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

Total population
379
-2.1% year-over-year change
Median household income
$42,969/yr
-1.8% year-over-year change
Housing units
300
-2.6% year-over-year change

Otter Lake population

How many people live in Otter Lake

Otter Lake is home to 379 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.1% of Otter Lake locals are male, and 50.9% are female.

Total population
379
-2.1% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.1%
186
Female
50.9%
193
Value Percent YoY change
Male 186 49.1% 3.3%
Female 193 50.9% -6.8%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Otter Lake is 54, with the population distributed as follows: about 5% are children under 15, then 12.4% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 21.1% of the population, while another 30.9% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 30.6% are 65 or older.

Median age
53.9
Age breakdown
Under 15
5%
15 to 24
12.4%
25 to 44
21.1%
45 to 64
30.9%
Over 65
30.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 19 5% -38.7%
15 to 24 47 12.4% 2.2%
25 to 44 80 21.1% 15.9%
45 to 64 117 30.9% -13.3%
Over 65 116 30.6% 9.4%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

At the same time, 0.8% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 95.5% of locals are Caucasian, 0.3% are African American and 1.6% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 2.6% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
99.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0%
Non-citizens
0.8%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 376 99.2% -2.1%
Non-citizens 3 0.8% 0.0%
Racial breakdown
White
95.5%
Black or African American
0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
1.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
2.6%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 362 95.5%
Black or African American 1 0.3%
Asian 6 1.6%
Two or more races 10 2.6%

Households in Otter Lake

A peek inside Otter Lake households

Otter Lake has 179 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 48% are families, while the remaining 52% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
179
-4.8% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
93
Family households
86
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 93 52% -2.1%
Family households 86 48% -7.5%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Otter Lake

The housing landscape of Otter Lake

Otter Lake's housing consists of 300 units, with 64.7% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 0.3% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 1% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
300
-2.6% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 194 64.7%
1 unit, attached 1 0.3%
2 units 100 33.3%
3 or 4 units 2 0.7%
Mobile home 3 1%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Otter Lake

In Otter Lake, the median construction year is 1938. About 54.3% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 7% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 163 54.3% -8.4%
Built between 1940 and 1949 21 7% 50.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 32 10.7% 3.2%
Built between 1960 and 1969 14 4.7% -6.7%
Built between 1970 and 1979 15 5% -31.8%
Built between 1980 and 1989 19 6.3% 58.3%
Built between 1990 and 1999 32 10.7% 3.2%
Built between 2000 and 2009 4 1.3% -20.0%
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

Out of the 179 occupied housing units in Otter Lake, 91.6% are owner-occupied, while 8.4% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 40.3% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
179
-4.8% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
15
Owner occupied
164
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 15 8.4% -11.8%
Owner occupied 164 91.6% -4.1%
Unoccupied housing units
40.3%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Otter Lake housing costs

Housing costs in Otter Lake come to a median of $641 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,292.

Median housing costs per month
$641/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Otter Lake
$1,292/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Otter Lake

Otter Lake education at a glance

About 61% of the population in Otter Lake went to high school, while 21.8% pursued college studies. Another 9.3% earned an associate degree and 2.9% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 2.6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 8 2.3% 14.3%
High school diploma 210 61% 5.5%
College diploma 75 21.8% 5.6%
Associate degree 32 9.3% -3.0%
Bachelor's degree 10 2.9% -23.1%
Graduate degree 9 2.6% -43.8%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Otter Lake

How much people earn in Otter Lake

The average annual household income in Otter Lake was $60,375 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -2.2% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $42,969, reflecting a -1.8% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Otter Lake
$60,375/year
-2.2% year-over-year change
Median household income in Otter Lake
$42,969/year
-1.8% year-over-year change

Otter Lake income by age

In Otter Lake, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $43,750. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $80,625 overall. Overall, 85.1% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $43,750 -50.4%
45 - 64 $80,625 36.0%
Over 65 $36,897 1.7%
Above poverty level
320
Below poverty level
56
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 320 85.1% -6.4%
Below poverty level 56 14.9% 33.3%

Average renter income in Otter Lake

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Otter Lake, their median household income was $56,250 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 27.6%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$56,250
Rent-to-income ratio
27.6%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Otter Lake

Workforce and job types in Otter Lake

The job market in Otter Lake is powered by 166 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 63.9% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 36.1% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 1.8% run their own businesses, 89.2% are employed by private companies, and 6% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
166
-10.3% year-over-year change
White collar
106
Blue collar
60
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 106 63.9% -15.2%
Blue collar 60 36.1% 0.0%
Employer type
Self employees
1.8%
Private companies
89.2%
Governmental workers
6%
Not for profit companies
3%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 3 1.8% 0.0%
Private companies 148 89.2% -5.1%
Governmental workers 10 6% -41.2%
Not for profit companies 5 3% -44.4%
Unemployment rate
6.7%
-7.7% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Otter Lake stands at 6.7%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Otter Lake

How people get around in Otter Lake

Commuting methods vary: 88.3% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.6% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 143 88.3% -10.1%
Taxicab 2 1.2% N/A
Walk 1 0.6% 0.0%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Otter Lake by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
48464 2,152 855 $81,417 $104,114

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FAQs about Otter Lake demographics 

What is the total population of Otter Lake?

Otter Lake has a total population of 379 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by -2.1% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Otter Lake?

The gender ratio in Otter Lake is as follows:
  • 49.1% males (186 residents)
  • 50.9% females (193 residents)

What is the median age in Otter Lake?

The median age in Otter Lake is 53.9.

What is the age distribution of the population in Otter Lake?

The age distribution in Otter Lake is as follows:
  • Under 15: 5% (19 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.4% (47 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 21.1% (80 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 30.9% (117 residents)
  • Over 65: 30.6% (116 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Otter Lake?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Otter Lake is as follows:
  • White: 95.5% (362 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.3% (1 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 1.6% (6 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 2.6% (10 residents)
  • Other: 0% (0 residents)

What percentage of the population in Otter Lake are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 99.2% of the population in Otter Lake.

How many housing units are there in Otter Lake?

There are 300 housing units in Otter Lake, reflecting a -2.6% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Otter Lake and what is the average household size?

Otter Lake has a total of 179 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Otter Lake?

Otter Lake has a median household income of $42,969, representing a -1.8% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Otter Lake?

The employment rate is 93.3% in Otter Lake, with a workforce of 166 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 63.9% (106 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 36.1% (60 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 1.8% (3 residents)
  • Private companies: 89.2% (148 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 6% (10 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 3% (5 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025