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.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Ottertail, MN

Considering a move to Ottertail, MN? This welcoming community of 629 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $257,000 and average rents near $930. Commute times average 22 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (57% 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 629 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 54 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 97% White, 0% Black, and 0% Asian residents, and over 3% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
629
Density
110 per sq mi
Median Age
54.2
Gender Ratio
101 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
2.7%

Ethnic Composition

White
97.1%
Black
0.3%
Asian
0.2%
Others
2.4%

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 89.5. Median home values are around $257,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $930. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$257,000
Gross Rent
$930
Monthly Electricity Charges
$110
Auto Insurance
$940
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$1,350
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$480
State Taxes
Low: 5.35%| High: 9.85%
Cost Of Living Index
89.5
Grocery
95.6
Housing
83.1
Utilities
98.2
Transportation
92.3
Health Care
97.7
Miscellaneous
94.2

Crime

Is Ottertail, MN a safe place to live?

Ottertail is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 57 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 93. 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
57
Property Crimes Per 100k
1,080
Crime Index
1,137
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 1,750
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 93

Weather

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

Ottertail experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 80°F and cold winters dipping to 0°F. The area receives about 27 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 57% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
0°F
Max
24°F

Summer

Min
55°F
Max
80°F

Spring

Min
32°F
Max
62°F

Fall

Min
30°F
Max
60°F
Average Rainfall Inches
26.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
57%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $63,500 and a low poverty rate of 8.5%. Over 92% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 23% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 22 minutes, and almost 0% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$34,800
Household Income
$63,500
Family Income
$74,000
Per Capita Income
$34,200
Income Male
$41,700
Income Female
$30,800
Poverty Rate
8.5%
Non English Speakers
2.7%
Rent
$930
Unemployment Rate
3.4%
Public Transport Usage
0.4%
Commute Time
21.8 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
92.1%
Bachelors or More
22.5%

Education

How are the schools in Ottertail, MN?

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

Public Schools

Name
Perham High School
Street
800 Coney St W, Perham, MN 56573
Phone
218-346-6500
Students
500
Student Teacher Ratio
15.9
Name
Prairie Wind Middle School
Street
480 Coney St N, Perham, MN 56573
Phone
218-346-6550
Students
450
Student Teacher Ratio
15.4

Private Schools

Name
St. Henry's Area School
Street
253 2nd Ave SW, Perham, MN 56573
Phone
218-346-6190
Students
100

Colleges

Name
Minnesota State Community & Technical College - Wadena
City
Wadena
State
MN
Distance
27 miles
Students
1,800

Healthcare

Ottertail residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Perham Health and Sanford Health Detroit Lakes Medical Center nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 1.8 per 1,000 people and 94.7% 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) 346-4500
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
Sanford Health Detroit Lakes Medical Center
Address
1027 Washington Ave, Detroit Lakes, MN 56501
Phone
(218) 846-2000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
1.8
Health Insurance Coverage
94.7%
Health Care Index
78.2

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Ottertail, MN?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $257,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 80%. The market has seen a 4.2% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 8.9%. Ottertail offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$257,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$930
Owner Occupied Rate
80.3%
Rental Vacancy Rate
8.9%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.2%
New Construction Rate
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate
0.2%

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, Suite 190, St. Paul, MN 55101
Phone
651-297-3298

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 629, median home value $257,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $930, commute time 21.8 minutes, and sunny days percentage 57%.

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