With about 12,632 residents, Ottawa is one of Kansas's notable places. Ottawa was founded in 1865 and sits in Franklin County. The median age is 36.5 and the median household income is $64,655. Homes carry a median value of $165,700, and about 62% of residents own where they live. White residents make up the largest share of the population (88.6%). Around 28% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and the typical commute runs about 22 minutes.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (5-year).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (5-year).
Housing
Property report
Median home value
$165,700
Median gross rent
$949/mo
Owner-occupied
61.6%
Median year built
1968
Households
5,134
Avg. household size
2.36
Area-level figures. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS (5-year). Parcel-level records coming next.
Education
Schools
Schools: Below average
Ottawa has 6 public schools — 3 elementary, 1 middle, 2 high.
Student proficiency · grade 8, 1 school
Reading12%
Math12%
% of students at or above proficient on state assessments.
Ottawa Sr HighHighGrades 6–12
Ottawa Virtual SchoolHighGrades 6–12
Ottawa Middle SchoolMiddleGrades 6–8
Garfield ElemElementaryGrades -1–5
Lincoln ElemElementaryGrades -1–5
Sunflower Elementary SchoolElementaryGrades -1–5
Public schools + grade-8 proficiency. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education (NCES directory + EDFacts assessments), via Urban Institute.
Safety
Crime
violent crime30% below national
Ottawa270
Kansas436
United States386
↑ 10% higher than 2019
2019–2023
property crime5% above national
Ottawa2,055
Kansas2,084
United States1,952
↑ 22% higher than 2019
2019–2023
Rate per 100,000 residents/year, Ottawa Police Department, 2023. Source: FBI UCR/NIBRS (Crime Data Explorer).
Environment
Environmental hazards
Toxic-release sites and regulated facilities in and around Ottawa.
Data source being added: U.S. EPA — Toxics Release Inventory (public). We show real, sourced figures only — never estimates.
Risk
Natural disaster risk
Relatively Low
Top hazards · Franklin County
Ice stormRelatively High
HailRelatively Moderate
LightningRelatively Moderate
Strong windRelatively Moderate
TornadoRelatively Moderate
Winter weatherRelatively Moderate
County-level natural-hazard risk. Source: FEMA National Risk Index.
Context
Neighborhood info
Ottawa is in Franklin County — see county-wide risk, demographics, and registry.
Ottawa was founded in 1865 and sits in Franklin County. Elevation ~275 m.
Map of Ottawa
Ottawa, KS
Where Ottawa is
Historic places
12 on the National Register of Historic Places.
Dietrich CabinFranklin County CourthouseJones, Tauy, HouseOld Santa Fe Railroad DepotOttawa LibraryRansom, James H., HouseTauy Jones HallOttawa High School and Junior High School
Source: Dru Sjodin National Sex Offender Public Website (NSOPW) and state registries. Public record. This information is provided for public awareness. Using it to harass, threaten, or discriminate against any registrant, or for any purpose prohibited by law, is illegal. Verify against the official registry record before relying on it.
Common questions
Ottawa — frequently asked
What is the population of Ottawa, Kansas?
Ottawa has a population of about 12,632, according to the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (5-year).
What is the average home value in Ottawa?
The median home value in Ottawa is $165,700, and the median gross rent is $949/month (U.S. Census ACS).
Is Ottawa safe? What is the crime rate?
Ottawa Police Department reported a violent-crime rate of about 270 per 100,000 residents in 2023 — lower than the U.S. rate of 386. Source: FBI UCR/NIBRS.
What natural-disaster risks does Ottawa face?
FEMA's National Risk Index rates Franklin County as "Relatively Low" overall, with top hazards including ice storm, hail, lightning.
How many schools are in Ottawa?
Ottawa has 6 public schools (3 elementary, 1 middle, 2 high). Source: U.S. Dept. of Education, NCES.
How many registered sex offenders are in Ottawa?
Public registry data lists 5 registered sex offenders in or near Ottawa. This is neighborhood-safety information from the public state registry.