Ottawa County, Ohio Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Ottawa County is located in Ohio with a total population of 40,161. It is the 62nd most populous county out of 88 in Ohio. The county encompasses 1 Census-designated place.

Age Demographics

The median age in Ottawa County is 50.3 years. This is 27% higher than the state median of 39.6 years. 11.1% of residents are 75 or older, suggesting a significant retirement-age population with implications for healthcare services and senior housing.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Ottawa County is $75,728. This is 9% higher than the state median of $69,680. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 4% lower. The poverty rate stands at 8.3%. This is 37% lower than the state poverty rate of 13.2%. The unemployment rate is 2.9%. This is 40% lower than the state rate of 4.9%. The median home value is $200,700. Housing costs are about average than the state median of $199,200. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.7x, Ottawa County is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 83.6% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 25% higher than the state average of 67.0%.

Race & Ethnicity

Ottawa County has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 90.9% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 5.2%. The Black or African American population (1.1%) is well below the state average of 12.1%. The Asian population (0.3%) is well below the state average of 2.4%.

Education

28.5% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 8% lower than the state rate of 30.9%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 94.1%.