Median Income
$76,908
2% higher than US avg
Home Value
$173,800
38% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
186/100K
51% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
37.5%
11% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$929
20% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
32.5%
1% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
2.3%
81% lower than US avg
How Otego Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population965
Median Age44.9 yrs
Density832/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 91%
Veterans8.7%
Economy
A+
Median Income$76,908
Per Capita$40,572
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty2.3%
County GDP$3,518M
Commute20 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$173,800
Rent$929
Ownership64.1%
Zillow$179,512
Housing Units408
Rent Burden22.6%
Crime
F
Violent186/100K
Property1,776/100K
Health
Obesity32.5%
Uninsured6.5%
Smoking15.5%
Depression21.9%
Heart Disease5.7%
Climate
Avg Temp46°F (8°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain45.3 in/yr
Sunny Days246/yr
Elevation1,063 ft (324 m)
Education
A
Bachelor's+37.5%
High School+92.1%
Graduate+15.3%
School Score5.34
Community
2024 VoteR 54% / D 46%
Commute20 min
Broadband90.7%
EV Stations17
Libraries13
Is Otego a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Otego receives an overall livability score of 3.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, a highly educated population, affordable housing. Otego offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Otego is $76,908, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 2.3% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Otego is $173,800, 38% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $929 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Otego is below the national average at 186 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,776 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 37.5% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 92.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.3/10.
Climate & Weather
Otego experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 46°F. Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. The area gets 246 sunny days per year. Annual precipitation totals 45.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Otego has a population of 965 with a density of 832 people per square mile, spread across 1.2 square miles. The median age is 44.9 years, 15% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.8% female and 52.2% male. The city is predominantly White (91.1%), with 1.5% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.1% of residents. 8.7% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 11.6% of residents have a disability. 99.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
44.9yrs
Median Age
15% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.1%
26% above US avg
Spanish
0.9%
93% below US avg
The median household income in Otego is $76,908, which is 2% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $40,572. The average weekly wage is $1,160, 19% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 2.3% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,538 business establishments, including 190 restaurants. The cost of living index is 107.9, slightly above the national baseline of 100. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 4.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $76,908 |
| 2% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $40,572 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,160 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $67,606 |
| Gini Index | 0.454 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 2.3% |
| 81% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,538 |
| County GDP | $3,518M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 190 |
| Healthcare | 156 |
| Retail | 243 |
| Manufacturing | 56 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $7,079 |
| 102% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 107.90 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.07% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 19.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 83.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.8% |
The median home value in Otego is $173,800, 38% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $179,512. Monthly rent averages $929 (20% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $1,315 for a one-bedroom to $1,579 for a two-bedroom apartment. 64.1% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 408 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1955. The average annual property tax is $7,079 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 22.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $173,800 |
| 38% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $179,512 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $929 |
| 20% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 22.6% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,215 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,315 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,579 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,976 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,193 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 64.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 64.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 35.9% |
| Housing Units | 408 |
| Median Year Built | 1955 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $7,079 |
| 102% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.07% |
In Otego, 32.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.2% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.7% of residents. 30.0% have high blood pressure. 15.5% are current smokers. 18.4% report binge drinking. 25.3% are physically inactive. 21.9% report depression. 18.8% experience frequent mental distress. 6.5% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:727. The dentist ratio is 1:2,246. 49.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Otego vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 32.5% |
| 1% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.2% |
| Heart Disease | 5.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.0% |
| Asthma | 11.6% |
| COPD | 6.9% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.5% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.3% |
| Depression | 21.9% |
| Mental Distress | 18.8% |
| Physical Distress | 13.7% |
| Short Sleep | 38.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 99.9% |
| Uninsured | 6.5% |
| 24% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:727 |
| Dentists | 1:2,246 |
| Mental Health | 1:439 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.2% |
| Dental Visits | 59.9% |
| Premature Death | 8,049/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 49.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 156 |
Otego has a violent crime rate of 186 per 100,000 residents, 51% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,776 per 100,000, 9% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 6 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Otego receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Otego vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 186.2/100K |
| 51% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,776.4/100K |
| 9% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 6 |
| Traffic Accidents | 8 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.9 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Otego experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. The area gets 246 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 45.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36. The city sits at an elevation of 1,063 feet.
Temperature
22°F Jan (-6°C)
69°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 45.8°F |
| 15% below US avg |
| January Average | 22°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 69°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 246 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,063 ft (324 m) |
| Area | 1.2 sq mi (3.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 832/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.3928°N, 75.1801°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Otsego County County |
| Nearest Airport | Albert S Nader Regional (ONH)
11 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
45.3"
19% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.17"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 75.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 56.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 87.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
14 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.0. Most recent: M2.8 on Aug 27, 2011.
| Jun 17, 1991 |
7 km NE of Worcester, New York |
M4.0 |
49 km |
| Jul 31, 1997 |
0 km WSW of Lyons Falls, New York |
M3.2 |
138 km |
| Dec 13, 2009 |
15 km N of Medusa, New York |
M3.2 |
90 km |
| Jul 24, 2007 |
12 km SSW of Altamont, New York |
M3.1 |
90 km |
| May 18, 2009 |
15 km N of Medusa, New York |
M3.1 |
90 km |
| Oct 21, 2009 |
15 km N of Medusa, New York |
M2.9 |
91 km |
| Mar 22, 2009 |
9 km SW of Altamont, New York |
M2.8 |
91 km |
| Aug 27, 2011 |
5 km WSW of Altamont, New York |
M2.8 |
95 km |
| Aug 25, 2011 |
5 km WSW of Altamont, New York |
M2.7 |
95 km |
| Feb 18, 2009 |
15 km N of Medusa, New York |
M2.7 |
91 km |
| Feb 27, 2008 |
2 km SW of Central Bridge, New York |
M2.7 |
75 km |
| Feb 20, 2009 |
15 km SSW of Altamont, New York |
M2.7 |
91 km |
| Jul 24, 2007 |
13 km SSW of Altamont, New York |
M2.6 |
90 km |
| Dec 13, 2009 |
14 km N of Medusa, New York |
M2.6 |
90 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
1 hurricane (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 1. Most recent: Gloria (1985, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 1985 |
Gloria |
Category 1 |
204 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
149 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 8 fatalities, 73 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 10, 1989 |
EF4 |
72 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2014 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1998 |
EF3 |
17 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1998 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 2024 |
EF2 |
94 km |
0 |
| Apr 22, 2023 |
EF2 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 2014 |
EF2 |
76 km |
4 |
| May 29, 2013 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| Apr 28, 2011 |
EF2 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 2010 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
| May 16, 2009 |
EF2 |
72 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1998 |
EF2 |
43 km |
0 |
| Sep 18, 1991 |
EF2 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1990 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| Oct 14, 1989 |
EF2 |
50 km |
2 |
| Oct 1, 1986 |
EF2 |
52 km |
0 |
| Sep 18, 1977 |
EF2 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1976 |
EF2 |
35 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 1972 |
EF2 |
79 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1961 |
EF2 |
74 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
2 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: CHERRYTOWN FIRE (943 ac, 2006).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2006 |
CHERRYTOWN FIRE |
943 |
90 km |
| 2024 |
WHITEHOUSE |
607 |
81 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
22°F (-6°C) |
2.7 in |
Coldest |
| February |
22°F (-6°C) |
2.4 in |
Driest |
| March |
31°F (-0°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| April |
43°F (6°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| May |
54°F (12°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| June |
62°F (17°C) |
4.2 in |
Wettest |
| July |
69°F (21°C) |
3.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
66°F (19°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| September |
58°F (15°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| October |
48°F (9°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| November |
37°F (3°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| December |
26°F (-3°C) |
3.3 in |
|
Otego has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 22°F in January to 69°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 41.8 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.2") and February the driest (2.4").
Average costs for common services in Otego. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$270 ($162–$432) |
| Specialist Visit |
$378 ($216–$593) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$216 ($108–$378) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,374 ($863–$5,395) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$140 ($81–$216) |
| Dental Filling |
$270 ($162–$432) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$49 ($27–$81) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$81 ($54–$129) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$324 ($162–$540) |
| Tire Rotation |
$43 ($22–$81) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$647 ($432–$1,079) |
| Battery Replacement |
$216 ($108–$378) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$108 ($65–$162) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$97 ($54–$151) |
| HVAC Repair |
$432 ($162–$863) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,553 ($4,316–$12,948) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,079 ($432–$2,158) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,711 ($5,935–$16,185) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,619 ($540–$3,777) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$16,185 ($5,395–$32,370) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,395 ($2,158–$10,790) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,619 ($863–$3,237) |
| Will Preparation |
$540 ($216–$1,079) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,698 ($1,079–$5,395) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$27 ($16–$49) |
| Women's Haircut |
$59 ($32–$108) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$162 ($81–$270) |
| Manicure |
$27 ($16–$49) |
| Pedicure |
$43 ($27–$70) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$86 ($54–$140) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.42 ($3.24–$5.93) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.78 ($2.70–$5.40) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$4.10 ($2.70–$5.93) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.86 ($3.24–$7.01) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.93 ($4.32–$8.09) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.08 ($0.65–$1.94) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$151 ($86–$270) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$76 ($32–$162) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$76 ($43–$129) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$76 ($43–$108) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$70 ($32–$108) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$92 ($54–$162) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$216 ($81–$540) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,158 ($1,295–$3,777) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$76 ($32–$140) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$16 ($8.63–$27) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$108 ($32–$270) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$32 ($16–$81) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,295 ($647–$2,698) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,079 ($540–$2,158) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$432 ($216–$755) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$54 ($27–$108) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,079 ($432–$2,698) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$13,488 ($5,395–$32,370) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$65 ($32–$108) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$108 ($54–$216) |
| Dog Grooming |
$65 ($32–$108) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$43 ($22–$81) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$324 ($162–$540) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$216 ($108–$432) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,070 |
| Toddler | $996 |
| Preschool | $866 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $823 |
| Toddler | $779 |
| Preschool | $758 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Otego
What is the population of Otego?
Otego has a population of 965 residents and is located in New York. The population density is 832 people per square mile, spread across 1.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 44.9 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 47.8% female and 52.2% male.
Is Otego expensive to live in?
Otego is slightly more expensive than average, with a cost of living index of 107.9 compared to the national baseline of 100. The median household income is $76,908, 2% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $173,800 (38% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $929 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Otego safe?
Otego is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 186 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,776 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Otego receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Otego?
Otego has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 22°F in January, while summers reach an average of 69°F in July. The area receives 246 sunny days per year. Annual rainfall totals 45.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Otego?
The job market in Otego is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,160. There are 1,538 business establishments in the area, including 190 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 20 minutes, and 4.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Otego?
The median home value in Otego is $173,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $179,512. For renters, the median monthly rent is $929. Fair market rent is $1,315 for a 1-bedroom and $1,579 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 64.1%. The average annual property tax is $7,079.
How are the schools in Otego?
Schools in Otego score 5.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 37.5% of adults in Otego hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 92.1% have completed high school. 15.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Otego?
The obesity rate in Otego is 32.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.5% of adults are smokers. 25.3% are physically inactive. 21.9% of residents report depression. 6.5% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 49.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:727.
What is transportation like in Otego?
The average commute in Otego is 20 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 83.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Otego?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Otego is 91.1% White, 1.5% Black or African American, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino. 99.1% of residents speak only English at home. 8.7% of the population are military veterans. 11.6% of residents have a disability. 99.9% have health insurance coverage.
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