Median Income
$44,250
41% lower than US avg
Home Value
$118,600
58% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
11.6%
66% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$904
22% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
44.8%
40% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.2%
11% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
27.5%
122% higher than US avg
How Cottondale Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,850
Median Age45.2 yrs
Density828/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 50%
Economy
C+
Median Income$44,250
Per Capita$29,887
Unemployment3.2%
Poverty27.5%
County GDP$14,447M
Commute22 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$118,600
Rent$904
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$168,484
Health
Obesity44.8%
UninsuredN/A
Depression25.1%
Heart Disease6.7%
Climate
Avg Temp63°F
AQI41 (Good)
Rain60.2 in/yr
Elevation343 ft
Education
D
Bachelor's+11.6%
High School+84.0%
School Score4.40
Community
2024 VoteR 60% / D 39%
Commute22 min
EV Stations2
Libraries4
Is Cottondale a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Cottondale receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Cottondale offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Cottondale is $44,250, 41% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.2%, indicating a healthy job market. The poverty rate of 27.5% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Cottondale is $118,600, 58% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $904 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. At just 2.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
11.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 84.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Cottondale enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 63°F. Winters average 44°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 60.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Cottondale has a population of 2,850 with a density of 828 people per square mile. The median age is 45.2 years, 16% older than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly White (50.3%), with 1.9% Hispanic, 46.6% Black.
Population
45.2yrs
Median Age
16% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Cottondale vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
| English Only | 96.1% |
| 22% above US avg |
| Spanish | 3.9% |
| 71% below US avg |
Social Characteristics
Cottondale vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Cottondale is $44,250, which is 41% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate is 3.2% (below the 3.6% US average). 27.5% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.
Income: Cottondale vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $44,250 |
| 41% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $29,887 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,145 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $72,247 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.2% |
| 11% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 27.5% |
| 122% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 5,406 |
| County GDP | $14,447M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 507 |
| Healthcare | 463 |
| Retail | 710 |
| Manufacturing | 131 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,182 |
| 38% below US avg |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.84% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.2 min |
| Work from Home | 4.3% |
The median home value in Cottondale is $118,600, 58% below the national average. Monthly rent averages $904 (22% below US avg). Zillow estimates the typical home value at $168,484.
Home Values
| Census Median | $118,600 |
| 58% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $168,484 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| $/Sq Ft | $113 |
| Homes Sold | 2 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 93.9% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 4 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $904 |
| 22% below US avg |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $716 |
| 1 Bedroom | $772 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $936 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,206 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,381 |
Ownership & Property
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,182 |
| 38% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.84% |
In Cottondale, 44.8% of adults are obese (above the 32.1% national rate). 25.1% report depression. 29.7% are physically inactive.
Health Metrics: Cottondale vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 44.8% |
| 40% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 13.5% |
| Heart Disease | 6.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 42.1% |
| Asthma | 10.6% |
| COPD | 7.9% |
| Stroke | 3.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| |
| Binge Drinking | 14.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 29.7% |
| Depression | 25.1% |
| Mental Distress | 18.9% |
| Physical Distress | 14.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.4% |
| |
| Checkup Rate | 80.8% |
| Premature Death | 10,422/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 66.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 463 |
Crime Rates: Cottondale vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 41 |
Safety Score
Cottondale has an average annual temperature of 63°F (17°C). Winters average 44°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. Annual precipitation is 60.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Temperature
44°F Jan (7°C)
81°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 63.4°F |
| 17% above US avg |
| January Average | 44°F (7°C) |
| July Average | 81°F (27°C) |
Precipitation & Snow
| Annual Rainfall | 60.2 inches |
| 58% above US avg |
| Snowfall | 0.4 inches/yr |
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Geography
| Elevation | 343 ft (105 m) |
| Area | 3.4 sq mi (8.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 828/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 33.1930°N, 87.4549°W |
| County FIPS | 01125 |