Median Income
$43,750
42% lower than US avg
Home Value
$107,700
62% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
120/100K
68% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
9.4%
72% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.3%
10% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.8%
6% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
8.6%
31% lower than US avg
How Otter Lake Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population387
Median Age53.8 yrs
Density509/mi²
Male / Female47% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 97%
Veterans11.8%
Economy
B
Median Income$43,750
Per Capita$30,488
Unemployment3.8%
Poverty8.6%
County GDP$3,258M
Commute37 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$107,700
Ownership91.0%
Zillow$221,171
Housing Units299
Rent Burden18.4%
Crime
F
Violent120/100K
Property1,324/100K
Health
Obesity35.3%
Uninsured8.1%
Smoking17.0%
Depression28.5%
Heart Disease6.0%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain36.1 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation866 ft (264 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+9.4%
High School+91.0%
Graduate+5.5%
School Score5.38
Community
2024 VoteR 69% / D 29%
Commute37 min
Broadband61.2%
EV Stations6
Libraries13
Is Otter Lake a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Otter Lake receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, long commute times. Otter Lake has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Otter Lake is $43,750, 42% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.8%, indicating a healthy job market. 8.6% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 37 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Otter Lake is $107,700, 62% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 2.5x 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 120 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,324 per 100,000, 32% below the national average.
Education
9.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
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 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 36.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Otter Lake has a population of 387 with a density of 509 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age is 53.8 years, 38% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.5% female and 46.5% male. The city is predominantly White (97.4%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.6% of residents. 11.8% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 28.8% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 95.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
53.8yrs
Median Age
38% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Otter Lake vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.6%
26% above US avg
Spanish
1.4%
90% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Otter Lake vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Otter Lake is $43,750, which is 42% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $30,488 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $996, 30% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.8% (above the 3.6% US average). 8.6% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,724 business establishments, including 141 restaurants. The cost of living index is 96.2, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 37 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 8.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Otter Lake vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $43,750 |
| 42% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $30,488 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $996 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $68,575 |
| Gini Index | 0.429 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.8% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 8.6% |
| 31% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,724 |
| County GDP | $3,258M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 141 |
| Healthcare | 207 |
| Retail | 244 |
| Manufacturing | 124 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,567 |
| 30% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 96.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.24% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 36.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 80.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 8.0% |
The median home value in Otter Lake is $107,700, 62% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $221,171, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $891 for a one-bedroom to $1,113 for a two-bedroom apartment. 91.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 299 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $4,567 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 18.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $107,700 |
| 62% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $221,171 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $807 |
| 1 Bedroom | $891 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,113 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,419 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 91.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 91.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 9.0% |
| Housing Units | 299 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,567 |
| 30% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.24% |
In Otter Lake, 35.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.5% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.0% of residents. 31.1% have high blood pressure. 17.0% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 18.6% report binge drinking. 24.7% are physically inactive. 28.5% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.2% experience frequent mental distress. 8.1% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,766. The dentist ratio is 1:1,850. 74.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Otter Lake vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.3% |
| 10% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.5% |
| Heart Disease | 6.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.1% |
| Asthma | 12.0% |
| COPD | 7.6% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.0% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.7% |
| Depression | 28.5% |
| Mental Distress | 20.2% |
| Physical Distress | 14.1% |
| Short Sleep | 36.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.3% |
| Uninsured | 8.1% |
| 6% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,766 |
| Dentists | 1:1,850 |
| Mental Health | 1:614 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.3% |
| Dental Visits | 66.3% |
| Premature Death | 8,510/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 74.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 207 |
Otter Lake has a violent crime rate of 120 per 100,000 residents, 68% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,324 per 100,000, 32% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 9 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 | 120.3/100K |
| 68% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,323.7/100K |
| 32% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 9 |
| Traffic Accidents | 6 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 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 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 36.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 866 feet.
Temperature
23°F Jan (-5°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 48.2°F |
| 11% below US avg |
| January Average | 23°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 866 ft (264 m) |
| Area | 0.8 sq mi (2.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 509/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.2134°N, 83.4593°W |
| Timezone | America/Detroit |
| County | Lapeer County County |
| Nearest Airport | Bishop International (FNT)
19 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
36.1"
5% below US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
3.82"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 66.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 28.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 75.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
6 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.5. Most recent: M2.5 on May 23, 2022.
| Sep 2, 1994 |
5 km SSW of DeWitt, Michigan |
M3.5 |
104 km |
| Apr 20, 2018 |
Michigan |
M3.4 |
127 km |
| Feb 23, 2011 |
18 km NE of Leamington, Canada |
M3.0 |
145 km |
| May 14, 2017 |
18 km ENE of Leamington, Canada |
M2.6 |
147 km |
| Mar 8, 2010 |
7 km ENE of Grosse Ile, Michigan |
M2.5 |
121 km |
| May 23, 2022 |
2 km NNW of Corunna, Canada |
M2.5 |
90 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
337 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 147 fatalities, 1,584 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 8, 1953 |
EF5 |
34 km |
116 |
| Mar 20, 1976 |
EF4 |
77 km |
1 |
| May 8, 1964 |
EF4 |
79 km |
11 |
| Jul 4, 1957 |
EF4 |
80 km |
0 |
| May 12, 1956 |
EF4 |
30 km |
3 |
| Jun 8, 1953 |
EF4 |
24 km |
0 |
| May 21, 1953 |
EF4 |
77 km |
2 |
| Mar 15, 2012 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1997 |
EF3 |
22 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1997 |
EF3 |
14 km |
1 |
| Jun 21, 1996 |
EF3 |
27 km |
0 |
| Sep 14, 1990 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Sep 2, 1984 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Aug 8, 1984 |
EF3 |
31 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 1984 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1983 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Mar 20, 1976 |
EF3 |
70 km |
1 |
| Jul 14, 1974 |
EF3 |
20 km |
0 |
| May 11, 1974 |
EF3 |
99 km |
1 |
| Aug 2, 1972 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Tsunami History
1 tsunami recorded within 500 km.
Highest wave on record: 1.5 m (5 ft).
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1952 |
LAKE HURON, MI |
Avalanche |
1.5 m |
- |
87 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| February |
22°F (-5°C) |
1.2 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| March |
32°F (0°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| April |
44°F (7°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| May |
56°F (13°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| June |
65°F (18°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
2.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
68°F (20°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
3.8 in |
Wettest |
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| November |
38°F (4°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| December |
27°F (-3°C) |
2.0 in |
|
Otter Lake has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 22°F in February to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 29.9 inches, with September being the wettest month (3.8") and February the driest (1.2").
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) |
$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 | $626 |
| Toddler | $645 |
| Preschool | $645 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $693 |
| Toddler | $693 |
| Preschool | $655 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Otter Lake
What is the population of Otter Lake?
Otter Lake has a population of 387 residents and is located in Michigan. The population density is 509 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 53.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 53.5% female and 46.5% male.
Is Otter Lake expensive to live in?
Otter Lake 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 $43,750, 42% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $107,700 (62% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, 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 120 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,324 per 100,000 (below 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 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 36.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Otter Lake?
Otter Lake has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.8%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $996. There are 1,724 business establishments in the area, including 141 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 37 minutes, and 8.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Otter Lake?
The median home value in Otter Lake is $107,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $221,171. The homeownership rate is 91.0%. The average annual property tax is $4,567.
How are the schools in Otter Lake?
Schools in Otter Lake score 5.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 9.4% of adults in Otter Lake hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.0% have completed high school. 5.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Otter Lake?
The obesity rate in Otter Lake is 35.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.0% of adults are smokers. 24.7% are physically inactive. 28.5% of residents report depression. 8.1% lack health insurance. 74.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,766.
What is transportation like in Otter Lake?
The average commute in Otter Lake is 37 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 80.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 8.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Otter Lake?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Otter Lake is 97.4% White. 98.6% of residents speak only English at home. 11.8% of the population are military veterans. 28.8% of residents have a disability. 95.3% have health insurance coverage.
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