Is Ottumwa, IA 52501 a buyer’s or seller’s market?
Ottumwa is a seller’s market. With about 3.3 months of supply and 14% of recent sales closing above the original list price, competing offers are common on well-priced homes. Buyers here often have a pre-approval in hand and a plan for the appraisal gap before touring.
More competitive than 27% of U.S. ZIP codes, and #126 of 156 in the state.
Based on share sold above original list, sale-to-list ratio, months of supply and days on market for the 3 months ending August 31, 2026. See the breakdown
The Ottumwa housing market right now
In the three months ending August 31, 2026, 14% of homes in Ottumwa, IA 52501 sold above their list price, the typical home went under contract in 51 days and there were 3.3 months of supply. Under four months of supply means sellers have the edge: expect competition for well-priced homes. That’s based on 95 home sales.
Compared with the same period a year earlier, the share selling over asking rose from 11%, homes sold about as fast and the median sale price rose 25% to $149,935. Overall, Ottumwa is about as competitive as it was a year ago.
On our competition score, Ottumwa ranks #126 of 156 IA ZIP codes with enough sales (score 30 out of 100).
Nearby, buyers who want less competition could look at Eldon 52554 (0% sold over asking) or Blakesburg 52536 (0% sold over asking), while Agency 52530 (50% sold over asking) is even more competitive.
Run the numbers for 52501
Nearby markets
Agency 52530Buyer’s market $129 /sq ftBlakesburg 52536 $232 /sq ftEddyville 52553 — /sq ftEldon 52554Buyer’s market — /sq ft Browse all markets →Towns like Ottumwa nearby
Find towns like Ottumwa in other states →Where Ottumwa is
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Questions about Ottumwa real estate
Is Ottumwa a buyer’s or seller’s market?
A seller’s market: there were 3.3 months of supply in Ottumwa, IA 52501 in the three months ending August 31, 2026. Under four months usually favors sellers, and more than six favors buyers.
How fast do homes sell in Ottumwa?
The typical home went under contract in 51 days in the latest three months.
Do homes in Ottumwa sell over asking?
14% of homes sold above their original list price, and the typical sale closed at 95.8% of the list price.
What are property taxes in Ottumwa?
About 1.58% of a home’s value a year in Wapello County, or roughly $6,320 on a $400,000 home.
What is the median home price in Ottumwa?
The median sale price was $149,935 in the three months ending August 31, 2026, about $121 per square foot.
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Market data describes housing activity only. Figures are rolling 3-month values from Redfin and may be revised. Methodology