Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Otisco, MN
Looking to move to Otisco, MN? This peaceful rural town of about 550 residents boasts affordable housing with a median home price of $245,000 and average rent around $920. Residents enjoy low crime rates, short average commutes of under 28 minutes, and access to quality schools in nearby Waseca. With a lower cost of living, plenty of sunny days, and easy access to healthcare, Otisco is ideal for those seeking a quiet, tight-knit Minnesota community.
Demographics - Otisco, MN
Demographics - Otisco, MN
Otisco, MN is a small rural community of around 550 residents, with a median age of 42. The population is predominantly White, and the town offers a balanced gender ratio and a close-knit atmosphere, making it appealing for those seeking a peaceful setting. Non-English speakers make up a small portion of the population, contributing to the town's homogeneity.
Population:
550
Density:
18 per sq mi
Median Age:
42.1
Gender Ratio:
104 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.6%

Ethnic Composition
White:
94.1%
Black:
0.7%
Asian:
0.5%
Others:
4.7%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Otisco, MN?
Otisco features a cost of living slightly below the national average, with a median home value of $245,000 and average rent at $920 per month. Household expenses such as utilities and groceries remain affordable, making the town an attractive choice for budget-conscious families or retirees. State income tax rates range from 5.35% to 9.85%, reflecting Minnesota norms.
Median House Value:
$245,000
Gross Rent:
$920
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,190
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,240
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$540
State Taxes:
Low:
5.35%
|
High:
9.85%
Cost Of Living Index:
98.2
Grocery:
96.1
Housing:
82.7
Utilities:
104.3
Transportation:
98.5
Health Care:
98.4
Miscellaneous:
97.2
Crime
Is Otisco, MN a safe place to live?
Otisco enjoys notably low crime rates, with just 85 violent crimes and 910 property crimes per 100,000 residents, providing residents with a strong sense of safety. The chance of experiencing a violent crime is 1 in 1,176, which is considerably lower than many urban areas. This secure environment is ideal for families and those seeking peace of mind.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
85
Property Crimes Per 100k:
910
Crime Index:
995
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,176
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 110
Weather
What is the weather like in Otisco, MN year-round?
Residents experience four distinct seasons, with cold winters (lows near 3°F) and warm summers reaching highs of 82°F. Otisco receives about 32.5 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 55% of days. The varied climate supports a range of outdoor activities throughout the year.

Winter
Min:
3°F
Max:
24°F

Spring
Min:
36°F
Max:
66°F

Summer
Min:
58°F
Max:
82°F

Fall
Min:
36°F
Max:
65°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
32.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
55%
Neighbors
Neighborhoods in Otisco have a median household income of $72,800 and a low poverty rate of 7.9%. Most residents commute about 28 minutes to work, and public transportation usage is minimal. The community is well-educated, with over 91% holding a high school diploma or higher.
Median Income:
$38,200
Household Income:
$72,800
Family Income:
$80,900
Per Capita Income:
$32,400
Income Male:
$42,800
Income Female:
$38,700
Poverty Rate:
7.9%
Non English Speakers:
3.6%
Rent:
$920
Unemployment Rate:
3.2%
Public Transport Usage:
0.2%
Commute Time:
27.8 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
91.5%
Bachelors or More:
23.3%
Education
How are the schools in Otisco, MN?
Families in Otisco have access to quality public schools in nearby Waseca, such as Waseca Senior High and Hartley Elementary, both known for manageable class sizes. Private school options are available, and higher education is easily accessible with Minnesota State University, Mankato just 27 miles away. The area’s education system supports lifelong learning for students of all ages.

Public Schools
Name:
Waseca Senior High
Street:
1717 2nd St NW, Waseca, MN 56093
Phone:
507-835-5470
Students:
690
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.3
Name:
Hartley Elementary
Street:
605 7th St NE, Waseca, MN 56093
Phone:
507-835-2248
Students:
480
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.1

Private Schools
Name:
Sacred Heart School
Street:
111 4th St NW, Waseca, MN 56093
Phone:
507-835-2780
Students:
210

Colleges
Name:
Minnesota State University, Mankato
City:
Mankato
State:
MN
Distance:
27 miles
Students:
14,600
Healthcare
Otisco residents benefit from close access to the Mayo Clinic Health System in nearby Waseca, offering comprehensive general and emergency care. The area boasts a physician availability of 1.6 per 1,000 people and a high health insurance coverage rate of 94.2%. Healthcare services are reliable and accessible for families and individuals alike.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Mayo Clinic Health System – Waseca
Address:
501 N State St, Waseca, MN 56093
Phone:
(507) 835-1210
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
94.2%
Health Care Index:
77.8
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Otisco, MN?
The housing market in Otisco is stable and affordable, with a median home price of $245,000 and an average rent of $920 for a two-bedroom unit. Owner-occupied homes make up nearly 84% of the market, and the annual home appreciation rate is a healthy 4.1%. Low foreclosure and vacancy rates reflect the area’s steady demand for housing.
Median Home Price:
$245,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$920
Owner Occupied Rate:
83.7%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.4%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Residents handle licensing and vehicle registration through the Minnesota Department of Public Safety – Driver and Vehicle Services, based in St. Paul. The department offers comprehensive online and in-person services for new residents and locals alike. For more information, the official website provides up-to-date resources and contact details.
State:
Minnesota
Department:
Minnesota Department of Public Safety – Driver and Vehicle Services
Address:
445 Minnesota St, St Paul, MN 55101
Phone:
651-297-2126
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.