Median Income
$64,716
14% lower than US avg
Home Value
$236,200
16% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
261/100K
31% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
21.6%
36% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$996
14% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.6%
14% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.3%
64% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
6.0%
52% lower than US avg
How Cottonwood Shores Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,626
Median Age34.0 yrs
Density1,520/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 70%
Veterans6.6%
Economy
A
Median Income$64,716
Per Capita$24,822
Unemployment1.3%
Poverty6.0%
County GDP$2,728M
Commute21 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$236,200
Rent$996
Ownership72.3%
Zillow$273,551
Housing Units534
Rent Burden23.0%
Crime
F
Violent261/100K
Property5,977/100K
Health
Obesity36.6%
Uninsured17.6%
Smoking14.4%
Depression23.5%
Heart Disease5.8%
Climate
Avg Temp68°F (20°C)
AQI42 (Good)
Rain28.4 in/yr
Sunny Days328/yr
Elevation833 ft (254 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+21.6%
High School+85.0%
Graduate+3.5%
School Score5.18
Community
2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%
Commute21 min
Broadband95.8%
EV Stations3
Libraries5
Is Cottonwood Shores a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Cottonwood Shores receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include a high uninsured rate. Cottonwood Shores offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Cottonwood Shores is $64,716, 14% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.3%. Only 6.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Cottonwood Shores is $236,200, 16% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $996 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.6x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Cottonwood Shores is below the national average at 261 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 5,977 per 100,000, 205% above the national average.
Education
21.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 85.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.2/10.
Climate & Weather
Cottonwood Shores enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 68°F. Winters average 49°F in January while summers reach 84°F in July. With 328 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 28.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42.
Cottonwood Shores has a population of 1,626 with a density of 1,520 people per square mile, spread across 2.0 square miles. The median age is 34.0 years, 13% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.2% female and 47.8% male. The city is predominantly White (70.2%), with 3.3% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 57.6% of residents, while 42.4% speak Spanish. 6.6% of the population are veterans. 8.2% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 68.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
34.0yrs
Median Age
13% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Cottonwood Shores vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
57.6%
27% below US avg
Spanish
42.4%
216% above US avg
Social Characteristics
Cottonwood Shores vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Cottonwood Shores is $64,716, which is 14% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $24,822 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,089, 24% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.3% (below the 3.6% US average). 6.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,697 business establishments, including 136 restaurants. The cost of living index is 97.1, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 6.6% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Cottonwood Shores vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $64,716 |
| 14% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $24,822 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,089 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $111,467 |
| Gini Index | 0.465 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.3% |
| 64% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 6.0% |
| 52% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,697 |
| County GDP | $2,728M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 136 |
| Healthcare | 145 |
| Retail | 196 |
| Manufacturing | 77 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $10,760 |
| 207% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 97.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.56% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 21.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 81.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.6% |
The median home value in Cottonwood Shores is $236,200, 16% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $273,551, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $996 (14% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $935 for a one-bedroom to $1,149 for a two-bedroom apartment. 72.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 534 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1994. The average annual property tax is $10,760 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 23.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.6x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $236,200 |
| 16% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $273,551 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $996 |
| 14% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 23.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $887 |
| 1 Bedroom | $935 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,149 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,497 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,733 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 72.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 72.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 27.7% |
| Housing Units | 534 |
| Median Year Built | 1994 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $10,760 |
| 207% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.56% |
In Cottonwood Shores, 36.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.2% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.8% of residents. 32.2% have high blood pressure. 14.4% are current smokers. 18.6% report binge drinking. 26.9% are physically inactive. 23.5% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.3% experience frequent mental distress. 17.6% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,426. The dentist ratio is 1:2,019. 42.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Cottonwood Shores vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.6% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.2% |
| Heart Disease | 5.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.2% |
| Asthma | 10.0% |
| COPD | 6.5% |
| Cancer | 6.7% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.4% |
| 3% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.9% |
| Depression | 23.5% |
| Mental Distress | 18.3% |
| Physical Distress | 13.6% |
| Short Sleep | 39.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 68.7% |
| Uninsured | 17.6% |
| 105% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,426 |
| Dentists | 1:2,019 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,125 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.1% |
| Dental Visits | 54.2% |
| Premature Death | 8,879/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 42.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 145 |
Cottonwood Shores has a violent crime rate of 261 per 100,000 residents, 31% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 5,977 per 100,000, 205% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 15 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Cottonwood Shores receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Cottonwood Shores vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 260.6/100K |
| 31% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 5,977.2/100K |
| 205% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 15 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Cottonwood Shores enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 68°F (20°C). Winters average 49°F in January while summers reach 84°F in July. The area gets 328 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 28.4 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42. The city sits at an elevation of 833 feet.
Temperature
49°F Jan (10°C)
84°F Jul (29°C)
| Annual Average | 67.5°F |
| 25% above US avg |
| January Average | 49°F (10°C) |
| July Average | 84°F (29°C) |
| Sunny Days | 328 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 833 ft (254 m) |
| Area | 2.0 sq mi (5.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,520/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 30.5550°N, 98.3276°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Burnet County County |
| Nearest Airport | Austin-Bergstrom International (AUS) 46 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
28.4"
25% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.57"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 42.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 76.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 82.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 35.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
2 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.9. Most recent: M2.9 on Oct 20, 2017.
| Sep 3, 2015 |
7 km NNE of Leander, Texas |
M2.9 |
49 km |
| Oct 20, 2017 |
5 km W of Flatonia, Texas |
M2.9 |
148 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
5 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 3. Most recent: Beryl (2024, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2024 |
Beryl |
Category 1 |
264 km |
| 2017 |
Harvey |
Category 4 |
229 km |
| 2008 |
Ike |
Category 2 |
293 km |
| 2003 |
Claudette |
Category 1 |
258 km |
| 1983 |
Alicia |
Category 2 |
288 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
377 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 34 fatalities, 248 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 27, 1997 |
EF5 |
74 km |
27 |
| May 11, 1999 |
EF4 |
75 km |
1 |
| May 27, 1997 |
EF4 |
36 km |
1 |
| Apr 12, 2022 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| Oct 12, 2001 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| May 11, 1999 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1997 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1994 |
EF3 |
6 km |
0 |
| Mar 14, 1990 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| May 17, 1989 |
EF3 |
72 km |
1 |
| Apr 7, 1980 |
EF3 |
60 km |
1 |
| May 26, 1976 |
EF3 |
99 km |
2 |
| Mar 10, 1973 |
EF3 |
22 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1969 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1959 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Apr 24, 1957 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1954 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Mar 21, 2022 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| Mar 21, 2022 |
EF2 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 2019 |
EF2 |
74 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: CRITTENBERG COMPLEX (21,391 ac, 2022).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2022 |
CRITTENBERG COMPLEX |
21,391 |
99 km |
| 1993 |
SAN SABA FIRE |
12,896 |
85 km |
| 2015 |
EATON CEMETERY |
10,441 |
74 km |
| 1999 |
WILLIAMS RANCH FIRE |
6,226 |
77 km |
| 2011 |
ROBINETTE |
6,039 |
94 km |
| 2011 |
UNNAMED |
5,706 |
97 km |
| 2003 |
UNNAMED |
4,490 |
92 km |
| 2011 |
SPICEWOOD |
4,239 |
27 km |
| 2011 |
JAMES RIVER ROAD |
3,918 |
92 km |
| 1984 |
STEWAIT |
3,696 |
22 km |
| 2015 |
LOG CABIN |
3,391 |
82 km |
| 2022 |
3 OAKS |
3,294 |
95 km |
| 2018 |
HARMAN ROAD |
3,094 |
93 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
2,928 |
90 km |
| 2022 |
TRAINING AREA 23 |
2,696 |
97 km |
| 2007 |
ART |
2,623 |
78 km |
| 2014 |
HAVELAH |
2,320 |
79 km |
| 2011 |
UNNAMED |
2,236 |
93 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
2,234 |
15 km |
| 2011 |
DOSS |
1,860 |
84 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
49°F (10°C) |
1.5 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
52°F (11°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| March |
59°F (15°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| April |
66°F (19°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| May |
74°F (23°C) |
4.6 in |
Wettest |
| June |
80°F (27°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| July |
84°F (29°C) |
1.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
83°F (28°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| September |
77°F (25°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| October |
68°F (20°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| November |
57°F (14°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| December |
49°F (10°C) |
1.7 in |
|
Cottonwood Shores has a seasonal temperature swing of 35°F / from 49°F in January to 84°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 30.3 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.6") and January the driest (1.5").
Average costs for common services in Cottonwood Shores. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$243 ($146–$388) |
| Specialist Visit |
$340 ($194–$534) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$194 ($97–$340) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,136 ($777–$4,855) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$126 ($73–$194) |
| Dental Filling |
$243 ($146–$388) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$44 ($24–$73) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$73 ($49–$117) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$291 ($146–$486) |
| Tire Rotation |
$39 ($19–$73) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$583 ($388–$971) |
| Battery Replacement |
$194 ($97–$340) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$97 ($58–$146) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$87 ($49–$136) |
| HVAC Repair |
$388 ($146–$777) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,797 ($3,884–$11,652) |
| Roof Repair |
$971 ($388–$1,942) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,739 ($5,341–$14,565) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,457 ($486–$3,399) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,565 ($4,855–$29,130) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,855 ($1,942–$9,710) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,457 ($777–$2,913) |
| Will Preparation |
$486 ($194–$971) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,428 ($971–$4,855) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($15–$44) |
| Women's Haircut |
$53 ($29–$97) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$146 ($73–$243) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($15–$44) |
| Pedicure |
$39 ($24–$63) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$78 ($49–$126) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.98 ($2.91–$5.34) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.40 ($2.43–$4.86) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.69 ($2.43–$5.34) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.37 ($2.91–$6.31) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.34 ($3.88–$7.28) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.97 ($0.58–$1.75) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$136 ($78–$243) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$68 ($29–$146) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$68 ($39–$117) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$68 ($39–$97) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$63 ($29–$97) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$83 ($49–$146) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$194 ($73–$486) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,942 ($1,165–$3,399) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$68 ($29–$126) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($7.77–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$97 ($29–$243) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$29 ($15–$73) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,165 ($583–$2,428) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$971 ($486–$1,942) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$388 ($194–$680) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$49 ($24–$97) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$971 ($388–$2,428) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,138 ($4,855–$29,130) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$58 ($29–$97) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$97 ($49–$194) |
| Dog Grooming |
$58 ($29–$97) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$39 ($19–$73) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$291 ($146–$486) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$194 ($97–$388) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $875 |
| Toddler | $818 |
| Preschool | $792 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $784 |
| Toddler | $745 |
| Preschool | $736 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Cottonwood Shores
What is the population of Cottonwood Shores?
Cottonwood Shores has a population of 1,626 residents and is located in Texas. The population density is 1,520 people per square mile, spread across 2.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 34.0 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52.2% female and 47.8% male.
Is Cottonwood Shores expensive to live in?
Cottonwood Shores has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 97.1 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $64,716, 14% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $236,200 (16% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $996 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Cottonwood Shores safe?
Cottonwood Shores is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 261 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 5,977 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Cottonwood Shores receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Cottonwood Shores?
Cottonwood Shores enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 68°F (20°C). Winter temperatures average 49°F in January, while summers reach an average of 84°F in July. The area receives 328 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 28.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 42.
How is the job market in Cottonwood Shores?
The job market in Cottonwood Shores is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.3% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,089. There are 1,697 business establishments in the area, including 136 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 21 minutes, and 6.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Cottonwood Shores?
The median home value in Cottonwood Shores is $236,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $273,551. For renters, the median monthly rent is $996. Fair market rent is $935 for a 1-bedroom and $1,149 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 72.3%. The average annual property tax is $10,760.
How are the schools in Cottonwood Shores?
Schools in Cottonwood Shores score 5.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 21.6% of adults in Cottonwood Shores hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 85.0% have completed high school. 3.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Cottonwood Shores?
The obesity rate in Cottonwood Shores is 36.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.4% of adults are smokers. 26.9% are physically inactive. 23.5% of residents report depression. 17.6% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 42.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,426.
What is transportation like in Cottonwood Shores?
The average commute in Cottonwood Shores is 21 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 81.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Cottonwood Shores?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Cottonwood Shores is 70.2% White, 3.3% Hispanic or Latino. 57.6% of residents speak only English at home, while 42.4% speak Spanish. 6.6% of the population are military veterans. 8.2% of residents have a disability. 68.7% have health insurance coverage.