Cottonwood County, Minnesota Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 63rd-largest in Minnesota
The population of Cottonwood County, Minnesota is 11,458 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 63rd-largest county in Minnesota. The median household income is $68,239, the median home value is $154,000, and the median age is 41.3.
The population of Cottonwood County has declined 3.2% since 2010 (11,715 → 11,338), a -0.23% annualized rate.
11,458
Population
-0.23%
Annual growth
18
People / sq mi
$68,239
Median Income
$154,000
Median Home Value
Cottonwood County covers 640 sq mi of land at 17.9 people per square mile.
About Cottonwood County, MN
What distinguishes Cottonwood County is density: among the most sparsely settled of US counties, around 18 people per square mile. With 11,458 residents, Cottonwood County is a county in Minnesota.
Household earnings are middling, with a median of $68,239 — below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 8.9%, below the national 12.4%. Median home value is $154,000, with typical rent around $765.
Roughly 22.9% of adults have a bachelor’s, below the national 35.0%. About 10.1% of the workforce is home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 16 minutes each way.
Cottonwood County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Cottonwood County had a population of 11,715 in 2010 and 11,338 in 2024, a -3.2% growth over 14 years. The peak was 11,716 in 2011. Average annual growth rate: -0.23%.
11,338
Population (2024)
11,715
Population (2010)
11,716
Peak (2011)
-0.23%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 11,715 |
| 2011 | 11,716 |
| 2012 | 11,578 |
| 2013 | 11,558 |
| 2014 | 11,513 |
| 2015 | 11,431 |
| 2016 | 11,382 |
| 2017 | 11,263 |
| 2018 | 11,274 |
| 2019 | 11,232 |
| 2020 | 11,521 |
| 2021 | 11,600 |
| 2022 | 11,416 |
| 2023 | 11,417 |
| 2024 | 11,338 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 82.8% |
| Black or African American | 1.8% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.2% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
41.3
Median Age
50.0%
Female
50.0%
Male
22.6%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 20.9% · Seniors (65+): 22.6%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $68,239$-19,317 vs state |
| Mean household income | $83,505 |
| Per-capita income | $34,105 |
| Poverty rate | 8.9%+3.4% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.5% |
| Employment-to-population | 61.0% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Cottonwood County is professional & business services, accounting for 25.0% of workers.
How residents commute
0.2%
Drive alone
3.8%
Carpool
74.2%
Public transit
10.1%
Work from home
16.0 min
Avg commute
Housing
$154,000$-151,500 vs state
Median home value
$765
Median rent
76.1%
Homeownership rate
5,163
Total housing units
90.2%
Occupied
9.8%
Vacant
23.9%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
94.6%
With health insurance
91.2%
With broadband internet
21.6%
Foreign-born
6.1%
Veterans (18+)
12.3%
With a disability
90.6%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
92.4%
High School+
22.9%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Minnesota
Other counties in Minnesota
Part of Minnesota
Metro areas in Minnesota
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Cottonwood County, Minnesota has a population of 11,458 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 63rd-largest county in Minnesota. Population density is 18 people per square mile.
The population of Cottonwood County has declined 3.2% since 2010 (11,715 → 11,338), a -0.23% annualized rate.
The median household income in Cottonwood County, Minnesota is $68,239, with mean (average) household income of $83,505 and per-capita income of $34,105. 8.9% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Cottonwood County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (82.8%), Black or African American (1.8%), Hispanic or Latino (1.2%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Cottonwood County, Minnesota is 41.3 years. Residents are 50.0% female and 50.0% male.
The median home value in Cottonwood County is $154,000 and median monthly rent is $765. 76.1% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 5,163 total housing units, 9.8% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Cottonwood County, Minnesota is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 25.0% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.5%.
Minneapolis is among the largest cities associated with Cottonwood County, Minnesota, with a population of 426,845.
Cottonwood County, MN Climate
Cottonwood County, MN has an average annual temperature of 6.6°C (44°F) and receives about 683 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
6.6°C
Avg Temp
683
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -11° / 12° | 15 mm |
| February | -7° / 19° | 17 mm |
| March | -1° / 30° | 44 mm |
| April | 7° / 44° | 68 mm |
| May | 15° / 58° | 80 mm |
| June | 20° / 68° | 97 mm |
| July | 22° / 71° | 97 mm |
| August | 20° / 69° | 77 mm |
| September | 16° / 60° | 81 mm |
| October | 9° / 48° | 53 mm |
| November | 0° / 31° | 34 mm |
| December | -8° / 17° | 20 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 Cottonwood County, MN
The most comfortable months to visit Cottonwood County, MN are typically August, July and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 28°C high). The coldest is January (near -16°C low). June is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Cottonwood County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.