CountyScore

Cottonwood County

Minnesota · MN

#33 in Minnesota
72.1
County Score

County Report Card

About Cottonwood County, Minnesota

Well above the national average

Cottonwood County scores 72.1 out of 100 on the CountyScore livability index, sitting 44% above the national median of 50.0. This places the county in the upper tier of U.S. counties for overall quality of life.

Slightly ahead of Minnesota

With a composite score of 72.1, Cottonwood ranks just above the state average of 70.9, placing it solidly in the middle-to-upper range among Minnesota's 87 counties. The county holds its own against better-known Twin Cities suburbs and rural peers alike.

Affordability and health lead the way

Cottonwood excels in cost of living, scoring 82.0 for housing affordability with a median home value of just $154,000 and rent at $765/month. Health outcomes are also strong at 75.1, and the county maintains a favorable tax environment with an effective rate of 1.128%.

Income growth lags behind peers

The county's income score of 27.9 is its weakest dimension, with a median household income of $68,239 trailing the state average. Economic opportunities for higher-wage jobs appear limited compared to metro and more diversified counties.

Ideal for cost-conscious families

Cottonwood County suits budget-aware households and retirees who prioritize affordable housing and stable health services over maximum earning potential. It's a quiet, livable choice for those seeking rural Minnesota living without big-city expenses.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax70.5Cost82SafetyComing SoonHealth75.1SchoolsComing SoonIncome27.9Risk72.3WaterComing Soon
🏛70.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠82
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼27.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤75.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡72.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Cottonwood County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Geneva County
Alabama
72.1
Median income: $50,951
Winston County
Alabama
72.1
Median income: $48,032
Stone County
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72.1
Median income: $38,531
Montezuma County
Colorado
72.1
Median income: $63,005
Rio Grande County
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72.1
Median income: $62,166

Deep Dives

Cottonwood County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Cottonwood County

via TaxByCounty

Cottonwood taxes run high nationally

Cottonwood County's effective tax rate of 1.128% sits well above the national median of 0.85%, placing it in roughly the 75th percentile for property tax burden nationwide. While homeowners here pay a median of $1,737 annually, that's less than the national median of $2,690, thanks largely to lower home values in the county.

Ranks 12th among Minnesota counties

At 1.128%, Cottonwood County's effective rate exceeds Minnesota's state average of 0.968%, making it a heavier-taxed county across the state. The county's median tax bill of $1,737 falls below the state median of $2,168, reflecting both its higher rate and lower property values.

Higher taxes than most county neighbors

Cottonwood's 1.128% rate outpaces nearby Faribault County (1.051%) and Freeborn County (1.061%), though all three counties carry rates above the state average. Property values tell the story: Cottonwood homes median at $154,000, lower than Faribault's $120,200 but similar to the broader region's rural character.

What $154K home costs annually

A median-priced home in Cottonwood valued at $154,000 generates roughly $1,737 in annual property taxes at the county's 1.128% rate. Homeowners with mortgages pay slightly more at $1,759, while those without pay $1,716.

Appeal your assessment if overvalued

Thousands of homeowners across Minnesota are reassessed at inflated values each year. If you believe your Cottonwood County home is overassessed, you can file a formal appeal with the county assessor—many successful appeals save homeowners hundreds annually.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Cottonwood County

via CostByCounty

Cottonwood rents remain affordable nationally

At 13.4%, Cottonwood County's rent-to-income ratio sits below the national norm, meaning renters here spend less of their earnings on housing than typical Americans. This advantage reflects both modest rents—$765 monthly—and a stable income base of $68,239, though that trails the national median by $6,516.

Best rental affordability in Minnesota

Cottonwood County ranks among Minnesota's most affordable for renters, with a 13.4% rent-to-income ratio well below the state average of 14.5%. The county's $765 median rent is $150 less than Minnesota's average, making it a standout for budget-conscious households.

Southern Minnesota's affordability leader

Compared to nearby Faribault County ($837 rent) and Freeborn County ($837 rent), Cottonwood offers the lowest rental costs in the region while maintaining comparable incomes. Its $154,000 median home value is the most accessible for buyers among its southern Minnesota neighbors.

Housing takes modest 13.4% of income

Renters spend $765 monthly while homeowners pay $835, with both figures leaving substantial breathing room in Cottonwood's median $68,239 household budget. Together, housing represents only 13.4% of income for renters and 14.7% for owners—well within the sustainable 30% threshold.

Relocate here for genuine affordability

If you're priced out of Minnesota's metro areas, Cottonwood County delivers genuine affordability without sacrificing community stability or homeownership potential. Rent runs $150-170 below state average, and a $154,000 median home value makes ownership accessible on a modest income.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Cottonwood County

via IncomeByCounty

Cottonwood trails national income average

Cottonwood County's median household income of $68,239 falls about 8.7% below the U.S. median of $74,755, placing it in the lower-middle range nationally. This gap reflects the county's rural character and smaller employment base compared to metropolitan areas.

Below Minnesota's income average

At $68,239, Cottonwood ranks below Minnesota's state average of $75,757, a difference of $7,518 per household. The county's per capita income of $34,105 also lags the state average of $39,335.

Cottonwood among county income peers

Cottonwood's $68,239 median income sits between Faribault County ($64,391) and Freeborn County ($69,012), reflecting similar rural Minnesota economies. The county's affordable housing and lower cost of living partially offset lower wage levels.

Housing costs remain manageable here

With a rent-to-income ratio of 13.4%, Cottonwood households spend well below the national 30% affordability threshold, making housing highly accessible. The median home value of $154,000 is among the most affordable in the region.

Build wealth on rural incomes

Cottonwood's affordable housing and lower living costs create an opportunity to direct more household resources toward savings and investments. Consider maximizing 401(k) contributions and exploring real estate investment in this appreciating market.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Cottonwood County

via HealthByCounty

Cottonwood's Life Expectancy vs Nation

At 78.3 years, Cottonwood County residents live slightly shorter lives than the U.S. average of 78.9 years. About 16.8% of the county reports poor or fair health, compared to the national rate of 15.3%, signaling higher rates of chronic illness and disability. These gaps suggest health challenges that deserve focused attention.

Middle of the Pack in Minnesota

Cottonwood's 78.3-year life expectancy trails Minnesota's state average of 78.7 years by four months. The county ranks in the middle tier statewide for health outcomes, with room to improve on preventive care and chronic disease management. Minnesota overall outperforms the nation, making Cottonwood's gap more notable.

Comparing Cottonwood to Nearby Counties

Cottonwood's 78.3-year life expectancy lags behind Crow Wing County (78.7 years) and Faribault County (78.5 years) in the region. With 16.8% reporting poor/fair health, Cottonwood faces higher rates than most neighbors, though mental health provider density of 141 per 100K is competitive. Primary care access at 61 per 100K matches regional averages.

Healthcare Access and Daily Reality

Cottonwood's uninsured rate of 7.1% exceeds the state average of 6.0%, leaving more residents vulnerable to medical debt and delayed care. With 61 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and 141 mental health providers per 100,000, the county has adequate basic coverage but faces gaps in specialist services. Rural residents often travel 30+ minutes for appointments.

Explore Your Health Insurance Options

If you're among Cottonwood's uninsured residents, marketplace plans and Medicaid expansion may offer affordable coverage. Visit healthcare.gov or contact a local enrollment counselor to compare plans and find tax credits you may qualify for. Don't let cost be a barrier to the care that could extend and improve your life.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Cottonwood County

via RiskByCounty

Cottonwood ranks among safest counties

With a composite risk score of 27.70 and a Very Low rating, Cottonwood County sits well below the national average for natural disaster risk. This means residents face significantly fewer threats from major hazards compared to most American counties.

Far below Minnesota's disaster risk

Cottonwood's 27.70 score places it among the lowest-risk counties in Minnesota, substantially safer than the state average of 42.38. Few Minnesota counties enjoy this level of natural disaster resilience.

Safest county in its region

Cottonwood's very low risk stands out sharply against neighboring Faribault County (49.78) and Fillmore County (49.78), making it one of the most secure areas in southwestern Minnesota. This relative safety is a notable advantage for residents and businesses.

Tornadoes pose the primary threat

While Cottonwood's overall risk is very low, tornado risk scores 42.81—the county's highest hazard exposure. Wildfire risk is also present at 32.57, though neither threat compares to those faced by residents in riskier Minnesota counties.

Basic coverage protects your family

Even in low-risk Cottonwood, a homeowners insurance policy with tornado and severe weather riders is essential. Consider a safe room or storm shelter and a weather radio to prepare for the occasional severe storm.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS — informational only.