Median Income
$100,417
34% higher than US avg
Home Value
$265,000
6% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
215/100K
43% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
19.3%
43% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.2%
7% higher than US avg
Unemployment
7.8%
117% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
8.6%
31% lower than US avg
How Cottonwood Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population335
Median Age40.0 yrs
Density233/mi²
Male / Female55% / 45%
Largest GroupWhite 81%
Veterans11.6%
Economy
A
Median Income$100,417
Per Capita$43,167
Unemployment7.8%
Poverty8.6%
County GDP$6,967M
Commute50 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$265,000
Ownership72.0%
Zillow$335,854
Housing Units136
Rent Burden18.3%
Crime
F
Violent215/100K
Property2,023/100K
Health
Obesity34.2%
Uninsured13.1%
Smoking15.0%
Depression25.8%
Heart Disease5.4%
Climate
Avg Temp66°F (19°C)
AQI42 (Good)
Rain42.1 in/yr
Sunny Days308/yr
Elevation394 ft (120 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+19.3%
High School+87.8%
Graduate+7.3%
School Score5.55
Community
2024 VoteR 64% / D 36%
Commute50 min
Broadband77.6%
EV Stations1
Libraries4
Is Cottonwood a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Cottonwood receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low crime rates, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, a high uninsured rate, long commute times. 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 $100,417, which is significantly higher than the national average / 34% above $75,149. This places Cottonwood among higher-income communities. The unemployment rate of 7.8% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. 8.6% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 50 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Cottonwood is $265,000, roughly aligned with the national median of $281,900. At just 2.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Cottonwood is below the national average at 215 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,023 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
19.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.6/10.
Climate & Weather
Cottonwood enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 66°F. Winters average 46°F in January while summers reach 84°F in July. With 308 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 42.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42.
Cottonwood has a population of 335 with a density of 233 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age is 40.0 years, 3% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 45.4% female and 54.6% male. The city is predominantly White (80.6%), with 7.5% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.9% of residents. 11.6% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 17.8% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 87.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
40.0yrs
Median Age
3% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Cottonwood vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.9%
26% above US avg
Spanish
1.1%
92% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Cottonwood vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Cottonwood is $100,417, which is 34% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $43,167 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,076, 25% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 7.8% (above the 3.6% US average). 8.6% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 2,668 business establishments, including 225 restaurants. The cost of living index is 97.1, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 50 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 2.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Cottonwood vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $100,417 |
| 34% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $43,167 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,076 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $72,125 |
| Gini Index | 0.393 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 7.8% |
| 117% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 8.6% |
| 31% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,668 |
| County GDP | $6,967M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 225 |
| Healthcare | 205 |
| Retail | 327 |
| Manufacturing | 109 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $7,453 |
| 113% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 97.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.81% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 50.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 80.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 2.1% |
The median home value in Cottonwood is $265,000, 6% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $335,854, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $935 for a one-bedroom to $1,149 for a two-bedroom apartment. 72.0% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 136 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1991. The average annual property tax is $7,453 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 18.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.6x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $265,000 |
| 6% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $335,854 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $887 |
| 1 Bedroom | $935 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,149 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,497 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,733 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 72.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 72.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 28.0% |
| Housing Units | 136 |
| Median Year Built | 1991 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $7,453 |
| 113% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.81% |
In Cottonwood, 34.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.5% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.4% of residents. 30.4% have high blood pressure. 15.0% are current smokers. 20.2% report binge drinking. 24.3% are physically inactive. 25.8% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.6% experience frequent mental distress. 13.1% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,781. The dentist ratio is 1:2,612. 67.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Cottonwood vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.2% |
| 7% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.5% |
| Heart Disease | 5.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.4% |
| Asthma | 10.8% |
| COPD | 6.5% |
| Cancer | 7.0% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.0% |
| 7% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.3% |
| Depression | 25.8% |
| Mental Distress | 19.6% |
| Physical Distress | 13.3% |
| Short Sleep | 39.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 87.1% |
| Uninsured | 13.1% |
| 52% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:4,781 |
| Dentists | 1:2,612 |
| Mental Health | 1:938 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.7% |
| Dental Visits | 54.6% |
| Premature Death | 8,809/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 67.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 205 |
Cottonwood has a violent crime rate of 215 per 100,000 residents, 43% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,023 per 100,000, 3% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 21 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 | 215.2/100K |
| 43% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,022.7/100K |
| 3% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 21 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 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 66°F (19°C). Winters average 46°F in January while summers reach 84°F in July. The area gets 308 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 42.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42. The city sits at an elevation of 394 feet.
Temperature
46°F Jan (8°C)
84°F Jul (29°C)
| Annual Average | 65.7°F |
| 22% above US avg |
| January Average | 46°F (8°C) |
| July Average | 84°F (29°C) |
| Sunny Days | 308 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 394 ft (120 m) |
| Area | 0.6 sq mi (1.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 233/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 32.4514°N, 96.4004°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Kaufman County County |
| Nearest Airport | Dallas Love Field (DAL)
38 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
42.1"
11% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.96"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 42.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0483 ppm |
| NO₂ (Nitrogen Dioxide) | 7.0 ppb |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 0.85 ppb |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 7.9 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 76.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 18.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 63.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
91 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.0. Most recent: M3.1 on May 1, 2024.
| May 7, 2015 |
5 km N of Venus, Texas |
M4.0 |
66 km |
| Dec 8, 2013 |
0 km NNE of Sanctuary, Texas |
M3.6 |
122 km |
| Nov 20, 2013 |
1 km NNW of Azle, Texas |
M3.6 |
119 km |
| Jan 7, 2015 |
6 km NE of Irving, Texas |
M3.6 |
64 km |
| Jan 6, 2015 |
4 km ENE of Irving, Texas |
M3.5 |
64 km |
| Jun 24, 2012 |
3 km SSE of Briaroaks, Texas |
M3.5 |
83 km |
| Nov 25, 2013 |
3 km WNW of Sanctuary, Texas |
M3.4 |
125 km |
| May 31, 1997 |
3 km ESE of Neylandville, Texas |
M3.4 |
91 km |
| May 19, 2018 |
8 km NW of Venus, Texas |
M3.4 |
72 km |
| Sep 30, 2012 |
4 km NW of Irving, Texas |
M3.4 |
69 km |
| May 16, 2009 |
5 km NNW of Grand Prairie, Texas |
M3.3 |
69 km |
| May 18, 2015 |
5 km N of Irving, Texas |
M3.3 |
70 km |
| Apr 2, 2015 |
5 km NNE of Irving, Texas |
M3.3 |
68 km |
| Jan 18, 2012 |
9 km SSE of Godley, Texas |
M3.3 |
102 km |
| Jun 15, 2012 |
5 km SSE of Briaroaks, Texas |
M3.3 |
82 km |
| May 1, 2024 |
7 km S of Mansfield, Texas |
M3.2 |
71 km |
| May 3, 2015 |
4 km N of Irving, Texas |
M3.2 |
68 km |
| May 1, 2024 |
7 km SSW of Mansfield, Texas |
M3.1 |
73 km |
| Jan 13, 2014 |
2 km ESE of Reno, Texas |
M3.1 |
121 km |
| Feb 27, 2015 |
4 km ENE of Irving, Texas |
M3.1 |
64 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Hurricane History
1 hurricane (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 2. Most recent: Ike (2008, Cat 2).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2008 |
Ike |
Category 2 |
192 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980-2026)
Tornado History
742 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 39 fatalities, 1,580 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 29, 2017 |
EF4 |
42 km |
2 |
| Dec 26, 2015 |
EF4 |
42 km |
10 |
| Apr 25, 1994 |
EF4 |
37 km |
3 |
| May 26, 1976 |
EF4 |
85 km |
0 |
| Oct 20, 2019 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| Apr 29, 2017 |
EF3 |
50 km |
2 |
| Dec 26, 2015 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| May 10, 2015 |
EF3 |
74 km |
2 |
| Apr 3, 2012 |
EF3 |
34 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 2002 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 2000 |
EF3 |
95 km |
2 |
| Mar 28, 2000 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 1990 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Dec 13, 1984 |
EF3 |
37 km |
0 |
| Oct 13, 1981 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1981 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1981 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| May 3, 1979 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Feb 23, 1979 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| May 11, 1978 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
2 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: C#491 (3,616 ac, 2011).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2011 |
C#491 |
3,616 |
96 km |
| 2011 |
495 |
1,606 |
98 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
46°F (8°C) |
2.3 in |
Coldest |
| February |
50°F (10°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| March |
57°F (14°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| April |
65°F (18°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| May |
73°F (23°C) |
5.0 in |
Wettest |
| June |
80°F (27°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| July |
84°F (29°C) |
2.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
84°F (29°C) |
2.0 in |
Driest |
| September |
77°F (25°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| October |
67°F (19°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| November |
56°F (13°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| December |
48°F (9°C) |
3.0 in |
|
Cottonwood has a seasonal temperature swing of 38°F / from 46°F in January to 84°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 38.4 inches, with May being the wettest month (5.0") and August the driest (2.0").
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) |
$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 | $827 |
| Toddler | $762 |
| Preschool | $736 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $723 |
| Toddler | $684 |
| Preschool | $675 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Cottonwood
What is the population of Cottonwood?
Cottonwood has a population of 335 residents and is located in Texas. The population density is 233 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 40.0 years. The population is 45.4% female and 54.6% male.
Is Cottonwood expensive to live in?
Cottonwood 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 $100,417, 34% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $265,000 (6% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 2.6x, 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 215 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,023 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 66°F (19°C). Winter temperatures average 46°F in January, while summers reach an average of 84°F in July. The area receives 308 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 42.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 42.
How is the job market in Cottonwood?
The unemployment rate in Cottonwood is 7.8%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $1,076. There are 2,668 business establishments in the area, including 225 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 50 minutes, and 2.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Cottonwood?
The median home value in Cottonwood is $265,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $335,854. The homeownership rate is 72.0%. The average annual property tax is $7,453.
How are the schools in Cottonwood?
Schools in Cottonwood score 5.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 19.3% of adults in Cottonwood hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.8% have completed high school. 7.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Cottonwood?
The obesity rate in Cottonwood is 34.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.0% of adults are smokers. 24.3% are physically inactive. 25.8% of residents report depression. 13.1% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 67.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,781.
What is transportation like in Cottonwood?
The average commute in Cottonwood is 50 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 80.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 2.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Cottonwood?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Cottonwood is 80.6% White, 7.5% Hispanic or Latino. 98.9% of residents speak only English at home. 11.6% of the population are military veterans. 17.8% of residents have a disability. 87.1% have health insurance coverage.
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