countyscore
51.7
County Score
Soil Quality 77.9Health 76.1Income & Jobs 68.7

County Report Card

About Otter Tail County, Minnesota

Otter Tail Edges Above National Median

Otter Tail County earns a composite score of 51.7, placing it just ahead of the national median of 50.0. It offers a slightly better-than-average livability profile compared to the rest of the country.

Competing Within the State of Minnesota

The county ranks just below the Minnesota state average of 55.8. It remains a competitive choice within the state, even if it doesn't lead the pack in overall scores.

Strong Health and Favorable Taxes

A health score of 76.1 and a tax score of 55.2 are the county's primary assets. An effective tax rate of 0.779% is one of the more attractive rates among the counties in this group.

Environmental and Water Infrastructure Gaps

Low scores in water (12.0) and risk (20.6) highlight significant areas for improvement. Additionally, the school score of 33.9 suggests the county's education system faces challenges.

Best for Retirees or Tax-Conscious Earners

Otter Tail County is well-suited for those who value low property taxes and good health outcomes. It appeals to residents who are less concerned about school rankings or environmental risks.

Score breakdown

Tax55.2Cost46.4Safety57.9Health76.1Schools33.9Income68.7Risk20.6Water12Weather47.6
🏛55.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠46.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼68.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡57.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤76.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓33.9
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡20.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧12
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤47.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨77.9
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱55.5
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

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62.5
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Douglas County
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Grant County
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Clay County
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Deep Dives

Otter Tail County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Otter Tail County

via TaxByCounty

Otter Tail County offers favorable tax rates

Otter Tail County's effective tax rate of 0.779% ranks well below the national median, placing it in the lowest 15% of U.S. counties for property tax burden. The median tax bill of $1,966 is $724 below the national median, making Otter Tail a tax-friendly haven for homeowners.

Below-average taxes for Minnesota

Otter Tail County's 0.779% rate sits comfortably below Minnesota's 0.968% average, ranking it among the state's most tax-efficient counties. The median tax of $1,966 falls below the state median of $2,168, delivering relief despite homes valued near the state average.

Second-lowest rate in the region

Otter Tail County's 0.779% rate trails only Murray County (0.765%) and beats all other regional peers, including Morrison County (0.909%) and Norman County (0.988%). West-central Minnesota's clear tax advantage lies here.

What Otter Tail homeowners actually pay

A median Otter Tail County home valued at $252,500 generates an annual tax bill of approximately $1,966. Homeowners with mortgages pay $1,936, while outright owners pay $2,006—a modest $70 difference reflecting minimal tax credit variation.

Check your assessment anyway

Even in a tax-friendly county like Otter Tail, overassessments occur and cost homeowners real money. Filing a free assessment appeal could provide additional savings on an already favorable tax situation.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Otter Tail County

via CostByCounty

Otter Tail splits the affordability difference

Otter Tail County's 13.6% rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below the national average, though its $805 monthly rent reflects moderate rather than bargain-basement costs. With median household income of $70,912—roughly $4,000 below the national $74,755—residents here achieve decent affordability without extraordinary savings.

Solid middle ground in Minnesota

Otter Tail County's 13.6% rent-to-income ratio outperforms Minnesota's 14.5% state average, placing it firmly in the state's more affordable tier despite $805 monthly rents slightly below the state's $915 average. This middle-of-the-road positioning reflects a balanced county market.

Moderate costs for mid-range incomes

Otter Tail's $805 rent falls between the bargain options (Norman at $752, Murray at $768) and premium markets (Nicollet at $931, Olmsted at $1,283), positioning it as a reasonable middle ground. However, its $252,500 median home value rivals Nicollet's for the region's priciest ownership costs.

Higher ownership costs than rent burden

Otter Tail renters spend 13.6% of income on $805 monthly housing, while owners allocate roughly 16.8% to mortgages on homes averaging $252,500. The county offers better renting proportions, though absolute ownership costs approach Nicollet County levels, suggesting homebuyers should carefully evaluate their income fit.

Balanced option with high home values

Otter Tail County delivers moderate rents ($805, 13.6% burden) with a $70,912 median income, making it reasonable for renters willing to accept mid-range costs. However, its $252,500 median home value and $997 monthly ownership costs suggest homebuyers compare with cheaper markets like Mower County ($172,000 homes) or less pricey renting options like Norman County.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Otter Tail County

via IncomeByCounty

Otter Tail County near national baseline

Otter Tail County's median household income of $70,912 sits about 5.1% below the national median of $74,755, placing it slightly below U.S. norms. The county's mixed economy of manufacturing, agriculture, and services provides moderate but not premium wages.

Slightly below Minnesota average

At $70,912, Otter Tail County ranks below the state average of $75,757 but holds a solid middle position among Minnesota's 87 counties. The per capita income of $38,723 trails the state average of $39,335 by a small margin.

Moderate income among rural peers

Otter Tail County's $70,912 income places it between Morrison ($68,640) and Nicollet ($80,362) counties regionally, reflecting a typical rural Minnesota wage base. The county's diverse economic base slightly outperforms pure farming communities but trails college-town Nicollet.

Housing costs moderate and balanced

Otter Tail County's rent-to-income ratio of 13.6% indicates healthy housing affordability, and the median home value of $252,500 aligns reasonably with local incomes. The balance between income and housing costs remains sustainable for working families and aspiring homebuyers.

Solid foundation for long-term planning

With near-national-average income and moderate housing costs, Otter Tail County households have room in their budgets for consistent saving and investing. Regular contributions to retirement accounts and strategic home equity building create a pathway to meaningful wealth accumulation.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Otter Tail County

via CrimeByCounty

Reliable Safety in Otter Tail

Otter Tail County secures a safety score of 98.5, performing very well against national metrics. The total crime rate of 967.2 per 100K is far below the national average of 2,385.5.

Leading the State in Transparency

Exceeding the Minnesota average safety score of 98.2, Otter Tail is a safe haven for residents. Its nine reporting agencies contribute to a comprehensive and transparent view of local safety.

Regional Comparative Analysis

While safer than Mower County, Otter Tail has a higher crime rate than Norman County’s ultra-low 263.3. It balances a higher population with a very strong safety record.

Crime Metrics and Realities

Property crime accounts for 844.0 incidents per 100K, while violent crime remains low at 123.2. Both figures stay below the state and national averages, indicating a secure community.

Monitoring Seasonal and Main Homes

Residents can maintain this safety by ensuring their homes and seasonal properties are properly secured. Using motion-activated cameras is a smart way to monitor property year-round.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Otter Tail County

via HealthByCounty

Otter Tail County slightly exceeds U.S. average

At 78.9 years, Otter Tail County residents live nearly a year less than the U.S. average of 80.2 years, though 17.4% report poor or fair health—above national averages. These metrics suggest moderate health challenges despite a reasonably engaged population.

Otter Tail slightly outpaces Minnesota average

At 78.9 years life expectancy, Otter Tail County marginally exceeds Minnesota's 78.7-year state average, ranking it in the middle tier of state counties. The 6.6% uninsured rate slightly exceeds the state average of 6.0%, indicating modest coverage gaps.

Otter Tail mid-tier among regional peers

Otter Tail County's 78.9-year life expectancy ranks above Norman County (77.5 years) and Morrison County (78.3 years), but below higher-performing Mower County (78.8 years). The 6.6% uninsured rate falls between better-performing neighbors like Morrison County (5.4%) and higher-challenged peers like Mower (7.2%).

Solid primary and mental health provider access

Otter Tail County offers 53 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, providing reasonable general medical access across the county. Mental health support is robust at 162 providers per 100K, offering residents solid behavioral health options.

Otter Tail County: expand coverage reach

With 6.6% of residents uninsured, Otter Tail County has room to improve coverage access and close care gaps. Visit MNsure.org to explore affordable plans and connect uninsured neighbors with healthcare options.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Otter Tail County

via SchoolsByCounty

Vast School Network in Lake Country

Otter Tail County manages 33 public schools serving a large student body of 8,224. The infrastructure is spread across nine districts, featuring 12 elementary schools and 13 high schools to support its wide geographic area.

Steady Progress Across the County

The county reports an 81.5% graduation rate and a school composite score of 50.4. While per-pupil spending of $7,627 is lower than the state average, the districts provide a reliable foundation for thousands of students.

Fergus Falls and Perham Lead the Way

Fergus Falls Public School District is the largest, with 2,938 students and 10 schools. Perham-Dent Public School District also plays a major role with 1,632 students, and currently, no charter schools operate within the county.

A Perfect Mix of Town and Rural Schools

The county is evenly split between 17 town and 16 rural schools, maintaining an average enrollment of 284 students. Kennedy Middle School in Fergus Falls is the largest facility, hosting 769 students in a modern town setting.

Find Your Home in Fergus Falls or Perham

Home buyers in Otter Tail County benefit from established school districts that are deeply integrated into the local towns. Explore properties in Fergus Falls for the widest range of school levels and extracurricular opportunities.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Otter Tail County

via RiskByCounty

Otter Tail faces elevated national risk

Otter Tail County's composite risk score of 79.39 places it in the "Relatively Low" rating but well above the national average. The county's exposure to flooding (83.43), tornadoes (84.16), and wildfire (79.33) makes it one of the nation's more hazard-prone regions.

Among Minnesota's highest-risk counties

At 79.39, Otter Tail County ranks in the top tier statewide, nearly doubling Minnesota's average of 42.38. Only a handful of counties in the state exceed this risk profile.

Significantly riskier than surrounding areas

Otter Tail County faces notably higher risk than neighboring Grant, Douglas, and Pope counties. Its combined flood, tornado, and wildfire exposure is exceptional in the region, positioning it as a hazard concentration area.

Tornadoes, floods, and wildfires all significant

Otter Tail County residents face exceptional tornado risk at 84.16, flood risk at 83.43, and wildfire risk at 79.33—all substantially above state averages. This triple-threat hazard profile requires multi-layered preparedness and protection strategies.

Comprehensive coverage and shelter critical

Otter Tail County residents should maintain flood insurance, wildfire-resistant landscaping, and a designated storm shelter for tornado season. Review homeowners insurance annually to ensure it covers wind, water, and fire damage, and keep emergency supplies accessible year-round.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Otter Tail County

via WeatherByCounty

A Northern Lake Country Climate

Otter Tail averages 40.9°F, roughly 11 degrees cooler than the national median. The climate is defined by its numerous lakes and northern geography.

Below the Minnesota Temperature Average

The county falls nearly two degrees below the state average of 42.8°F. It represents the transition from the prairie to the northern woods.

High Snowfall for the Region

With 26.7 inches of precipitation, it is drier than the state average. However, it receives 49.8 inches of snow, much more than southern Nicollet.

Long Winters and Pleasant Summers

Winter is long with a 11.9°F average, while summers remain cool with only 5 days over 90°F. July temperatures average a pleasant 69.6°F.

Insulating Against Winter Extremes

Prepare for heavy lake-effect snow with robust winter gear. Homes need excellent insulation to combat the 8.1°F average in January.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Otter Tail County

via SoilByCounty

Otter Tail's Ideal pH Balance

Otter Tail County’s soil pH of 6.55 is almost exactly the national median, providing an ideal chemical environment for most plants. This balance is a key reason the county maintains a high soil score of 77.9.

Light and Easy Sandy Loam

The soil is 50.3% sand and 31.3% silt, resulting in a lighter, more permeable texture that is easy to till. A clay content of 15.3% provides just enough structure to prevent the soil from being too loose.

High Carbon Offsets Sandy Mix

Organic matter is quite high at 7.70%, which is triple the national average and helps offset the sandy texture. This results in an available water capacity of 0.180 in/in, keeping the land productive.

Well-Aerated Ground for Gardens

While drainage class data is missing, the high sand percentage implies that water likely moves through the soil quite quickly. This keeps the ground well-aerated, though it may require more frequent watering during dry spells.

Root Vegetable Paradise in Zone 4a

Located in Hardiness Zone 4a, this county is perfect for growing snap peas and potatoes in its sandy-loam soil. With a soil score well above the state average, your gardening efforts are sure to be rewarded.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Otter Tail County

via LawnByCounty

Otter Tail's Challenging Turf Environment

With a 55.5 lawn difficulty score, Otter Tail County is one of the more challenging areas in Minnesota for lawn maintenance. Its Zone 4a climate and lower-than-average precipitation require a more hands-on approach from homeowners.

Cooler Temps and Limited Rainfall

The county receives 26.7 inches of rain annually, which is below the 30.0-inch state average. Low heat days (5 per year) mean less evaporation, but also reflect the lower growing degree days of 2164 for the region.

Sandy Soils Require Frequent Watering

A high sand content of 50.3% means the soil drains rapidly and struggles to hold onto nutrients. While the pH of 6.55 is ideal, you will likely need to fertilize more frequently but in smaller amounts to prevent runoff.

Recovering from Significant Drought

The county endured a staggering 39 weeks of drought over the past year, though only 51.1% of the area is currently abnormally dry. Because the soil is so sandy, it is critical to use drought-resistant grass seed to survive these long dry periods.

Hardy Seeding for Zone 4a

Select hardy, drought-tolerant species like Sheep Fescue or Kentucky Bluegrass. The growing season typically begins after the May 5 spring frost and concludes by the October 5 fall frost.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Otter Tail County's county score?
Otter Tail County, Minnesota has a composite county score of 51.7 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Otter Tail County rank among counties in Minnesota?
Otter Tail County ranks #54 among all counties in Minnesota on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Otter Tail County, Minnesota?
The median annual property tax in Otter Tail County is $1,966, with an effective tax rate of 0.78%. This earns Otter Tail County a tax score of 55.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Otter Tail County?
The median household income in Otter Tail County, Minnesota is $70,912 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Otter Tail County earns an income score of 68.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Otter Tail County, Minnesota a good place to live?
Otter Tail County scores 51.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #54 in Minnesota. The best way to evaluate Otter Tail County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Otter Tail County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.