Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Otter Lake, IN
Thinking of settling in Otter Lake, IN? With a small, close-knit population of around 1,200, Otter Lake offers affordable living—median home prices are just $175,000 and average rent is $825. Residents enjoy low crime rates, friendly commutes averaging 27 minutes, and a peaceful lakeside setting. The town is served by well-rated local schools, reliable healthcare nearby, and plenty of sunny days to enjoy the outdoors. If you’re looking for a relaxed, budget-friendly lifestyle in Indiana, Otter Lake could be your perfect fit.
Demographics - Otter Lake, IN
Demographics - Otter Lake, IN
Otter Lake is a small, close-knit community of about 1,200 people, with a median age of 48.7, making it ideal for those seeking a peaceful, mature environment. The population is predominantly White, and the area maintains a balanced gender ratio and a low proportion of non-English speakers, contributing to its friendly and familiar atmosphere.
Population:
1,200
Density:
150 per sq mi
Median Age:
48.7
Gender Ratio:
102 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
95.2%
Black:
0.6%
Asian:
0.5%
Others:
3.7%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Otter Lake, IN?
Living in Otter Lake is budget-friendly, with a cost of living index of 83.5—well below the national average. Median home values are around $175,000 and average rents are $825, making housing especially accessible for new residents.
Median House Value:
$175,000
Gross Rent:
$825
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$950
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,120
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$450
State Taxes:
Low:
3.23%
|
High:
5.75%
Cost Of Living Index:
83.5
Grocery:
92.1
Housing:
74.5
Utilities:
102.4
Transportation:
88.7
Health Care:
95.2
Miscellaneous:
91.3
Crime
Is Otter Lake, IN a safe place to live?
Otter Lake enjoys a relatively low crime rate, with violent crimes occurring at 112 incidents per 100,000 people and property crimes at 1,040 per 100,000. Residents have a low chance of encountering violent crime, supporting a sense of safety in this small town.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
112
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,040
Crime Index:
1,152
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 900
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 96
Weather
What is the weather like in Otter Lake, IN year-round?
Residents experience four distinct seasons, with mild summers reaching 83°F and chilly winters dipping to 17°F. The area receives about 39 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine 56% of the year, perfect for outdoor activities around the lake.
Winter
Min:
17°F
Max:
33°F
Spring
Min:
38°F
Max:
63°F
Summer
Min:
61°F
Max:
83°F
Fall
Min:
41°F
Max:
65°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
38.6 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
56%
Neighbors
The community has a median household income of $53,000 and a poverty rate of 11.4%, reflecting modest but stable economic conditions. Most residents commute around 27 minutes to work, and the area boasts a high school graduation rate of nearly 88%.
Median Income:
$34,500
Household Income:
$53,000
Family Income:
$62,000
Per Capita Income:
$27,900
Income Male:
$40,000
Income Female:
$29,000
Poverty Rate:
11.4%
Non English Speakers:
2.5%
Rent:
$825
Unemployment Rate:
4.2%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
27.3 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
87.9%
Bachelors or More:
18.4%
Education
How are the schools in Otter Lake, IN?
Local families benefit from well-rated public schools with student-teacher ratios around 16:1, and older students have access to nearby colleges like Trine University and Indiana Tech within easy driving distance. Education attainment is solid, with nearly 88% of adults holding a high school diploma.
Public Schools
Name:
Prairie Heights Elementary School
Street:
305 S CR 1150 E, LaGrange, IN 46761
Phone:
260-351-2039
Students:
470
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.1
Name:
Prairie Heights Middle School
Street:
0390 S 1150 E, LaGrange, IN 46761
Phone:
260-351-2039
Students:
390
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.2
Colleges
Name:
Trine University
City:
Angola
State:
IN
Distance:
17 miles
Students:
5,000
Name:
Indiana Tech
City:
Fort Wayne
State:
IN
Distance:
33 miles
Students:
9,000
Healthcare
Healthcare access is reliable, with Parkview Noble Hospital nearby and a physician availability of 1.7 per 1,000 residents. Most people have health insurance, and the community is supported by essential medical services with emergency care close at hand.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Parkview Noble Hospital
Address:
401 Sawyer Rd, Kendallville, IN 46755
Phone:
(260) 347-1000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.6%
Health Care Index:
65.7
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Otter Lake, IN?
Otter Lake's housing market is affordable, with a median home price of $175,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate of 83.5%. Home values have appreciated by 4.2% over the past year, signaling a stable and appealing market for buyers.
Median Home Price:
$175,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$825
Owner Occupied Rate:
83.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Residents are served by the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles, which offers comprehensive licensing and registration services both online and at its Indianapolis office. Assistance is readily available via phone or through the state BMV website.
State:
Indiana
Department:
Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Address:
100 N Senate Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone:
1-888-692-6841
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.