Cottonwood, AZ
Population 12,547 · Arizona
About Cottonwood, AZ
Cottonwood is a mid-sized city located in Arizona with a population of 12,547 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $47,162 per year, which is 37% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 55.8 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 $286,000, which is 17% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Cottonwood in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,080, 7% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 6,964 total housing units, 51% are owner-occupied (3,310 units) and 49% are renter-occupied (3,178 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 2.4%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 17.5%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Cottonwood have an average one-way commute time of 19.7 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
26.4% of Cottonwood residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 18.0% White, 6.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, and 4.6% Asian residents, with 15.2% of the population being foreign-born.
Climate & Weather
Cottonwood experiences an annual average temperature of 63°F with 17.68" of precipitation per year. The moderate climate offers a balance of seasonal variety without extremes. Summer highs average around 100°F (July–August), while winter lows dip to approximately 34°F (December–January).
How Cottonwood Ranks in Arizona
Cost of Living in Cottonwood, AZ
Compared to national averages, Cottonwood has a median household income of $47,162 (37% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $286,000, which is 17% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,080 is 7% below the US average of $1,163. Within Arizona, Cottonwood's income is 24% below the state average of $62,086, and home values are 21% above the state median of $237,048.
Why Live in Cottonwood, AZ?
Cottonwood offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,080/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.4%, and short commute times averaging just 19.7 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($47,162) 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 12,547 with a median age of 55.8 years. Compare Cottonwood with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Arizona.
Similar Cities Near Cottonwood
Cities in Arizona with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gold Canyon | 12,488 | $85,833 | $469,600 | Compare |
| Saddlebrooke | 12,616 | $90,888 | $471,700 | Compare |
| Paradise Valley | 12,621 | $236,250 | $2,000,001 | Compare |
| Verde Village | 12,662 | $71,352 | $329,300 | Compare |
| Tucson Estates | 12,687 | $66,813 | $190,200 | Compare |
| Camp Verde | 12,282 | $58,383 | $286,700 | Compare |
| Show Low | 11,913 | $63,376 | $275,000 | Compare |
| Chino Valley | 13,372 | $59,733 | $352,100 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Climate & Weather in Cottonwood
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 52 | 55 | 59 | 77 | 84 | 92 | 103 | 96 | 90 | 81 | 68 | 60 |
| Low °F | 32 | 33 | 36 | 47 | 57 | 63 | 75 | 71 | 63 | 53 | 43 | 37 |
| Rain " | 3.0 | 2.6 | 4.1 | 0.1 | 0.8 | 0.0 | 0.2 | 2.8 | 0.1 | 0.2 | 2.1 | 1.6 |
Other Cities in Arizona
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, AZ?
The population of Cottonwood, AZ is 12,547 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Arizona.
What is the median household income in Cottonwood?
The median household income in Cottonwood, AZ is $47,162 per year, which is 37% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Cottonwood?
The median home value in Cottonwood, AZ is $286,000, which is 17% above 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, AZ is $1,080, which is 7% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Cottonwood?
The unemployment rate in Cottonwood, AZ is 2.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Cottonwood, AZ a good place to live?
Cottonwood offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 12,547 and a median age of 55.8, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Cottonwood, AZ?
26.4% 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, AZ: median home value is $286,000 (17% above national), median rent is $1,080/month, and median household income is $47,162. The home-value-to-income ratio is 6.1x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Cottonwood?
The poverty rate in Cottonwood, AZ is 17.5%, 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, AZ?
Cottonwood's population is 18.0% White, 6.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, 4.6% Asian, and 0.2% two or more races. 15.2% of residents are foreign-born.