Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Otsego, MI
Considering a move to Otsego, MI? This friendly city of nearly 4,000 residents offers affordable living, with a median home price around $184,000 and average rents near $900. Otsego boasts a low violent crime rate, average commutes under 25 minutes, and reputable local schools. Enjoy four distinct seasons and easy access to healthcare and higher education in nearby Kalamazoo. Otsego’s small-town charm, reasonable cost of living, and family-friendly vibe make it a great choice for your next home.
Demographics - Otsego, MI
Demographics - Otsego, MI
Otsego, MI is home to just under 4,000 residents, featuring a predominantly White population with a median age of 38.2 years. The city maintains a balanced gender ratio and a close-knit, small-town atmosphere with a population density of 1,600 per square mile. Only a small percentage of residents speak a language other than English at home, making it a primarily English-speaking community.
Population:
3,960
Density:
1,600 per sq mi
Median Age:
38.2
Gender Ratio:
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
94.2%
Black:
0.7%
Asian:
0.6%
Others:
4.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Otsego, MI?
The cost of living in Otsego is notably affordable, with a cost of living index of 84.3—well below the national average. Median home values are around $184,000, and typical rents are about $900, making housing accessible for most families. Daily expenses, including groceries and utilities, remain budget-friendly, allowing residents to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle without high costs.
Median House Value:
$184,000
Gross Rent:
$900
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,350
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,225
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$445
State Taxes:
Low:
4.25%
|
High:
4.25%
Cost Of Living Index:
84.3
Grocery:
91.0
Housing:
67.5
Utilities:
98.4
Transportation:
93.0
Health Care:
95.3
Miscellaneous:
90.1
Crime
Is Otsego, MI a safe place to live?
Otsego offers a relatively safe environment, with a violent crime rate of 170 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime rate of 1,420 per 100,000. The chance of experiencing violent crime is low, at approximately 1 in 588. This low crime profile contributes to the city’s appeal for families and individuals seeking peace of mind.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
170
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,420
Crime Index:
1,590
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 588
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 70
Weather
What is the weather like in Otsego, MI year-round?
Residents of Otsego experience all four seasons, with warm summers reaching up to 83°F and cold winters dipping to 17°F. The city receives about 36.8 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine nearly half the year. These weather patterns provide a classic Midwest climate ideal for those who appreciate seasonal changes.
Winter
Min:
17°F
Max:
32°F
Spring
Min:
36°F
Max:
62°F
Summer
Min:
59°F
Max:
83°F
Fall
Min:
41°F
Max:
65°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
36.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
48%
Neighbors
Otsego’s households typically earn a median income of $61,400, with a family income averaging $74,200 and a poverty rate of 10.6%. Most adults have at least a high school education, and commute times average about 25 minutes. The neighborhood offers a friendly, community-oriented vibe with accessible amenities and low public transport usage.
Median Income:
$34,800
Household Income:
$61,400
Family Income:
$74,200
Per Capita Income:
$28,900
Income Male:
$41,800
Income Female:
$32,600
Poverty Rate:
10.6%
Non English Speakers:
2.5%
Rent:
$900
Unemployment Rate:
4.9%
Public Transport Usage:
0.7%
Commute Time:
24.7 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
91.6%
Bachelors or More:
21.4%
Education
How are the schools in Otsego, MI?
Otsego offers quality local education with public schools like Otsego High School and Otsego Middle School, both known for supportive learning environments and manageable class sizes. For higher education, residents are just a short drive from Kalamazoo Valley Community College and Western Michigan University. Private education options, such as St. Margaret Catholic School, are also available for families seeking alternative schooling.
Public Schools
Name:
Otsego High School
Street:
550 Washington St
Phone:
269-692-6248
Students:
680
Student Teacher Ratio:
21:1
Name:
Otsego Middle School
Street:
540 Washington St
Phone:
269-692-6199
Students:
480
Student Teacher Ratio:
19:1
Private Schools
Name:
St. Margaret Catholic School
Street:
766 S. Farmer St
Phone:
269-694-2951
Students:
120
Colleges
Name:
Kalamazoo Valley Community College
City:
Kalamazoo
State:
MI
Distance:
15 miles
Students:
7,100
Name:
Western Michigan University
City:
Kalamazoo
State:
MI
Distance:
17 miles
Students:
18,000
Healthcare
Residents benefit from convenient access to major hospitals in nearby Kalamazoo, such as Bronson Methodist and Ascension Borgess, both offering emergency services. Otsego boasts a high health insurance coverage rate of 93.7% and a healthcare index of 77.2. With 2 physicians per 1,000 people, quality medical care is readily available.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Bronson Methodist Hospital
Address:
601 John St, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Phone:
(269) 341-7654
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Ascension Borgess Hospital
Address:
1521 Gull Rd, Kalamazoo, MI 49048
Phone:
(269) 226-7000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.0
Health Insurance Coverage:
93.7%
Health Care Index:
77.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Otsego, MI?
Otsego’s housing market is stable and affordable, with a median home price of $184,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $900. The majority of homes are owner-occupied, and the area is seeing steady appreciation rates, making it attractive for both renters and buyers. Low vacancy and foreclosure rates indicate a healthy, competitive market.
Median Home Price:
$184,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$900
Owner Occupied Rate:
68.1%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.6%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.1%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Vehicle registration and licensing services for Otsego residents are managed through the Michigan Secretary of State office in nearby Kalamazoo. The office provides a full range of DMV services, and more information is available on the official Michigan government website. Residents can expect straightforward access for all driving and vehicle needs.
State:
Michigan
Department:
Michigan Secretary of State
Address:
329 S. Burdick Street, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Phone:
1-888-767-6424
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.