Cost of Living in Otter Tail County, Minnesota
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Otter Tail County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Otter Tail County ranks #1,431 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 46%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Otter Tail County, Minnesota
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.
Cost of Living Advisory: Otter Tail County
Affordability Verdict
Otter Tail County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $805/month — about 13.6% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Otter Tail County pay $805/month on average, compared to $997/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 19%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $32,200/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $42,729/year. With a median household income of $70,912, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 28.0% of renter households in Otter Tail County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Minnesota, Otter Tail County is more affordable than Norman County by roughly 7% ($805/mo vs $752/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Otter Tail County
Rent Burden
13.6%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,655
per month
Owner Cost Burden
16.9%
of gross income
The median home in Otter Tail County may be a stretch
Median home value is $252,500. Estimated monthly cost: $2,016 vs. your max of $1,655.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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