Median Income
$127,219
69% higher than US avg
Home Value
$367,200
30% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
81/100K
79% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
41.8%
24% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$1,696
46% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
33.3%
4% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.1%
69% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.2%
98% lower than US avg
How Otsego Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population21,358
Median Age34.4 yrs
Density721/mi²
Male / Female51% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 84%
Veterans6.0%
Economy
A+
Median Income$127,219
Per Capita$47,473
Unemployment1.1%
Poverty0.2%
County GDP$4,897M
Commute32 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$367,200
Rent$1,696
Ownership91.2%
Zillow$421,186
Housing Units6,960
Rent Burden30.2%
Crime
F
Violent81/100K
Property2,017/100K
Health
Obesity33.3%
Uninsured6.0%
Smoking10.8%
Depression24.3%
Heart Disease4.3%
Climate
Avg Temp44°F (7°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain32.9 in/yr
Sunny Days270/yr
Elevation922 ft (281 m)
Education
A
Bachelor's+41.8%
High School+96.7%
Graduate+12.3%
School Score6.52
Community
2024 VoteR 67% / D 32%
Commute32 min
Broadband92.9%
EV Stations2
Libraries3
Is Otsego a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Otsego receives an overall livability score of 3.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, a highly educated population. 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 $127,219, which is significantly higher than the national average / 69% above $75,149. This places Otsego among higher-income communities. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.1%. Only 0.2% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 32 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Otsego is $367,200, 30% above the national median. Renters pay a median of $1,696 per month, significantly above the national average of $1,163. At just 2.9x 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 81 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,017 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 41.8% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 96.7% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.5/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Otsego has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F. Winters average 13°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. With 270 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 32.9 inches, including 35.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Otsego has a population of 21,358 with a density of 721 people per square mile, spread across 30.4 square miles. The median age is 34.4 years, 12% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.5% female and 50.5% male. The city is predominantly White (83.6%), with 1.2% Hispanic, 6.7% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 94.9% of residents, while 5.1% speak Spanish. 6.0% of the population are veterans. 4.7% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 96.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
34.4yrs
Median Age
12% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
94.9%
21% above US avg
Spanish
5.1%
62% below US avg
The median household income in Otsego is $127,219, which is 69% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $47,473 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,111, 22% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.1% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.2% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 2,490 business establishments, including 119 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 32 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 13.4% of workers work from home.
Income
| Median HH Income | $127,219 |
| 69% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $47,473 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,111 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $83,466 |
| Gini Index | 0.376 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.1% |
| 69% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.2% |
| 98% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,490 |
| County GDP | $4,897M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 119 |
| Healthcare | 198 |
| Retail | 194 |
| Manufacturing | 161 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,425 |
| 26% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.21% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 32.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 76.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.6% |
| Work from Home | 13.4% |
The median home value in Otsego is $367,200, 30% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $421,186, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 99% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $1,696 (46% above the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $899 for a one-bedroom to $1,125 for a two-bedroom apartment. 91.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 6,960 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 2006. The average annual property tax is $4,425 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 30.2% 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 | $367,200 |
| 30% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $421,186 |
| Median List Price | $488,990 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $488,990 |
| $/Sq Ft | $180 |
| Homes Sold | 17 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 99.0% |
| Price Drops | 43.0% |
| Inventory | 100 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,696 |
| 46% above US avg |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $2,550 |
| Rent Burden | 30.2% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 91.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 91.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 8.8% |
| Housing Units | 6,960 |
| Median Year Built | 2006 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,425 |
| 26% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.21% |
In Otsego, 33.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 7.5% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.3% of residents, below the national average. 27.1% have high blood pressure. 10.8% are current smokers (below the 14.0% national rate). 21.2% report binge drinking. 17.5% are physically inactive, below the national average. 24.3% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 15.0% experience frequent mental distress. 6.0% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,678. The dentist ratio is 1:2,459. 84.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.5 out of 10.
Air Quality (Open-Meteo CAMS — 2026-05-22)
PM2.5
4.6
μg/m³
Fine particulate
PM10
4.7
μg/m³
Coarse particulate
NO₂
7.9
μg/m³
Nitrogen dioxide
SO₂
0.8
μg/m³
Sulphur dioxide
CO
133.0
μg/m³
Carbon monoxide
Health Metrics: Otsego vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 33.3% |
| 4% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 7.5% |
| Heart Disease | 4.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.1% |
| Asthma | 9.9% |
| COPD | 3.8% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 10.8% |
| 23% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 17.5% |
| Depression | 24.3% |
| Mental Distress | 15.0% |
| Physical Distress | 9.3% |
| Short Sleep | 30.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.4% |
| Uninsured | 6.0% |
| 30% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,678 |
| Dentists | 1:2,459 |
| Mental Health | 1:426 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.9% |
| Dental Visits | 72.5% |
| Premature Death | 4,934/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 84.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 198 |
Otsego has a violent crime rate of 81 per 100,000 residents, 79% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,017 per 100,000, 3% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 7 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Otsego receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Otsego vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 80.7/100K |
| 79% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,017.2/100K |
| 3% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 7 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Otsego has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winters average 13°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. The area gets 270 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 32.9 inches. The area receives 35.7 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36. The city sits at an elevation of 922 feet.
Temperature
13°F Jan (-11°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 44.0°F |
| 19% below US avg |
| January Average | 13°F (-11°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 270 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 922 ft (281 m) |
| Area | 30.4 sq mi (78.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 721/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.2643°N, 93.6207°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Sherburne County County |
| Nearest Airport | St Cloud Regional (STC)
29 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
32.9"
13% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.41"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 53.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 95.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
2 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.1. Most recent: M2.8 on Apr 25, 2017.
| Feb 9, 1994 |
6 km NNE of Blomkest, Minnesota |
M3.1 |
112 km |
| Apr 25, 2017 |
Near Mankato, Minnesota |
M2.8 |
123 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
461 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 40 fatalities, 1,146 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 3, 1983 |
EF4 |
24 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
47 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
55 km |
3 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
37 km |
3 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
37 km |
6 |
| May 21, 1957 |
EF4 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1951 |
EF4 |
73 km |
1 |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF3 |
46 km |
1 |
| Jun 18, 2001 |
EF3 |
95 km |
2 |
| Sep 18, 1997 |
EF3 |
96 km |
1 |
| Jul 1, 1997 |
EF3 |
35 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1987 |
EF3 |
17 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1984 |
EF3 |
41 km |
1 |
| Jun 14, 1981 |
EF3 |
57 km |
1 |
| Sep 3, 1980 |
EF3 |
55 km |
1 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1964 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1958 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 1952 |
EF3 |
79 km |
2 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNIT 4 (5,887 ac, 2002).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2002 |
UNIT 4 |
5,887 |
29 km |
| 2003 |
UNITS 37 38 39 A |
4,879 |
24 km |
| 1998 |
UNITS 1617 |
4,649 |
29 km |
| 2005 |
RX HFR 05 |
4,253 |
28 km |
| 2009 |
BU9 |
4,112 |
30 km |
| 2007 |
WUI 07 - UNIT 36 |
4,025 |
22 km |
| 2000 |
UNIT 25 |
3,412 |
23 km |
| 2009 |
BU11 |
3,242 |
27 km |
| 1997 |
BIG |
2,987 |
25 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
2,904 |
40 km |
| 2003 |
UNITS 34 33 W |
2,637 |
23 km |
| 2024 |
UNIT 8E RX |
2,551 |
28 km |
| 1992 |
SHARPTAIL |
2,288 |
22 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
2,243 |
67 km |
| 2010 |
WUI 10 UNIT D |
2,042 |
22 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
1,906 |
23 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
1,850 |
83 km |
| 2006 |
UNIT 4 |
1,732 |
31 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
1,655 |
88 km |
| 2009 |
UNIT 23 24 26 |
1,644 |
25 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
13°F (-11°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.8 in |
Driest |
| March |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| May |
58°F (15°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| June |
67°F (20°C) |
4.4 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (21°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| September |
60°F (15°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| October |
48°F (9°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| November |
31°F (-1°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| December |
17°F (-8°C) |
0.9 in |
|
Otsego has a seasonal temperature swing of 59°F / from 13°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 29.5 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.4") and February the driest (0.8").
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) |
$247 ($148–$394) |
| Specialist Visit |
$345 ($197–$542) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$197 ($99–$345) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,169 ($789–$4,930) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$128 ($74–$197) |
| Dental Filling |
$247 ($148–$394) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$44 ($25–$74) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$74 ($49–$118) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$296 ($148–$493) |
| Tire Rotation |
$39 ($20–$74) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$592 ($394–$986) |
| Battery Replacement |
$197 ($99–$345) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$99 ($59–$148) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$89 ($49–$138) |
| HVAC Repair |
$394 ($148–$789) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,902 ($3,944–$11,832) |
| Roof Repair |
$986 ($394–$1,972) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,874 ($5,423–$14,790) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,479 ($493–$3,451) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,790 ($4,930–$29,580) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,930 ($1,972–$9,860) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,479 ($789–$2,958) |
| Will Preparation |
$493 ($197–$986) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,465 ($986–$4,930) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15–$44) |
| Women's Haircut |
$54 ($30–$99) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$148 ($74–$247) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15–$44) |
| Pedicure |
$39 ($25–$64) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$79 ($49–$128) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.04 ($2.96–$5.42) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.45 ($2.47–$4.93) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.75 ($2.47–$5.42) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.44 ($2.96–$6.41) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.42 ($3.94–$7.40) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.99 ($0.59–$1.77) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$138 ($79–$247) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$69 ($30–$148) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$69 ($39–$118) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$69 ($39–$99) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$64 ($30–$99) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$84 ($49–$148) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$197 ($74–$493) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,972 ($1,183–$3,451) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$69 ($30–$128) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($7.89–$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$99 ($30–$247) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15–$74) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,183 ($592–$2,465) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$986 ($493–$1,972) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$394 ($197–$690) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$49 ($25–$99) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$986 ($394–$2,465) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,325 ($4,930–$29,580) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$59 ($30–$99) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$99 ($49–$197) |
| Dog Grooming |
$59 ($30–$99) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$39 ($20–$74) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$296 ($148–$493) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$197 ($99–$394) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,016 |
| Toddler | $920 |
| Preschool | $869 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $765 |
| Toddler | $650 |
| Preschool | $664 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Otsego
What is the population of Otsego?
Otsego has a population of 21,358 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 721 people per square mile, spread across 30.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 34.4 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 49.5% female and 50.5% male.
Is Otsego expensive to live in?
Otsego has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 98.6 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $127,219, 69% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $367,200 (30% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,696 per month, above 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.
Is Otsego safe?
Otsego is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 81 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,017 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Otsego receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Otsego?
Otsego has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 13°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. The area receives 270 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 32.9 inches, with 35.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Otsego?
The job market in Otsego is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.1% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,111. There are 2,490 business establishments in the area, including 119 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 32 minutes, and 13.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Otsego?
The median home value in Otsego is $367,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $421,186. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,696. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 91.2%. The average annual property tax is $4,425.
How are the schools in Otsego?
Schools in Otsego score 6.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 41.8% of adults in Otsego hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 96.7% have completed high school. 12.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Otsego?
The obesity rate in Otsego is 33.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 10.8% of adults are smokers. 17.5% are physically inactive. 24.3% of residents report depression. 6.0% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 84.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,678.
What is transportation like in Otsego?
The average commute in Otsego is 32 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 76.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 13.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Otsego?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Otsego is 83.6% White, 6.7% Black or African American, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino. 94.9% of residents speak only English at home, while 5.1% speak Spanish. 6.0% of the population are military veterans. 4.7% of residents have a disability. 96.4% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
