RANK #150 / 996 · POP 60,072 · MN
PROJECTED GROWTH: +2.4%
Otter Tail County, Minnesota, distinguishes itself with over 1,000 lakes, more than any other county in the United States, defining its landscape and lifestyle. Located in west-central Minnesota, roughly three hours northwest of the Twin Cities and 45 minutes from Fargo, North Dakota, the area offers a relaxed, lakeside community feel. Towns like Fergus Falls, Pelican Rapids, and Battle Lake serve as hubs for residents and visitors. Commuting within the county is generally efficient, with an average travel time of around 20.7 minutes, and public transit, Otter Express, offers door-to-door service in several communities. The county's natural scenery includes rolling hills, prairies, and forests, with ample opportunities for outdoor recreation in its numerous lakes, two state parks—Glendalough and Maplewood—and extensive trail systems.
Life in Otter Tail County is characterized by a strong sense of community and a focus on outdoor activities. The public school system is rated above average, with several top-ranked elementary and high schools. The economy is supported by sectors such as healthcare, manufacturing, and retail trade. Recent economic developments include initiatives to address housing shortages and expand childcare options, reflecting efforts to attract new residents and support families. The county also focuses on business development and retention, offering resources for start-up and expanding businesses, including those in housing development and agriculture.
Above national median (4.7x)
Below national median
Below-average climate & terrain
Speculative pricing
Housing is fairly valued at 5.6x relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
The Big Build Housing Initiative
Otter Tail County Community Development Agency (CDA)
|
$94M | Ongoing |
|
Hoot Lake Battery Storage Project
Otter Tail Corporation (Otter Tail Power Company)
|
$75M | Planned |
|
Hoot Lake Solar
Otter Tail Power Company
|
$62M | Operating |
|
Solway Solar
Otter Tail Power Company
|
$50M | Under Construction |
|
2025 Road and Bridge Construction Projects
Otter Tail County
|
$25M | Under Construction |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Otter Tail County has a Boom Town Index score of 85/100, ranking #150 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +0.9% and a median household income of $67,990, it's an above-average county on economic indicators.
The median home value in Otter Tail County is $234,200 with median rent at $769/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.2903, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +0.6% year-over-year. Job growth: +0.9%. Home values changed +4.4% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 2.87% of Otter Tail County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.