Special Interest
Housing in Ottawa County
Both Census and HUD figures represent gross rent — contract rent plus estimated utility costs for electricity, heat, water, and sewer.
Rent in Ottawa County averages $809/month for a 2‑bedroom in 2024, compared to the Kansas median of $1,060 and the national median of $1,413. Local renters spend approximately 24% of household income on rent, below the national average of 32%.
HUD 2026 50th Percentile Rent Estimates for Ottawa County FMR Area are $733 for a studio, $763 for 1‑bedroom, $1,001 for 2‑bedroom, $1,227 for 3‑bedroom, and $1,456 for 4‑bedroom.
HUD 2026 Rent Estimates reflect market movement since 2024 Census data — a $192 increase for a 2-bedroom in Ottawa County shows a 24% rise over that period.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics annual unemployment rate for Ottawa County was 3.1% in 2024, compared to Kansas at 3.6% and the national rate of 4.0%.
