Ottawa County was formed in 1860 and organized in 1866.[3] A post office was opened in Ada in 1872, and remained in operation until it was discontinued in 1998.[4]
In 1888, a rail line of the Chicago, Kansas and Western Railroad opened from Manchester, Kansas in the east to Barnard in the west, a 43 mi (69 km) line, with a depot in Ada. The Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway acquired this railroad in 1901.[5] An application was filed in 1983 to abandon this "Minneapolis District" line.[6]
Of the 34 households, 20.6% had children under the age of 18; 41.2% were married couples living together; 23.5% had a female householder with no spouse or partner present. 38.2% of households consisted of individuals and 17.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.[8] The average household size was 2.7 and the average family size was 3.1.[12] The percent of those with a bachelor’s degree or higher was estimated to be 2.3% of the population.[13]
24.4% of the population was under the age of 18, 8.1% from 18 to 24, 17.4% from 25 to 44, 23.3% from 45 to 64, and 26.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 46.5 years. For every 100 females, there were 75.5 males.[8] For every 100 females ages 18 and older, there were 80.6 males.[8]
The 2016-2020 5-year American Community Survey estimates show that the median household income was $33,798 (with a margin of error of +/- $143) and the median family income was $33,808 (+/- $208).[14]
