Cottage Grove, WI
Population 7,906 · Wisconsin
About Cottage Grove, WI
Cottage Grove is a small town located in Wisconsin with a population of 7,906 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $132,717 per year, which is 77% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 40 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 $401,900, which is 64% above the national median of $244,900. This places Cottage Grove in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,500, 29% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 3,328 total housing units, 77% are owner-occupied (2,526 units) and 23% are renter-occupied (772 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Cottage Grove shows an unemployment rate of 0.5%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 3.2%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Cottage Grove have an average one-way commute time of 24.3 minutes.
Education & Demographics
54.5% of Cottage Grove 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 3.2% White, 0.3% Hispanic or Latino, 1.2% Black or African American, and 0.9% Asian residents, with 5.9% of the population being foreign-born.
How Cottage Grove Ranks in Wisconsin
Cost of Living in Cottage Grove, WI
Compared to national averages, Cottage Grove has a median household income of $132,717 (77% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $401,900, which is 64% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,500 is 29% above the US average of $1,163. Within Wisconsin, Cottage Grove's income is 83% above the state average of $72,579, and home values are 95% above the state median of $205,802.
Why Live in Cottage Grove, WI?
Cottage Grove offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $132,717, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.5%, and a well-educated community where 54.5% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 3.2%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 24.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $401,900. However, Cottage Grove’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Cottage Grove has a population of 7,906 with a median age of 40 years. Compare Cottage Grove with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Wisconsin.
Similar Cities Near Cottage Grove
Cities in Wisconsin with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ashland | 7,884 | $49,258 | $162,200 | Compare |
| Jackson | 7,882 | $95,960 | $295,600 | Compare |
| Ripon | 7,803 | $59,063 | $161,500 | Compare |
| Antigo | 8,058 | $46,791 | $94,700 | Compare |
| Jefferson | 7,722 | $77,095 | $222,100 | Compare |
| Mount Horeb | 7,719 | $100,956 | $359,500 | Compare |
| Hales Corners | 7,627 | $88,068 | $291,100 | Compare |
| Sheboygan Falls | 8,190 | $68,264 | $205,400 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Wisconsin
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, WI?
The population of Cottage Grove, WI is 7,906 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Wisconsin.
What is the median household income in Cottage Grove?
The median household income in Cottage Grove, WI is $132,717 per year, which is 77% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Cottage Grove?
The median home value in Cottage Grove, WI is $401,900, which is 64% 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, WI is $1,500, which is 29% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Cottage Grove?
The unemployment rate in Cottage Grove, WI is 0.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Cottage Grove, WI a good place to live?
Cottage Grove offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 7,906 and a median age of 40, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Cottage Grove, WI?
54.5% 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, WI: median home value is $401,900 (64% above national), median rent is $1,500/month, and median household income is $132,717. 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, WI is 3.2%, 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, WI?
Cottage Grove's population is 3.2% White, 0.3% Hispanic or Latino, 1.2% Black or African American, 0.9% Asian, and 0.3% two or more races. 5.9% of residents are foreign-born.