Median Income
$76,944
2% higher than US avg
Home Value
$155,500
45% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
13.1%
61% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,133
3% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.4%
10% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.0%
11% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
1.5%
88% lower than US avg
How Otsego Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population4,079
Median Age39.3 yrs
Density2,009/mi²
Male / Female44% / 56%
Largest GroupWhite 77%
Veterans3.4%
Economy
A
Median Income$76,944
Per Capita$30,347
Unemployment4.0%
Poverty1.5%
County GDP$20,706M
Commute19 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$155,500
Rent$1,133
Ownership72.2%
Zillow$261,187
Housing Units1,744
Rent Burden26.0%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property923/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault0/100K
Burglary250/100K
Health
Obesity35.4%
Uninsured7.2%
Smoking16.1%
Depression28.0%
Heart Disease5.6%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F (9°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain41.1 in/yr
Sunny Days246/yr
Elevation722 ft (220 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+13.1%
High School+86.5%
Graduate+2.8%
School Score5.82
Community
2024 VoteR 40% / D 58%
Commute19 min
Broadband88.8%
EV Stations1
Libraries14
Is Otsego a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Otsego receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Otsego offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Otsego is $76,944, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.0%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 1.5% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Otsego is $155,500, 45% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,133 per month. At just 2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Otsego is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 923 per 100,000, 53% below the national average.
Education
13.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 86.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Otsego experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 49°F. Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. The area gets 246 sunny days per year. Annual precipitation totals 41.1 inches, including 109.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Otsego has a population of 4,079 with a density of 2,009 people per square mile, spread across 2.0 square miles. The median age is 39.3 years, 1% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 55.6% female and 44.4% male. The city is predominantly White (77%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 86.7% of residents, while 13.3% speak Spanish. 3.4% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 14.0% of residents have a disability. 94.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
39.3yrs
Median Age
1% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
86.7%
10% above US avg
Spanish
13.3%
1% below US avg
The median household income in Otsego is $76,944, which is 2% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $30,347 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,264, 12% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.0% (above the 3.6% US average). 1.5% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 5,972 business establishments, including 579 restaurants. The cost of living index is 96.2, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 3.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $76,944 |
| 2% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $30,347 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,264 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $82,017 |
| Gini Index | 0.461 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.0% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 1.5% |
| 88% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 5,972 |
| County GDP | $20,706M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 579 |
| Healthcare | 749 |
| Retail | 848 |
| Manufacturing | 295 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $7,471 |
| 113% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 96.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.80% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 19.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 85.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.1% |
| Work from Home | 3.1% |
The median home value in Otsego is $155,500, 45% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $261,187, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 96.8% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $1,133 (3% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $858 for a one-bedroom to $1,100 for a two-bedroom apartment. 72.2% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 1,744 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1954. The average annual property tax is $7,471 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 26.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $155,500 |
| 45% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $261,187 |
| Median List Price | $265,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $265,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $155 |
| Homes Sold | 4 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 96.8% |
| Price Drops | 42.9% |
| Inventory | 7 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,133 |
| 3% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 26.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $852 |
| 1 Bedroom | $858 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,100 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,445 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,560 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 72.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 72.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 27.8% |
| Housing Units | 1,744 |
| Median Year Built | 1954 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $7,471 |
| 113% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.80% |
In Otsego, 35.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.4% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.6% of residents. 30.1% have high blood pressure. 16.1% are current smokers. 20.2% report binge drinking. 24.2% are physically inactive. 28.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.5% experience frequent mental distress. 7.2% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,012. The dentist ratio is 1:1,312. 91.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Otsego vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.4% |
| 10% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.4% |
| Heart Disease | 5.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.1% |
| Asthma | 11.6% |
| COPD | 7.3% |
| Cancer | 7.7% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.1% |
| 15% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.2% |
| Depression | 28.0% |
| Mental Distress | 19.5% |
| Physical Distress | 13.7% |
| Short Sleep | 32.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.5% |
| Uninsured | 7.2% |
| 16% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,012 |
| Dentists | 1:1,312 |
| Mental Health | 1:184 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.8% |
| Dental Visits | 68.1% |
| Premature Death | 7,811/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 91.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 749 |
Otsego has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 0.0 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 923 per 100,000, 53% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 599, burglary at 250, vehicle theft at 75 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 31 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Otsego receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Otsego vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 0.0/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 923.4/100K |
| 53% below US avg |
| Burglary | 249.6/100K |
| Theft | 599.0/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 74.9/100K |
| Arson | 25.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 31 |
| Traffic Accidents | 19 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.8 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Otsego experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. The area gets 246 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 41.1 inches. The area receives 109.0 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 722 feet.
Temperature
25°F Jan (-4°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 48.6°F |
| 10% below US avg |
| January Average | 25°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 246 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 722 ft (220 m) |
| Area | 2.0 sq mi (5.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 2,009/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.4580°N, 85.6986°W |
| Timezone | America/Detroit |
| County | Kalamazoo County County |
| Nearest Airport | Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International (AZO) 17 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
41.1"
8% above US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
4.21"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0452 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 11.8 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 81.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 18.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 91.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
4 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M3.3 on Jun 30, 2015.
| May 2, 2015 |
5 km S of Galesburg, Michigan |
M4.2 |
33 km |
| Sep 2, 1994 |
5 km SSW of DeWitt, Michigan |
M3.5 |
97 km |
| Jun 30, 2015 |
5 km NNE of Burlington, Michigan |
M3.3 |
64 km |
| Jan 26, 2012 |
5 km NE of Topeka, Indiana |
M3.0 |
100 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
335 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 81 fatalities, 1,458 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 3, 1956 |
EF5 |
48 km |
17 |
| Apr 2, 1977 |
EF4 |
23 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 1977 |
EF4 |
56 km |
1 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
90 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
92 km |
23 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
65 km |
5 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
93 km |
5 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
93 km |
21 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
96 km |
1 |
| Aug 24, 2007 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1986 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1980 |
EF3 |
18 km |
5 |
| May 13, 1980 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF3 |
13 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF3 |
39 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1956 |
EF3 |
41 km |
0 |
| Aug 6, 2024 |
EF2 |
48 km |
0 |
| May 7, 2024 |
EF2 |
30 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Tsunami History
1 tsunami recorded within 500 km.
Highest wave on record: 3.0 m (10 ft).
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1954 |
MICHIGAN CITY, IN (LAKE MICHIGAN) |
Avalanche |
3.0 m |
7 |
129 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: ALLEGAN6 (1,077 ac, 1988).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1988 |
ALLEGAN6 |
1,077 |
31 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
25°F (-4°C) |
2.4 in |
Coldest |
| February |
26°F (-4°C) |
1.7 in |
Driest |
| March |
35°F (2°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| April |
47°F (8°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| May |
58°F (15°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| June |
67°F (20°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
3.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (21°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| September |
62°F (17°C) |
4.2 in |
Wettest |
| October |
51°F (10°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| November |
39°F (4°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| December |
28°F (-2°C) |
3.1 in |
|
Otsego has a seasonal temperature swing of 47°F / from 25°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 38.1 inches, with September being the wettest month (4.2") and February the driest (1.7").
Average costs for common services in Otsego. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$241 ($144–$385) |
| Specialist Visit |
$337 ($192–$529) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$192 ($96–$337) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,116 ($770–$4,810) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$125 ($72–$192) |
| Dental Filling |
$241 ($144–$385) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$43 ($24–$72) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$72 ($48–$115) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$289 ($144–$481) |
| Tire Rotation |
$38 ($19–$72) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$577 ($385–$962) |
| Battery Replacement |
$192 ($96–$337) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$96 ($58–$144) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$87 ($48–$135) |
| HVAC Repair |
$385 ($144–$770) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,734 ($3,848–$11,544) |
| Roof Repair |
$962 ($385–$1,924) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,658 ($5,291–$14,430) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,443 ($481–$3,367) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,430 ($4,810–$28,860) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,810 ($1,924–$9,620) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,443 ($770–$2,886) |
| Will Preparation |
$481 ($192–$962) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,405 ($962–$4,810) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($14–$43) |
| Women's Haircut |
$53 ($29–$96) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$144 ($72–$241) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($14–$43) |
| Pedicure |
$38 ($24–$63) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$77 ($48–$125) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.94 ($2.89–$5.29) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.37 ($2.41–$4.81) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.66 ($2.41–$5.29) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.33 ($2.89–$6.25) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.29 ($3.85–$7.22) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.96 ($0.58–$1.73) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$135 ($77–$241) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$67 ($29–$144) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$67 ($38–$115) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$67 ($38–$96) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$63 ($29–$96) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$82 ($48–$144) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$192 ($72–$481) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,924 ($1,154–$3,367) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$67 ($29–$125) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.70–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$96 ($29–$241) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$29 ($14–$72) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,154 ($577–$2,405) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$962 ($481–$1,924) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$385 ($192–$673) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$48 ($24–$96) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$962 ($385–$2,405) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,025 ($4,810–$28,860) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$58 ($29–$96) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$96 ($48–$192) |
| Dog Grooming |
$58 ($29–$96) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$38 ($19–$72) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$289 ($144–$481) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$192 ($96–$385) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $693 |
| Toddler | $693 |
| Preschool | $585 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $806 |
| Toddler | $806 |
| Preschool | $788 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Otsego
What is the population of Otsego?
Otsego has a population of 4,079 residents and is located in Michigan. The population density is 2,009 people per square mile, spread across 2.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 39.3 years. The population is 55.6% female and 44.4% male.
Is Otsego expensive to live in?
Otsego has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 96.2 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $76,944, 2% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $155,500 (45% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,133 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Otsego safe?
Otsego is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 923 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Otsego receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Otsego?
Otsego has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 25°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. The area receives 246 sunny days per year. Annual rainfall totals 41.1 inches, with 109.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Otsego?
Otsego has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.0%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,264. There are 5,972 business establishments in the area, including 579 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 19 minutes, and 3.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Otsego?
The median home value in Otsego is $155,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $261,187. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,133. Fair market rent is $858 for a 1-bedroom and $1,100 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 72.2%. The average annual property tax is $7,471.
How are the schools in Otsego?
Schools in Otsego score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 13.1% of adults in Otsego hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 86.5% have completed high school. 2.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Otsego?
The obesity rate in Otsego is 35.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.1% of adults are smokers. 24.2% are physically inactive. 28.0% of residents report depression. 7.2% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 91.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,012.
What is transportation like in Otsego?
The average commute in Otsego is 19 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 85.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Otsego?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Otsego is 77% White. 86.7% of residents speak only English at home, while 13.3% speak Spanish. 3.4% of the population are military veterans. 14.0% of residents have a disability. 94.5% have health insurance coverage.