Ottawa
cityOttawa, Kansas, the county seat of Franklin County, is situated on the Marais des Cygnes River. With a population of approximately 12,783 in 2026, it blends small-town charm with key industries and institutions. Ottawa is home to Ottawa University and maintains a strong sense of community. Ottawa's economy is supported by distribution centers, manufacturing, and local government. Major employers include Walmart, American Eagle Outfitters, and Ottawa University. The city provides essential services such as utilities, public safety, and education through Ottawa USD 290. Founded in 1864 and named after the Ottawa Tribe, the city has a rich history tied to the Santa Fe Trail and the Ottawa Indian Mission. Ottawa's location offers outdoor recreational opportunities, with several parks and lakes nearby.
Ottawa, Kansas
- Classification
- City
- FIPS Code
- 20-53550
- Country
- United States
- County
- Franklin County
- Region
- Midwest
- Elevation
- 925 ft
- Total Area
- 10.4 sq mi
- Land Area
- 10.32 sq mi
- Water Area
- 0.089 sq mi
- Latitude
- 38.62278
- Longitude
- -95.23528
- Climate
- Ottawa has a humid continental climate with hot, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. The average high temperature in July is 89°F, and the average low in January is 19°F. The city receives about 40 inches of rain and 11 inches of snow per year.
- Notable Features
- Marais des Cygnes River
- Population (2020)
- 12,625
- Est. Population (2026)
- 12,783
- Median Age
- 36.9
- Median Income
- $71,699
- Poverty Rate
- 9.1%
- Family Households
- 62.4%
- Owner-Occupied
- 59.8%
- Racial & Ethnic Composition
- The racial makeup of Ottawa is 89.63% White, 1.68% Black or African American, 0.88% Native American, 0.86% Asian, 0.05% Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, and 6.67% Two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 5.15% of the population.
- Government Type
- Council-Manager
- Governing Body
- City Commission
- Body Size
- 5 members
- School District
- Ottawa USD 290
- Municipal Services
- Water · Wastewater · Electricity · Police · Fire · Parks & Recreation
- Economic Profile
- Residential · Commercial
- Employment Sectors
- Retail Trade · Health Care & Social Assistance · Manufacturing
- Major Employers
- Walmart · American Eagle Outfitters · Ottawa University · AdventHealth Ottawa · City of Ottawa
- Schools
- 5
- Students
- 2,387
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 12:1
- School Districts
- Ottawa USD 290
- Colleges & Universities
- Ottawa University
- Transportation
- Highways · Ottawa County Public Transportation · Gregg the Taxi Guy
- Utilities
- Municipal water · Municipal power · Fiber/broadband
- Major Facilities
- AdventHealth Ottawa
- Outdoor Access
- Yes
- Founded
- 1864
- Incorporated
- 1866
- Named After
- Ottawa Tribe
- Historical Significance
- The city served as a center of trade and commerce and was named in honor of the Ottawa Tribe.
- Key Events
- Ottawa Indian Mission founded in 1837 · City founded near the mission in 1864 · Major stop on the Santa Fe Trail