Otter Tail County, Minnesota Property Taxes
Property Taxes in Otter Tail County, Minnesota
Median Otter Tail County effective property tax rate: 0.67%, significantly lower than the national median of 1.02%.
Median Otter Tail County home value: $246,100
Median annual Otter Tail County tax bill: $1,774, lower than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.
How are property taxes in Otter Tail County calculated?
Property taxes in Otter Tail County are calculated based on the tax assessed value, which is often lower than the actual market value due to property tax exemptions such as the homestead or senior exemption.
Understanding your county's property tax system, exemptions, and reduction opportunities can lead to significant savings. Whether you live in Otter Tail County or another part of Otter Tail County, knowing local tax details benefits homeowners and investors.
Last Updated April 13, 2026
Otter Tail County, Minnesota Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Median Effective Tax Rate
0.67%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$1,649
$1,530
How Does the Otter Tail County Property Tax Calculator Work?
Use this Otter Tail County property tax calculator to estimate your annual property tax bill. Enter your property's assessed value and our calculator applies Otter Tail County's median effective tax rate of 0.67% to generate your estimate.
Enter your property's estimated assessed value — the figure used for tax purposes, which is typically lower than market value after applicable exemptions. Our calculator uses the median effective rate for a more accurate estimate than the statutory millage rate alone.
Your actual bill may vary based on your specific exemptions, local school district levies, and any special assessment districts that apply to your property. Otter Tail County's median tax bill is $1,774, compared with the national median property tax bill of $2,400 and the Minnesota median tax rate of 1.13%.
For a more precise estimate, scroll down to explore city and ZIP code-level tax rate trends across Otter Tail County.
Property Tax Rates Across Otter Tail County, Minnesota
What Are Effective Property Tax Rates Across Otter Tail County?
Local government entities set tax rates, which vary widely across Otter Tail County. Each year, the county estimates its budget for public services and divides that total by the assessed value of all taxable property within its jurisdiction.
Below, compare Otter Tail County's effective property tax rate to other counties in Minnesota or the U.S. median of 1.02%.
Otter Tail County's median effective rate stands at 0.67%, which is lower than the national median of 1.02%. Within Otter Tail County, the highest rate is found in Fergus Falls at 0.96%, while Bertha has the lowest at 0.44%.
These variations reflect differences in local school district levies, special assessment districts assessments, and special district bonds — which compound the base county rate.
Our median effective property tax rate (tax bill ÷ assessor's market value) accounts for exemptions and deductions, making it more accurate than the general median tax rate, which is the midpoint of statutory rates before adjustments.
Median Effective Otter Tail County Tax Rate
0.67%
Our median effective property tax rate (tax bill ÷ assessor's market value) accounts for exemptions and deductions, making it more accurate than the general median tax rate, which is the midpoint of statutory rates before adjustments.
Median Effective Minnesota Tax Rate
1.13%
Median Effective United States Tax Rate
1.02%
Property Tax Rates Across Otter Tail County, Minnesota
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ashby | 0.30% | 0.44% | 0.62% | 0.79% | 0.85% |
| Barnesville | 0.24% | 0.34% | 0.54% | 0.61% | 0.66% |
| Battle Lake | 0.43% | 0.54% | 0.65% | 0.74% | 1.02% |
| Bertha | 0.17% | 0.26% | 0.44% | 0.62% | 0.72% |
| Bluffton | 0.25% | 0.44% | 0.78% | 0.98% | 1.14% |
| Brandon | 0.25% | 0.47% | 0.72% | 0.88% | 0.90% |
| Campbell | 0.25% | 0.26% | 0.50% | 0.74% | 0.79% |
| Clitherall | 0.38% | 0.49% | 0.64% | 0.70% | 0.76% |
| Dalton | 0.36% | 0.55% | 0.67% | 0.81% | 1.22% |
| Deer Creek | 0.32% | 0.49% | 0.72% | 0.88% | 1.09% |
| Dent | 0.43% | 0.56% | 0.63% | 0.68% | 0.73% |
| Detroit Lakes | 0.50% | 0.54% | 0.62% | 0.67% | 0.71% |
| Eagle Bend | 0.28% | 0.33% | 0.54% | 0.70% | 0.74% |
| Elizabeth | 0.46% | 0.59% | 0.84% | 1.07% | 1.25% |
| Erhard | 0.32% | 0.49% | 0.59% | 0.64% | 0.73% |
| Evansville | 0.24% | 0.39% | 0.56% | 0.66% | 0.74% |
| Fergus Falls | 0.54% | 0.70% | 0.96% | 1.13% | 1.21% |
| Frazee | 0.42% | 0.59% | 0.67% | 0.70% | 0.74% |
| Henning | 0.37% | 0.53% | 0.68% | 0.81% | 0.99% |
| Hewitt | 0.26% | 0.34% | 0.51% | 0.70% | 0.78% |
| Menahga | 0.26% | 0.32% | 0.55% | 0.77% | 0.82% |
| New York Mills | 0.31% | 0.50% | 0.70% | 1.01% | 1.31% |
| Ottertail | 0.48% | 0.58% | 0.67% | 0.83% | 0.93% |
| Parkers Prairie | 0.35% | 0.59% | 0.76% | 1.21% | 1.45% |
| Pelican Rapids | 0.46% | 0.56% | 0.64% | 0.72% | 1.10% |
| Perham | 0.41% | 0.57% | 0.67% | 0.84% | 0.98% |
| Richville | 0.38% | 0.52% | 0.62% | 0.70% | 0.77% |
| Rothsay | 0.35% | 0.63% | 0.94% | 1.56% | 1.81% |
| Sebeka | 0.20% | 0.33% | 0.52% | 0.74% | 0.83% |
| Underwood | 0.39% | 0.54% | 0.65% | 0.73% | 0.81% |
| Vergas | 0.45% | 0.57% | 0.64% | 0.70% | 0.92% |
| Vining | 0.29% | 0.45% | 0.65% | 0.80% | 0.86% |
| Wadena | 0.26% | 0.48% | 0.67% | 0.76% | 0.82% |
| Elbow Lake | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Miltona | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Wendell | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Otter Tail County, Minnesota
When examining property taxes in Otter Tail County, understanding the distinction between "market value" and "assessed value" is crucial.
The market value is what a willing buyer would pay to a willing seller in an open and competitive market, often influenced by location, property condition, and economic market trends. The Otter Tail County assessor estimates the market value for tax purposes.
The assessed value is the market value minus any applicable exemptions or limits determined by local laws and offerings. The tax assessed value is the figure used to calculate your property taxes or the amount multiplied by your tax rate to get your tax bill.
Assessment notices:
In Otter Tail County, assessment notices are sent in the spring each year. They'll typically reach your mailbox by the middle of March.
Each property owner receives an assessment notice that contains both the market value and assessed value, along with an estimate of your property tax bill. By providing insights into how assessed and market values are determined, this section helps property owners navigate their tax responsibilities and understand the valuation processes affecting their property taxes in Otter Tail County.
For example, the median tax bill in Otter Tail County is $1,774, compared with the national median property tax bill of $2,400. Tax bills range significantly across the county, with the 25th percentile at $806 and the 75th percentile at $2,898. Detroit Lakes has the highest median home price at $484,250.
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Otter Tail County, Minnesota
Source: Ownwell
$148,300
$316,275
$484,250
Median Otter Tail County Market Value
$246,100
Median Minnesota Market Value
$304,400
Median United States Market Value
$235,294
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Otter Tail County, Minnesota
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ashby | $160,250 | $235,750 | $338,600 | $533,575 | $744,100 |
| Barnesville | $176,000 | $203,950 | $272,600 | $399,750 | $715,600 |
| Battle Lake | $30,820 | $127,150 | $321,000 | $532,050 | $760,000 |
| Bertha | $152,220 | $230,400 | $429,000 | $539,800 | $755,810 |
| Bluffton | $55,260 | $115,800 | $218,000 | $375,200 | $714,800 |
| Brandon | $172,590 | $206,700 | $340,000 | $509,825 | $668,680 |
| Campbell | $205,010 | $267,550 | $369,650 | $685,375 | $1,291,000 |
| Clitherall | $36,880 | $138,025 | $331,700 | $563,600 | $763,470 |
| Dalton | $33,600 | $83,600 | $216,500 | $409,500 | $613,300 |
| Deer Creek | $38,020 | $105,275 | $200,750 | $360,525 | $514,660 |
| Dent | $29,840 | $110,800 | $270,000 | $453,700 | $643,100 |
| Detroit Lakes | $40,030 | $131,175 | $484,250 | $913,275 | $1,304,460 |
| Eagle Bend | $108,140 | $221,500 | $364,300 | $535,350 | $785,860 |
| Elizabeth | $16,700 | $75,550 | $148,300 | $304,150 | $517,100 |
| Erhard | $53,010 | $134,650 | $271,950 | $423,125 | $589,730 |
| Evansville | $61,050 | $161,700 | $288,350 | $494,125 | $636,400 |
| Fergus Falls | $34,700 | $131,400 | $198,700 | $316,150 | $471,360 |
| Frazee | $48,040 | $179,700 | $370,100 | $578,300 | $779,760 |
| Henning | $38,250 | $109,925 | $213,900 | $380,850 | $589,950 |
| Hewitt | $109,190 | $169,150 | $312,400 | $464,575 | $660,810 |
| Menahga | $177,600 | $243,050 | $337,100 | $544,150 | $735,000 |
| New York Mills | $58,750 | $140,000 | $241,500 | $372,175 | $558,000 |
| Ottertail | $19,940 | $85,300 | $240,200 | $425,150 | $607,800 |
| Parkers Prairie | $57,000 | $123,050 | $206,850 | $337,950 | $550,100 |
| Pelican Rapids | $27,400 | $114,075 | $284,100 | $522,450 | $782,270 |
| Perham | $35,560 | $165,250 | $289,550 | $467,200 | $658,520 |
| Richville | $31,680 | $115,675 | $287,900 | $504,575 | $731,780 |
| Rothsay | $66,700 | $116,750 | $196,400 | $378,450 | $870,500 |
| Sebeka | $108,850 | $203,550 | $311,350 | $489,175 | $726,070 |
| Underwood | $34,340 | $113,650 | $247,800 | $406,450 | $568,020 |
| Vergas | $43,060 | $161,275 | $316,450 | $513,900 | $720,030 |
| Vining | $40,650 | $163,425 | $328,000 | $480,100 | $641,350 |
| Wadena | $111,240 | $197,300 | $268,500 | $392,200 | $544,280 |
| Elbow Lake | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Miltona | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Wendell | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Otter Tail County, Minnesota
Property tax bills in Otter Tail County are calculated from a home’s assessed value and the local tax rate. The assessed value reflects what the property is worth for tax purposes, and local governments use that value to determine how much tax a homeowner owes. A higher assessed value generally leads to a higher tax bill, while a lower assessed value can reduce it.
Several factors can affect the final bill, including the property’s market value, local levy rates, and any exemptions or appeals that may apply. In Otter Tail County, the median home price is $246,100, and tax bills vary widely across homeowners. The 25th percentile tax bill is $806, while the 75th percentile is $2,898 and the 90th percentile reaches $4,295.
That range shows how property taxes can differ even within the same county. For homeowners, these bills can have a meaningful impact on annual housing costs, especially when local assessments rise faster than expected.
Median Otter Tail County Tax Bill
$1,774
Median Minnesota Tax Bill
$3,364
Median United States Tax Bill
$2,400
Property Tax Bills Across Otter Tail County, Minnesota
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ashby | $792 | $1,456 | $2,158 | $2,742 | $3,663 |
| Barnesville | $922 | $1,118 | $1,376 | $2,210 | $2,492 |
| Battle Lake | $176 | $788 | $2,120 | $3,486 | $5,180 |
| Bertha | $563 | $888 | $1,561 | $2,232 | $2,624 |
| Bluffton | $482 | $894 | $1,422 | $2,095 | $2,890 |
| Brandon | $1,268 | $1,536 | $2,079 | $2,994 | $3,622 |
| Campbell | $1,198 | $1,486 | $2,218 | $2,976 | $3,292 |
| Clitherall | $245 | $727 | $1,851 | $3,370 | $4,945 |
| Dalton | $240 | $688 | $1,535 | $2,498 | $3,747 |
| Deer Creek | $347 | $760 | $1,307 | $2,006 | $2,828 |
| Dent | $184 | $630 | $1,612 | $2,694 | $3,970 |
| Detroit Lakes | $219 | $760 | $2,876 | $5,581 | $8,279 |
| Eagle Bend | $646 | $1,131 | $1,502 | $2,089 | $3,696 |
| Elizabeth | $222 | $628 | $1,308 | $1,990 | $2,939 |
| Erhard | $316 | $703 | $1,420 | $2,240 | $3,161 |
| Evansville | $319 | $591 | $1,355 | $2,020 | $3,016 |
| Fergus Falls | $344 | $1,130 | $1,850 | $2,772 | $3,947 |
| Frazee | $275 | $1,062 | $2,310 | $3,612 | $5,177 |
| Henning | $236 | $724 | $1,419 | $2,480 | $3,700 |
| Hewitt | $603 | $948 | $1,367 | $2,108 | $2,656 |
| Menahga | $811 | $1,298 | $1,884 | $2,400 | $2,955 |
| New York Mills | $397 | $992 | $1,685 | $2,394 | $3,194 |
| Ottertail | $142 | $514 | $1,548 | $2,922 | $4,445 |
| Parkers Prairie | $424 | $1,048 | $1,727 | $2,512 | $3,290 |
| Pelican Rapids | $189 | $843 | $1,966 | $3,251 | $4,978 |
| Perham | $248 | $1,134 | $2,158 | $3,140 | $4,273 |
| Richville | $176 | $578 | $1,674 | $3,132 | $5,056 |
| Rothsay | $495 | $1,274 | $2,103 | $3,145 | $4,387 |
| Sebeka | $501 | $1,017 | $1,526 | $2,076 | $2,862 |
| Underwood | $219 | $660 | $1,520 | $2,547 | $3,508 |
| Vergas | $250 | $957 | $1,960 | $3,208 | $4,628 |
| Vining | $218 | $812 | $1,757 | $2,804 | $4,101 |
| Wadena | $420 | $1,054 | $1,654 | $2,298 | $3,188 |
| Elbow Lake | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Miltona | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Wendell | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Source: Ownwell
Don't miss the deadline to appeal!
Dates | |
|---|---|
| Appeal Deadline | April 30 |
Links | |
|---|---|
| Otter Tail Tax Assessor | |
| Website | ottertail.minnesotaassessors.com |