Otter Tail County Public RecordsMinnesota

Otter Tail County, MN, had approximately 40,000 registered voters in 2022. It conducts general, primary, and special elections, with 92 polling locations across 62 precincts. In the 2020 presidential election, about 62% voted Republican and 36% Democrat. The county’s auditor’s office manages elections, ensuring accessibility and security. Major issues include rural broadband, property taxes, and water quality. The area historically leans Republican but hosts active DFL and GOP party organizations. Voter turnout frequently exceeds 75%, reflecting strong civic participation across the county.

Otter Tail County, MN hosts around 23 public schools, including 8 high schools, with an average graduation rate of 91%. Approximately 25% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Schools earn an average GreatSchools rating of 6/10, reflecting solid performance. Adult education opportunities are available through community education centers. The county prioritizes school safety, maintaining a below-average incident rate, and offers diverse educational programs in STEM and the arts.

Otter Tail County, MN, reported an unemployment rate of 3.2% in 2023. Major employment sectors include healthcare and social assistance (17%), retail trade (15%), and manufacturing (13%). The most common occupations are office and administrative support (12%), sales (10%), and production (9%). About 77% of workers commute by car, with an average commute time of 20 minutes; 45% work within the county, while the remainder commute to neighboring counties such as Clay and Becker. The county’s labor force totals approximately 32,000 individuals.

Otter Tail County, MN has a homeownership rate of about 82%, with median home values around $243,000 in 2023. Median gross rent is approximately $830 monthly. The housing stock includes single-family homes, lakeside cabins, and some multi-family units, especially in Fergus Falls and Perham. Neighborhoods near lakes, like Ottertail and Pelican Rapids, are especially desirable. Recent years have seen steady property value increases, with annual appreciation rates near 7%. Property taxes average 1.05% of a home's value. The market remains competitive, driven by recreational appeal and quality schools.

Otter Tail County, MN has a 2022 estimated population of about 60,000. The median age is roughly 45 years, with 23% under 18 and 23% aged 65 or older. Females make up 50.3% of the population. Racially, the county is 93% White, 1.2% Native American, 0.6% Black, 0.4% Asian, and 3.3% Hispanic or Latino. The county remains predominantly non-Hispanic White, with modest diversity present in smaller ethnic groups.

Otter Tail County, MN, has a relatively low crime rate compared to national averages. In 2022, the county reported approximately 530 total crimes, equating to around 7.4 incidents per 1,000 residents. Violent crimes remain low, with less than 1 incident per 1,000 people, while property crimes, such as theft and burglary, represent the majority. The sheriff’s office actively promotes community safety and encourages crime reporting. Overall, Otter Tail County continually ranks among the safer counties in Minnesota according to annual state crime statistics.