IncomeBy County

Cottonwood County, Minnesota

Income Data

U.S. Census Bureau ACS
-10% vs. Minnesota average
$68,239
Median Household Income
$34,105
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$68,239
-10% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$34,105
-14% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
44.3%
income as % of home value
Rank in Minnesota
#70 / 87
by median household income

Economic Indicators

Unemployment Rate
N/A
Labor Force Participation
N/A

How Cottonwood County Compares

Cottonwood County$68,239
Minnesota Average$75,757
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$68,239
Median Household Income
$34,105
Per Capita Income
$154,000
Median Home Value
44.3%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Income Advisory: Cottonwood County

Income Verdict

Cottonwood County has a median household income of $68,239 and per capita income of $34,105 — a gap of $34,134, suggesting a typical mix of dual-income and single-earner households.

Housing Affordability

With median gross rent at $765/month and a median household income of $68,239, rent consumes approximately 13.5% of monthly income — well within affordable thresholds.

Economic Context

A median household income of $68,239 suggests moderate-to-strong purchasing power, generally sufficient to cover essentials with room for discretionary spending in most markets. Per capita income of $34,105 is in line with national norms for individual earners.

Neighbor Context

Cottonwood County earns approximately 9.9% below the Minnesota state median household income of $75,757.

Data Story

About Household Income in Cottonwood County, Minnesota

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Cottonwood County, Minnesota?
The median household income in Cottonwood County, Minnesota is $68,239, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. This represents the midpoint of all household incomes in the county.
How much do people earn in Cottonwood County?
The per capita income in Cottonwood County is $34,105, which represents the average income per person across the entire county population. The median household income — which accounts for all earners in a household — is $68,239.
How does Cottonwood County compare to the Minnesota average?
Cottonwood County's median household income of $68,239 is lower than the Minnesota state average of $75,757. The per capita income is $34,105, compared to the state average of $39,335.
What is the per capita income in Cottonwood County, Minnesota?
The per capita income in Cottonwood County, Minnesota is $34,105, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. Per capita income is calculated by dividing total personal income by total population, providing an average income figure per resident.
Is Cottonwood County a low-income area in Minnesota?
Cottonwood County's median household income of $68,239 is below the Minnesota average of $75,757. The per capita income of $34,105 is also lower than the state average of $39,335. Lower incomes can reflect the local economic base, rural vs. urban location, and employment opportunities available in the area.
How does Cottonwood County rank for income in Minnesota?
Cottonwood County ranks #70 out of 87 counties in Minnesota by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $68,239 and per capita income of $34,105, it falls in the bottom third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Cottonwood County

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Your income is above the Cottonwood County median

County median: $68,239 per year

vs. County Median

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vs. State Average

-10%

vs. National Median

-9%

vs. Cottonwood County MedianAbout equal
vs. Minnesota Average▼ 10% below
vs. National Median▼ 9% below

Income Adequacy

Monthly income covers median rent7.4x

Your monthly income ($5,687) vs. median rent ($765/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.

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Counties with Similar Income Levels

Jones County
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$68,259
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O'Brien County
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$68,216
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Monroe County
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$68,213
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Frontier County
Nebraska
$68,207
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Van Zandt County
Texas
$68,274
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Hansford County
Texas
$68,299
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By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.

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