Rural Area with Metropolitian Feel

It doesn’t take a big city to create an urban economy.

The U.S. Census Bureau considers Ottawa to be at the heart of a “micropolitan statistical area,” which can best be defined as a rural area with metropolitan characteristics. More technically, a micropolitan core has the highest population compared to surrounding towns (over 10,000, but not more than 49,999) and is considered the foundation of those communities, all of whom support a self-sufficient rural regional economy. In 2003, there were 565 small U.S. cities at the core of these micropolitan statistical areas and Ottawa’s micropolitan area was ranked fifth among 565 (in terms of population).

Ottawa is on the move and moving in the right direction. More and more manufacturing plants, distribution facilities, residential developers, national retail and restaurant chains inquire about locating in the Ottawa area or have located here already. The Chamber receives calls weekly about available space, available land and available resources.

Now that we have more jobs and new homes and more on the way, more people are starting to relocate here. LaSalle County ranked 29th out of 600 counties nationwide, and 17th in the Midwest, as one of the “Best Places to Live in Rural America,” according to Progressive Farmer magazine (2005). The study was done with the same criteria as Money Magazine uses for its famous “Best Places” issue.

Ottawa attracts businesses and industries with readily available and affordable land, easy access to major highways and a large available workforce. Ottawa attracts families with a lower cost of living, a slower pace, a safer community, country charm and city access. Ottawa is poised for continued growth. We have a solid foundation of open and honest communication, strong partnerships with the city, our Ottawa Visitors Center, our legislators and other organizations, and a dynamic Board of Directors. Together with our volunteer teams, our Ambassadors and our members, the Ottawa Area Chamber of Commerce is focused on progress.