Minnesota / Otter Tail County

Moving to Ottertail, MN

Thinking of making a move to Ottertail, MN? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

  • 100% Free Moving Quotes
  • No Obligation
  • Vetted & Licensed Movers
  • Secure & Private
Plan smarter before requesting quotes. Use local costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, and DMV details below to compare Ottertail before you move.

Moving Help for Your Ottertail, MN Relocation

After you review the local facts on this page, use the service links below to compare quote options for the type of Ottertail move you are planning, including local, long-distance, apartment, piano, small, and budget-conscious moves.

Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Ottertail, MN

Considering a move to Ottertail, MN? This welcoming community of 450 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $285,000 and average rents near $1,050. Commute times average 20 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (53% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Ottertail's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Ottertail, MN

Ottertail has a population of 450 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 55 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 97% White, 0% Black, and 1% Asian residents, and over 2% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
450
Density
650 per sq mi
Median Age
54.8
Gender Ratio
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
2.1%

Ethnic Composition

White
96.8%
Black
0.4%
Asian
0.6%
Others
2.2%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Ottertail, MN?

The cost of living in Ottertail is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 93.4. Median home values are around $285,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,050. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$285,000
Gross Rent
$1,050
Monthly Electricity Charges
$130
Auto Insurance
$1,420
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$1,720
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$640
State Taxes
Low: 5.35%| High: 9.85%
Cost Of Living Index
93.4
Grocery
96.2
Housing
86.8
Utilities
101.5
Transportation
92.1
Health Care
98.0
Miscellaneous
94.7

Crime

Is Ottertail, MN a safe place to live?

Ottertail is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 110 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 102. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in Minnesota.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
110
Property Crimes Per 100k
980
Crime Index
1,090
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 909
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 102

Weather

What is the weather like in Ottertail, MN year-round?

Ottertail experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 81°F and cold winters dipping to 5°F. The area receives about 26 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 53% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
-5°F
Max
22°F

Summer

Min
58°F
Max
81°F

Spring

Min
35°F
Max
60°F

Fall

Min
38°F
Max
63°F
Average Rainfall Inches
25.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
53%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $71,500 and a low poverty rate of 8.9%. Over 94% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 21% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 20 minutes, and almost 1% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$44,000
Household Income
$71,500
Family Income
$86,000
Per Capita Income
$31,500
Income Male
$47,000
Income Female
$36,000
Poverty Rate
8.9%
Non English Speakers
3.8%
Rent
$1,050
Unemployment Rate
4.1%
Public Transport Usage
0.6%
Commute Time
19.8 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
93.8%
Bachelors or More
20.6%

Education

How are the schools in Ottertail, MN?

Ottertail offers quality education options, with public schools like Ottertail Central School and Battle Lake Secondary known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Minnesota State Community and Technical College and Alexandria Technical & Community College. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Ottertail Central School
Street
100 School St
Phone
218-555-0142
Students
180
Student Teacher Ratio
12.4
Name
Battle Lake Secondary
Street
402 Summit St W
Phone
218-555-0187
Students
220
Student Teacher Ratio
13.1

Private Schools

Name
Park Region Christian School
Street
200 Main St E
Phone
218-555-0118
Students
75

Colleges

Name
Minnesota State Community and Technical College
City
Fergus Falls
State
MN
Distance
20 miles
Students
5,000
Name
Alexandria Technical & Community College
City
Alexandria
State
MN
Distance
38 miles
Students
2,400

Healthcare

Ottertail residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Perham Health and Lake Region Healthcare Hospital nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 1.8 per 1,000 people and 95.1% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
Perham Health
Address
1000 Coney St W, Perham, MN 56573
Phone
(218) 347-1200
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
Lake Region Healthcare Hospital
Address
712 S Cascade St, Fergus Falls, MN 56537
Phone
(218) 736-8000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
1.8
Health Insurance Coverage
95.1%
Health Care Index
69.4

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Ottertail, MN?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $285,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 81%. The market has seen a 3.6% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 7.2%. Ottertail offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$285,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,050
Owner Occupied Rate
81.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate
7.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
3.6%
New Construction Rate
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate
0.3%

DMV Information

Residents of Ottertail handle vehicle services through the Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services, conveniently located in St. Paul. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
Minnesota
Department
Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services
Address
445 Minnesota St, St. Paul, MN 55101
Phone
1-651-297-2126

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.

FAQs About Moving to Ottertail, MN

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Ottertail, review the core fields on this page: population 450, median home value $285,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,050, commute time 19.8 minutes, and sunny days percentage 53%.

Ready to Move to Ottertail, MN?

When your relocation research is done, request quote options and plan your move with confidence.

Get Free Moving Quotes