Median Income
$35,417
53% lower than US avg
Home Value
$110,300
61% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
231/100K
39% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
10.6%
69% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$335
71% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.2%
28% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.8%
78% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
17.2%
39% higher than US avg
How Cottonwood Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,091
Median Age48.1 yrs
Density189/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 67%
Veterans9.5%
Economy
B
Median Income$35,417
Per Capita$23,157
Unemployment0.8%
Poverty17.2%
County GDP$8,043M
Commute25 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$110,300
Rent$335
Ownership65.5%
Zillow$164,122
Housing Units712
Rent Burden22.4%
Crime
F
Violent231/100K
Property2,634/100K
Health
Obesity41.2%
Uninsured11.8%
Smoking18.3%
Depression26.5%
Heart Disease6.6%
Climate
Avg Temp68°F (20°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain53.9 in/yr
Sunny Days306/yr
Elevation152 ft (46 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+10.6%
High School+81.0%
Graduate+1.4%
School Score5.03
Community
2024 VoteR 73% / D 26%
Commute25 min
Broadband71.2%
EV Stations15
Libraries4
Is Cottonwood a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Cottonwood receives an overall livability score of 2.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Cottonwood has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Cottonwood is $35,417, 53% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.8%. The poverty rate of 17.2% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Cottonwood is $110,300, 61% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $335 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.1x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Cottonwood is below the national average at 231 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,634 per 100,000, 34% above the national average.
Education
10.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 81.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5/10.
Climate & Weather
Cottonwood enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 68°F. Winters average 51°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 53.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Cottonwood has a population of 1,091 with a density of 189 people per square mile, spread across 5.8 square miles. The median age is 48.1 years, 24% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.8% female and 51.2% male. The city is predominantly White (67.1%), with 4.6% Hispanic, 26.4% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.5% of residents. 9.5% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 17.4% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 78.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
48.1yrs
Median Age
24% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Cottonwood vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.5%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.5%
96% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Cottonwood vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Cottonwood is $35,417, which is 53% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $23,157 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,029, 28% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.8% (below the 3.6% US average). 17.2% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 3,720 business establishments, including 295 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes. 10.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Cottonwood vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $35,417 |
| 53% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $23,157 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,029 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $70,998 |
| Gini Index | 0.483 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.8% |
| 78% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 17.2% |
| 39% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 3,720 |
| County GDP | $8,043M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 295 |
| Healthcare | 340 |
| Retail | 543 |
| Manufacturing | 105 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,317 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 88.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.10% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 25.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 86.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 10.1% |
The median home value in Cottonwood is $110,300, 61% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $164,122, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 96.1% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $335 (71% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $772 for a one-bedroom to $936 for a two-bedroom apartment. 65.5% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 712 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1972. The average annual property tax is $2,317 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 22.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.1x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $110,300 |
| 61% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $164,122 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| $/Sq Ft | $104 |
| Homes Sold | 2 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 96.1% |
| Price Drops | 66.7% |
| Inventory | 3 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $335 |
| 71% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 22.4% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $716 |
| 1 Bedroom | $772 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $936 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,206 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,381 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 65.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 65.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 34.5% |
| Housing Units | 712 |
| Median Year Built | 1972 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,317 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.10% |
In Cottonwood, 41.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 13.8% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 6.6% of residents. 40.6% have high blood pressure. 18.3% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 15.0% report binge drinking. 29.7% are physically inactive, above the national average. 26.5% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.6% experience frequent mental distress. 11.8% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,221. The dentist ratio is 1:1,566. 72.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Cottonwood vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.2% |
| 28% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 13.8% |
| Heart Disease | 6.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 40.6% |
| Asthma | 10.7% |
| COPD | 8.4% |
| Cancer | 6.8% |
| Stroke | 4.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.3% |
| 31% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 15.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 29.7% |
| Depression | 26.5% |
| Mental Distress | 20.6% |
| Physical Distress | 15.0% |
| Short Sleep | 40.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 78.0% |
| Uninsured | 11.8% |
| 37% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,221 |
| Dentists | 1:1,566 |
| Mental Health | 1:521 |
| Checkup Rate | 78.6% |
| Dental Visits | 49.7% |
| Premature Death | 11,251/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 72.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 340 |
Cottonwood has a violent crime rate of 231 per 100,000 residents, 39% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,634 per 100,000, 34% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 17 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Cottonwood receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Cottonwood vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 231.1/100K |
| 39% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,634.0/100K |
| 34% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 17 |
| Traffic Accidents | 8 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Cottonwood enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 68°F (20°C). Winters average 51°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 53.9 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 152 feet.
Temperature
51°F Jan (10°C)
83°F Jul (28°C)
| Annual Average | 67.8°F |
| 26% above US avg |
| January Average | 51°F (10°C) |
| July Average | 83°F (28°C) |
| Sunny Days | 306 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 152 ft (46 m) |
| Area | 5.8 sq mi (15.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 189/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 31.0540°N, 85.2996°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Houston County County |
| Nearest Airport | Dothan Regional (DHN) 20 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
53.9"
42% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
6.02"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 87.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 72.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 76.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Hurricane |
Relatively High |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively 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 |
174 km |
| 2024 |
Debby |
Category 1 |
223 km |
| 2023 |
Idalia |
Category 4 |
207 km |
| 2020 |
Sally |
Category 2 |
202 km |
| 2018 |
Michael |
Category 5 |
39 km |
| 2016 |
Hermine |
Category 1 |
150 km |
| 2005 |
Dennis |
Category 4 |
187 km |
| 2004 |
Ivan |
Category 4 |
232 km |
| 1998 |
Earl |
Category 2 |
113 km |
| 1997 |
Danny |
Category 1 |
259 km |
| 1995 |
Opal |
Category 3 |
143 km |
| 1995 |
Erin |
Category 2 |
185 km |
| 1985 |
Elena |
Category 3 |
193 km |
| 1985 |
Kate |
Category 2 |
90 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
577 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 56 fatalities, 1,005 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 1, 2007 |
EF4 |
64 km |
9 |
| Mar 31, 2022 |
EF3 |
51 km |
2 |
| Mar 22, 2005 |
EF3 |
36 km |
1 |
| Mar 20, 2003 |
EF3 |
99 km |
6 |
| Feb 13, 2000 |
EF3 |
99 km |
11 |
| Nov 25, 1986 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| May 16, 1983 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Dec 19, 1974 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Dec 30, 1973 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Dec 29, 1973 |
EF3 |
33 km |
0 |
| Dec 29, 1973 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jan 13, 1972 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| Sep 17, 1971 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Mar 3, 1971 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Mar 2, 1971 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Dec 28, 1968 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| Dec 10, 1967 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| May 10, 2024 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jan 9, 2024 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jan 9, 2024 |
EF2 |
34 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 |
91 km |
| 2011 |
UNNAMED |
8,424 |
98 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
7,252 |
99 km |
| 2022 |
ANF BU 2/BU 9 RX 0128 |
7,208 |
96 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
6,185 |
95 km |
| 2017 |
BU 9 |
5,996 |
97 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
5,917 |
98 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
5,383 |
97 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
5,364 |
94 km |
| 2018 |
UNNAMED |
5,311 |
97 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
5,207 |
97 km |
| 2018 |
UNNAMED |
5,003 |
98 km |
| 2014 |
BURN UNIT 8 |
4,937 |
94 km |
| 2013 |
BURN UNIT 17 |
4,878 |
97 km |
| 2013 |
BURN UNIT 11 |
4,851 |
98 km |
| 2021 |
BU 11 |
4,763 |
98 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
4,734 |
97 km |
| 2024 |
ANF BU 11 RX 0321 |
4,672 |
98 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
4,602 |
98 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
4,562 |
97 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
51°F (10°C) |
5.3 in |
Coldest |
| February |
52°F (11°C) |
5.2 in |
|
| March |
59°F (15°C) |
5.4 in |
|
| April |
65°F (19°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| May |
73°F (23°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| June |
79°F (26°C) |
5.0 in |
|
| July |
83°F (28°C) |
6.0 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
80°F (27°C) |
5.0 in |
|
| September |
77°F (25°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| October |
67°F (20°C) |
2.7 in |
Driest |
| November |
59°F (15°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| December |
52°F (11°C) |
4.7 in |
|
Cottonwood has a seasonal temperature swing of 32°F / from 51°F in January to 83°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 54.4 inches, with July being the wettest month (6.0") and October the driest (2.7").
Average costs for common services in Cottonwood. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$222 ($133–$355) |
| Specialist Visit |
$311 ($178–$488) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$178 ($89–$311) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,954 ($710–$4,440) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$115 ($67–$178) |
| Dental Filling |
$222 ($133–$355) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$67) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$67 ($44–$107) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$266 ($133–$444) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$67) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$533 ($355–$888) |
| Battery Replacement |
$178 ($89–$311) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$89 ($53–$133) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$80 ($44–$124) |
| HVAC Repair |
$355 ($133–$710) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,216 ($3,552–$10,656) |
| Roof Repair |
$888 ($355–$1,776) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,992 ($4,884–$13,320) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,332 ($444–$3,108) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,320 ($4,440–$26,640) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,440 ($1,776–$8,880) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,332 ($710–$2,664) |
| Will Preparation |
$444 ($178–$888) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,220 ($888–$4,440) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$49 ($27–$89) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$133 ($67–$222) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($22–$58) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$71 ($44–$115) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.64 ($2.66–$4.88) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.11 ($2.22–$4.44) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.37 ($2.22–$4.88) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.00 ($2.66–$5.77) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.88 ($3.55–$6.66) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.89 ($0.53–$1.60) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$124 ($71–$222) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$62 ($27–$133) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$62 ($36–$107) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$62 ($36–$89) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$58 ($27–$89) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$75 ($44–$133) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$178 ($67–$444) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,776 ($1,066–$3,108) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$62 ($27–$115) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.10–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$89 ($27–$222) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($13–$67) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,066 ($533–$2,220) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$888 ($444–$1,776) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$355 ($178–$622) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22–$89) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$888 ($355–$2,220) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,100 ($4,440–$26,640) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($27–$89) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$89 ($44–$178) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($27–$89) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$67) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$266 ($133–$444) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$178 ($89–$355) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $528 |
| Toddler | $505 |
| Preschool | $478 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $454 |
| Toddler | $458 |
| Preschool | $458 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Cottonwood
What is the population of Cottonwood?
Cottonwood has a population of 1,091 residents and is located in Alabama. The population density is 189 people per square mile, spread across 5.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 48.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48.8% female and 51.2% male.
Is Cottonwood expensive to live in?
Cottonwood is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 88.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $35,417, 53% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $110,300 (61% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $335 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Cottonwood safe?
Cottonwood is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 231 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,634 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Cottonwood receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Cottonwood?
Cottonwood enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 68°F (20°C). Winter temperatures average 51°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 53.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Cottonwood?
The job market in Cottonwood is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.8% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,029. There are 3,720 business establishments in the area, including 295 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 25 minutes, and 10.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Cottonwood?
The median home value in Cottonwood is $110,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $164,122. For renters, the median monthly rent is $335. Fair market rent is $772 for a 1-bedroom and $936 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 65.5%. The average annual property tax is $2,317.
How are the schools in Cottonwood?
Schools in Cottonwood score 5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 10.6% of adults in Cottonwood hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 81.0% have completed high school. 1.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Cottonwood?
The obesity rate in Cottonwood is 41.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.3% of adults are smokers. 29.7% are physically inactive. 26.5% of residents report depression. 11.8% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 72.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,221.
What is transportation like in Cottonwood?
The average commute in Cottonwood is 25 minutes. 86.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 10.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Cottonwood?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Cottonwood is 67.1% White, 26.4% Black or African American, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino. 99.5% of residents speak only English at home. 9.5% of the population are military veterans. 17.4% of residents have a disability. 78.0% have health insurance coverage.