Cottondale, AL
Population 2,850 · Alabama
About Cottondale, AL
Cottondale is a small town located in Alabama with a population of 2,850 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $44,250 per year, which is 41% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 45.2 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Cottondale features a median home value of $118,600, which is 52% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Cottondale one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $904, 22% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,634 total housing units, 79% are owner-occupied (1,038 units) and 21% are renter-occupied (270 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Cottondale shows an unemployment rate of 6.0%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 27.3%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Cottondale have an average one-way commute time of 22.2 minutes.
Education & Demographics
11.6% of Cottondale residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 1.9% White, 1.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 3.4% Asian residents, with 0.4% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Cottondale, AL
Compared to national averages, Cottondale has a median household income of $44,250 (41% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $118,600, which is 52% below the national median. Monthly rent at $904 is 22% below the US average of $1,163. Within Alabama, Cottondale's income is 24% below the state average of $57,952, and home values are 26% below the state median of $159,358.
Why Live in Cottondale, AL?
Cottondale offers affordable housing with a median home value of $118,600, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $904/month, and short commute times averaging just 22.2 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($44,250) that falls below the national average. However, Cottondale’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Cottondale has a population of 2,850 with a median age of 45.2 years. Compare Cottondale with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Alabama.
Similar Cities Near Cottondale
Cities in Alabama with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| York | 2,849 | $37,009 | $57,500 | Compare |
| Brent | 2,862 | $24,041 | $143,300 | Compare |
| Eutaw | 2,864 | $31,583 | $98,300 | Compare |
| New Hope | 2,895 | $80,787 | $158,200 | Compare |
| Taylor | 2,916 | $62,596 | $128,600 | Compare |
| Eagle Point | 2,929 | $146,125 | $463,300 | Compare |
| Centreville | 2,757 | $41,130 | $145,300 | Compare |
| Huguley | 2,944 | $43,736 | $127,100 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Alabama
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Cottondale With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Cottondale
What is the population of Cottondale, AL?
The population of Cottondale, AL is 2,850 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Alabama.
What is the median household income in Cottondale?
The median household income in Cottondale, AL is $44,250 per year, which is 41% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Cottondale?
The median home value in Cottondale, AL is $118,600, which is 52% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Cottondale?
The median monthly rent in Cottondale, AL is $904, which is 22% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Cottondale?
The unemployment rate in Cottondale, AL is 6.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Cottondale, AL a good place to live?
Cottondale offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 2,850 and a median age of 45.2, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Cottondale, AL?
11.6% of residents in Cottondale aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Cottondale?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Cottondale, AL: median home value is $118,600 (52% below national), median rent is $904/month, and median household income is $44,250. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Cottondale?
The poverty rate in Cottondale, AL is 27.3%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Cottondale, AL?
Cottondale's population is 1.9% White, 1.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 3.4% Asian, and 46.6% two or more races. 0.4% of residents are foreign-born.