Otsego, MI
Population 4,079 · Michigan
About Otsego, MI
Otsego is a small town located in Michigan with a population of 4,079 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $76,944 per year, which is 2% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39.3 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Otsego features a median home value of $155,500, which is 37% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Otsego in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,133, 3% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,646 total housing units, 72% are owner-occupied (1,148 units) and 28% are renter-occupied (442 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Otsego shows an unemployment rate of 6.9%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 3.4%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Otsego have an average one-way commute time of 19.4 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
13.1% of Otsego residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 3.8% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 2.9% Asian residents, with 10.9% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Otsego, MI
Compared to national averages, Otsego has a median household income of $76,944 (2% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $155,500, which is 37% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,133 is 3% below the US average of $1,163. Within Michigan, Otsego's income is 17% above the state average of $66,017, and home values are 15% below the state median of $183,391.
Why Live in Otsego, MI?
Otsego offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $76,944, well above the national average, and affordable housing with a median home value of $155,500, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,133/month. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 3.4%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 19.4 minutes.
Otsego has a population of 4,079 with a median age of 39.3 years. Compare Otsego with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Michigan.
Similar Cities Near Otsego
Cities in Michigan with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Muskegon | 4,089 | $101,087 | $241,100 | Compare |
| Lathrup Village | 4,049 | $99,286 | $270,900 | Compare |
| Marine City | 4,047 | $63,156 | $146,500 | Compare |
| Lowell | 4,133 | $71,406 | $231,100 | Compare |
| Roosevelt Park | 4,148 | $60,938 | $178,600 | Compare |
| Linden | 4,150 | $77,434 | $232,300 | Compare |
| Algonac | 4,152 | $49,738 | $177,200 | Compare |
| South Haven | 3,994 | $64,338 | $372,200 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Michigan
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Otsego With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Otsego
What is the population of Otsego, MI?
The population of Otsego, MI is 4,079 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Michigan.
What is the median household income in Otsego?
The median household income in Otsego, MI is $76,944 per year, which is 2% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Otsego?
The median home value in Otsego, MI is $155,500, which is 37% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Otsego?
The median monthly rent in Otsego, MI is $1,133, which is 3% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Otsego?
The unemployment rate in Otsego, MI is 6.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Otsego, MI a good place to live?
Otsego offers above-average incomes, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 4,079 and a median age of 39.3, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Otsego, MI?
13.1% of residents in Otsego aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Otsego?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Otsego, MI: median home value is $155,500 (37% below national), median rent is $1,133/month, and median household income is $76,944. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Otsego?
The poverty rate in Otsego, MI is 3.4%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Otsego, MI?
Otsego's population is 3.8% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 2.9% Asian, and 0.2% two or more races. 10.9% of residents are foreign-born.