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Studio Apartment for Rent in Ottumwa, IA

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    • Studio - 3 Beds

    530 Frank St, Ottumwa, IA 52501

    Cable, water, sewer, heat, and trash included! Flexible lease options. Balconies and patios plus open floor plans. Manager and maintenance on-site. Surrounded by luxurious spaces, sunlight, and wonderful views. You'll find unlimited possibilities to reflect your lifestyle. No Smoking in apartments.

    Ottumwa Heights Apartments

    (641) 934-3201

    530 Frank St, Ottumwa, IA 52501

Why Live in Ottumwa

Ottumwa, IA, located along the Des Moines River, is a small city with a rich history and a diverse population of over 25,000 people representing more than 40 nationalities. Known for its blue-collar roots and manufacturing history, Ottumwa has seen economic revitalization through partnerships between local government and private businesses, with major employers like JBS and John Deere. The city boasts over 24 buildings and seven historic districts on the National Registrar of Historic Places, featuring homes in Craftsman, American Foursquare, Colonial Revival, and Tudor Revival styles. Outside these districts, you'll find bungalows, Cape Cods, and ranch-style homes. Greater Ottumwa Park, encircled by the Des Moines River, is a popular spot for fishing, camping, and visiting Beach Ottumwa, a waterpark with both indoor and outdoor swimming options. Gray Eagle Wildlife Preserve and Garrison Rock offer bird watching and hiking trails. The Bridge View Center provides a venue for concerts and expos, and a new sportsplex is set to become a hub for sporting events. Downtown Ottumwa has been revitalized with about 135 businesses, including locally owned restaurants and specialty shops. Central Park hosts events like the Ottumwa Pride Block Party, Live After Five concerts, and the annual Ottumwa Pro Balloon Races. The Ottumwa Community School District is one of the most diverse in Iowa. For travel, residents use highways 34 and 63, Amtrak, and the regional airport, with commercial flights available from Des Moines International Airport, 84 miles away. The city has an outdoor siren system for extreme weather and experiences moderate weather year-round with snowy winters.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to rent a home in Ottumwa, IA?
The median rent for a home in Ottumwa, IA is $900 per month, though prices vary by neighborhood, size, and property type. As of May 2026, condos tend to be the most affordable option while single-family homes are currently more expensive.
How much do you need to make to afford rent in Ottumwa, IA?
To comfortably afford the median rent in Ottumwa, IA, a household needs to earn roughly $36,000 per year. This is based on the common guideline that households should spend no more than 30% of gross income on housing. Most landlords require monthly household income of at least 3x the monthly rent, and with a median rent of $900 per month in Ottumwa, IA, renters typically need to show $2,700 per month in gross income to qualify. Actual affordability will vary depending on household debts, other living expenses, and overall budget.
Is it more affordable to rent or buy in Ottumwa, IA?
In Ottumwa, IA, the price-to-rent ratio is 11.6, which generally favors renting. This ratio divides the median home price by the annual median rent: below 15 typically favors buying, 15 to 20 is balanced, and above 20 typically favors renting. Your finances, how long you plan to stay, and costs like mortgage rates, taxes, and maintenance all factor into the decision.

Rental Home Trends in Ottumwa, IA

Rental Home Trends

Number of Homes for Rent
1
Median Rent
$900
Median Single Family Home Rent
$1,200
Median Condo Rent
$675
How to Rent a Home