Cottonwood, AL
Population 1,091 · Alabama
About Cottonwood, AL
Cottonwood is a small town located in Alabama with a population of 1,091 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $35,417 per year, which is 53% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 48.1 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 Cottonwood features a median home value of $110,300, which is 55% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Cottonwood one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $335, 71% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 611 total housing units, 65% are owner-occupied (336 units) and 35% are renter-occupied (177 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Cottonwood shows an unemployment rate of 1.8%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 26.2%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Cottonwood have an average one-way commute time of 25.1 minutes.
Education & Demographics
10.6% of Cottonwood 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 0.0% White, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 1.1% of the population being foreign-born.
How Cottonwood Ranks in Alabama
Cost of Living in Cottonwood, AL
Compared to national averages, Cottonwood has a median household income of $35,417 (53% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $110,300, which is 55% below the national median. Monthly rent at $335 is 71% below the US average of $1,163. Within Alabama, Cottonwood's income is 39% below the state average of $57,952, and home values are 31% below the state median of $159,358.
Why Live in Cottonwood, AL?
Cottonwood offers affordable housing with a median home value of $110,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $335/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.8%.
Potential considerations include median household income ($35,417) that falls below the national average. However, Cottonwood’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Cottonwood has a population of 1,091 with a median age of 48.1 years. Compare Cottonwood with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Alabama.
Similar Cities Near Cottonwood
Cities in Alabama with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Parrish | 1,093 | $25,769 | $49,900 | Compare |
| Tidmore Bend | 1,086 | $49,688 | $184,700 | Compare |
| Camp Hill | 1,098 | $30,000 | $95,000 | Compare |
| Brilliant | 1,078 | $47,877 | $55,200 | Compare |
| Lookout Mountain | 1,074 | $43,472 | $95,500 | Compare |
| Notasulga | 1,074 | $63,333 | $119,900 | Compare |
| Autaugaville | 1,119 | $47,652 | $131,700 | Compare |
| Berry | 1,063 | $48,819 | $103,900 | 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 Cottonwood With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Cottonwood
What is the population of Cottonwood, AL?
The population of Cottonwood, AL is 1,091 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 Cottonwood?
The median household income in Cottonwood, AL is $35,417 per year, which is 53% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Cottonwood?
The median home value in Cottonwood, AL is $110,300, which is 55% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Cottonwood?
The median monthly rent in Cottonwood, AL is $335, which is 71% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Cottonwood?
The unemployment rate in Cottonwood, AL is 1.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Cottonwood, AL a good place to live?
Cottonwood offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 1,091 and a median age of 48.1, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Cottonwood, AL?
10.6% of residents in Cottonwood 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 Cottonwood?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Cottonwood, AL: median home value is $110,300 (55% below national), median rent is $335/month, and median household income is $35,417. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.1x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Cottonwood?
The poverty rate in Cottonwood, AL is 26.2%, 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 Cottonwood, AL?
Cottonwood's population is 0.0% White, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 26.4% two or more races. 1.1% of residents are foreign-born.