Otter Lake, QC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,041
1.4 % year-over-year change
Median household income
$49,600/yr
Private dwellings
1,134

Otter Lake population

How many people live in Otter Lake

Otter Lake is home to 1,041 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 51% identify as male and 49% as female.

Total population
1,041
1.4% year-over-year change
Population density
2.3/km2
Gender ratio
Male
51%
530
Female
49%
510
Value Percent
Male 530 51%
Female 510 49%
A larger population often brings more rental variety and a busier pace of life. The gender breakdown, namely the ratio of men to women in the area, offers clues about the community’s vibe and social landscape.

Age demographics

The average age in Otter Lake is 48.8. Children under 15 make up 13.9% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 7.2%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 9.1% are 25 to 34, 7.7% are 35 to 44, and 10.5% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 20.1% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 31.6%.

Average age
48.8
Age breakdown
Under 15
13.9%
15 to 24
7.2%
25 to 34
9.1%
35 to 44
7.7%
45 to 54
10.5%
55 to 64
20.1%
Over 65
31.6%
Value Percent
Under 15 145 13.9%
15 to 24 75 7.2%
25 to 34 95 9.1%
35 to 44 80 7.7%
45 to 54 110 10.5%
55 to 64 210 20.1%
Over 65 330 31.6%
Age distribution gives you a glimpse into who makes up the area. Younger communities might feel more energetic or student-friendly, while older ones tend to be calmer and more settled. A mix of age groups usually means a balance of parks, schools, healthcare, and other services for all walks of life.

Residence status

In Otter Lake, 96% of residents were born in Canada, while 3.5% have settled here from abroad.

Immigration status
Non-immigrants
96%
Immigrants
3.5%
Non-permanent residents
0%
Value Percent
Non-immigrants 965 96%
Immigrants 35 3.5%
Minority breakdown
Minorities
1%
Non-minorities
99%
Value Percent
Minorities 10 1%
Non-minorities 995 99%
Knowing how many people in the area are newcomers, temporary residents, or Canadian-born can give you a feel for how established or internationally connected a community is. It may also hint at the kind of services, food, and cultural touchpoints you’ll find nearby.
Languages used in Otter Lake
English
60.3%
French
38.8%
English and French
1%
Neither English nor French
0%
Value Percent
English 630 60.3%
French 405 38.8%
English and French 10 1%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 60.3% of people in Otter Lake speak English as their primary language, 38.8% communicate mainly in French, 1% are bilingual, and use other languages.

Language use shapes everything from signage to services. Whether you're looking for bilingual support or just curious about the local vibe, these stats give a quick peek at how people connect day-to-day.

Households in Otter Lake

A peek inside Otter Lake households

Otter Lake has 475 households, with an average of 2.1 people living in each. One-person households make up 40.4% of all homes, while 38.5% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 8.6%, and homes with four or more people account for 12.4% of the total.

Households stats

Total households
475
Average people per household
2.1
1 person
40.4%
2 persons
38.5%
3 persons
8.6%
4 persons
8.6%
5 or more persons
3.8%
Value Percent
1 person 210 40.4%
2 persons 200 38.5%
3 persons 45 8.6%
4 persons 45 8.6%
5 or more persons 20 3.8%
Household size can reveal a lot about how people live in the area. More one- and two-person homes might hint at a mix of young professionals or empty nesters, while larger households often reflect families or multi-generational setups. It’s a good indicator of the kinds of rentals and living spaces you'll find nearby.

Housing in Otter Lake

The housing landscape of Otter Lake

Otter Lake has a total of 1,134 private dwellings. When it comes to space, Otter Lake offers a variety of home sizes: 6% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 70% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 24.2% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings
1,134
Housing types
Single-detached homes
89.6%
Attached homes
9.4%
Apartments
0%
Movable homes
0.9%
Value Percent
Single-detached homes 475 89.6%
Attached homes 50 9.4%
Movable homes 5 0.9%
Housing size
1 or no bedrooms
6%
2 or 3 bedrooms
70%
4 or more bedrooms
24.2%
Value Percent
1 or no bedrooms 30 6%
2 or 3 bedrooms 330 70%
4 or more bedrooms 115 24.2%
Homes built since 2011
50

The age of buildings in Otter Lake

About 15.8% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 15.8% between 1946 and 1960. Another 11.6% went up in the 1960s, 16.8% in the 1970s, and 11.6% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 6.3% of homes were added, and 11.6% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent
Before 1945 75 15.8%
Between 1946 and 1960 75 15.8%
Between 1961 and 1970 55 11.6%
Between 1971 and 1980 80 16.8%
Between 1981 and 1990 55 11.6%
Between 1991 and 2000 30 6.3%
Between 2001 and 2010 55 11.6%
After 2011 50 10.5%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Otter Lake occupancy rates

In Otter Lake, there are 520 occupied private dwellings, of which 81.2% are owner-occupied and 18.8% are rented. Meanwhile, 614 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings
520
Occupancy breakdown
Rented households
18.8%
Owned households
81.2%
Value Percent
Rented households 90 18.8%
Owned households 390 81.2%
Unoccupied dwellings
614
Understanding whether homes are owned or rented gives insight into the housing market’s stability and flexibility. High ownership rates may point to longer-term residents and more stable neighbourhoods, while a greater share of rentals can indicate mobility, availability, or housing diversity. Vacancy levels can also hint at supply-and-demand dynamics for renters.

Shelter costs

In Otter Lake, homeowners pay a median of $476 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $560. About 84.2% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 15.8% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings
$476
Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings
$560
Income spent on housing
<30% on shelter
84.2%
≥30% on shelter
15.8%
Value Percent
<30% on shelter 400 84.2%
≥30% on shelter 75 15.8%
Shelter cost includes all monthly expenses tied to housing—like rent or mortgage, property taxes, utilities, and additional fees. Owners usually cover a wider range of costs, while renters typically just pay rent plus basic services. Comparing these numbers gives a clearer view of what living in the area actually costs, and whether households are stretched beyond the 30% affordability benchmark.

Education in Otter Lake

Otter Lake education at a glance

In Otter Lake, educational attainment varies across the community. About 40.8% of residents have no formal diploma, while 28.7% have completed high school and 13.2% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 12.1% have graduated from college.

Education level
Value Percent
No diploma 355 40.8%
High school diploma 250 28.7%
Apprenticeship diploma 115 13.2%
College diploma 105 12.1%
University degree 45 5.2%
Education levels give a snapshot of the local talent pool and job readiness. A strong share of college and university graduates can mean better access to skilled jobs, while trades and apprenticeship diplomas often support hands-on industries. For renters, these stats help paint a picture of the economic opportunities and workforce makeup in the area.

Income in Otter Lake

How much people earn in Otter Lake

In Otter Lake, the median household income sits at $49,600, while the median after-tax household income is $46,400.

Median household income
$49,600/year
Median after-tax household income
$46,400/year
Household income—especially after tax—offers one of the clearest indicators of how affordable a place might feel. It also helps renters understand earning power in the area, whether they're budgeting for rent or comparing communities with similar price tags. Local income trends can reveal whether the economy is growing, steady, or facing challenges.

Otter Lake income by age

Young adults in Otter Lake between 15 and 24 have a median income of $17,000, often reflecting part-time or early career work. For those aged 25 to 34, when many are advancing in their jobs, the figure rises to $36,000, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $46,400. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $40,800, followed by $31,000 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $24,200.

Income breakdown by age
Value
15 - 24 17,000
25 - 34 36,000
35 - 44 46,400
45 - 54 40,800
55 - 64 31,000
Over 65 24,200

Employment in Otter Lake

Workforce and job sectors in Otter Lake

In Otter Lake, 375 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 8%. The local economy spans a wide range of sectors. Notably, trades and transport, business, finance and administration, and sales and service employ the largest shares of the working population, shaping the city's job market.

Workforce demographics

Labour force
375
Unemployment rate
8%
Major job markets
Value Percent
Management 10 2.9%
Business, finance and administration 55 15.7%
Health 25 7.1%
Education, law, community and government services 35 10%
Sales and service 55 15.7%
Trades and transport 115 32.9%
Natural resources and agriculture 45 12.9%
Manufacturing and utilities 10 2.9%
Knowing what kinds of jobs dominate the area can help you understand local culture, income levels, and day-to-day rhythms. When looking for a community that suits your lifestyle, these labour stats offer helpful clues.

Transportation in Otter Lake

How people get around in Otter Lake

In Otter Lake, the average commute is 29 minutes. The remaining 10.9% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time
29 min
Travel time
Less than 15 minutes
31.5%
15 to 29 minutes
18.5%
30 to 44 minutes
27.8%
45 to 59 minutes
9.3%
More than 60 minutes
13%
Value Percent
Less than 15 minutes 85 31.5%
15 to 29 minutes 50 18.5%
30 to 44 minutes 75 27.8%
45 to 59 minutes 25 9.3%
More than 60 minutes 35 13%
Means of transportation
Value Percent
By car, truck or van 225 81.8%
By bicycle/by walking 20 7.3%
By other methods 30 10.9%
Commute trends hint at both the layout and vibe of a place. If most people drive or take transit, the area may be more spread out. Shorter commutes suggest convenient access to jobs, while longer ones may confirm the area’s low-density layout.

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FAQs about Otter Lake demographics 

What is the current total population in Otter Lake?

Otter Lake has a population of 1,041, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +1.4% change compared to the previous year. 

What is the population density of Otter Lake?  

Otter Lake has a population density of 2.3 people per square kilometre. 

What is the gender distribution in Otter Lake?

Otter Lake has the following gender distribution:
  • 51% males (530 residents)  
  • 49% females (510 residents)

What is the age distribution of Otter Lake residents?  

The age distribution of Otter Lake residents is as follows: 
  • Under 15: 13.9% (145 residents)   
  • 15-24: 7.2% (75 residents)   
  • 25-34: 9.1% (95 residents)   
  • 35-44: 7.7% (80 residents)   
  • 45-54: 10.5% (110 residents)   
  • 55-64: 20.1% (210 residents)   
  • Over 64: 31.6% (330 residents)  

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Otter Lake? 

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in Otter Lake: 
  • 96% non-immigrants (965 residents)  
  • 3.5% immigrants (35 residents)  
  • 0% non-permanent residents (0 residents)  

What are the primary languages spoken in Otter Lake?  

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in Otter Lake: 
  • English: 60.3% 
  • French: 38.8% 
  • English and French: 1% 
  • Neither English nor French: 0% 

What is the typical household size in Otter Lake?  

The typical household size in Otter Lake is 2.1 people. 

What is the median household income in Otter Lake?  

The median household income in Otter Lake is $49,600 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population. 

What is the educational attainment level of Otter Lake residents?  

The educational attainment breakdown in Otter Lake is as follows: 
  • No diploma: 40.8% (355 residents) 
  • High school diploma: 28.7% (250 residents) 
  • Apprenticeship diploma: 13.2% (115 residents) 
  • College diploma: 12.1% (105 residents) 
  • University diploma (below bachelor): 0% (0 residents) 
  • University degree: 5.2% (45 residents) 

What are the most common occupations in Otter Lake?  

The most common occupations in Otter Lake fall within the sectors listed below:
  • Art, culture, recreation and sport: 0% 
  • Business, finance and administration: 15.7% 
  • Education, law, community and government services: 10% 
  • Health: 7.1% 
  • Management: 2.9% 
  • Manufacturing and utilities: 2.9% 
  • Natural and applied sciences: 0% 
  • Natural resources and agriculture: 12.9% 
  • Sales and service: 15.7% 
  • Trades and transport: 32.9% 

Data source & methodology

Demographic data shown in this section was gathered from the latest census data from Statistics Canada (2021), with the total population figure reflecting the official 2024 population estimate.
Census aggregated data represented here is extracted from Data Tables, by topic, at the census subdivision area level.
Differences may be found between the totals of the various categories due to multiple variables.
The information is updated as soon as new data is made available. No representation, guarantee or warranty is made as to the accuracy or completeness of information.

Page last updated: September 2025