Cottondale CDP, Alabama Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Cottondale CDP, Alabama has a total population of 2,850, the 178th largest city in Alabama, with a median household income of $44,250, which is 29% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 27.3%.
Key Takeaways
- More than 1 in 4 residents live below the poverty line (27.3%), well above the national average of 12.4%.
Cottondale CDP Quick Facts
How Cottondale CDP Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
A diverse community with significant representation from multiple racial and ethnic groups.
State average: 52 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Cottondale CDP Rankings in Alabama
Explore Alabama Rankings
Cities Similar to Cottondale CDP
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Huguley CDP | 2,944 | $43,736 | $127,100 | 8.9% | 10.9% |
| Centreville city | 2,757 | $41,130 | $145,300 | 12.3% | 13.2% |
| Underwood-Petersville CDP | 3,049 | $43,000 | $118,900 | 13.4% | 16.6% |
| York city | 2,849 | $37,009 | $57,500 | 14.2% | 32.6% |
| Henagar city | 2,554 | $44,922 | $118,100 | 7.3% | 19.4% |
Population Overview
Cottondale CDP is a small community located in Alabama. The total population is 2,850. It ranks as the 178th most populous out of 589 cities and towns in Alabama.
Age Demographics
The median age in Cottondale CDP is 45.2 years. This is 15% higher than the state median of 39.3 years. Only 14.0% of residents are under 18, indicating fewer families with children.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Cottondale CDP is $44,250. This is 29% lower than the state median of $62,027. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 44% lower. The poverty rate stands at 27.3%. This is 74% higher than the state poverty rate of 15.6%. With more than one in five residents living below the poverty line, economic hardship is a significant challenge for the community. The unemployment rate is 6.0%. This is 24% higher than the state rate of 4.8%. The median home value is $118,600. Housing costs are 39% lower than the state median of $195,100. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.7x, Cottondale CDP is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 79.4% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 13% higher than the state average of 69.9%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Cottondale CDP is Black or African American, making up 46.6% of the population. White (non-Hispanic) residents account for 46.3%. The Black or African American population is significantly higher than the state average (46.6% vs 25.9%). The Asian population (0.2%) is well below the state average of 1.4%.
Education
11.6% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 58% lower than the state rate of 27.8%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 84.0%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Cottondale CDP, Alabama is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023). The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually, providing reliable estimates for communities of all sizes. Comparisons are made against Alabama state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 589 Census-designated places in Alabama. For official data, visit data.census.gov.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Cottondale CDP, Alabama?
Cottondale CDP, Alabama has a population of 2,850 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Cottondale CDP, AL?
The median household income in Cottondale CDP is $44,250, which is 44% lower the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Cottondale CDP, AL?
The poverty rate in Cottondale CDP is 27.3%. This means approximately 760 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Cottondale CDP, Alabama?
Cottondale CDP's population is 46.3% White, 46.6% Black, 5.3% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.2% Asian.
What is the median home value in Cottondale CDP, AL?
The median home value in Cottondale CDP is $118,600. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.7x.
How educated is Cottondale CDP, Alabama?
11.6% of adults (25+) in Cottondale CDP hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 3.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.