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.
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Statewide data for Minnesota
Population, race, income, age, and trends across Minnesota
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.