Median Income
$26,875
64% lower than US avg
Home Value
$60,800
78% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
5.2%
85% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$623
46% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
44.1%
37% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.3%
36% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
30.7%
148% higher than US avg
How Cotton Valley Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population711
Median Age32.5 yrs
Density270/mi²
Male / Female41% / 59%
Largest GroupWhite 52%
Veterans9.6%
Economy
C
Median Income$26,875
Per Capita$15,394
Unemployment2.3%
Poverty30.7%
County GDP$1,561M
Commute31 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$60,800
Rent$623
Ownership60.5%
Zillow$84,822
Housing Units363
Rent Burden32.0%
Health
Obesity44.1%
Uninsured3.4%
Smoking20.0%
Depression26.8%
Heart Disease6.5%
Climate
Avg Temp64°F (18°C)
Rain54.4 in/yr
Elevation220 ft (67 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+5.2%
High School+79.6%
Graduate+3.6%
School Score4.04
Community
2024 VoteR 68% / D 31%
Commute31 min
Broadband72.3%
EV Stations3
Libraries7
Is Cotton Valley a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Cotton Valley receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Cotton Valley has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Cotton Valley is $26,875, 64% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.3%. The poverty rate of 30.7% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 31 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Cotton Valley is $60,800, 78% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $623 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
5.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 79.6% have completed high school. School test scores average 4/10, below typical benchmarks.
Climate & Weather
Cotton Valley enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 64°F. Winters average 45°F in January while summers reach 83°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 54.4 inches.
Cotton Valley has a population of 711 with a density of 270 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age is 32.5 years, 16% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 58.8% female and 41.2% male. The city is predominantly White (52.3%), with 46.6% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.7% of residents. 9.6% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 20.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 96.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
711
Total Population
2023 Census
32.5yrs
Median Age
16% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Cotton Valley vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.7%
26% above US avg
Spanish
1.0%
93% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Cotton Valley vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Cotton Valley is $26,875, which is 64% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $15,394 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $948, 34% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.3% (below the 3.6% US average). 30.7% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 995 business establishments, including 63 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.2, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 31 minutes. 3.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Cotton Valley vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $26,875 |
| 64% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $15,394 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $948 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $59,924 |
| Gini Index | 0.503 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.3% |
| 36% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 30.7% |
| 148% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 995 |
| County GDP | $1,561M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 63 |
| Healthcare | 96 |
| Retail | 155 |
| Manufacturing | 34 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,034 |
| 42% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 88.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.35% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 30.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 78.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.9% |
The median home value in Cotton Valley is $60,800, 78% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $84,822, higher than the Census estimate. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $15,000 with homes selling in an average of 145 days. Homes sell for 66.7% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $623 (46% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $832 for a one-bedroom to $1,007 for a two-bedroom apartment. 60.5% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 363 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1965. The average annual property tax is $2,034 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 32.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $60,800 |
| 78% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $84,822 |
| Redfin Median Sale | $15,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median Sale Price | $15,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $14 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Days on Market | 145 days |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 66.7% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 1 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $623 |
| 46% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 32.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $763 |
| 1 Bedroom | $832 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,007 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,298 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,508 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 60.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 60.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 39.5% |
| Housing Units | 363 |
| Median Year Built | 1965 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,034 |
| 42% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.35% |
In Cotton Valley, 44.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 14.9% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 6.5% of residents. 42.8% have high blood pressure. 20.0% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 16.8% report binge drinking. 33.8% are physically inactive, above the national average. 26.8% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 21.7% experience frequent mental distress. 3.4% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,573. The dentist ratio is 1:3,240. 58.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 5.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Cotton Valley vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 44.1% |
| 37% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 14.9% |
| Heart Disease | 6.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 42.8% |
| Asthma | 11.4% |
| COPD | 8.3% |
| Cancer | 6.1% |
| Stroke | 4.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 20.0% |
| 43% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 33.8% |
| Depression | 26.8% |
| Mental Distress | 21.7% |
| Physical Distress | 16.1% |
| Short Sleep | 44.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.6% |
| Uninsured | 3.4% |
| 60% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,573 |
| Dentists | 1:3,240 |
| Mental Health | 1:392 |
| Checkup Rate | 81.0% |
| Dental Visits | 48.5% |
| Premature Death | 15,964/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 5.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 58.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 96 |
Cotton Valley enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 64°F (18°C). Winters average 45°F in January while summers reach 83°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 54.4 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The city sits at an elevation of 220 feet.
Temperature
45°F Jan (7°C)
83°F Jul (28°C)
| Annual Average | 64.4°F |
| 19% above US avg |
| January Average | 45°F (7°C) |
| July Average | 83°F (28°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 220 ft (67 m) |
| Area | 1.0 sq mi (2.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 270/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 32.8134°N, 93.4231°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Webster Parish County |
| Nearest Airport | Shreveport Regional (SHV)
35 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
54.4"
43% above US avg
Wettest Month (Feb)
5.56"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 69.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 92.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 22.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Very High |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
37 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.8. Most recent: M3.2 on Aug 22, 2025.
| May 17, 2012 |
3 km NE of Timpson, Texas |
M4.8 |
133 km |
| Sep 2, 2013 |
3 km WNW of Timpson, Texas |
M4.3 |
138 km |
| Sep 2, 2013 |
14 km WNW of Timpson, Texas |
M4.2 |
140 km |
| Jan 25, 2013 |
11 km SE of Timpson, Texas |
M4.1 |
136 km |
| May 10, 2012 |
9 km NW of Timpson, Texas |
M3.9 |
136 km |
| Jan 27, 2024 |
4 km SSW of Hall Summit, Louisiana |
M3.6 |
75 km |
| Jan 18, 2025 |
0 km WSW of Mooringsport, Louisiana |
M3.5 |
53 km |
| Jun 10, 1994 |
4 km E of Junction City, Arkansas |
M3.2 |
74 km |
| Apr 16, 2021 |
8 km WNW of Blanchard, Louisiana |
M3.2 |
57 km |
| Aug 22, 2025 |
5 km WSW of Huxley, Texas |
M3.2 |
128 km |
| Aug 21, 2025 |
8 km W of Huxley, Texas |
M3.0 |
128 km |
| Mar 3, 2001 |
2 km SSE of El Dorado, Arkansas |
M3.0 |
83 km |
| Apr 1, 2021 |
7 km W of Blanchard, Louisiana |
M3.0 |
57 km |
| May 16, 2007 |
5 km SW of Calion, Arkansas |
M3.0 |
95 km |
| Jan 6, 2025 |
4 km ESE of Mooringsport, Louisiana |
M3.0 |
49 km |
| May 31, 2013 |
7 km SE of Timpson, Texas |
M2.9 |
136 km |
| Jan 29, 2013 |
4 km S of Timpson, Texas |
M2.8 |
139 km |
| Dec 17, 2001 |
3 km WSW of El Dorado, Arkansas |
M2.8 |
80 km |
| Dec 7, 2012 |
3 km S of Timpson, Texas |
M2.8 |
139 km |
| Jan 9, 2024 |
1 km S of Edgefield, Louisiana |
M2.8 |
87 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Hurricane History
4 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 3. Most recent: Laura (2020, Cat 3).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2020 |
Laura |
Category 3 |
95 km |
| 2008 |
Ike |
Category 2 |
268 km |
| 2007 |
Humberto |
Category 1 |
280 km |
| 2005 |
Rita |
Category 1 |
265 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980-2026)
Tornado History
666 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 47 fatalities, 729 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 3, 1999 |
EF4 |
49 km |
7 |
| Dec 3, 1978 |
EF4 |
46 km |
2 |
| Dec 19, 1957 |
EF4 |
62 km |
2 |
| Dec 13, 2022 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Apr 25, 2019 |
EF3 |
78 km |
2 |
| Jan 20, 2010 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2009 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| Feb 24, 2007 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jan 12, 2005 |
EF3 |
69 km |
2 |
| Apr 23, 2000 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Apr 23, 2000 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Apr 23, 2000 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1999 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1999 |
EF3 |
40 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1999 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| Mar 1, 1997 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Nov 3, 1992 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| Apr 23, 1985 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1984 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Nov 19, 1983 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: NORTHEAST TEXAS FIRE COMPLEX (41,645 ac, 2011).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2011 |
NORTHEAST TEXAS FIRE COMPLEX |
41,645 |
95 km |
| 2011 |
TD13 |
4,208 |
90 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
3,408 |
100 km |
| 2022 |
TXCLR-FY22-RX-W |
3,288 |
69 km |
| 2021 |
WINN 13 17 18 |
2,683 |
93 km |
| 2022 |
CANEY C 11-14 |
2,323 |
47 km |
| 2011 |
592 |
2,278 |
61 km |
| 2011 |
PETERS CHAPEL |
2,072 |
81 km |
| 2015 |
COMPARTMENT 22 PBURN |
1,956 |
95 km |
| 2015 |
UNNAMED |
1,838 |
96 km |
| 2018 |
C-13/17/18 |
1,837 |
93 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
1,756 |
20 km |
| 1996 |
007 CORNEY LAKE BED |
1,716 |
64 km |
| 2022 |
WINN C-30 31 |
1,679 |
96 km |
| 2024 |
RX C-22 |
1,623 |
95 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
1,618 |
41 km |
| 2017 |
COMPARTMENT 20 P BURN |
1,605 |
96 km |
| 2011 |
MARSHALL |
1,583 |
81 km |
| 2018 |
C-25 26 27 |
1,565 |
21 km |
| 2010 |
COMPARTMENT 5 PBURN |
1,541 |
90 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
45°F (7°C) |
4.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
49°F (9°C) |
5.6 in |
Wettest |
| March |
56°F (13°C) |
5.4 in |
|
| April |
64°F (18°C) |
4.8 in |
|
| May |
72°F (22°C) |
4.8 in |
|
| June |
79°F (26°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| July |
83°F (28°C) |
3.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
82°F (28°C) |
2.8 in |
Driest |
| September |
76°F (25°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| October |
65°F (18°C) |
5.0 in |
|
| November |
54°F (12°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| December |
47°F (8°C) |
5.5 in |
|
Cotton Valley has a seasonal temperature swing of 38°F / from 45°F in January to 83°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 54.4 inches, with February being the wettest month (5.6") and August the driest (2.8").
Average costs for common services in Cotton Valley. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$221 ($132-$353) |
| Specialist Visit |
$309 ($176-$485) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$176 ($88-$309) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,940 ($706-$4,410) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$115 ($66-$176) |
| Dental Filling |
$221 ($132-$353) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22-$66) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$66 ($44-$106) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$265 ($132-$441) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($18-$66) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$529 ($353-$882) |
| Battery Replacement |
$176 ($88-$309) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$88 ($53-$132) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$79 ($44-$123) |
| HVAC Repair |
$353 ($132-$706) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,174 ($3,528-$10,584) |
| Roof Repair |
$882 ($353-$1,764) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,938 ($4,851-$13,230) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,323 ($441-$3,087) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,230 ($4,410-$26,460) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,410 ($1,764-$8,820) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,323 ($706-$2,646) |
| Will Preparation |
$441 ($176-$882) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,205 ($882-$4,410) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13-$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$49 ($26-$88) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$132 ($66-$221) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13-$40) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22-$57) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$71 ($44-$115) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.62 ($2.65-$4.85) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.09 ($2.21-$4.41) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.35 ($2.21-$4.85) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.97 ($2.65-$5.73) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.85 ($3.53-$6.62) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.88 ($0.53-$1.59) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$123 ($71-$221) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$62 ($26-$132) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$62 ($35-$106) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$62 ($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-$441) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,764 ($1,058-$3,087) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$62 ($26-$115) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.06-$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$88 ($26-$221) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$26 ($13-$66) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,058 ($529-$2,205) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$882 ($441-$1,764) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$353 ($176-$617) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22-$88) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$882 ($353-$2,205) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,025 ($4,410-$26,460) |
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 |
$265 ($132-$441) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$176 ($88-$353) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $570 |
| Toddler | $570 |
| Preschool | $574 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $449 |
| Toddler | $449 |
| Preschool | $453 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Cotton Valley
What is the population of Cotton Valley?
Cotton Valley has a population of 711 residents and is located in Louisiana. The population density is 270 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 32.5 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 58.8% female and 41.2% male.
Is Cotton Valley expensive to live in?
Cotton Valley is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 88.2 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $26,875, 64% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $60,800 (78% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $623 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Cotton Valley?
Cotton Valley enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 64°F (18°C). Winter temperatures average 45°F in January, while summers reach an average of 83°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 54.4 inches.
How is the job market in Cotton Valley?
The job market in Cotton Valley is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.3% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $948. There are 995 business establishments in the area, including 63 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 31 minutes, and 3.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Cotton Valley?
The median home value in Cotton Valley is $60,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $84,822. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $15,000, with homes typically selling within 145 days. For renters, the median monthly rent is $623. Fair market rent is $832 for a 1-bedroom and $1,007 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 60.5%. The average annual property tax is $2,034.
How are the schools in Cotton Valley?
Schools in Cotton Valley have an average test score of 4 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 5.2% of adults in Cotton Valley hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 79.6% have completed high school. 3.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Cotton Valley?
The obesity rate in Cotton Valley is 44.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 20.0% of adults are smokers. 33.8% are physically inactive. 26.8% of residents report depression. 3.4% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 58.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,573.
What is transportation like in Cotton Valley?
The average commute in Cotton Valley is 31 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 78.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Cotton Valley?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Cotton Valley is 52.3% White, 46.6% Black or African American. 98.7% of residents speak only English at home. 9.6% of the population are military veterans. 20.7% of residents have a disability. 96.6% have health insurance coverage.