Average Rent in Ottawa County, OH↓ Rents falling 15.9% YoY🔻 Cheapest in OH
HUD FY2021 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 40,161
Market Overview
Ottawa County, OH has rental prices ranging from $593/month to $1,164/month in 2021, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $633/month — 55% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $75,728/year, spending $633/month on a 1-bedroom represents 10% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.
How Ottawa County Compares
With an average 2-bedroom rent of $795/month, Ottawa County ranks #68 most expensive of the 68 cities tracked in Ohio — more affordable than 97% of all US cities in our data.
The Ottawa County Rental Market
The Ottawa County, OH area has a population of about 40,161 and 16% of households renting rather than owning. That renter share runs below the US average of ~34%, a more homeowner-heavy market where rental inventory can be limited.
Rent Trends
2-bedroom rents in Ottawa County, OH have fallen by $150/month (15.9%) over the past year, from $945 to $795. This rate of decrease is significant and reflects softening demand or increased inventory in the local market.
Affordability
To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Ottawa County, OH without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $25,320. The local median household income of $75,728 exceeds that threshold by $50,408, making Ottawa County relatively accessible compared to local wages.
Economy & Jobs
Ottawa County, OH has an unemployment rate of 3.5%, 0.4 percentage points below the national average of 3.9%. Strong employment conditions typically sustain rental demand, as workers relocate to the area and local residents maintain stable housing.
Fair Market Rents
HUD FY2021Is Ottawa County, OH Affordable?
Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.
Affordability Index(30% income rule)
Nearby Cities in OHlargest metros in the state
| City | Studio | 1BR | 2BR | 3BR | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brown County | $726 | $731 | $947 | $1,273 | — |
| Columbus | $1,104 | $1,194 | $1,445 | $1,741 | — |
| Dayton | $780 | $845 | $1,077 | $1,390 | — |
| Akron | $799 | $880 | $1,131 | $1,398 | — |
| Toledo | $745 | $805 | $1,056 | $1,371 | — |
| Youngstown | $660 | $702 | $884 | $1,159 | — |
Rent or Buy in Ottawa County?
Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.
Should I Rent or Buy?
Break-even analysis using real Ottawa County data
Renting appears to be the better financial choice for this scenario.
Living in Ottawa County
Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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💵Rent Affordability in Ottawa CountySalary needed to afford rent here
🗺️All Cities in OHSee how Ottawa County ranks statewide
⚖️Compare Ottawa CountySide-by-side rent & cost of living with any city
📋OH Tenant RightsDeposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections