Otter Tail County is a county located in the U.S. State of Minnesota. As of 2000, the population is 57,159. Its county seat is Fergus Falls6.

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 5,762 km² (2,225 mi²). 5,127 km² (1,980 mi²) of it is land and 635 km² (245 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 11.02% water.

Demographics

As of the census of 2000, there are 57,159 people, 22,671 households, and 15,779 families residing in the county. The population density is 11/km² (29/mi²). There are 33,862 housing units at an average density of 7/km² (17/mi²). The racial makeup of the county is 97.11% White, 0.29% African American, 0.51% Native American, 0.44% Asian, 0.05% Pacific Islander, 0.84% from other races, and 0.78% from two or more races. 1.67% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 22,671 households out of which 30.30% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.10% are married couples living together, 6.10% have a female householder with no husband present, and 30.40% are non-families. 26.60% of all households are made up of individuals and 13.30% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.46 and the average family size is 2.98.

In the county the population is spread out with 24.90% under the age of 18, 7.20% from 18 to 24, 24.20% from 25 to 44, 24.70% from 45 to 64, and 19.00% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 41 years. For every 100 females there are 100.40 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 97.80 males.

The median income for a household in the county is $35,395, and the median income for a family is $42,740. Males have a median income of $30,151 versus $20,930 for females. The per capita income for the county is $18,014. 10.10% of the population and 6.70% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 12.10% are under the age of 18 and 11.10% are 65 or older.

Cities and Towns