Cottage Grove, MN
Population 40,124 · Minnesota
About Cottage Grove, MN
Cottage Grove is a mid-sized city located in Minnesota with a population of 40,124 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $121,452 per year, which is 62% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 36.8 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Cottage Grove features a median home value of $359,600, which is 47% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Cottage Grove in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,644, 41% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 14,038 total housing units, 88% are owner-occupied (12,269 units) and 12% are renter-occupied (1,609 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Cottage Grove shows an unemployment rate of 3.5%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 4.2%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Cottage Grove have an average one-way commute time of 24.6 minutes.
Education & Demographics
39.3% of Cottage Grove 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 4.8% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, and 1.3% Asian residents, with 7.7% of the population being foreign-born.
How Cottage Grove Ranks in Minnesota
Cost of Living in Cottage Grove, MN
Compared to national averages, Cottage Grove has a median household income of $121,452 (62% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $359,600, which is 47% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,644 is 41% above the US average of $1,163. Within Minnesota, Cottage Grove's income is 64% above the state average of $74,221, and home values are 76% above the state median of $204,472.
Why Live in Cottage Grove, MN?
Cottage Grove offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $121,452, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.5%, and a well-educated community where 39.3% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 4.2%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 24.6 minutes.
Cottage Grove has a population of 40,124 with a median age of 36.8 years. Compare Cottage Grove with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Minnesota.
Similar Cities Near Cottage Grove
Cities in Minnesota with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maplewood | 40,981 | $88,534 | $291,300 | Compare |
| Richfield | 36,725 | $84,055 | $320,400 | Compare |
| Roseville | 35,905 | $88,440 | $334,800 | Compare |
| Inver Grove Heights | 35,772 | $104,055 | $352,300 | Compare |
| Moorhead | 44,706 | $69,371 | $246,300 | Compare |
| Mankato | 44,882 | $64,826 | $250,600 | Compare |
| Shakopee | 45,002 | $110,989 | $361,400 | Compare |
| Andover | 32,825 | $131,528 | $389,200 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Minnesota
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Cottage Grove With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Cottage Grove
What is the population of Cottage Grove, MN?
The population of Cottage Grove, MN is 40,124 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Minnesota.
What is the median household income in Cottage Grove?
The median household income in Cottage Grove, MN is $121,452 per year, which is 62% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Cottage Grove?
The median home value in Cottage Grove, MN is $359,600, which is 47% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Cottage Grove?
The median monthly rent in Cottage Grove, MN is $1,644, which is 41% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Cottage Grove?
The unemployment rate in Cottage Grove, MN is 3.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Cottage Grove, MN a good place to live?
Cottage Grove offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 40,124 and a median age of 36.8, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Cottage Grove, MN?
39.3% of residents in Cottage Grove aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Cottage Grove?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Cottage Grove, MN: median home value is $359,600 (47% above national), median rent is $1,644/month, and median household income is $121,452. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Cottage Grove?
The poverty rate in Cottage Grove, MN is 4.2%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Cottage Grove, MN?
Cottage Grove's population is 4.8% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, 1.3% Asian, and 5.3% two or more races. 7.7% of residents are foreign-born.