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Otter Lake, QC

Quebec

Otter Lake is a small town in Quebec with a population of 1,041. Residents earn $49,600 per year, which is 34% below the national average.

Data updated June 2026

2.6 /5.0
C+ Fair
1,041 Population 6/sq mi density
$49,600 Median Income $37,200 per capita
$180,000 Home Value
$560 Median Rent 15.8% income on rent
39°F Avg Temperature 268 sunny days/yr
C+
Overall
2.6 / 5.0
Fair overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
C
Economy
2.0 / 5.0
$49,600 median income, 8.0% unemployment
A+
Affordability
4.6 / 5.0
$180,000 home value, $560/mo rent
C+
Safety
2.5 / 5.0
F
Education
1.4 / 5.0
4.6% bachelor's degree or higher

Discover Otter Lake, QC

Explore over 40 sections covering people, economy, housing, health, crime, climate, community, costs, trends, schools, colleges, hospitals, treatment centers, industries, museums, libraries, breweries, farmers markets, grocery stores, pharmacies, campgrounds, parks, trails, stadiums, ski resorts, daycare centers, nursing homes, churches, fire stations, cell towers, bridges, power plants, EV stations, prisons, radio stations, airports, police stations, post offices, Amtrak stations, superfund sites, UNESCO sites, and more.
Use the tabs and dropdown menus below to navigate every data point we track for this city.

Full City Profile
Median Income $49,600
34% lower than US avg
Home Value $180,000
36% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+ 4.6%
86% lower than US avg
Median Rent $560
52% lower than US avg
Unemployment 8.0%
122% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate 27.6%
123% higher than US avg

How Otter Lake Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)

People

Population1,041
Median Age56.0 yrs
Density6/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 99%

Economy

C
Median Income$49,600
Per Capita$37,200
Unemployment8.0%
Poverty27.6%
Commute31 min

Housing

A+
Home Value$180,000
Rent$560
Ownership80.2%
Housing Units480
Rent Burden15.8%

Crime

C+
Property3,500/100K
Burglary484/100K

Climate

Avg Temp39°F (4°C)
Rain37.2 in/yr
Sunny Days268/yr
Elevation715 ft (218 m)

Education

F
Bachelor's+4.6%
High School+28.9%
Graduate+0.0%

Community

Commute31 min

Is Otter Lake a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Otter Lake receives an overall livability score of 2.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. 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 $49,600, 34% below the national average of $75,149. At 8.0%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 27.6% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 31 minutes.

Cost of Living & Housing

The median home value in Otter Lake is $180,000, 36% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $560 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.6x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.

Safety & Crime

Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,500 per 100,000, 79% above the national average.

Education

4.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 28.9% have completed high school.

Climate & Weather

Otter Lake has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 39°F. Winters average 8°F in January while summers reach 66°F in July. With 268 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 37.2 inches, including 13.7 inches of snow.

Otter Lake has a population of 1,041 with a density of 6 people per square mile, spread across 175.6 square miles. The median age is 56.0 years, 44% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49% female and 51% male. The city is predominantly White (99%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 56.3% of residents, while 38.5% speak Spanish.

Population

1,041
Total Population
6
People / sq mi
56.0yrs
Median Age
44% above US avg
175.6mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 51%
Female 49%

Race & Ethnicity

Otter Lake vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only 56.3%
28% below US avg
Spanish 38.5%
187% above US avg
Other Languages 5.3%

Social Characteristics

Otter Lake vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Otter Lake is $49,600, which is 34% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $37,200. The average weekly wage is $715, 50% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 8.0% (above the 3.6% US average). 27.6% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 32 business establishments. Workers commute an average of 31 minutes. 23.2% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).

Income: Otter Lake vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$49,600
34% below US avg
Per Capita Income$37,200
Avg Weekly Wage$715

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment8.0%
122% above US avg
Poverty Rate27.6%
123% above US avg
Establishments (County)32

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time30.9 min
Drive Alone64.3%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home23.2%

Walkability

The median home value in Otter Lake is $180,000, 36% below the national median of $281,900. Monthly rent averages $560 (52% below the national average of $1,163). 80.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 480 total housing units in the city. 15.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.6x.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median$180,000
36% below US avg

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent$560
52% below US avg
Rent Burden15.8%

Ownership & Property

Homeownership80.2%
Owner-Occupied80.2%
Renter-Occupied18.8%
Housing Units480

Property Tax

Property crime stands at 3,500 per 100,000, 79% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 2,503, burglary at 484, vehicle theft at 505 per 100,000 residents. Overall, Otter Lake receives a safety grade of C+.

Crime Rates: Otter Lake vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)

Violent Crime

Property Crime

Total Property3,500.0/100K
79% above US avg
Burglary483.9/100K
Theft2,503.4/100K
Vehicle Theft504.8/100K

Traffic Safety

Safety Score

Safety GradeC+
Safety Score2.5 / 5.0
View full crime details →
Otter Lake has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 39°F (4°C). Winters average 8°F in January while summers reach 66°F in July. The area gets 268 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 37.2 inches. The area receives 13.7 inches of snow annually. The city sits at an elevation of 715 feet.

Temperature

8°F Jan (-13°C) 66°F Jul (19°C)
Annual Average39.1°F
28% below US avg
January Average8°F (-13°C)
July Average66°F (19°C)
Sunny Days268 days/yr

Geography

Elevation715 ft (218 m)
Area175.6 sq mi (454.7 km²)
Population Density6/sq mi
Coordinates45.8491°N, 76.4300°W
TimezoneAmerica/Montreal

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall 37.2"
2% below US avg
Snowfall 13.7"
Wettest Month (Aug) 3.70"
Driest Month (Feb) 2.20"

Air Quality

Earthquake History

144 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990. Strongest: M5.4. Most recent: M3.7 on Mar 19, 2025.

Jun 23, 2010 29 km NNE of Val-des-Monts, Canada M5.4 74 km
May 17, 2013 20 km NNE of Shawville, Canada M5.1 12 km
Oct 19, 1990 11 km SW of Mont-Laurier, Canada M4.6 95 km
Jun 16, 1991 78 km NW of Saint-Boniface, Canada M4.5 130 km
Dec 25, 1993 9 km WSW of Mont-Laurier, Canada M4.3 97 km
Oct 12, 2003 63 km NNW of Saint-Boniface, Canada M4.2 129 km
Apr 18, 1998 4 km N of Plantagenet, Canada M4.1 116 km
Nov 15, 1990 72 km NNW of Saint-Boniface, Canada M4.1 143 km
Nov 17, 1992 16 km ENE of Saint-André-Avellin, Canada M4.0 122 km
Aug 6, 2000 7 km SSW of La Minerve, Canada M4.0 119 km
Feb 25, 2006 4 km NE of Thurso, Canada M4.0 99 km
Mar 6, 1991 49 km NNW of Fort-Coulonge, Canada M3.9 59 km
Oct 7, 1990 21 km WNW of La Minerve, Canada M3.9 109 km
Mar 19, 2001 65 km NNW of Saint-Boniface, Canada M3.9 134 km
Mar 16, 2011 6 km ENE of Hawkesbury, Canada M3.9 149 km
Sep 18, 2011 1 km E of Thurso, Canada M3.8 97 km
Jul 30, 1998 0 km ENE of Lac-Simon, Canada M3.8 136 km
Sep 23, 1993 11 km SE of La Conception, Canada M3.8 143 km
Nov 6, 2012 Ontario-Quebec border region, Canada M3.7 144 km
Feb 26, 1998 33 km SW of Saint-Raphaël, Canada M3.7 25 km
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)

Tsunami History

1 tsunami recorded within 500 km. Highest wave on record: 15.0 m (49 ft).

Year Location Cause Max Wave Deaths Distance
1908 NOTRE DAME DE LA SALETTE Meteorological 15.0 m 33 65 km
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 8°F (-13°C) 2.5 in Coldest
February 11°F (-12°C) 2.2 in Driest
March 22°F (-5°C) 2.8 in
April 37°F (3°C) 2.7 in
May 52°F (11°C) 3.4 in
June 60°F (16°C) 3.4 in
July 66°F (19°C) 3.5 in Warmest
August 64°F (18°C) 3.7 in Wettest
September 56°F (13°C) 3.5 in
October 44°F (7°C) 3.4 in
November 32°F (0°C) 3.3 in
December 16°F (-9°C) 3.0 in

Otter Lake has a seasonal temperature swing of 58°F / from 8°F in January to 66°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 37.3 inches, with August being the wettest month (3.7") and February the driest (2.2").

View full weather details →
4.6% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 86% below the national average of 33.7%. 28.9% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree (below the 13.1% national rate). 64.3% of workers drive alone to work.

Education

Bachelor's Degree+4.6%
86% below US avg
High School+28.9%
Graduate Degree+0.0%
F Education Grade (1.4/5.0)

Area & Infrastructure

Population Density6/sq mi
Total Area175.6 sq mi

Services

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute30.9 min
Drive Alone64.3%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home23.2%

Radio Stations near Otter Lake

2 stations within ~55 km.

Station Genre Quality
Valley Heritage Radio MP3 128 kbps
Valley Heritage Radio 98.7 CJHR classic country, country MP3 128 kbps

Museums in Otter Lake

NameTypeAddressPhoneAnnual Revenue
Pontiac Museum

Libraries in Otter Lake

NameAddressStaffAnnual VisitsCirculationCollectionPrograms
Shawville-Clarendon Library0.0

Gas Stations in Otter Lake

1 gas stations within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Stinson

Breweries in Otter Lake

NameTypeAddressPhoneWebsite
Brauwerk Hoffman

Ski Resorts Near Otter Lake

8 ski resorts within range.

Resort Slopes (km) Lifts Peak (m) Price Season Night Park
Calabogie Peaks 0.0 $0
Mount Pakenham Ski Hill 0.0 $0
Camp Fortune 0.0 $0
Mont Cascades Ski 0.0 $0
Sommet Edelweiss 0.0 $0
Centre Vorlage 0.0 $0
Mont Chilly 0.0 $0
Mont Ste. Marie 0.0 $0

Airports Near Otter Lake

15 airports within the area.

AirportIATAType
Ottawa / Carp AirportMedium Airport
1669 Diamondview Road Private StripSmall Airport
1797 Diamondview Road Private StripSmall Airport
Arnprior AirportSmall Airport
Bruce McPhail Memorial AirportSmall Airport
Carleton Place AirportSmall Airport
Cedar Hill AerodromeSmall Airport
Django FieldSmall Airport
Flint FieldSmall Airport
Fumerton FieldSmall Airport
Maniwaki AirportYMWSmall Airport
Matawatchan AerodromeSmall Airport
Ottawa / Manotick (Hope Field)Small Airport
Parti FieldSmall Airport
Pontiac AirparkSmall Airport

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Frequently Asked Questions About Otter Lake

What is the population of Otter Lake?

Otter Lake has a population of 1,041 residents and is located in Quebec. The population density is 6 people per square mile, spread across 175.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 56.0 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 49% female and 51% male.

Is Otter Lake expensive to live in?

The median household income is $49,600, 34% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $180,000 (36% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $560 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.

Is Otter Lake safe?

Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,500 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Otter Lake receives a safety grade of C+ 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 39°F (4°C). Winter temperatures average 8°F in January, while summers reach an average of 66°F in July. The area receives 268 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 37.2 inches, with 13.7 inches of snow.

How is the job market in Otter Lake?

The job market in Otter Lake faces challenges, with unemployment at 8.0% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $715. There are 32 business establishments in the area. The average commute time is 31 minutes, and 23.2% of workers work from home.

How much does housing cost in Otter Lake?

The median home value in Otter Lake is $180,000. For renters, the median monthly rent is $560. The homeownership rate is 80.2%.

How are the schools in Otter Lake?

4.6% of adults in Otter Lake hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 28.9% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.

What is transportation like in Otter Lake?

The average commute in Otter Lake is 31 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 64.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 23.2% work from home.

What are the demographics of Otter Lake?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Otter Lake is 99% White. 56.3% of residents speak only English at home, while 38.5% speak Spanish.

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