residents)
  • Asian: 0.9% (109 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (6 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 6.7% (846 residents)
  • Other: 0.2% (30 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 97.3% of the population in Ottawa.

How many housing units are there in Ottawa?

There are 5,583 housing units in Ottawa, reflecting a +1.0% 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 5,233 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Ottawa?

Ottawa has a median household income of $71,699, representing a +10.9% 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 97.1% in Ottawa, with a workforce of 6,732 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 71% (4,777 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 29% (1,955 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 6.8% (460 residents)
  • Private companies: 73.3% (4,934 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 14.4% (970 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 5.5% (368 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