Cottonwood County, Minnesota Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Cottonwood County is located in Minnesota with a total population of 11,458. It is the 63rd most populous county out of 87 in Minnesota. The county encompasses 6 Census-designated places.

Age Demographics

The median age in Cottonwood County is 41.3 years. This is 7% higher than the state median of 38.6 years. 10.8% of residents are 75 or older, suggesting a significant retirement-age population with implications for healthcare services and senior housing.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Cottonwood County is $68,239. This is 22% lower than the state median of $87,556. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 13% lower. The poverty rate stands at 14.2%. This is 54% higher than the state poverty rate of 9.2%. The unemployment rate is 3.9%. This is 2% lower than the state rate of 3.9%. The median home value is $154,000. Housing costs are 50% lower than the state median of $305,500. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.3x, Cottonwood County is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 76.1% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 5% higher than the state average of 72.4%.

Race & Ethnicity

The largest racial or ethnic group in Cottonwood County is White (non-Hispanic), making up 81.5% of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 10.5%. The Black or African American population (1.8%) is well below the state average of 6.7%. The Hispanic or Latino population is significantly higher than the state average (10.5% vs 6.2%).

Education

22.9% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 41% lower than the state rate of 38.8%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 92.4%.