countyscore
63.1
County Score
Water Quality 86Schools 83.5Health 73.9

County Report Card

About Cottonwood County, Minnesota

A Strong National Contender

Cottonwood County earns a composite score of 63.2, placing it significantly higher than the national median of 50.0. This score indicates a quality of life that exceeds the vast majority of U.S. counties.

Outperforming the Minnesota Average

The county's overall score of 63.2 beats the Minnesota state average of 55.8. It stands as a robust performer in the region, offering a balanced profile for residents.

Exceptional Schools and Clean Water

Cottonwood shines with a Water Score of 86.0 and an impressive School Score of 83.5. Families benefit from high-quality education and excellent natural resources.

Managing a High Tax Burden

The county's Tax Score of 29.2 is its lowest dimension, reflecting an effective tax rate of 1.128%. While services are strong, the fiscal cost of living is higher than in neighboring areas.

Ideal for Education-Focused Families

With a low median rent of $765 and top-tier schools, this county suits families who value public education. It is perfect for those seeking a safe, school-centric lifestyle in rural Minnesota.

2040608010031.857.164.973.983.56972.38647.9Tax31.8Cost57.1Safety64.9Health73.9Schools83.5Income69Risk72.3Water86Weather47.963.1/100
This county
National avg
5 above average1 below average

Cottonwood County DNA

D+overall

How Cottonwood County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Cottonwood County scores above average across most dimensions. It's a well-balanced county with particular strength in Schools (83.5/100).

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
31.8-20.2
Cost
57.1+9.100000000000001
Safety
64.9+9.900000000000006
Health
73.9+23.900000000000006
Schools
83.5+29.5
Income
69+18
Risk
72.3+25.299999999999997
Water
86+28
Weather
47.9-8.100000000000001
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Cottonwood County?

Many homeowners in Cottonwood County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$169,300

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$817/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$169,300/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$32,680/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.3x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $72,941/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

34.9

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Deep Dives

Cottonwood County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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.

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.

Safety in Cottonwood County

via CrimeByCounty

Cottonwood County's High Safety Rating

Cottonwood County earns an impressive safety score of 98.7, reflecting a very secure environment. Its total crime rate of 818.7 per 100K is significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Outperforming the Minnesota Average

The county ranks above the Minnesota average safety score of 98.2. Its total crime rate of 818.7 per 100K is also well below the state average of 1,123.5.

Local Comparison Trends

Cottonwood is safer than nearby Freeborn County, which reports a crime rate of 1,477.8. It also maintains a lower rate than Crow Wing County's 1,322.2 per 100K residents.

Violent vs Property Crime

Property crimes make up the majority of incidents at 609.7 per 100K. While the violent crime rate of 209.0 is higher than the state average, it remains below the national violent crime average of 369.8.

Securing Cottonwood Homes

Maintaining this safe environment requires residents to stay proactive with home security. Simple measures like exterior lighting can help keep property crime rates low across the county.

Weather & Climate in Cottonwood County

via WeatherByCounty

A Classic Midwestern Continental Climate

Cottonwood County’s 46.8°F average annual temperature sits roughly seven degrees below the national median. This humid continental climate features wide seasonal swings and significant annual precipitation of 31.7 inches.

Leading the State in Warmth

The county is significantly warmer than the Minnesota state average of 42.8°F. Its position in the southern tier makes it one of the state's more temperate areas despite its cold winters.

A Warm Spot in Southern Minnesota

Cottonwood is warmer than its neighbors to the north, showing a July average of 73.8°F. It maintains higher annual precipitation than Douglas County, which sees nearly eight inches less rain and snow.

Thirteen Days of Extreme Heat

Summer brings an average of 13 days above 90°F, significantly higher than the state median. Winters remain challenging with 43.5 inches of snow and a January average of just 16.7°F.

Prepare for Seasonal Extremes

Residents require robust air conditioning to handle the frequent 90°F summer days. Winter planning should prioritize heavy-duty snow removal equipment for the 43.5 inches of annual accumulation.

Soil Quality in Cottonwood County

via SoilByCounty

Slightly Alkaline Entisols in Cottonwood

Cottonwood County is characterized by Entisols that feature an average pH of 6.93. This sits slightly higher than the national median of 6.5 and the Minnesota state average of 6.21. These soils offer a neutral to slightly alkaline foundation for local agriculture.

A Balanced Blend of Sand and Silt

The soil composition consists of 36.4% sand, 38.5% silt, and 25.1% clay. This balanced mix provides moderate workability and decent nutrient retention for field crops. The clay content ensures the soil holds together well during the growing season.

High Organic Matter Boosts Potential

With 6.00% organic matter, these soils triple the national average of 2.0%. While the available water capacity of 0.193 in/in is slightly below the state average, the high fertility supports robust crop yields. This combination creates a productive environment for southern Minnesota farming.

Well Drained Land for Steady Growth

The dominant drainage class is categorized as well drained, which prevents most roots from becoming waterlogged. Although specific hydrologic group data is unavailable, the natural drainage supports healthy plant respiration. This makes the land suitable for both traditional farming and residential landscaping.

Thriving in Hardiness Zone 5a

Falling within USDA Hardiness Zone 5a, Cottonwood is ideal for corn, soybeans, and hardy perennials. The soil's neutral pH allows for a wide variety of vegetables and flowers to flourish. Grab a trowel and start your garden today in this fertile southern Minnesota soil.

Lawn Care in Cottonwood County

via LawnByCounty

A Favorable Forecast for Cottonwood Lawns

With a lawn difficulty score of 73.1, maintaining grass here is significantly easier than the national median of 50.0 and the Minnesota average of 63.9. This Zone 5a region offers a hospitable environment for standard cool-season turf, requiring less intensive intervention than neighboring counties.

Ideal Rainfall Meets Summer Heat

Cottonwood receives 31.7 inches of annual precipitation, which falls right within the 30-50 inch ideal range for healthy lawns. However, with 13 extreme heat days per year—five more than the state average—you will need to monitor for heat stress during peak summer weeks.

Nearly Perfect Soil pH Levels

The soil pH of 6.93 sits at the top of the ideal 6.0-7.0 range, meaning nutrients are readily available to your grass. The well-drained soil structure, featuring 25.1% clay and 36.4% sand, ensures that roots stay hydrated without drowning after heavy rains.

Managing Moderate Dry Spells

The county experienced six weeks of drought over the past year, and currently, the entire area is classified as abnormally dry. Focus on deep, infrequent watering early in the morning to encourage deep root growth while conservation measures are in place.

Seize the Zone 5a Season

Kentucky Bluegrass and Fine Fescues thrive here, especially when seeded near the last spring frost on April 30. Aim to finish your fall overseeding before the first frost arrives around October 10 to ensure the turf is established before winter.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cottonwood County's county score?
Cottonwood County, Minnesota has a composite county score of 63.1 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Cottonwood County rank among counties in Minnesota?
Cottonwood County ranks #27 among all counties in Minnesota on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Cottonwood County, Minnesota?
The median annual property tax in Cottonwood County is $1,781, with an effective tax rate of 1.05%. This earns Cottonwood County a tax score of 31.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Cottonwood County?
The median household income in Cottonwood County, Minnesota is $72,941 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Cottonwood County earns an income score of 69/100 on CountyScore.
Is Cottonwood County, Minnesota a good place to live?
Cottonwood County scores 63.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #27 in Minnesota. The best way to evaluate Cottonwood County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Cottonwood County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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