Median Income
$153,162
104% higher than US avg
Home Value
$242,200
14% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
46/100K
88% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
19.3%
43% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.1%
12% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Otter Lake Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population297
Median Age48.1 yrs
Density594/mi²
Male / Female45% / 55%
Largest GroupWhite 98%
Veterans35.6%
Economy
A+
Median Income$153,162
Per Capita$36,957
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$1,959M
Commute28 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$242,200
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$214,157
Housing Units296
Rent Burden24.8%
Crime
F
Violent46/100K
Property4,237/100K
Health
Obesity36.1%
Smoking17.0%
Depression27.0%
Heart Disease6.1%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain38.8 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation997 ft (304 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+19.3%
High School+95.2%
Graduate+15.2%
School Score5.95
Community
2024 VoteR 70% / D 28%
Commute28 min
Broadband97.0%
EV Stations4
Libraries3
Is Otter Lake a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Otter Lake receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing. Otter Lake offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Otter Lake is $153,162, which is significantly higher than the national average / 104% above $75,149. This places Otter Lake among higher-income communities. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Otter Lake is $242,200, 14% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 1.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Otter Lake is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 46 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,237 per 100,000, 116% above the national average.
Education
19.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Otter Lake experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 38.8 inches, including 38.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Otter Lake has a population of 297 with a density of 594 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age is 48.1 years, 24% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 54.9% female and 45.1% male. The city is predominantly White (98%), with 2% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 35.6% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 17.4% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 97.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
48.1yrs
Median Age
24% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Otter Lake vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Otter Lake vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Otter Lake is $153,162, which is 104% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $36,957. The average weekly wage is $942, 34% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,020 business establishments, including 93 restaurants. The cost of living index is 93.3, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Otter Lake vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $153,162 |
| 104% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $36,957 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $942 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $73,323 |
| Gini Index | 0.427 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,020 |
| County GDP | $1,959M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 93 |
| Healthcare | 82 |
| Retail | 155 |
| Manufacturing | 87 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,910 |
| 12% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 93.30 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.61% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 28.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 88.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Otter Lake is $242,200, 14% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $214,157, lower than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $882 for a one-bedroom to $1,096 for a two-bedroom apartment. 100.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 296 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1980. The average annual property tax is $3,910. 24.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.6x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $242,200 |
| 14% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $214,157 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $816 |
| 1 Bedroom | $882 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,096 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,391 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,590 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 100.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 100.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 0.0% |
| Housing Units | 296 |
| Median Year Built | 1980 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,910 |
| 12% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.61% |
In Otter Lake, 36.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.2% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.1% of residents. 33.7% have high blood pressure. 17.0% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 18.3% report binge drinking. 24.7% are physically inactive. 27.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.9% experience frequent mental distress. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,463. The dentist ratio is 1:2,170. 53.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Otter Lake vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.1% |
| 12% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.2% |
| Heart Disease | 6.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.7% |
| Asthma | 11.4% |
| COPD | 7.6% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.0% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.7% |
| Depression | 27.0% |
| Mental Distress | 18.9% |
| Physical Distress | 13.9% |
| Short Sleep | 39.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.7% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:3,463 |
| Dentists | 1:2,170 |
| Mental Health | 1:919 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.0% |
| Dental Visits | 57.2% |
| Premature Death | 8,642/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 53.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 82 |
Otter Lake has a violent crime rate of 46 per 100,000 residents, 88% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 4,237 per 100,000, 116% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 4 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Otter Lake receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Otter Lake vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 46.2/100K |
| 88% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,237.4/100K |
| 116% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 4 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Otter Lake experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. The area gets 275 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 38.8 inches. The area receives 38.9 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 997 feet.
Temperature
23°F Jan (-5°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 48.3°F |
| 11% below US avg |
| January Average | 23°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 997 ft (304 m) |
| Area | 0.5 sq mi (1.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 594/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.6381°N, 85.1715°W |
| Timezone | America/Indiana/Indianapolis |
| County | Steuben County County |
| Nearest Airport | Fort Wayne International (FWA)
46 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
38.8"
2% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.82"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 27.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 25.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 69.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| 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
11 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M2.5 on Mar 18, 2024.
| May 2, 2015 |
5 km S of Galesburg, Michigan |
M4.2 |
70 km |
| Sep 2, 1994 |
5 km SSW of DeWitt, Michigan |
M3.5 |
137 km |
| Jun 30, 2015 |
5 km NNE of Burlington, Michigan |
M3.3 |
58 km |
| Jan 26, 2012 |
5 km NE of Topeka, Indiana |
M3.0 |
27 km |
| Apr 17, 1990 |
8 km NW of Fort Recovery, Ohio |
M3.0 |
134 km |
| May 12, 2006 |
2 km E of Lima, Ohio |
M2.8 |
135 km |
| Jun 12, 2015 |
6 km NW of Convoy, Ohio |
M2.6 |
83 km |
| May 20, 2023 |
3 km SSE of Walbridge, Ohio |
M2.6 |
141 km |
| Jan 30, 2004 |
2 km S of Rockford, Ohio |
M2.5 |
116 km |
| Jun 4, 1990 |
4 km SSE of Van Buren, Ohio |
M2.5 |
141 km |
| Mar 18, 2024 |
4 km WSW of Millbury, Ohio |
M2.5 |
142 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
442 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 133 fatalities, 1,713 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 2, 1977 |
EF4 |
89 km |
1 |
| Apr 2, 1977 |
EF4 |
78 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
86 km |
36 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
76 km |
31 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
23 km |
21 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
10 km |
23 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
44 km |
5 |
| Aug 24, 2016 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
15 km |
1 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1986 |
EF3 |
37 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1980 |
EF3 |
86 km |
5 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
35 km |
5 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Aug 22, 1964 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1961 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1961 |
EF3 |
24 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 |
142 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
25°F (-4°C) |
1.7 in |
Driest |
| March |
36°F (2°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| April |
47°F (8°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
3.8 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
3.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| October |
51°F (11°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
39°F (4°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| December |
28°F (-2°C) |
2.7 in |
|
Otter Lake has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 23°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 36.3 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.8") and February the driest (1.7").
Average costs for common services in Otter Lake. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$233 ($140–$373) |
| Specialist Visit |
$327 ($187–$513) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$187 ($93–$327) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,053 ($746–$4,665) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$121 ($70–$187) |
| Dental Filling |
$233 ($140–$373) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($23–$70) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$70 ($47–$112) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$280 ($140–$467) |
| Tire Rotation |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$560 ($373–$933) |
| Battery Replacement |
$187 ($93–$327) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$93 ($56–$140) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$84 ($47–$131) |
| HVAC Repair |
$373 ($140–$746) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,531 ($3,732–$11,196) |
| Roof Repair |
$933 ($373–$1,866) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,397 ($5,132–$13,995) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,400 ($467–$3,266) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,995 ($4,665–$27,990) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,665 ($1,866–$9,330) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,400 ($746–$2,799) |
| Will Preparation |
$467 ($187–$933) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,333 ($933–$4,665) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$51 ($28–$93) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$140 ($70–$233) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Pedicure |
$37 ($23–$61) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$75 ($47–$121) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.83 ($2.80–$5.13) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.27 ($2.33–$4.67) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.55 ($2.33–$5.13) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.20 ($2.80–$6.06) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.13 ($3.73–$7.00) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.93 ($0.56–$1.68) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$131 ($75–$233) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$140) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$112) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$93) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$61 ($28–$93) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$79 ($47–$140) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$187 ($70–$467) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,866 ($1,120–$3,266) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$121) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.46–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$93 ($28–$233) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$70) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,120 ($560–$2,333) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$933 ($467–$1,866) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$373 ($187–$653) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$47 ($23–$93) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$933 ($373–$2,333) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,663 ($4,665–$27,990) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$56 ($28–$93) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$93 ($47–$187) |
| Dog Grooming |
$56 ($28–$93) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$280 ($140–$467) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$187 ($93–$373) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Otter Lake
What is the population of Otter Lake?
Otter Lake has a population of 297 residents and is located in Indiana. The population density is 594 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 48.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 54.9% female and 45.1% male.
Is Otter Lake expensive to live in?
Otter Lake is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 93.3 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $153,162, 104% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $242,200 (14% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 1.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Otter Lake safe?
Otter Lake is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 46 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,237 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Otter Lake receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Otter Lake?
Otter Lake has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 23°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 38.8 inches, with 38.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Otter Lake?
The job market in Otter Lake is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $942. There are 1,020 business establishments in the area, including 93 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 28 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Otter Lake?
The median home value in Otter Lake is $242,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $214,157. The homeownership rate is 100.0%. The average annual property tax is $3,910.
How are the schools in Otter Lake?
Schools in Otter Lake score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 19.3% of adults in Otter Lake hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.2% have completed high school. 15.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Otter Lake?
The obesity rate in Otter Lake is 36.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.0% of adults are smokers. 24.7% are physically inactive. 27.0% of residents report depression. 53.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,463.
What is transportation like in Otter Lake?
The average commute in Otter Lake is 28 minutes. 88.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Otter Lake?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Otter Lake is 98% White, 2% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 35.6% of the population are military veterans. 17.4% of residents have a disability. 97.7% have health insurance coverage.
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