Median Income
$52,237
30% lower than US avg
Home Value
$151,400
46% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
19.3%
43% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$875
25% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
27.4%
15% lower than US avg
Unemployment
9.4%
161% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
18.8%
52% higher than US avg
How Otis Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population582
Median Age33.6 yrs
Density1,420/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 89%
Veterans8.4%
Economy
C
Median Income$52,237
Per Capita$24,936
Unemployment9.4%
Poverty18.8%
County GDP$612M
Commute21 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$151,400
Rent$875
Ownership67.9%
Zillow$248,844
Housing Units286
Rent Burden32.1%
Health
Obesity27.4%
Uninsured5.2%
Smoking15.4%
Depression25.7%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
Rain15.4 in/yr
Elevation4,332 ft (1,320 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+19.3%
High School+78.9%
Graduate+3.0%
School Score5.64
Community
2024 VoteR 82% / D 16%
Commute21 min
Broadband91.0%
EV Stations2
Libraries2
Is Otis a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Otis receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include affordable housing, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Otis offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Otis is $52,237, 30% below the national average of $75,149. At 9.4%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 18.8% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Otis is $151,400, 46% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $875 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
19.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 78.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.6/10.
Climate & Weather
Otis experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 15.4 inches, including 27.5 inches of snow.
Otis has a population of 582 with a density of 1,420 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age is 33.6 years, 14% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.4% female and 46.6% male. The city is predominantly White (88.8%), with 12.7% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 88.2% of residents, while 6.3% speak Spanish. 8.4% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 12.5% of residents have a disability. 94.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
582
Total Population
2023 Census
33.6yrs
Median Age
14% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
88.2%
12% above US avg
Spanish
6.3%
53% below US avg
The median household income in Otis is $52,237, which is 30% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $24,936 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $953, 33% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 9.4% (above the 3.6% US average). 18.8% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 437 business establishments, including 32 restaurants. The cost of living index is 103.1, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 0.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $52,237 |
| 30% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $24,936 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $953 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $65,809 |
| Gini Index | 0.421 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 9.4% |
| 161% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 18.8% |
| 52% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 437 |
| County GDP | $612M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 32 |
| Healthcare | 22 |
| Retail | 49 |
| Manufacturing | 10 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $1,845 |
| 47% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 103.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.22% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 21.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 79.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.9% |
| Work from Home | 0.9% |
The median home value in Otis is $151,400, 46% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $248,844, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $875 (25% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $1,161 for a one-bedroom to $1,429 for a two-bedroom apartment. 67.9% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 286 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1952. The average annual property tax is $1,845 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 32.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $151,400 |
| 46% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $248,844 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $875 |
| 25% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 32.1% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,083 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,161 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,429 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,861 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,178 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 67.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 67.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 32.1% |
| Housing Units | 286 |
| Median Year Built | 1952 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $1,845 |
| 47% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.22% |
In Otis, 27.4% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 8.4% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.5% of residents. 27.1% have high blood pressure. 15.4% are current smokers. 18.9% report binge drinking. 19.9% are physically inactive, below the national average. 25.7% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.6% experience frequent mental distress. 5.2% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,243. The dentist ratio is 1:1,650. 70.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Otis vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 27.4% |
| 15% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.4% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.1% |
| Asthma | 12.1% |
| COPD | 6.8% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.4% |
| 10% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 19.9% |
| Depression | 25.7% |
| Mental Distress | 19.6% |
| Physical Distress | 13.9% |
| Short Sleep | 32.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.8% |
| Uninsured | 5.2% |
| 40% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,243 |
| Dentists | 1:1,650 |
| Mental Health | 1:897 |
| Checkup Rate | 68.4% |
| Dental Visits | 58.6% |
| Premature Death | 5,886/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 70.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 22 |
Otis experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 15.4 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 27.5 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 4,332 feet.
Temperature
29°F Jan (-2°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 50.2°F |
| 7% below US avg |
| January Average | 29°F (-2°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 4,332 ft (1,320 m) |
| Area | 0.4 sq mi (1.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,420/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.1501°N, 102.9621°W |
| Timezone | America/Denver |
| County | Yuma County County |
| Nearest Airport | Colorado Plains Regional (AKO)
14 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
15.4"
59% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
2.78"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 36.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 11.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
3 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.2. Most recent: M2.9 on Mar 30, 2019.
| Jun 1, 2014 |
9 km NNW of Kersey, Colorado |
M3.2 |
144 km |
| Mar 30, 2019 |
7 km NE of Greeley, Colorado |
M2.9 |
146 km |
| Jun 23, 2014 |
6 km NNE of Kersey, Colorado |
M2.5 |
138 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
681 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 2 fatalities, 45 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 8, 2023 |
EF3 |
4 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 2000 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1996 |
EF3 |
32 km |
0 |
| Jul 21, 1993 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1975 |
EF3 |
36 km |
0 |
| Aug 15, 1974 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1967 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 1960 |
EF3 |
87 km |
2 |
| May 19, 2024 |
EF2 |
76 km |
0 |
| Aug 8, 2023 |
EF2 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 2023 |
EF2 |
25 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 2023 |
EF2 |
34 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 2023 |
EF2 |
39 km |
0 |
| Sep 11, 2019 |
EF2 |
65 km |
0 |
| Sep 11, 2019 |
EF2 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jul 29, 2018 |
EF2 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jul 29, 2018 |
EF2 |
57 km |
0 |
| May 7, 2016 |
EF2 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2015 |
EF2 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jul 30, 1996 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
14 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: LOGAN (30,076 ac, 2017).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2017 |
LOGAN |
30,076 |
69 km |
| 2012 |
LAST CHANCE |
17,958 |
69 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
8,688 |
39 km |
| 1997 |
UNNAMED |
4,777 |
89 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
3,760 |
45 km |
| 2021 |
BIJOU |
3,485 |
87 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
3,275 |
44 km |
| 2022 |
CR 15 |
3,244 |
47 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
2,261 |
97 km |
| 2022 |
COUNTY ROAD R |
2,080 |
36 km |
| 2018 |
COUNTY ROAD 56 |
1,866 |
65 km |
| 2024 |
104 |
1,745 |
95 km |
| 2020 |
SHAMROCK |
1,582 |
76 km |
| 2006 |
I 76 |
1,033 |
50 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
29°F (-2°C) |
0.2 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
31°F (-0°C) |
0.2 in |
|
| March |
41°F (5°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| April |
47°F (8°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| May |
57°F (14°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
2.8 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| November |
38°F (4°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| December |
29°F (-2°C) |
0.2 in |
|
Otis has a seasonal temperature swing of 45°F / from 29°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 15.4 inches, with July being the wettest month (2.8") and January the driest (0.2").
Average costs for common services in Otis. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$258 ($155-$412) |
| Specialist Visit |
$361 ($206-$567) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$206 ($103-$361) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,268 ($825-$5,155) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$134 ($77-$206) |
| Dental Filling |
$258 ($155-$412) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$46 ($26-$77) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$77 ($52-$124) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$309 ($155-$516) |
| Tire Rotation |
$41 ($21-$77) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$619 ($412-$1,031) |
| Battery Replacement |
$206 ($103-$361) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$103 ($62-$155) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$93 ($52-$144) |
| HVAC Repair |
$412 ($155-$825) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,217 ($4,124-$12,372) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,031 ($412-$2,062) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,279 ($5,671-$15,465) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,547 ($516-$3,609) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,465 ($5,155-$30,930) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,155 ($2,062-$10,310) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,547 ($825-$3,093) |
| Will Preparation |
$516 ($206-$1,031) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,578 ($1,031-$5,155) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$26 ($15-$46) |
| Women's Haircut |
$57 ($31-$103) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$155 ($77-$258) |
| Manicure |
$26 ($15-$46) |
| Pedicure |
$41 ($26-$67) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$82 ($52-$134) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.23 ($3.09-$5.67) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.61 ($2.58-$5.16) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.92 ($2.58-$5.67) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.64 ($3.09-$6.70) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.67 ($4.12-$7.73) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.03 ($0.62-$1.86) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$144 ($82-$258) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$72 ($31-$155) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$72 ($41-$124) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$72 ($41-$103) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$67 ($31-$103) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$88 ($52-$155) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$206 ($77-$516) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,062 ($1,237-$3,609) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$72 ($31-$134) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($8.25-$26) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$103 ($31-$258) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$31 ($15-$77) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,237 ($619-$2,578) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,031 ($516-$2,062) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$412 ($206-$722) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$52 ($26-$103) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,031 ($412-$2,578) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,888 ($5,155-$30,930) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$62 ($31-$103) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$103 ($52-$206) |
| Dog Grooming |
$62 ($31-$103) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$41 ($21-$77) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$309 ($155-$516) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$206 ($103-$412) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $700 |
| Toddler | $525 |
| Preschool | $458 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $788 |
| Toddler | $779 |
| Preschool | $779 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Otis
What is the population of Otis?
Otis has a population of 582 residents and is located in Colorado. The population density is 1,420 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 33.6 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 53.4% female and 46.6% male.
Is Otis expensive to live in?
Otis has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 103.1 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $52,237, 30% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $151,400 (46% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $875 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Otis?
Otis has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 29°F in January, while summers reach an average of 75°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 15.4 inches, with 27.5 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Otis?
The job market in Otis faces challenges, with unemployment at 9.4% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $953. There are 437 business establishments in the area, including 32 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 21 minutes, and 0.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Otis?
The median home value in Otis is $151,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $248,844. For renters, the median monthly rent is $875. Fair market rent is $1,161 for a 1-bedroom and $1,429 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 67.9%. The average annual property tax is $1,845.
How are the schools in Otis?
Schools in Otis score 5.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 19.3% of adults in Otis hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 78.9% have completed high school. 3.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Otis?
The obesity rate in Otis is 27.4% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 15.4% of adults are smokers. 19.9% are physically inactive. 25.7% of residents report depression. 5.2% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 70.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,243.
What is transportation like in Otis?
The average commute in Otis is 21 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 79.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Otis?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Otis is 88.8% White, 12.7% Hispanic or Latino. 88.2% of residents speak only English at home, while 6.3% speak Spanish. 8.4% of the population are military veterans. 12.5% of residents have a disability. 94.8% have health insurance coverage.