Cottle County, Texas Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 241st-largest in Texas
The population of Cottle County, Texas is 1,302 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 241st-largest county in Texas. The median household income is $58,819, the median home value is $54,100, and the median age is 44.3.
The population of Cottle County has declined 16.5% since 2010 (1,512 → 1,263), a -1.28% annualized rate.
1,302
Population
-1.28%
Annual growth
1
People / sq mi
$58,819
Median Income
$54,100
Median Home Value
Cottle County covers 901 sq mi of land at 1.4 people per square mile.
About Cottle County, TX
In Cottle County, home values do the distinguishing — a median of $54,100. Cottle County is a county in Texas with a population of 1,302.
The typical household here earns about $58,819, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate, 22.3%, is among the steepest of comparable US counties and above the national 12.4%. Real estate is inexpensive, with a typical home worth only $54,100, with typical rent around $323.
Roughly 21.8% of adults have a bachelor’s, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is widespread — 23.0% of workers stay home, above the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 23 minutes each way.
Cottle County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Cottle County had a population of 1,512 in 2010 and 1,263 in 2024, a -16.5% growth over 14 years. The peak was 1,512 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -1.27%.
1,263
Population (2024)
1,512
Population (2010)
1,512
Peak (2010)
-1.27%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 1,512 |
| 2011 | 1,507 |
| 2012 | 1,485 |
| 2013 | 1,442 |
| 2014 | 1,427 |
| 2015 | 1,437 |
| 2016 | 1,398 |
| 2017 | 1,373 |
| 2018 | 1,375 |
| 2019 | 1,385 |
| 2020 | 1,364 |
| 2021 | 1,353 |
| 2022 | 1,317 |
| 2023 | 1,292 |
| 2024 | 1,263 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 65.7% |
| Black or African American | 4.9% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 5.6% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
44.3
Median Age
49.4%
Female
50.6%
Male
26.1%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 19.4% · Seniors (65+): 26.1%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $58,819$-17,473 vs state |
| Mean household income | $77,808 |
| Per-capita income | $33,973 |
| Poverty rate | 22.3%+11.8% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.8% |
| Employment-to-population | 55.0% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Cottle County is agriculture, accounting for 23.9% of workers.
How residents commute
1.4%
Drive alone
2.5%
Carpool
55.8%
Public transit
23.0%
Work from home
22.5 min
Avg commute
Housing
$54,100$-206,300 vs state
Median home value
$323
Median rent
78.6%
Homeownership rate
972
Total housing units
58.7%
Occupied
41.3%
Vacant
21.4%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
91.1%
With health insurance
86.9%
With broadband internet
16.1%
Foreign-born
4.3%
Veterans (18+)
28.8%
With a disability
87.0%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
79.6%
High School+
21.8%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Texas
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County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Cottle County, Texas has a population of 1,302 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 241st-largest county in Texas. Population density is 1 people per square mile.
The population of Cottle County has declined 16.5% since 2010 (1,512 → 1,263), a -1.28% annualized rate.
The median household income in Cottle County, Texas is $58,819, with mean (average) household income of $77,808 and per-capita income of $33,973. 22.3% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Cottle County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (65.7%), Hispanic or Latino (5.6%), Black or African American (4.9%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Cottle County, Texas is 44.3 years. Residents are 49.4% female and 50.6% male.
The median home value in Cottle County is $54,100 and median monthly rent is $323. 78.6% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 972 total housing units, 41.3% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Cottle County, Texas is agriculture, forestry, fishing, and mining, employing 23.9% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.8%.
Houston is among the largest cities associated with Cottle County, Texas, with a population of 2,300,419.
Cottle County, TX Climate
Cottle County, TX has an average annual temperature of 16.6°C (62°F) and receives about 552 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
16.6°C
Avg Temp
552
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 4° / 40° | 17 mm |
| February | 7° / 45° | 24 mm |
| March | 12° / 53° | 27 mm |
| April | 16° / 62° | 40 mm |
| May | 21° / 70° | 79 mm |
| June | 26° / 79° | 81 mm |
| July | 28° / 83° | 46 mm |
| August | 28° / 82° | 62 mm |
| September | 23° / 74° | 78 mm |
| October | 18° / 64° | 52 mm |
| November | 10° / 51° | 27 mm |
| December | 6° / 42° | 19 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Cottle County, TX
The most comfortable months to visit Cottle County, TX are typically May, October and September, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 36°C high). The coldest is January (near -3°C low). June is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Cottle County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.