Home Value
$108,300
62% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
541/100K
42% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.9%
18% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
20.0%
61% higher than US avg
How Cotter Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population23
Median Age50.5 yrs
Density230/mi²
Male / Female30% / 70%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans16.0%
Economy
Per Capita$21,870
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty20.0%
County GDP$930M
Commute23 min
Housing
Home Value$108,300
Ownership88.9%
Zillow$234,921
Housing Units14
Rent Burden18.8%
Crime
F
Violent541/100K
Property946/100K
Health
Obesity37.9%
Smoking13.5%
Depression20.2%
Heart Disease5.1%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F (9°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain38.8 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation714 ft (218 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+0.0%
High School+87.5%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score4.94
Community
2024 VoteR 70% / D 29%
Commute23 min
Broadband9.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries4
Is Cotter a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Cotter receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, an elevated poverty rate. Cotter has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. The poverty rate of 20.0% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Cotter is $108,300, 62% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 541 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 946 per 100,000, 52% below the national average.
Education
0.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Cotter experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 49°F. Winters average 20°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 38.8 inches, including 31.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Cotter has a population of 23 with a density of 230 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 50.5 years, 30% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 69.6% female and 30.4% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 90% of residents, while 10% speak Spanish. 16.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 23.8% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
50.5yrs
Median Age
30% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
90.0%
15% above US avg
Spanish
10.0%
25% below US avg
Per capita income is $21,870 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,007, 30% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 20.0% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 281 business establishments, including 12 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $21,870 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,007 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $67,697 |
| Gini Index | 0.426 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 20.0% |
| 61% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 281 |
| County GDP | $930M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 12 |
| Healthcare | 22 |
| Retail | 24 |
| Manufacturing | 12 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,750 |
| 21% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.54% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 75.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Cotter is $108,300, 62% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $234,921, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 88.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 14 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1965. The average annual property tax is $2,750 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 18.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Home Values
| Census Median | $108,300 |
| 62% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $234,921 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 88.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 88.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 11.1% |
| Housing Units | 14 |
| Median Year Built | 1965 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,750 |
| 21% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.54% |
In Cotter, 37.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.3% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.1% of residents. 30.3% have high blood pressure. 13.5% are current smokers. 23.6% report binge drinking. 23.4% are physically inactive. 20.2% report depression. 16.3% experience frequent mental distress. The primary care physician ratio is 1:10,749. The dentist ratio is 1:2,669. 59.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Cotter vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.9% |
| 18% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.3% |
| Heart Disease | 5.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.3% |
| Asthma | 9.3% |
| COPD | 5.2% |
| Cancer | 7.1% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.5% |
| 4% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.4% |
| Depression | 20.2% |
| Mental Distress | 16.3% |
| Physical Distress | 11.6% |
| Short Sleep | 31.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:10,749 |
| Dentists | 1:2,669 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,168 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.7% |
| Dental Visits | 69.9% |
| Premature Death | 6,584/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 59.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 22 |
Cotter has a violent crime rate of 541 per 100,000 residents, 42% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 946 per 100,000, 52% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Cotter receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Cotter vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 540.8/100K |
| 42% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 946.3/100K |
| 52% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Cotter experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winters average 20°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 275 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 38.8 inches. The area receives 31.3 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 714 feet.
Temperature
20°F Jan (-6°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 48.8°F |
| 10% below US avg |
| January Average | 20°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 714 ft (218 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 230/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.2925°N, 91.4620°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Louisa County County |
| Nearest Airport | Southeast Iowa Regional (BRL)
39 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
38.8"
2% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.33"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 17.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 13.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 58.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
627 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 14 fatalities, 288 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF4 |
48 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1995 |
EF4 |
80 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 |
EF4 |
79 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
76 km |
1 |
| Apr 30, 1954 |
EF4 |
93 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 2007 |
EF3 |
23 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2004 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1998 |
EF3 |
22 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1995 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1988 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Aug 15, 1978 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 1974 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1974 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| May 1, 1973 |
EF3 |
100 km |
2 |
| May 18, 1971 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| May 18, 1971 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 1967 |
EF3 |
85 km |
2 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
9 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNIT 3 (1,206 ac, 1999).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1999 |
UNIT 3 |
1,206 |
37 km |
| 2002 |
HSB 03 2 |
1,130 |
36 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
939 |
92 km |
| 2010 |
FOLEY |
786 |
89 km |
| 2000 |
DESTRUST A |
756 |
36 km |
| 2011 |
ACE AUTO |
676 |
80 km |
| 2006 |
HSB 003 |
674 |
37 km |
| 2004 |
HSB 009 |
608 |
36 km |
| 2011 |
IRCP WUI ROFAE #2 FY11 |
510 |
99 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
20°F (-6°C) |
1.2 in |
Coldest |
| February |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.1 in |
Driest |
| March |
39°F (4°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| April |
51°F (11°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
4.3 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| November |
39°F (4°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| December |
26°F (-3°C) |
1.9 in |
|
Cotter has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 20°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 36.9 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.3") and February the driest (1.1").
Average costs for common services in Cotter. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$220 ($132–$351) |
| Specialist Visit |
$307 ($176–$483) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$176 ($88–$307) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,932 ($702–$4,390) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$114 ($66–$176) |
| Dental Filling |
$220 ($132–$351) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$66) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$66 ($44–$105) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$527 ($351–$878) |
| Battery Replacement |
$176 ($88–$307) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$88 ($53–$132) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$79 ($44–$123) |
| HVAC Repair |
$351 ($132–$702) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,146 ($3,512–$10,536) |
| Roof Repair |
$878 ($351–$1,756) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,902 ($4,829–$13,170) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,317 ($439–$3,073) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,170 ($4,390–$26,340) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,390 ($1,756–$8,780) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,317 ($702–$2,634) |
| Will Preparation |
$439 ($176–$878) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,195 ($878–$4,390) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$48 ($26–$88) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$132 ($66–$220) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22–$57) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$70 ($44–$114) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.60 ($2.63–$4.83) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.07 ($2.20–$4.39) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.34 ($2.20–$4.83) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.95 ($2.63–$5.71) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.83 ($3.51–$6.59) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.88 ($0.53–$1.58) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$123 ($70–$220) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$132) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$105) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$88) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$57 ($26–$88) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$75 ($44–$132) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$176 ($66–$439) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,756 ($1,054–$3,073) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$114) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.02–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$88 ($26–$220) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$26 ($13–$66) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,054 ($527–$2,195) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$878 ($439–$1,756) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$351 ($176–$615) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22–$88) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$878 ($351–$2,195) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$10,975 ($4,390–$26,340) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$88 ($44–$176) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$176 ($88–$351) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $698 |
| Toddler | $602 |
| Preschool | $602 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $459 |
| Toddler | $451 |
| Preschool | $451 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Cotter
What is the population of Cotter?
Cotter has a population of 23 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 230 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 50.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 69.6% female and 30.4% male.
Is Cotter expensive to live in?
Cotter is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 87.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median home value is $108,300 (62% below the U.S. median).
Is Cotter safe?
The violent crime rate in Cotter is 541 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 946 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Cotter receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Cotter?
Cotter has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 20°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 38.8 inches, with 31.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Cotter?
The job market in Cotter is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,007. There are 281 business establishments in the area, including 12 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 23 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Cotter?
The median home value in Cotter is $108,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $234,921. The homeownership rate is 88.9%. The average annual property tax is $2,750.
How are the schools in Cotter?
Schools in Cotter have an average test score of 4.9 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 0.0% of adults in Cotter hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.5% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Cotter?
The obesity rate in Cotter is 37.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.5% of adults are smokers. 23.4% are physically inactive. 20.2% of residents report depression. 59.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:10,749.
What is transportation like in Cotter?
The average commute in Cotter is 23 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 75% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Cotter?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Cotter is 100% White. 90% of residents speak only English at home, while 10% speak Spanish. 16.0% of the population are military veterans. 23.8% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
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