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US City Data

Cottage Lake, WA

Population 23,170 · Washington

Population
23,170
Median Income
$197,331
Median Home Value
$1,164,000
Median Rent
$2,374/mo

About Cottage Lake, WA

Cottage Lake is a mid-sized city located in Washington with a population of 23,170 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $197,331 per year, which is 163% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 44.2 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 Cottage Lake features a median home value of $1,164,000, which is 375% above the national median of $244,900. This places Cottage Lake in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $2,374, 104% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 8,129 total housing units, 92% are owner-occupied (7,223 units) and 8% are renter-occupied (653 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.

Economy & Employment

The local economy in Cottage Lake shows an unemployment rate of 3.8%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 3.1%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Cottage Lake have an average one-way commute time of 27.1 minutes.

Education & Demographics

67.7% of Cottage Lake residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 4.1% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, and 1.2% Asian residents, with 16.4% of the population being foreign-born.

How Cottage Lake Ranks in Washington

Highest Income Cities
#10
of 50 cities · $197,331
Most Educated Cities
#18
of 50 cities · 67.7%

Cost of Living in Cottage Lake, WA

Compared to national averages, Cottage Lake has a median household income of $197,331 (163% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $1,164,000, which is 375% above the national median. Monthly rent at $2,374 is 104% above the US average of $1,163. Within Washington, Cottage Lake's income is 117% above the state average of $90,795, and home values are 153% above the state median of $460,491.

Income vs National
$197,331
National: $75,149
Washington: $90,795
Home Value vs National
$1,164,000
National: $244,900
Washington: $460,491
Rent vs National
$2,374
National: $1,163
Washington: $1,477
Unemployment vs National
3.8%
National: 3.7%
Washington: 6.2%

Why Live in Cottage Lake, WA?

Cottage Lake offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $197,331, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 67.7% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 3.1%, better than the national average.

Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $1,164,000. However, Cottage Lake’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.

Cottage Lake has a population of 23,170 with a median age of 44.2 years. Compare Cottage Lake with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Washington.

Similar Cities Near Cottage Lake

Cities in Washington with a similar population size.

CityPopulationMedian IncomeHome Value
Hazel Dell23,086$78,958$424,500Compare
Union Hill-Novelty Hill23,272$181,820$1,174,100Compare
Eastmont23,486$139,346$696,800Compare
Bonney Lake22,776$131,524$558,900Compare
Kenmore23,594$137,926$869,800Compare
Martha Lake22,740$132,130$725,400Compare
North Lynnwood23,653$102,888$565,000Compare
Frederickson24,219$107,241$455,900Compare

Demographics

44.2
Median Age
11,885
Male
11,285
Female
16.4%
Foreign Born

Racial & Ethnic Composition

White4.1Hispanic/Latino1Black0.3Asian1.2Two or More0.2

Economy & Education

3.8%
Unemployment Rate
3.1%
Poverty Rate
67.7%
Bachelor's Degree+
27.1 min
Avg Commute

Housing

8,129
Total Housing Units
7,223
Owner Occupied
653
Renter Occupied

Other Cities in Washington

Clear Lake Cdp Pierce County WashingtonClear Lake Cdp Skagit County WashingtonAmes LakeBanks Lake SouthBig LakeBonney Lake

Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.

Compare Cottage Lake With Other Cities

Cottage Lake vs Clear Lake Cdp Pierce County WashingtonCottage Lake vs Clear Lake Cdp Skagit County WashingtonCottage Lake vs Ames LakeCottage Lake vs Banks Lake South

Frequently Asked Questions about Cottage Lake

What is the population of Cottage Lake, WA?

The population of Cottage Lake, WA is 23,170 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Washington.

What is the median household income in Cottage Lake?

The median household income in Cottage Lake, WA is $197,331 per year, which is 163% above the national median of $75,149.

What is the median home value in Cottage Lake?

The median home value in Cottage Lake, WA is $1,164,000, which is 375% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.

What is the average rent in Cottage Lake?

The median monthly rent in Cottage Lake, WA is $2,374, which is 104% above the national average of $1,163/month.

What is the unemployment rate in Cottage Lake?

The unemployment rate in Cottage Lake, WA is 3.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.

Is Cottage Lake, WA a good place to live?

Cottage Lake offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 23,170 and a median age of 44.2, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.

How educated is Cottage Lake, WA?

67.7% of residents in Cottage Lake 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 Lake?

Key cost-of-living indicators for Cottage Lake, WA: median home value is $1,164,000 (375% above national), median rent is $2,374/month, and median household income is $197,331. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.9x, a moderate figure by national standards.

What is the poverty rate in Cottage Lake?

The poverty rate in Cottage Lake, WA is 3.1%, 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 Lake, WA?

Cottage Lake's population is 4.1% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, 1.2% Asian, and 0.2% two or more races. 16.4% of residents are foreign-born.

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