Median Income
$83,750
11% higher than US avg
Home Value
$262,500
7% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
652/100K
71% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
48.4%
44% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.5%
7% 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
Population109
Median Age62.1 yrs
Density232/mi²
Male / Female51% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans93.0%
Economy
A+
Median Income$83,750
Per Capita$68,621
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$1,659M
Commute32 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$262,500
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$146,267
Housing Units285
Rent Burden25.5%
Crime
F
Violent652/100K
Property3,835/100K
Health
Obesity34.5%
Uninsured5.4%
Smoking13.4%
Depression21.7%
Heart Disease5.6%
Climate
Avg Temp41°F (5°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain50.2 in/yr
Sunny Days259/yr
Elevation1,521 ft (464 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+48.4%
High School+96.8%
Graduate+16.5%
School Score5.48
Community
2024 VoteR 72% / D 28%
Commute32 min
Broadband66.0%
EV Stations9
Libraries10
Is Otter Lake a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Otter Lake receives an overall livability score of 3.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, a highly educated population, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates. 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 $83,750, 11% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. 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 32 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Otter Lake is $262,500, roughly aligned with the national median of $281,900. A price-to-income ratio of 3.1x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
With 652 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern / this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,835 per 100,000, 96% above the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 48.4% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 96.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Otter Lake has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F. Winters average 15°F in January while summers reach 65°F in July. With 259 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 50.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Otter Lake has a population of 109 with a density of 232 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age is 62.1 years, 60% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.5% female and 50.5% male. The city is predominantly White (94.5%), with 1.8% Hispanic, 3.7% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 92% of residents, while 8% speak Spanish. 93.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 18.2% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
62.1yrs
Median Age
60% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Otter Lake vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
92.0%
17% above US avg
Spanish
8.0%
40% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Otter Lake vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Otter Lake is $83,750, which is 11% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $68,621 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,051, 27% 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 600 business establishments, including 65 restaurants. The cost of living index is 107.9, slightly above the national baseline of 100. Workers commute an average of 32 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 8.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Otter Lake vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $83,750 |
| 11% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $68,621 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,051 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $62,980 |
| Gini Index | 0.403 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 600 |
| County GDP | $1,659M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 65 |
| Healthcare | 41 |
| Retail | 73 |
| Manufacturing | 21 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,757 |
| 64% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 107.90 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.19% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 32.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 91.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 8.7% |
The median home value in Otter Lake is $262,500, 7% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $146,267, lower than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $1,315 for a one-bedroom to $1,579 for a two-bedroom apartment. 100.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 285 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1945. The average annual property tax is $5,757 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 25.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.1x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $262,500 |
| 7% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $146,267 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,215 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,315 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,579 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,976 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,193 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 100.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 100.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 0.0% |
| Housing Units | 285 |
| Median Year Built | 1945 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,757 |
| 64% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.19% |
In Otter Lake, 34.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.4% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.6% of residents. 30.3% have high blood pressure. 13.4% are current smokers. 21.0% report binge drinking. 22.4% are physically inactive. 21.7% report depression. 17.5% experience frequent mental distress. 5.4% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,476. The dentist ratio is 1:5,340. 44.2% 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 | 34.5% |
| 7% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.4% |
| Heart Disease | 5.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.3% |
| Asthma | 10.9% |
| COPD | 5.9% |
| Cancer | 7.7% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.4% |
| 4% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.4% |
| Depression | 21.7% |
| Mental Distress | 17.5% |
| Physical Distress | 12.0% |
| Short Sleep | 39.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| Uninsured | 5.4% |
| 37% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,476 |
| Dentists | 1:5,340 |
| Mental Health | 1:466 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.6% |
| Dental Visits | 62.3% |
| Premature Death | 7,011/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 44.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 41 |
Otter Lake has a violent crime rate of 652 per 100,000 residents, 71% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,835 per 100,000, 96% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 8 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 | 651.5/100K |
| 71% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,834.6/100K |
| 96% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 8 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Otter Lake has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F (5°C). Winters average 15°F in January while summers reach 65°F in July. The area gets 259 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 50.2 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36. The city sits at an elevation of 1,521 feet.
Temperature
15°F Jan (-10°C)
65°F Jul (18°C)
| Annual Average | 41.3°F |
| 24% below US avg |
| January Average | 15°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 65°F (18°C) |
| Sunny Days | 259 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,521 ft (464 m) |
| Area | 0.7 sq mi (1.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 232/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.5927°N, 75.1174°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Lewis County County |
| Nearest Airport | Griffiss International (RME)
29 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
50.2"
32% above US avg
Wettest Month (Nov)
5.12"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 24.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 28.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 83.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
32 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.0. Most recent: M3.3 on Jun 29, 2024.
| Jun 17, 1991 |
7 km NE of Worcester, New York |
M4.0 |
113 km |
| Apr 20, 2000 |
7 km WSW of Newcomb, New York |
M3.8 |
80 km |
| Apr 8, 2003 |
17 km ESE of Saint Regis Falls, New York |
M3.7 |
130 km |
| Apr 23, 2023 |
New York |
M3.6 |
79 km |
| Jun 29, 2024 |
14 km W of Ellisburg, New York |
M3.3 |
98 km |
| Jul 31, 1997 |
0 km WSW of Lyons Falls, New York |
M3.2 |
21 km |
| Aug 24, 2011 |
13 km ENE of Saint Regis Falls, New York |
M3.2 |
137 km |
| Dec 13, 2009 |
15 km N of Medusa, New York |
M3.2 |
140 km |
| Mar 11, 2020 |
0 km SSW of South Glens Falls, New York |
M3.1 |
124 km |
| May 18, 2009 |
15 km N of Medusa, New York |
M3.1 |
140 km |
| Jul 24, 2007 |
12 km SSW of Altamont, New York |
M3.1 |
137 km |
| Mar 2, 1995 |
3 km ENE of Tupper Lake, New York |
M3.0 |
90 km |
| Oct 13, 1997 |
18 km NW of Cranberry Lake, New York |
M3.0 |
86 km |
| Sep 4, 2004 |
3 km S of Massena, New York |
M2.9 |
146 km |
| Oct 21, 2009 |
15 km N of Medusa, New York |
M2.9 |
140 km |
| Sep 29, 1994 |
13 km WNW of North Creek, New York |
M2.9 |
81 km |
| Jul 23, 1996 |
15 km NNE of Saranac Lake, New York |
M2.8 |
129 km |
| Aug 27, 2011 |
5 km WSW of Altamont, New York |
M2.8 |
131 km |
| Mar 22, 2009 |
9 km SW of Altamont, New York |
M2.8 |
134 km |
| Mar 17, 2004 |
3 km SSW of Massena, New York |
M2.7 |
146 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
1 hurricane (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 1. Most recent: Gloria (1985, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 1985 |
Gloria |
Category 1 |
267 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
102 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 7 fatalities, 33 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 10, 1989 |
EF4 |
97 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 2023 |
EF3 |
35 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1983 |
EF3 |
24 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 2024 |
EF2 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 2014 |
EF2 |
79 km |
4 |
| Jul 23, 1990 |
EF2 |
64 km |
0 |
| Aug 15, 1986 |
EF2 |
85 km |
1 |
| Sep 18, 1977 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
| Aug 28, 1973 |
EF2 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 2024 |
EF1 |
78 km |
1 |
| Jul 16, 2024 |
EF1 |
22 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 2024 |
EF1 |
49 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 2024 |
EF1 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 2024 |
EF1 |
33 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 2024 |
EF1 |
54 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 2024 |
EF1 |
63 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 2024 |
EF1 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jul 10, 2024 |
EF1 |
59 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 2024 |
EF1 |
77 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 2023 |
EF1 |
66 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
15°F (-10°C) |
4.1 in |
Coldest |
| February |
17°F (-8°C) |
3.4 in |
Driest |
| March |
27°F (-3°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| April |
40°F (4°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| May |
53°F (11°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| June |
60°F (16°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| July |
65°F (18°C) |
4.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
63°F (17°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| September |
56°F (13°C) |
5.1 in |
|
| October |
45°F (7°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| November |
34°F (1°C) |
5.1 in |
Wettest |
| December |
22°F (-6°C) |
4.7 in |
|
Otter Lake has a seasonal temperature swing of 50°F / from 15°F in January to 65°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 52.3 inches, with November being the wettest month (5.1") and February the driest (3.4").
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) |
$270 ($162–$432) |
| Specialist Visit |
$378 ($216–$593) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$216 ($108–$378) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,374 ($863–$5,395) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$140 ($81–$216) |
| Dental Filling |
$270 ($162–$432) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$49 ($27–$81) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$81 ($54–$129) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$324 ($162–$540) |
| Tire Rotation |
$43 ($22–$81) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$647 ($432–$1,079) |
| Battery Replacement |
$216 ($108–$378) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$108 ($65–$162) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$97 ($54–$151) |
| HVAC Repair |
$432 ($162–$863) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,553 ($4,316–$12,948) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,079 ($432–$2,158) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,711 ($5,935–$16,185) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,619 ($540–$3,777) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$16,185 ($5,395–$32,370) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,395 ($2,158–$10,790) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,619 ($863–$3,237) |
| Will Preparation |
$540 ($216–$1,079) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,698 ($1,079–$5,395) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$27 ($16–$49) |
| Women's Haircut |
$59 ($32–$108) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$162 ($81–$270) |
| Manicure |
$27 ($16–$49) |
| Pedicure |
$43 ($27–$70) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$86 ($54–$140) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.42 ($3.24–$5.93) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.78 ($2.70–$5.40) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$4.10 ($2.70–$5.93) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.86 ($3.24–$7.01) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.93 ($4.32–$8.09) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.08 ($0.65–$1.94) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$151 ($86–$270) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$76 ($32–$162) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$76 ($43–$129) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$76 ($43–$108) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$70 ($32–$108) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$92 ($54–$162) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$216 ($81–$540) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,158 ($1,295–$3,777) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$76 ($32–$140) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$16 ($8.63–$27) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$108 ($32–$270) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$32 ($16–$81) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,295 ($647–$2,698) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,079 ($540–$2,158) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$432 ($216–$755) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$54 ($27–$108) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,079 ($432–$2,698) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$13,488 ($5,395–$32,370) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$65 ($32–$108) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$108 ($54–$216) |
| Dog Grooming |
$65 ($32–$108) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$43 ($22–$81) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$324 ($162–$540) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$216 ($108–$432) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,070 |
| Toddler | $996 |
| Preschool | $866 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $823 |
| Toddler | $779 |
| Preschool | $758 |
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 109 residents and is located in New York. The population density is 232 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 62.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 49.5% female and 50.5% male.
Is Otter Lake expensive to live in?
Otter Lake is slightly more expensive than average, with a cost of living index of 107.9 compared to the national baseline of 100. The median household income is $83,750, 11% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $262,500 (7% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 3.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Otter Lake safe?
Public safety is a concern in Otter Lake, with a violent crime rate of 652 per 100,000 / significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,835 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 cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F (5°C). Winter temperatures average 15°F in January, while summers reach an average of 65°F in July. The area receives 259 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 50.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
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 $1,051. There are 600 business establishments in the area, including 65 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 32 minutes, and 8.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Otter Lake?
The median home value in Otter Lake is $262,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $146,267. The homeownership rate is 100.0%. The average annual property tax is $5,757.
How are the schools in Otter Lake?
Schools in Otter Lake score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 48.4% of adults in Otter Lake hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 96.8% have completed high school. 16.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Otter Lake?
The obesity rate in Otter Lake is 34.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.4% of adults are smokers. 22.4% are physically inactive. 21.7% of residents report depression. 5.4% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 44.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,476.
What is transportation like in Otter Lake?
The average commute in Otter Lake is 32 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 91.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 8.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Otter Lake?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Otter Lake is 94.5% White, 3.7% Black or African American, 1.8% Hispanic or Latino. 92% of residents speak only English at home, while 8% speak Spanish. 93.0% of the population are military veterans. 18.2% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
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