Otter Tail County sees housing growth in 2024

Otter Tail County’s Big Build initiative saw continued housing growth in 2024. Last year, over $94.2 million in housing investment was added in the county from 443 new and rehabbed housing units, 358 of these being new construction and 85 being rehabbed units.

The success in 2024 is great progress for The Big Build housing growth and investment initiative, launched by the Otter Tail County Community Development Agency (CDA) at the end of 2019. Since launching the initiative, nearly 3,000 homes have been built or significantly rehabbed. More homes are still needed to meet housing demands.

The Big Build initiative was created because the expansion of housing opportunities is a countywide priority to address workforce needs and existing residents’ needs. With more than 700 available jobs in the county right now, increasing the housing supply will help meet the needs of newcomers filling these job openings and existing residents seeking more suitable housing options.

“It’s truly remarkable to see the housing growth Otter Tail County has experienced these past few years,” said Otter Tail County Commissioner and CDA Board Member, Kurt Mortenson. “When The Big Build started, the County was somewhat limited with the resources and assistance we could provide. Now the County, the CDA, and the HRA have many ways to be additive and supportive to the housing partners making these valued investments, both financially and otherwise.”

A strong need for housing remains even with the investments to date, and the CDA can provide support and resources for housing projects in Otter Tail County. Programs available to support homeowners, homebuilders, rental property owners, developers, and cities include:

• Down Payment Assistance
• Emergency Housing Repair
• Residential Owner-Occupied Rehabilitation Loans 
• Rental Rehabilitation Loans
• Multi-Family New Construction Loans
• Community Growth Partnership Grants

Visit the Big Build site for more information about the housing resources available for projects.