Median Income
$41,518
45% lower than US avg
Home Value
$87,100
69% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
630/100K
66% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
9.1%
73% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$913
21% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.2%
22% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.8%
50% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
10.2%
18% lower than US avg
How Cottondale Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population892
Median Age37.9 yrs
Density273/mi²
Male / Female45% / 55%
Largest GroupWhite 84%
Veterans6.4%
Economy
B+
Median Income$41,518
Per Capita$23,730
Unemployment1.8%
Poverty10.2%
County GDP$1,986M
Commute28 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$87,100
Rent$913
Ownership63.9%
Zillow$129,921
Housing Units471
Rent Burden26.6%
Crime
F
Violent630/100K
Property1,778/100K
Health
Obesity39.2%
Uninsured15.9%
Smoking20.5%
Depression22.4%
Heart Disease7.0%
Climate
Avg Temp68°F (20°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain51.1 in/yr
Sunny Days306/yr
Elevation142 ft (43 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+9.1%
High School+80.6%
Graduate+1.6%
School Score5.82
Community
2024 VoteR 73% / D 27%
Commute28 min
Broadband68.1%
EV Stations6
Libraries2
Is Cottondale a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Cottondale 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. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, a high uninsured rate, below-average incomes. Cottondale has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Cottondale is $41,518, 45% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.8%. 10.2% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Cottondale is $87,100, 69% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $913 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
With 630 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern / this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,778 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
9.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 80.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Cottondale enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 68°F. Winters average 52°F in January while summers reach 83°F in July. With 306 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 51.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Cottondale has a population of 892 with a density of 273 people per square mile, spread across 3.5 square miles. The median age is 37.9 years, 3% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 55.4% female and 44.6% male. The city is predominantly White (84.2%), with 8% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.2% of residents. 6.4% of the population are veterans. 23.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 90.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
37.9yrs
Median Age
3% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Cottondale vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.2%
24% above US avg
Spanish
2.8%
79% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Cottondale vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Cottondale is $41,518, which is 45% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $23,730 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $910, 36% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.8% (below the 3.6% US average). 10.2% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,052 business establishments, including 79 restaurants. The cost of living index is 103.4, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes. 7.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Cottondale vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $41,518 |
| 45% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $23,730 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $910 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $54,667 |
| Gini Index | 0.459 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.8% |
| 50% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 10.2% |
| 18% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,052 |
| County GDP | $1,986M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 79 |
| Healthcare | 88 |
| Retail | 163 |
| Manufacturing | 20 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,391 |
| 3% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 103.40 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.89% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 27.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 72.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.6% |
| Work from Home | 7.8% |
The median home value in Cottondale is $87,100, 69% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $129,921, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $913 (21% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $1,296 for a one-bedroom to $1,526 for a two-bedroom apartment. 63.9% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 471 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1974. The average annual property tax is $3,391. 26.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $87,100 |
| 69% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $129,921 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $913 |
| 21% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 26.6% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,212 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,296 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,526 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,971 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,261 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 63.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 63.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 36.1% |
| Housing Units | 471 |
| Median Year Built | 1974 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,391 |
| 3% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.89% |
In Cottondale, 39.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 13.0% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.0% of residents, above the national average. 36.5% have high blood pressure. 20.5% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 15.5% report binge drinking. 31.7% are physically inactive, above the national average. 22.4% report depression. 22.1% experience frequent mental distress. 15.9% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,180. The dentist ratio is 1:3,444. 25.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Cottondale vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.2% |
| 22% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 13.0% |
| Heart Disease | 7.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 36.5% |
| Asthma | 11.4% |
| COPD | 9.3% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 4.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 20.5% |
| 46% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 15.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 31.7% |
| Depression | 22.4% |
| Mental Distress | 22.1% |
| Physical Distress | 16.7% |
| Short Sleep | 41.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 90.9% |
| Uninsured | 15.9% |
| 85% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,180 |
| Dentists | 1:3,444 |
| Mental Health | 1:631 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.4% |
| Dental Visits | 45.4% |
| Premature Death | 13,579/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 25.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 88 |
Cottondale has a violent crime rate of 630 per 100,000 residents, 66% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,778 per 100,000, 9% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 11 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Cottondale receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Cottondale vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 630.0/100K |
| 66% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,778.1/100K |
| 9% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 11 |
| Traffic Accidents | 437 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.2 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Cottondale enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 68°F (20°C). Winters average 52°F in January while summers reach 83°F in July. The area gets 306 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 51.1 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 142 feet.
Temperature
52°F Jan (11°C)
83°F Jul (28°C)
| Annual Average | 68.3°F |
| 26% above US avg |
| January Average | 52°F (11°C) |
| July Average | 83°F (28°C) |
| Sunny Days | 306 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 142 ft (43 m) |
| Area | 3.5 sq mi (9.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 273/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 30.7897°N, 85.3660°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Jackson County County |
| Nearest Airport | Dothan Regional (DHN)
37 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
51.1"
35% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
7.01"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 75.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 78.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 26.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively High |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Hurricane History
14 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 5. Most recent: Helene (2024, Cat 4).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2024 |
Helene |
Category 4 |
178 km |
| 2024 |
Debby |
Category 1 |
213 km |
| 2023 |
Idalia |
Category 4 |
196 km |
| 2020 |
Sally |
Category 2 |
194 km |
| 2018 |
Michael |
Category 5 |
50 km |
| 2016 |
Hermine |
Category 1 |
142 km |
| 2005 |
Dennis |
Category 4 |
172 km |
| 2004 |
Ivan |
Category 4 |
232 km |
| 1998 |
Earl |
Category 2 |
83 km |
| 1997 |
Danny |
Category 1 |
246 km |
| 1995 |
Opal |
Category 4 |
139 km |
| 1995 |
Erin |
Category 2 |
162 km |
| 1985 |
Elena |
Category 3 |
163 km |
| 1985 |
Kate |
Category 2 |
70 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
612 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 38 fatalities, 676 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 1, 2007 |
EF4 |
76 km |
9 |
| Jan 9, 2024 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 2022 |
EF3 |
22 km |
2 |
| Mar 22, 2005 |
EF3 |
52 km |
1 |
| Nov 25, 1986 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| May 16, 1983 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Dec 30, 1973 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Dec 29, 1973 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Dec 29, 1973 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jan 13, 1972 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Dec 28, 1968 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Dec 10, 1967 |
EF3 |
82 km |
1 |
| Dec 10, 1967 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| May 10, 2024 |
EF2 |
92 km |
2 |
| May 10, 2024 |
EF2 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jan 9, 2024 |
EF2 |
67 km |
0 |
| Jan 9, 2024 |
EF2 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jan 9, 2024 |
EF2 |
16 km |
0 |
| Jan 9, 2024 |
EF2 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jan 9, 2024 |
EF2 |
22 km |
1 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BERTHA SWAMP RD (23,036 ac, 2022).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2022 |
BERTHA SWAMP RD |
23,036 |
61 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
11,539 |
95 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
11,445 |
87 km |
| 2021 |
BU 83/84/85 |
10,582 |
97 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
10,132 |
97 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
9,352 |
94 km |
| 2018 |
UNNAMED |
8,688 |
98 km |
| 2011 |
UNNAMED |
8,424 |
75 km |
| 2014 |
BURN UNIT 057 |
8,381 |
94 km |
| 2018 |
UNNAMED |
8,237 |
93 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
8,120 |
94 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
8,108 |
92 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
8,012 |
92 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
7,968 |
86 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
7,683 |
91 km |
| 2020 |
VILAS |
7,663 |
79 km |
| 1998 |
UNNAMED |
7,619 |
94 km |
| 2024 |
ANF BU 241 242 RX 0202 |
7,573 |
89 km |
| 2018 |
FIREBREAK 56 (23) |
7,530 |
90 km |
| 2010 |
UNNAMED |
7,430 |
84 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
52°F (11°C) |
5.2 in |
Coldest |
| February |
53°F (12°C) |
5.1 in |
|
| March |
60°F (15°C) |
5.4 in |
|
| April |
65°F (19°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| May |
73°F (23°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| June |
79°F (26°C) |
5.7 in |
|
| July |
83°F (28°C) |
7.0 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
80°F (27°C) |
5.8 in |
|
| September |
77°F (25°C) |
4.6 in |
|
| October |
68°F (20°C) |
3.0 in |
Driest |
| November |
59°F (15°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| December |
52°F (11°C) |
4.5 in |
|
Cottondale has a seasonal temperature swing of 31°F / from 52°F in January to 83°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 57.5 inches, with July being the wettest month (7.0") and October the driest (3.0").
Average costs for common services in Cottondale. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$259 ($155–$414) |
| Specialist Visit |
$362 ($207–$569) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$207 ($103–$362) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,275 ($827–$5,170) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$134 ($78–$207) |
| Dental Filling |
$259 ($155–$414) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$47 ($26–$78) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$78 ($52–$124) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$310 ($155–$517) |
| Tire Rotation |
$41 ($21–$78) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$620 ($414–$1,034) |
| Battery Replacement |
$207 ($103–$362) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$103 ($62–$155) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$93 ($52–$145) |
| HVAC Repair |
$414 ($155–$827) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,238 ($4,136–$12,408) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,034 ($414–$2,068) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,306 ($5,687–$15,510) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,551 ($517–$3,619) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,510 ($5,170–$31,020) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,170 ($2,068–$10,340) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,551 ($827–$3,102) |
| Will Preparation |
$517 ($207–$1,034) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,585 ($1,034–$5,170) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$26 ($16–$47) |
| Women's Haircut |
$57 ($31–$103) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$155 ($78–$259) |
| Manicure |
$26 ($16–$47) |
| Pedicure |
$41 ($26–$67) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$83 ($52–$134) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.24 ($3.10–$5.69) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.62 ($2.59–$5.17) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.93 ($2.59–$5.69) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.65 ($3.10–$6.72) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.69 ($4.14–$7.76) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.03 ($0.62–$1.86) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$145 ($83–$259) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$72 ($31–$155) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$72 ($41–$124) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$72 ($41–$103) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$67 ($31–$103) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$88 ($52–$155) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$207 ($78–$517) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,068 ($1,241–$3,619) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$72 ($31–$134) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$16 ($8.27–$26) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$103 ($31–$259) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$31 ($16–$78) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,241 ($620–$2,585) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,034 ($517–$2,068) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$414 ($207–$724) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$52 ($26–$103) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,034 ($414–$2,585) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,925 ($5,170–$31,020) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$62 ($31–$103) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$103 ($52–$207) |
| Dog Grooming |
$62 ($31–$103) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$41 ($21–$78) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$310 ($155–$517) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$207 ($103–$414) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $866 |
| Toddler | $693 |
| Preschool | $628 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Cottondale
What is the population of Cottondale?
Cottondale has a population of 892 residents and is located in Florida. The population density is 273 people per square mile, spread across 3.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 37.9 years. The population is 55.4% female and 44.6% male.
Is Cottondale expensive to live in?
Cottondale has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 103.4 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $41,518, 45% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $87,100 (69% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $913 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Cottondale safe?
Public safety is a concern in Cottondale, with a violent crime rate of 630 per 100,000 / significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,778 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Cottondale receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Cottondale?
Cottondale enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 68°F (20°C). Winter temperatures average 52°F in January, while summers reach an average of 83°F in July. The area receives 306 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 51.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Cottondale?
The job market in Cottondale is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.8% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $910. There are 1,052 business establishments in the area, including 79 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 28 minutes, and 7.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Cottondale?
The median home value in Cottondale is $87,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $129,921. For renters, the median monthly rent is $913. Fair market rent is $1,296 for a 1-bedroom and $1,526 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 63.9%. The average annual property tax is $3,391.
How are the schools in Cottondale?
Schools in Cottondale score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 9.1% of adults in Cottondale hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 80.6% have completed high school. 1.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Cottondale?
The obesity rate in Cottondale is 39.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 20.5% of adults are smokers. 31.7% are physically inactive. 22.4% of residents report depression. 15.9% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 25.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,180.
What is transportation like in Cottondale?
The average commute in Cottondale is 28 minutes. 72.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 7.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Cottondale?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Cottondale is 84.2% White, 8% Black or African American. 97.2% of residents speak only English at home. 6.4% of the population are military veterans. 23.7% of residents have a disability. 90.9% have health insurance coverage.
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