Cost of Living in Otter Tail County

Embrace the Lifestyle of Otter Tail County

Otter Tail County, known for its tight-knit community, slower pace, and serene lake life, offers a unique and attractive lifestyle at a lower cost. Boasting the highest number of lakes of any county in the United States, excellent local schools, state-of-the-art healthcare, high-quality jobs, and a child-friendly atmosphere, Otter Tail County is an ideal place to live, work, and play. The natural beauty and sense of community make it a welcoming place for newcomers and a beloved home for residents.

Financial Advantages of Living in Otter Tail County

Spend Less and Enjoy More

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) provides yearly estimates of the basic-needs cost of living by county and region, considering family size and employment status. According to DEED’s 2023 data, Otter Tail County not only offers a more enjoyable lifestyle compared to the Seven County Minneapolis-St. Paul Planning Region, living here also makes financial sense.

For a family with two full-time workers and two children, the yearly cost of living in 2023 was estimated at $107,328 in the Seven County Metro area, compared to $77,916 in Otter Tail County. This significant difference means families can save over $29,000 annually by choosing Otter Tail County. For more information and comparisons of other family sizes and regions, check out the DEED Cost of Living Tool.

These comparisons highlight the significant savings across various essential expenses when living in Otter Tail County. Lower housing and child care costs, in particular, offer substantial financial relief, allowing families to allocate their savings towards leisure, education, and other enriching experiences.

Cost Comparison to Peer Counties

We also looked at DEED’s 2023 data to see how cost of living in Otter Tail County compared to Minnesota counties similar in geographical size and population. 

For a family with two full-time workers and two children, the yearly cost of living in 2023 was $77,916 in Otter Tail County. It was $78,712 for Becker County, $80,901 for Crow Wing County, $82,208 for Itasca County, and $82,436 for Stearns County. Compared to these peer counties, that’s a $996-$4,520 per year savings.

Make Otter Tail County Your Home

Curious about life in Otter Tail Lakes Country? Discovering how to live, work, and play here is the first step toward making Otter Tail County your home.

Affordable Housing in Otter Tail County

For a family of four, the average monthly housing cost in Otter Tail County is $806 less than in the Metro area. Connect with our real estate partners to explore housing options and make the move to a better way of life. Our trusted partners include:

• Amanda Armstrong of RE/MAX Signature Properties
• Centennial Realty
• Century 21 Atwood
• Coldwell Banker Preferred Partners – Pelican Rapids
• Coldwell Banker Preferred Partners – Perham
• ORB Real Estate
• Trilogy Real estate – Mary Pettit & Hannah Carlson
• Weichert Realtors – Paulson Land Co. 

Don’t forget to browse our online listings to see some of the beautiful properties available! With a wide range of properties, from charming lakeside cottages to modern family homes, there’s something for everyone in Otter Tail County.

Top-Notch Healthcare Facilities

Otter Tail County is home to state-of-the-art healthcare facilities, including Lake Region Healthcare, Astera Health, and Perham Health. These facilities ensure that residents have access to comprehensive and advanced medical care. With excellent healthcare options, you can focus on enjoying all that lake life has to offer without added stress of searching for quality healthcare. The presence of these top-notch healthcare institutions means that quality care is always within reach, providing peace of mind for you and your family.

Diverse Job Opportunities

Otter Tail County offers a variety of quality job opportunities. Explore our Jobs Portal to discover hundreds of jobs available. The economic landscape here is thriving, making it an excellent place to grow your career. From healthcare to education, manufacturing to technology, the county’s diverse job market has opportunities for professionals in various fields. The supportive community and local resources also make it an ideal place for entrepreneurs looking to start their own business.

Education and Child Care

One of the many reasons that Otter Tail County is a great place to raise a family is the strong variety of public and private schools, which take great pride in providing a well-rounded education in a safe environment for all learners. In addition to the great primary and secondary school options available, Otter Tail County is also home to Minnesota State Community and Technical College, which provides quality technical, career and transfer-degree programs. 

Looking for child care? We have an app for that! The interactive Child Care Locator web app has a map of family child care providers with their contact and licensing information, making it easy to locate and contact potential providers. We also have access to a list of child care centers in the area.

Enjoy the Perfect Balance: Work and Play in Otter Tail County

One of the most rewarding aspects of living in Otter Tail County is the perfect balance of work and play. With countless recreational activities, community events, and natural beauty, you’ll always find something to enjoy. From fishing and boating on the lakes to exploring local parks and trails, life in Otter Tail County is filled with endless adventures.

The county’s vibrant arts scene, local festivals, and farmers’ markets offer year-round entertainment and cultural experiences. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a culture lover, or someone who enjoys a leisurely pace of life, Otter Tail County provides the perfect setting to live your best life.

Otter Tail County stands out as a desirable place to call home, offering a lower cost of living, excellent amenities, and a quality of life that is second to none. With its welcoming community, affordable living, and abundance of opportunities, Otter Tail County is the perfect place to start the next chapter of your life.

Some of the content and ideas in this blog post may have been generated with or inspired by AI. A member of our staff has edited, altered and added to the content to ensure accuracy. This blend of AI and human creativity aims to provide you with engaging and innovative perspectives on the wonders of Otter Tail County, MN.