Ottertail, MN
Population 490 · Minnesota
About Ottertail, MN
Ottertail is a small community located in Minnesota with a population of 490 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $83,750 per year, which is 11% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 58.7 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Ottertail features a median home value of $262,500, which is 7% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Ottertail in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,047, 10% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 396 total housing units, 90% are owner-occupied (210 units) and 10% are renter-occupied (24 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Ottertail shows an unemployment rate of 5.0%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 7.1%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Ottertail have an average one-way commute time of 25.3 minutes.
Education & Demographics
25.5% of Ottertail residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 2.9% White, 0.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 1.0% Asian residents, with 2.2% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Ottertail, MN
Compared to national averages, Ottertail has a median household income of $83,750 (11% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $262,500, which is 7% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,047 is 10% below the US average of $1,163. Within Minnesota, Ottertail's income is 13% above the state average of $74,221, and home values are 28% above the state median of $204,472.
Why Live in Ottertail, MN?
Ottertail offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $83,750, well above the national average, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,047/month, and a low poverty rate of 7.1%, better than the national average.
Ottertail has a population of 490 with a median age of 58.7 years. Compare Ottertail with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Minnesota.
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Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Ottertail
What is the population of Ottertail, MN?
The population of Ottertail, MN is 490 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Minnesota.
What is the median household income in Ottertail?
The median household income in Ottertail, MN is $83,750 per year, which is 11% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Ottertail?
The median home value in Ottertail, MN is $262,500, which is 7% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Ottertail?
The median monthly rent in Ottertail, MN is $1,047, which is 10% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Ottertail?
The unemployment rate in Ottertail, MN is 5.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Ottertail, MN a good place to live?
Ottertail offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 490 and a median age of 58.7, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Ottertail, MN?
25.5% of residents in Ottertail 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 Ottertail?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Ottertail, MN: median home value is $262,500 (7% above national), median rent is $1,047/month, and median household income is $83,750. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.1x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Ottertail?
The poverty rate in Ottertail, MN is 7.1%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Ottertail, MN?
Ottertail's population is 2.9% White, 0.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 1.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 2.2% of residents are foreign-born.