Median Income
$85,208
13% higher than US avg
Home Value
$578,900
105% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
318/100K
16% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
36.0%
7% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.8%
24% higher than US avg
Unemployment
11.1%
208% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Cottontown Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population339
Median Age40.7 yrs
Density97/mi²
Male / Female66% / 34%
Largest GroupWhite 93%
Veterans16.6%
Economy
B+
Median Income$85,208
Per Capita$49,130
Unemployment11.1%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$11,893M
Commute26 min
Housing
C+
Home Value$578,900
Ownership69.3%
Zillow$427,850
Housing Units168
Rent Burden29.1%
Crime
F
Violent318/100K
Property1,423/100K
Health
Obesity39.8%
Uninsured10.8%
Smoking16.5%
Depression32.0%
Heart Disease5.8%
Climate
Avg Temp58°F (15°C)
AQI40 (Good)
Rain54.4 in/yr
Sunny Days299/yr
Elevation593 ft (181 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+36.0%
High School+89.3%
Graduate+7.1%
School Score5.97
Community
2024 VoteR 70% / D 29%
Commute26 min
Broadband91.5%
EV Stations10
Libraries7
Is Cottontown a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Cottontown receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include high housing costs, above-average unemployment, high obesity rates. Cottontown has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Cottontown is $85,208, 13% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. At 11.1%, unemployment is notably high. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Cottontown is $578,900, making it a premium housing market at 105% above the U.S. median of $281,900. The price-to-income ratio of 6.8x means housing costs are stretched relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Cottontown is below the national average at 318 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,423 per 100,000, 27% below the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 36.0% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 89.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Cottontown enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F. Winters average 37°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. With 299 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 54.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40.
Cottontown has a population of 339 with a density of 97 people per square mile, spread across 3.5 square miles. The median age is 40.7 years, 5% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 33.9% female and 66.1% male. The city is predominantly White (93.2%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 90.7% of residents, while 9.3% speak Spanish. 16.6% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 14.8% of residents have a disability. 94.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
40.7yrs
Median Age
5% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Cottontown vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
90.7%
16% above US avg
Spanish
9.3%
31% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Cottontown vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Cottontown is $85,208, which is 13% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $49,130 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,140, 20% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 11.1% (above the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 5,597 business establishments, including 324 restaurants. The cost of living index is 91.9, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes. 19.3% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Cottontown vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $85,208 |
| 13% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $49,130 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,140 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $95,334 |
| Gini Index | 0.433 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 11.1% |
| 208% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 5,597 |
| County GDP | $11,893M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 324 |
| Healthcare | 445 |
| Retail | 511 |
| Manufacturing | 165 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,235 |
| 21% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 91.90 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 0.73% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 25.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 69.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 19.3% |
The median home value in Cottontown is $578,900, 105% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $427,850, lower than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $924 for a one-bedroom to $1,118 for a two-bedroom apartment. 69.3% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 168 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1976. The average annual property tax is $4,235 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 29.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 6.8x, above the traditionally affordable threshold of 3-4x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $578,900 |
| 105% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $427,850 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $882 |
| 1 Bedroom | $924 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,118 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,445 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,644 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 69.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 69.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 30.7% |
| Housing Units | 168 |
| Median Year Built | 1976 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,235 |
| 21% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 0.73% |
In Cottontown, 39.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.2% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.8% of residents. 32.8% have high blood pressure. 16.5% are current smokers. 16.1% report binge drinking. 23.1% are physically inactive. 32.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.7% experience frequent mental distress. 10.8% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,134. The dentist ratio is 1:2,317. 60.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Cottontown vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.8% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.2% |
| Heart Disease | 5.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.8% |
| Asthma | 11.1% |
| COPD | 6.9% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.5% |
| 18% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.1% |
| Depression | 32.0% |
| Mental Distress | 20.7% |
| Physical Distress | 13.6% |
| Short Sleep | 37.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.2% |
| Uninsured | 10.8% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,134 |
| Dentists | 1:2,317 |
| Mental Health | 1:867 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.4% |
| Dental Visits | 61.6% |
| Premature Death | 9,307/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 60.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 445 |
Cottontown has a violent crime rate of 318 per 100,000 residents, 16% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,423 per 100,000, 27% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 22 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Cottontown receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Cottontown vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 317.5/100K |
| 16% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,422.6/100K |
| 27% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 22 |
| Traffic Accidents | 18 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Cottontown enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F (15°C). Winters average 37°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. The area gets 299 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 54.4 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40. The city sits at an elevation of 593 feet.
Temperature
37°F Jan (3°C)
79°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 58.2°F |
| 8% above US avg |
| January Average | 37°F (3°C) |
| July Average | 79°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 299 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 593 ft (181 m) |
| Area | 3.5 sq mi (9.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 97/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 36.4489°N, 86.5336°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Sumner County County |
| Nearest Airport | Nashville International (BNA) 24 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
54.4"
43% above US avg
Wettest Month (Mar)
5.28"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 40.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0487 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 8.2 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 87.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 14.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 55.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Moderate |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
17 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.5. Most recent: M2.5 on Jun 3, 2023.
| Jun 19, 2007 |
10 km ENE of Spencer, Tennessee |
M3.5 |
128 km |
| May 30, 2023 |
6 km W of Calhoun, Kentucky |
M3.0 |
140 km |
| Nov 28, 1998 |
6 km SW of Bremen, Kentucky |
M2.9 |
116 km |
| Jan 28, 1991 |
9 km SW of Sacramento, Kentucky |
M2.8 |
122 km |
| Jan 16, 2019 |
5 km SSE of Wartrace, Tennessee |
M2.8 |
109 km |
| Feb 27, 2020 |
5 km SW of Bremen, Kentucky |
M2.6 |
117 km |
| Jul 8, 2001 |
7 km SE of Franklin, Tennessee |
M2.6 |
68 km |
| Dec 8, 1997 |
6 km NE of Murfreesboro, Tennessee |
M2.6 |
65 km |
| Mar 22, 1990 |
9 km E of Rochester, Kentucky |
M2.6 |
87 km |
| Jan 8, 1995 |
Kentucky |
M2.6 |
108 km |
| Jun 1, 2019 |
4 km ESE of Manchester, Tennessee |
M2.6 |
118 km |
| Jun 3, 2023 |
7 km N of Nebo, Kentucky |
M2.5 |
149 km |
| May 30, 2023 |
7 km W of Calhoun, Kentucky |
M2.5 |
140 km |
| Mar 8, 1990 |
4 km SW of Oak Grove, Kentucky |
M2.5 |
100 km |
| May 2, 1998 |
6 km WNW of Nebo, Kentucky |
M2.5 |
111 km |
| May 20, 2002 |
9 km NNE of Beersheba Springs, Tennessee |
M2.5 |
131 km |
| Mar 2, 2014 |
18 km W of Pikeville, Tennessee |
M2.5 |
140 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
511 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 119 fatalities, 1,388 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 3, 2020 |
EF4 |
84 km |
19 |
| Apr 10, 2009 |
EF4 |
82 km |
2 |
| Jan 24, 1997 |
EF4 |
74 km |
0 |
| Dec 24, 1988 |
EF4 |
67 km |
1 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
98 km |
10 |
| Apr 27, 1970 |
EF4 |
53 km |
3 |
| Dec 9, 2023 |
EF3 |
85 km |
4 |
| Dec 11, 2021 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| Dec 11, 2021 |
EF3 |
53 km |
16 |
| Mar 3, 2020 |
EF3 |
49 km |
5 |
| Apr 26, 2011 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Feb 6, 2008 |
EF3 |
43 km |
4 |
| Feb 5, 2008 |
EF3 |
19 km |
22 |
| Apr 7, 2006 |
EF3 |
26 km |
7 |
| Apr 7, 2006 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2003 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2003 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Apr 28, 2002 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jan 22, 1999 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
13 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: FLOATING MILL HOLLOW (2,422 ac, 2010).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2010 |
FLOATING MILL HOLLOW |
2,422 |
93 km |
| 2008 |
BROOKS KNOB |
2,225 |
88 km |
| 2012 |
FY2012 CRYSTAL CAVE BROADCAST BURN |
2,221 |
95 km |
| 2010 |
JOPPA CHURCH |
2,037 |
88 km |
| 2004 |
JIM LEE |
1,770 |
88 km |
| 2009 |
TEMPLE HILL |
1,628 |
90 km |
| 2009 |
JIM LEE |
1,613 |
88 km |
| 2007 |
Big Woods |
1,500 |
98 km |
| 2008 |
GOBLIN KNOB |
1,445 |
96 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
1,039 |
98 km |
| 2007 |
DENNISON FERRY RX |
655 |
96 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
641 |
98 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
576 |
94 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
37°F (3°C) |
3.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
39°F (4°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| March |
48°F (9°C) |
5.3 in |
Wettest |
| April |
57°F (14°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| May |
65°F (19°C) |
5.0 in |
|
| June |
73°F (23°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| July |
79°F (26°C) |
4.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
76°F (25°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| September |
70°F (21°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| October |
59°F (15°C) |
3.0 in |
Driest |
| November |
48°F (9°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| December |
39°F (4°C) |
5.0 in |
|
Cottontown has a seasonal temperature swing of 42°F / from 37°F in January to 79°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 50.6 inches, with March being the wettest month (5.3") and October the driest (3.0").
Average costs for common services in Cottontown. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$230 ($138–$368) |
| Specialist Visit |
$322 ($184–$505) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$184 ($92–$322) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,022 ($735–$4,595) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$119 ($69–$184) |
| Dental Filling |
$230 ($138–$368) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23–$69) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$69 ($46–$110) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$276 ($138–$460) |
| Tire Rotation |
$37 ($18–$69) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$551 ($368–$919) |
| Battery Replacement |
$184 ($92–$322) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$92 ($55–$138) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$83 ($46–$129) |
| HVAC Repair |
$368 ($138–$735) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,433 ($3,676–$11,028) |
| Roof Repair |
$919 ($368–$1,838) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,271 ($5,055–$13,785) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,379 ($460–$3,217) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,785 ($4,595–$27,570) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,595 ($1,838–$9,190) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,379 ($735–$2,757) |
| Will Preparation |
$460 ($184–$919) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,298 ($919–$4,595) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$51 ($28–$92) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$138 ($69–$230) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Pedicure |
$37 ($23–$60) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$74 ($46–$119) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.77 ($2.76–$5.05) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.22 ($2.30–$4.60) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.49 ($2.30–$5.05) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.14 ($2.76–$5.97) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.05 ($3.68–$6.89) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.92 ($0.55–$1.65) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$129 ($74–$230) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$64 ($28–$138) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$64 ($37–$110) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$64 ($37–$92) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$60 ($28–$92) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$78 ($46–$138) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$184 ($69–$460) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,838 ($1,103–$3,217) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$64 ($28–$119) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.35–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$92 ($28–$230) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$69) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,103 ($551–$2,298) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$919 ($460–$1,838) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$368 ($184–$643) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$46 ($23–$92) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$919 ($368–$2,298) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,488 ($4,595–$27,570) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$55 ($28–$92) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$92 ($46–$184) |
| Dog Grooming |
$55 ($28–$92) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$37 ($18–$69) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$276 ($138–$460) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$184 ($92–$368) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $917 |
| Toddler | $634 |
| Preschool | $634 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $671 |
| Toddler | $555 |
| Preschool | $555 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Cottontown
What is the population of Cottontown?
Cottontown has a population of 339 residents and is located in Tennessee. The population density is 97 people per square mile, spread across 3.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 40.7 years. The population is 33.9% female and 66.1% male.
Is Cottontown expensive to live in?
Cottontown is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 91.9 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $85,208, 13% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $578,900 (105% above the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 6.8x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.
Is Cottontown safe?
Cottontown is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 318 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,423 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Cottontown receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Cottontown?
Cottontown enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F (15°C). Winter temperatures average 37°F in January, while summers reach an average of 79°F in July. The area receives 299 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 54.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 40.
How is the job market in Cottontown?
The job market in Cottontown faces challenges, with unemployment at 11.1% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,140. There are 5,597 business establishments in the area, including 324 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 26 minutes, and 19.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Cottontown?
The median home value in Cottontown is $578,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $427,850. The homeownership rate is 69.3%. The average annual property tax is $4,235.
How are the schools in Cottontown?
Schools in Cottontown score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 36.0% of adults in Cottontown hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 89.3% have completed high school. 7.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Cottontown?
The obesity rate in Cottontown is 39.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.5% of adults are smokers. 23.1% are physically inactive. 32.0% of residents report depression. 10.8% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 60.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,134.
What is transportation like in Cottontown?
The average commute in Cottontown is 26 minutes. 69.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 19.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Cottontown?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Cottontown is 93.2% White. 90.7% of residents speak only English at home, while 9.3% speak Spanish. 16.6% of the population are military veterans. 14.8% of residents have a disability. 94.2% have health insurance coverage.