Median Income
$90,750
21% higher than US avg
Home Value
$180,200
36% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
253/100K
33% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
27.1%
20% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$914
21% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.1%
19% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.6%
28% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
2.7%
78% lower than US avg
How Cottonwood Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,120
Median Age37.0 yrs
Density1,120/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans4.0%
Economy
A+
Median Income$90,750
Per Capita$44,540
Unemployment2.6%
Poverty2.7%
County GDP$784M
Commute15 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$180,200
Rent$914
Ownership78.9%
Zillow$240,666
Housing Units528
Rent Burden29.3%
Crime
F
Violent253/100K
Property2,449/100K
Health
Obesity38.1%
Uninsured7.5%
Smoking14.9%
Depression24.8%
Heart Disease5.1%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain28.6 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation1,071 ft (326 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+27.1%
High School+98.0%
Graduate+5.2%
School Score5.99
Community
2024 VoteR 69% / D 29%
Commute15 min
Broadband82.7%
EV Stations3
Libraries3
Is Cottonwood a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Cottonwood receives an overall livability score of 3.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing. Cottonwood offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Cottonwood is $90,750, 21% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.6%. Only 2.7% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 15 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Cottonwood is $180,200, 36% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $914 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Cottonwood is below the national average at 253 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,449 per 100,000, 25% above the national average.
Education
27.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 98.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Cottonwood has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F. Winters average 13°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. With 276 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 28.6 inches, including 51.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Cottonwood has a population of 1,120 with a density of 1,120 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age is 37.0 years, 5% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.6% female and 52.4% male. The city is predominantly White (95.3%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 93.8% of residents, while 6.2% speak Spanish. 4.0% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 9.2% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 96.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
37.0yrs
Median Age
5% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Cottonwood vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
93.8%
19% above US avg
Spanish
6.2%
54% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Cottonwood vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Cottonwood is $90,750, which is 21% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $44,540 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $954, 33% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 2.7% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 388 business establishments, including 24 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 15 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 8.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Cottonwood vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $90,750 |
| 21% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $44,540 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $954 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $74,153 |
| Gini Index | 0.422 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.6% |
| 28% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 2.7% |
| 78% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 388 |
| County GDP | $784M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 24 |
| Healthcare | 31 |
| Retail | 46 |
| Manufacturing | 17 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,238 |
| 7% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.80% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 15.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 82.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 8.1% |
The median home value in Cottonwood is $180,200, 36% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $240,666, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 93.9% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $914 (21% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $766 for a one-bedroom to $973 for a two-bedroom apartment. 78.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 528 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1972. The average annual property tax is $3,238. 29.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $180,200 |
| 36% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $240,666 |
| Median List Price | $127,500 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $127,500 |
| $/Sq Ft | $89 |
| Homes Sold | 2 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 93.9% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 1 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $914 |
| 21% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 29.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $671 |
| 1 Bedroom | $766 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $973 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,353 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,415 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 78.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 78.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 21.1% |
| Housing Units | 528 |
| Median Year Built | 1972 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,238 |
| 7% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.80% |
In Cottonwood, 38.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.7% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.1% of residents. 27.5% have high blood pressure. 14.9% are current smokers. 21.4% report binge drinking. 22.2% are physically inactive. 24.8% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 16.8% experience frequent mental distress. 7.5% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,882. The dentist ratio is 1:2,372. 45.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Cottonwood vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.1% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.7% |
| Heart Disease | 5.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.5% |
| Asthma | 10.4% |
| COPD | 5.1% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.9% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.2% |
| Depression | 24.8% |
| Mental Distress | 16.8% |
| Physical Distress | 11.2% |
| Short Sleep | 29.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.3% |
| Uninsured | 7.5% |
| 13% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,882 |
| Dentists | 1:2,372 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,052 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.7% |
| Dental Visits | 68.9% |
| Premature Death | 8,670/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 45.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 31 |
Cottonwood has a violent crime rate of 253 per 100,000 residents, 33% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,449 per 100,000, 25% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Cottonwood receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Cottonwood vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 253.1/100K |
| 33% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,449.2/100K |
| 25% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Traffic Accidents | 97 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Cottonwood has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 13°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. The area gets 276 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 28.6 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 51.5 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36. The city sits at an elevation of 1,071 feet.
Temperature
13°F Jan (-10°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 44.7°F |
| 17% below US avg |
| January Average | 13°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,071 ft (326 m) |
| Area | 1.0 sq mi (2.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,120/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.6110°N, 95.6719°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Yellow Medicine County County |
| Nearest Airport | Southwest Minnesota Regional Marshall/Ryan Field (MML)
13 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
28.6"
25% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
3.70"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 30.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 30.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 88.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
3 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.1. Most recent: M2.8 on Apr 25, 2017.
| Jun 5, 1993 |
11 km N of Johnson, Minnesota |
M4.1 |
128 km |
| Feb 9, 1994 |
6 km NNE of Blomkest, Minnesota |
M3.1 |
68 km |
| Apr 25, 2017 |
Near Mankato, Minnesota |
M2.8 |
141 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
433 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 14 fatalities, 294 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF5 |
94 km |
1 |
| Jun 13, 1968 |
EF5 |
49 km |
9 |
| Jul 25, 2000 |
EF4 |
32 km |
1 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF4 |
74 km |
1 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF4 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 1955 |
EF4 |
44 km |
1 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 2008 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| May 17, 1996 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
43 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
24 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
38 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
21 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 1985 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
92 km |
0 |
| May 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
| May 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 2011 |
EF2 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 2010 |
EF2 |
86 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: LOUISBURGRADE (6,487 ac, 2004).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2004 |
LOUISBURGRADE |
6,487 |
81 km |
| 2003 |
CHIPPEWA PRAIRIE |
2,067 |
65 km |
| 2004 |
FISH FIRE |
1,799 |
84 km |
| 2005 |
GRAND MEWS |
1,245 |
88 km |
| 1998 |
LEE |
1,137 |
89 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
1,115 |
89 km |
| 2003 |
ANDERSON |
1,082 |
85 km |
| 1998 |
ANDREASEN |
1,001 |
86 km |
| 1990 |
ANDERSON |
988 |
88 km |
| 2007 |
ANDERSON |
797 |
85 km |
| 2006 |
ANDERSON |
764 |
89 km |
| 1986 |
ANDERSON |
746 |
84 km |
| 2000 |
FISH |
720 |
87 km |
| 2007 |
LEE |
689 |
89 km |
| 2000 |
SVOR |
661 |
86 km |
| 2003 |
LEE |
560 |
89 km |
| 1994 |
ARTICHOKE |
556 |
88 km |
| 2002 |
ARTICHOKE |
548 |
88 km |
| 1993 |
LEE |
516 |
89 km |
| 1995 |
ANDREASON |
507 |
84 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
13°F (-10°C) |
0.7 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| March |
31°F (-1°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| June |
69°F (20°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
3.7 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| October |
48°F (9°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| November |
31°F (-0°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| December |
17°F (-8°C) |
0.8 in |
|
Cottonwood has a seasonal temperature swing of 59°F / from 13°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 25.5 inches, with July being the wettest month (3.7") and January the driest (0.7").
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) |
$247 ($148–$394) |
| Specialist Visit |
$345 ($197–$542) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$197 ($99–$345) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,169 ($789–$4,930) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$128 ($74–$197) |
| Dental Filling |
$247 ($148–$394) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$44 ($25–$74) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$74 ($49–$118) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$296 ($148–$493) |
| Tire Rotation |
$39 ($20–$74) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$592 ($394–$986) |
| Battery Replacement |
$197 ($99–$345) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$99 ($59–$148) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$89 ($49–$138) |
| HVAC Repair |
$394 ($148–$789) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,902 ($3,944–$11,832) |
| Roof Repair |
$986 ($394–$1,972) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,874 ($5,423–$14,790) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,479 ($493–$3,451) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,790 ($4,930–$29,580) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,930 ($1,972–$9,860) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,479 ($789–$2,958) |
| Will Preparation |
$493 ($197–$986) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,465 ($986–$4,930) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15–$44) |
| Women's Haircut |
$54 ($30–$99) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$148 ($74–$247) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15–$44) |
| Pedicure |
$39 ($25–$64) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$79 ($49–$128) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.04 ($2.96–$5.42) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.45 ($2.47–$4.93) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.75 ($2.47–$5.42) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.44 ($2.96–$6.41) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.42 ($3.94–$7.40) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.99 ($0.59–$1.77) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$138 ($79–$247) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$69 ($30–$148) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$69 ($39–$118) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$69 ($39–$99) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$64 ($30–$99) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$84 ($49–$148) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$197 ($74–$493) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,972 ($1,183–$3,451) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$69 ($30–$128) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($7.89–$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$99 ($30–$247) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15–$74) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,183 ($592–$2,465) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$986 ($493–$1,972) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$394 ($197–$690) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$49 ($25–$99) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$986 ($394–$2,465) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,325 ($4,930–$29,580) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$59 ($30–$99) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$99 ($49–$197) |
| Dog Grooming |
$59 ($30–$99) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$39 ($20–$74) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$296 ($148–$493) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$197 ($99–$394) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $860 |
| Toddler | $828 |
| Preschool | $765 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $556 |
| Toddler | $563 |
| Preschool | $563 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Cottonwood
What is the population of Cottonwood?
Cottonwood has a population of 1,120 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 1,120 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 37.0 years. The population is 47.6% female and 52.4% male.
Is Cottonwood expensive to live in?
Cottonwood has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 98.6 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $90,750, 21% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $180,200 (36% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $914 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, 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 253 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,449 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 has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 13°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. The area receives 276 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 28.6 inches, with 51.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Cottonwood?
The job market in Cottonwood is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.6% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $954. There are 388 business establishments in the area, including 24 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 15 minutes, and 8.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Cottonwood?
The median home value in Cottonwood is $180,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $240,666. For renters, the median monthly rent is $914. Fair market rent is $766 for a 1-bedroom and $973 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 78.9%. The average annual property tax is $3,238.
How are the schools in Cottonwood?
Schools in Cottonwood score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 27.1% of adults in Cottonwood hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 98.0% have completed high school. 5.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Cottonwood?
The obesity rate in Cottonwood is 38.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.9% of adults are smokers. 22.2% are physically inactive. 24.8% of residents report depression. 7.5% lack health insurance. 45.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,882.
What is transportation like in Cottonwood?
The average commute in Cottonwood is 15 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 82.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 8.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Cottonwood?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Cottonwood is 95.3% White, 1% Hispanic or Latino. 93.8% of residents speak only English at home, while 6.2% speak Spanish. 4.0% of the population are military veterans. 9.2% of residents have a disability. 96.3% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
