Explore Ottumwa, Iowa, with this interactive street and satellite map.
| City | Ottumwa |
| State | Iowa (IA) |
| County | Wapello County |
| Country | United States of America |
| Timezone | Central Time (America/Chicago) |
| Latitude | 41.022251 |
| Longitude | -92.423263 |
| Population | 25,529 |
| Density | 613.7 /km² |
| Incorporated | Yes |
| ZIP Code | 52501 |
| Area Code | 712 |
| County Seat | Ottumwa |
| School District | Ottumwa Community School District |
Ottumwa occupies a significant stretch of territory where the Des Moines River curves with deliberate grace through a landscape of expansive, tilled plains. It lies 22.6 miles south-southeast of Oskaloosa, IA (from Oskaloosa, IA: bearing 148°T), and is situated 18.5 miles north of Bloomfield. The earth here possesses a deep, dark fertility that supports endless rows of corn and soybeans, stretching toward the horizon under a vast and shifting sky. Beyond the riverbanks, the terrain rises into subtle, rolling elevations that define the character of the regional topography. A short distance away, the quiet waters of Lake Wapello offer a serene contrast to the persistent movement of the nearby river. Central Park provides a green, quiet anchor in the center of the grid, where the light at dusk often catches the leaves in a way that makes the entire afternoon feel suspended in time.
Ottumwa grew into a hub of activity as the expansion of the rail lines and the productivity of the land drew settlers eager to cultivate the rich soil. The local economy has long been defined by its industrial capacity, shifting from early coal mining and meatpacking roots toward a modern focus on manufacturing and distribution. This evolution reflects the pragmatic spirit of a population that has consistently adapted to the changing demands of the national market. The rhythm of daily life is dictated by the steady output of these industries, which provide a foundation for the families who call the region home. Even as the workforce changes, the connection to the land remains a primary thread in the economic identity of the area.
Ottumwa maintains a distinct cultural character shaped by the steady, unshowy civility of its residents and a history marked by quiet perseverance. The city honors its past through the preservation of local landmarks and the maintenance of spaces like Central Park, which serves as a frequent site for community gatherings and seasonal events. Among those who have emerged from this environment to wider recognition, the actor Tom Arnold remains perhaps the most well-known figure with roots in the area. The local pace is marked by a deliberate, grounded quality that favors practical action over pretense. Visitors often find that the true nature of the place reveals itself not in grand gestures, but in the small, consistent kindnesses exchanged during a typical workday.
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This page provides an embedded street and satellite map of Ottumwa, Iowa. Coordinates: 41.022251, -92.423263. Live weather conditions are sourced directly from the National Weather Service. Real-time local and world news feeds keep the page current.
Detailed location data for Ottumwa includes the ZIP code (52501), telephone area code (712), county seat of Wapello County (Ottumwa), and school district assignment (Ottumwa Community School District).
Location data is drawn from the USGS Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) and cross-verified against 2020 US Census records by coordinate proximity. Population figures are sourced from the 2020 US Census.
| Page generated | August 2026 |
| Location data | SimpleMaps US Cities Database; coordinates matched to USGS GNIS definitive data |
| Wikipedia validation | Article content matched to USGS GNIS coordinates via Wikipedia geosearch API. |