Median Income
$83,750
11% higher than US avg
Home Value
$262,500
7% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
193/100K
49% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
25.5%
24% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,047
10% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
32.7%
2% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.0%
17% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Ottertail Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population490
Median Age58.7 yrs
Density114/mi²
Male / Female54% / 46%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans7.9%
Economy
A+
Median Income$83,750
Per Capita$56,679
Unemployment3.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$3,285M
Commute25 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$262,500
Rent$1,047
Ownership89.7%
Zillow$342,843
Housing Units348
Rent Burden21.1%
Crime
F
Violent193/100K
Property1,327/100K
Health
Obesity32.7%
Uninsured7.1%
Smoking13.5%
Depression24.3%
Heart Disease4.9%
Climate
Avg Temp41°F (5°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain28.2 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation1,340 ft (408 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+25.5%
High School+94.0%
Graduate+8.9%
School Score6.36
Community
2024 VoteR 66% / D 32%
Commute25 min
Broadband91.5%
EV Stations1
Libraries5
Is Ottertail a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Ottertail 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, abundant sunshine. Ottertail offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Ottertail is $83,750, 11% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. Unemployment stands at 3.0%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Ottertail is $262,500, roughly aligned with the national median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $1,047 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.1x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Ottertail is below the national average at 193 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,327 per 100,000, 32% below the national average.
Education
25.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.0% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.4/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Ottertail has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F. Winters average 8°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. With 276 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 28.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Ottertail has a population of 490 with a density of 114 people per square mile, spread across 4.3 square miles. The median age is 58.7 years, 51% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 46.1% female and 53.9% male. The city is predominantly White (94.5%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 7.9% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 10.9% of residents have a disability. 93.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
58.7yrs
Median Age
51% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Ottertail 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
Ottertail vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Ottertail is $83,750, which is 11% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $56,679 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,000, 30% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.0% (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 1,908 business establishments, including 165 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes. 17.1% of workers work from home.
Income: Ottertail vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $83,750 |
| 11% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $56,679 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,000 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $71,755 |
| Gini Index | 0.434 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.0% |
| 17% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,908 |
| County GDP | $3,285M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 165 |
| Healthcare | 181 |
| Retail | 250 |
| Manufacturing | 89 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,298 |
| 23% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.64% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 25.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 75.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 17.1% |
The median home value in Ottertail is $262,500, 7% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $342,843, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $1,047 (10% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $899 for a one-bedroom to $1,125 for a two-bedroom apartment. 89.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 348 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1998. The average annual property tax is $4,298 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 21.1% 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 | $342,843 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,047 |
| 10% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 21.1% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 89.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 89.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 10.3% |
| Housing Units | 348 |
| Median Year Built | 1998 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,298 |
| 23% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.64% |
In Ottertail, 32.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 7.7% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.9% of residents, below the national average. 24.0% have high blood pressure. 13.5% are current smokers. 21.6% report binge drinking. 20.4% are physically inactive, below the national average. 24.3% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 15.8% experience frequent mental distress. 7.1% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,876. The dentist ratio is 1:1,441. 50.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Ottertail vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 32.7% |
| 2% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 7.7% |
| Heart Disease | 4.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 24.0% |
| Asthma | 9.7% |
| COPD | 4.4% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 2.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.5% |
| 4% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 20.4% |
| Depression | 24.3% |
| Mental Distress | 15.8% |
| Physical Distress | 10.4% |
| Short Sleep | 30.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.9% |
| Uninsured | 7.1% |
| 17% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,876 |
| Dentists | 1:1,441 |
| Mental Health | 1:619 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.2% |
| Dental Visits | 70.1% |
| Premature Death | 6,919/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 50.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 181 |
Ottertail has a violent crime rate of 193 per 100,000 residents, 49% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,327 per 100,000, 32% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 9 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Ottertail receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Ottertail vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 193.0/100K |
| 49% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,326.9/100K |
| 32% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 9 |
| Traffic Accidents | 42 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Ottertail has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F (5°C). Winters average 8°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July / a wide seasonal temperature swing of 61°F. The area gets 276 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 28.2 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36. The city sits at an elevation of 1,340 feet.
Temperature
8°F Jan (-14°C)
69°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 40.9°F |
| 24% below US avg |
| January Average | 8°F (-14°C) |
| July Average | 69°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,340 ft (408 m) |
| Area | 4.3 sq mi (11.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 114/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 46.4316°N, 95.5712°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Otter Tail County County |
| Nearest Airport | Hector International (FAR)
68 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
28.2"
26% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.33"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 79.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 53.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 92.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
3 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.1. Most recent: M2.5 on Apr 29, 2011.
| Jun 5, 1993 |
11 km N of Johnson, Minnesota |
M4.1 |
101 km |
| Oct 20, 1995 |
8 km SSE of New Effington, South Dakota |
M3.7 |
123 km |
| Apr 29, 2011 |
Minnesota |
M2.5 |
49 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
376 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 4 fatalities, 134 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 8, 2020 |
EF4 |
47 km |
1 |
| Aug 7, 2010 |
EF4 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
40 km |
1 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
30 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 1966 |
EF4 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 2008 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 2001 |
EF3 |
35 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1991 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1982 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 1977 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1975 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Aug 6, 1969 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1964 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1964 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1955 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2023 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2022 |
EF2 |
49 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
54 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
70 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
80 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (9,055 ac, 2007).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
9,055 |
91 km |
| 2009 |
CENTER TANK RANGE |
6,131 |
92 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
4,475 |
91 km |
| 2003 |
ROTHSAY |
3,015 |
62 km |
| 2009 |
HENDRICKSON IMPACT AREA |
2,757 |
93 km |
| 2024 |
DORAN WMA |
2,455 |
59 km |
| 2009 |
EAST TANK RANGE |
1,801 |
92 km |
| 2009 |
DOWNING |
1,506 |
87 km |
| 2012 |
JEEP FIRE |
1,437 |
55 km |
| 2012 |
SPRING CREEK |
1,413 |
83 km |
| 2000 |
00 14 |
1,377 |
61 km |
| 2007 |
FLICKERTAIL |
1,239 |
93 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
1,153 |
82 km |
| 1998 |
UNNAMED |
1,026 |
82 km |
| 1999 |
HELLIKSEN |
993 |
83 km |
| 1992 |
MEADOWS |
922 |
72 km |
| 2002 |
1000 AC S |
880 |
60 km |
| 1985 |
UNNAMED |
880 |
93 km |
| 2005 |
HILLICKSON 05 |
818 |
81 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
807 |
83 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
8°F (-14°C) |
0.9 in |
Coldest |
| February |
14°F (-10°C) |
0.6 in |
Driest |
| March |
26°F (-3°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| April |
42°F (5°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| May |
55°F (13°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| June |
65°F (18°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| July |
69°F (21°C) |
3.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
68°F (20°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| September |
58°F (14°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| October |
45°F (7°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| November |
28°F (-2°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| December |
13°F (-11°C) |
0.8 in |
|
Ottertail has a seasonal temperature swing of 62°F / from 8°F in January to 69°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 26.1 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.3") and February the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Ottertail. 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 | $948 |
| Toddler | $893 |
| Preschool | $821 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $621 |
| Toddler | $570 |
| Preschool | $570 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Ottertail
What is the population of Ottertail?
Ottertail has a population of 490 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 114 people per square mile, spread across 4.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 58.7 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 46.1% female and 53.9% male.
Is Ottertail expensive to live in?
Ottertail 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 $83,750, 11% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $262,500 (7% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,047 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Ottertail safe?
Ottertail is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 193 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,327 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Ottertail receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Ottertail?
Ottertail has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F (5°C). Winter temperatures average 8°F in January, while summers reach an average of 69°F in July. The area receives 276 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 28.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Ottertail?
Ottertail has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.0%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,000. There are 1,908 business establishments in the area, including 165 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 25 minutes, and 17.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Ottertail?
The median home value in Ottertail is $262,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $342,843. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,047. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 89.7%. The average annual property tax is $4,298.
How are the schools in Ottertail?
Schools in Ottertail score 6.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 25.5% of adults in Ottertail hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.0% have completed high school. 8.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Ottertail?
The obesity rate in Ottertail is 32.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.5% of adults are smokers. 20.4% are physically inactive. 24.3% of residents report depression. 7.1% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 50.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,876.
What is transportation like in Ottertail?
The average commute in Ottertail is 25 minutes. 75.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 17.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Ottertail?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Ottertail is 94.5% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 7.9% of the population are military veterans. 10.9% of residents have a disability. 93.9% have health insurance coverage.
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