Ottertail, MN demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
490
0.0% year-over-year change
Median household income
$80,500/yr
-3.9% year-over-year change
Housing units
408
3.0% year-over-year change

Ottertail population

How many people live in Ottertail

Ottertail is home to 490 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 52.6% of Ottertail locals are male, and 47.4% are female.

Total population
490
0.0% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
52.6%
258
Female
47.4%
232
Value Percent YoY change
Male 258 52.6% -2.3%
Female 232 47.4% 2.6%
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 Ottertail is 56, with the population distributed as follows: about 13.9% are children under 15, then 6.7% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 12.6% of the population, while another 34.7% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 32% are 65 or older.

Median age
55.8
Age breakdown
Under 15
13.9%
15 to 24
6.7%
25 to 44
12.6%
45 to 64
34.7%
Over 65
32%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 68 13.9% 19.3%
15 to 24 33 6.7% 83.3%
25 to 44 62 12.6% -21.5%
45 to 64 170 34.7% -5.0%
Over 65 157 32% 0.0%
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

In Ottertail, 96.1% of the population are US-born citizens, while 2.2% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.6% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 2.9% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
96.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
2.2%
Non-citizens
1.6%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 471 96.1% -0.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 11 2.2% 37.5%
Non-citizens 8 1.6% 0.0%
Racial breakdown
White
92.9%
Black or African American
0.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
2.9%
Other
3.7%
Value Percent
White 455 92.9%
Black or African American 3 0.6%
Two or more races 14 2.9%
Other 18 3.7%

Households in Ottertail

A peek inside Ottertail households

Ottertail has 224 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 66.1% are families, while the remaining 33.9% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
224
-4.3% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
76
Family households
148
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 76 33.9% -7.3%
Family households 148 66.1% -2.6%
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 Ottertail

The housing landscape of Ottertail

Ottertail's housing consists of 408 units, with 82.6% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 4.9% 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 10.5% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
408
3.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 337 82.6%
1 unit, attached 20 4.9%
2 units 1 0.2%
3 or 4 units 7 1.7%
Mobile home 43 10.5%
Homes built since 2020
5
150.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Ottertail

In Ottertail, the median construction year is 1996. About 8.6% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 2.9% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 23% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 19.6% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.2% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 35 8.6% -10.3%
Built between 1940 and 1949 12 2.9% -7.7%
Built between 1950 and 1959 20 4.9% 5.3%
Built between 1960 and 1969 25 6.1% 66.7%
Built between 1970 and 1979 49 12% 22.5%
Built between 1980 and 1989 28 6.9% -22.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 60 14.7% 5.3%
Built between 2000 and 2009 94 23% -9.6%
Built between 2010 and 2019 80 19.6% 12.7%
Built in 2020 or later 5 1.2% 150.0%
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.

Ottertail occupancy rates

Out of the 224 occupied housing units in Ottertail, 89.7% are owner-occupied, while 10.3% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 45.1% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
224
-4.3% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
23
Owner occupied
201
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 23 10.3% -4.2%
Owner occupied 201 89.7% -4.3%
Unoccupied housing units
45.1%
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.

Ottertail housing costs

Housing costs in Ottertail come to a median of $1,028 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,150.

Median housing costs per month
$1,028/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 Ottertail
$1,150/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 Ottertail

Ottertail education at a glance

About 29.5% of the population in Ottertail went to high school, while 25.8% pursued college studies. Another 12.3% earned an associate degree and 18.9% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 11.6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 8 2% 0.0%
High school diploma 120 29.5% -9.8%
College diploma 105 25.8% 0.0%
Associate degree 50 12.3% -24.2%
Bachelor's degree 77 18.9% 11.6%
Graduate degree 47 11.6% 20.5%
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 Ottertail

How much people earn in Ottertail

The average annual household income in Ottertail was $125,687 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +3.8% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $80,500, reflecting a -3.9% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Ottertail
$125,687/year
3.8% year-over-year change
Median household income in Ottertail
$80,500/year
-3.9% year-over-year change

Ottertail income by age

In Ottertail, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $66,875. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $109,375 overall. Overall, 91.4% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $66,875 -30.9%
45 - 64 $109,375 18.2%
Over 65 $54,688 -17.4%
Above poverty level
445
Below poverty level
42
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 445 91.4% -2.2%
Below poverty level 42 8.6% 20.0%

Average renter income in Ottertail

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Ottertail, their median household income was $51,250 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 26.9%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$51,250
Rent-to-income ratio
26.9%
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 Ottertail

Workforce and job types in Ottertail

The job market in Ottertail is powered by 226 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 81.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 18.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 14.6% run their own businesses, 57.5% are employed by private companies, and 17.7% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
226
-8.1% year-over-year change
White collar
184
Blue collar
42
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 184 81.4% -1.6%
Blue collar 42 18.6% -28.8%
Employer type
Self employees
14.6%
Private companies
57.5%
Governmental workers
17.7%
Not for profit companies
10.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 33 14.6% -31.2%
Private companies 130 57.5% -14.5%
Governmental workers 40 17.7% 25.0%
Not for profit companies 23 10.2% 64.3%
Unemployment rate
4.6%
-15.4% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Ottertail stands at 4.6%, 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 Ottertail

How people get around in Ottertail

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 182 80.5% -10.8%
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 Ottertail by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
56571 1,745 805 $85,865 $109,255

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FAQs about Ottertail demographics 

What is the total population of Ottertail?

Ottertail has a total population of 490 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 0.0% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Ottertail?

The gender ratio in Ottertail is as follows:
  • 52.6% males (258 residents)
  • 47.4% females (232 residents)

What is the median age in Ottertail?

The median age in Ottertail is 55.8.

What is the age distribution of the population in Ottertail?

The age distribution in Ottertail is as follows:
  • Under 15: 13.9% (68 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 6.7% (33 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 12.6% (62 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 34.7% (170 residents)
  • Over 65: 32% (157 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Ottertail?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Ottertail is as follows:
  • White: 92.9% (455 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.6% (3 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 2.9% (14 residents)
  • Other: 3.7% (18 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 96.1% of the population in Ottertail.

How many housing units are there in Ottertail?

There are 408 housing units in Ottertail, reflecting a +3.0% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Ottertail has a total of 224 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Ottertail?

Ottertail has a median household income of $80,500, representing a -3.9% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Ottertail?

The employment rate is 95.4% in Ottertail, with a workforce of 226 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 81.4% (184 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 18.6% (42 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 14.6% (33 residents)
  • Private companies: 57.5% (130 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 17.7% (40 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 10.2% (23 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