Otter Tail
Minnesota

What stands out

What stands out about Otter Tail County: the average temperature is in the bottom 4% of American counties (43°F), the school test score is in the top 8% of American counties (3.41 where 3.0 is grade level), and life expectancy is in the top 11% of American counties (79.6 years). Within Minnesota it ranks 25th of 87 counties for the average temperature, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Otter Tail County, Minnesota. 60,072 people live here with you. The population held steady at 0.1% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +196).

Minnesota has a graduated income tax that reaches 9.85%, taxes Social Security above income thresholds, and has an estate tax with a $3 million exemption. In exchange it ranks near the top in health outcomes, school results and household income, and the Twin Cities metro holds more Fortune 500 headquarters per capita than any other. Winters are long and cold.

Money

The typical household here brings in $67,990 a year, higher than 70% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $52,013. Unemployment runs 3.0%, lower than 65% of American counties. 10% of workers work from home.

Minnesota takes 6.1% of that median income in state income tax, about $4,140 a year.

Home

The median home costs $332K, pricier than 76% of American counties, about 2.7 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $835 a month. Property tax is 0.80% of home value, roughly $1,875 a year on that median home, lower than 55% of American counties. 80% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 3.2 per 1,000 residents, lower than 83% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 9 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 79.6 years, longer than 89% of American counties. There are 84 active physicians in the county, about 14.0 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 3.5 of 5 stars. 7.1% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 3.33 where 3.0 is national grade level, higher than 92% of American counties. 93% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 19 points. 81% of eligible voters turned out. Under Minnesota law you can get a concealed-carry permit on request, abortion is protected by state law, and marijuana is legal for adults.

Weather and risk

The year averages 43°F, highs near 53 and lows near 32, colder than 96% of American counties. About 26 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 63 out of 100, riskier than 63% of American counties; the county has had 17 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 124 Mbps down, slower than 80% of American counties. There are 8 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 1.0 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people, 2 breweries, 4 museums.