Cottonwood CDP (Kern County), California, CA
Population 3,102 · California
About Cottonwood CDP (Kern County), California, CA
Cottonwood CDP (Kern County), California is a small town located in California with a population of 3,102 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $40,339 per year, which is 46% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 21.7 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Cottonwood CDP (Kern County), California features a median home value of $256,400, which is 5% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Cottonwood CDP (Kern County), California in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $947, 19% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 893 total housing units, 11% are owner-occupied (90 units) and 89% are renter-occupied (747 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Cottonwood CDP (Kern County), California shows an unemployment rate of 15.7%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 47.3%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Cottonwood CDP (Kern County), California have an average one-way commute time of 21.6 minutes.
Education & Demographics
6.2% of Cottonwood CDP (Kern County), California 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 79.3% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.4% Asian residents, with 29.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Cottonwood CDP (Kern County), California, CA
Compared to national averages, Cottonwood CDP (Kern County), California has a median household income of $40,339 (46% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $256,400, which is 5% above the national median. Monthly rent at $947 is 19% below the US average of $1,163. Within California, Cottonwood CDP (Kern County), California's income is 59% below the state average of $97,829, and home values are 61% below the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Cottonwood CDP (Kern County), California, CA?
Cottonwood CDP (Kern County), California offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $947/month, and short commute times averaging just 21.6 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($40,339) that falls below the national average. However, Cottonwood CDP (Kern County), California’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Cottonwood CDP (Kern County), California has a population of 3,102 with a median age of 21.7 years. Compare Cottonwood CDP (Kern County), California with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Cottonwood CDP (Kern County), California
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tarpey Village | 3,125 | $57,344 | $336,300 | Compare |
| Val Verde | 3,074 | $109,543 | $526,000 | Compare |
| Ridgemark | 3,051 | $127,117 | $820,900 | Compare |
| El Verano | 3,154 | $119,527 | $870,100 | Compare |
| Mountain View Acres | 3,155 | $70,179 | $346,000 | Compare |
| Lucerne | 3,156 | $47,460 | $234,400 | Compare |
| Auberry | 3,043 | $75,000 | $351,300 | Compare |
| Nevada City | 3,168 | $69,552 | $607,300 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in California
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Cottonwood CDP (Kern County), California With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Cottonwood CDP (Kern County), California
What is the population of Cottonwood CDP (Kern County), California, CA?
The population of Cottonwood CDP (Kern County), California, CA is 3,102 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in California.
What is the median household income in Cottonwood CDP (Kern County), California?
The median household income in Cottonwood CDP (Kern County), California, CA is $40,339 per year, which is 46% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Cottonwood CDP (Kern County), California?
The median home value in Cottonwood CDP (Kern County), California, CA is $256,400, which is 5% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Cottonwood CDP (Kern County), California?
The median monthly rent in Cottonwood CDP (Kern County), California, CA is $947, which is 19% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Cottonwood CDP (Kern County), California?
The unemployment rate in Cottonwood CDP (Kern County), California, CA is 15.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Cottonwood CDP (Kern County), California, CA a good place to live?
Cottonwood CDP (Kern County), California offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 3,102 and a median age of 21.7, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Cottonwood CDP (Kern County), California, CA?
6.2% of residents in Cottonwood CDP (Kern County), California 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 CDP (Kern County), California?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Cottonwood CDP (Kern County), California, CA: median home value is $256,400 (5% above national), median rent is $947/month, and median household income is $40,339. The home-value-to-income ratio is 6.4x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Cottonwood CDP (Kern County), California?
The poverty rate in Cottonwood CDP (Kern County), California, CA is 47.3%, 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 Cottonwood CDP (Kern County), California, CA?
Cottonwood CDP (Kern County), California's population is 79.3% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.4% Asian, and 12.7% two or more races. 29.0% of residents are foreign-born.