Cottonwood, Yavapai County, AZ demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
12,729
0.5% year-over-year change
Median household income
$48,448/yr
2.7% year-over-year change
Housing units
7,313
3.8% year-over-year change

Cottonwood population

How many people live in Cottonwood

Cottonwood is home to 12,729 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 45.3% of Cottonwood locals are male, and 54.7% are female.

Total population
12,729
0.5% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
45.3%
5,767
Female
54.7%
6,962
Value Percent YoY change
Male 5,767 45.3% -2.1%
Female 6,962 54.7% 2.7%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Cottonwood is 55, with the population distributed as follows: about 8.7% are children under 15, then 9.6% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 23.4% of the population, while another 21.8% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 36.5% are 65 or older.

Median age
55
Age breakdown
Under 15
8.7%
15 to 24
9.6%
25 to 44
23.4%
45 to 64
21.8%
Over 65
36.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,106 8.7% -15.2%
15 to 24 1,215 9.6% -0.8%
25 to 44 2,984 23.4% 9.0%
45 to 64 2,779 21.8% -10.2%
Over 65 4,645 36.5% 7.8%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Cottonwood, 83.7% of the population are US-born citizens, while 8.2% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 8.1% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 73.5% of locals are Caucasian, 0.2% are African American and 0.5% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 17.1% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
83.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
8.2%
Non-citizens
8.1%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 10,654 83.7% -0.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 1,043 8.2% 1.7%
Non-citizens 1,032 8.1% 13.0%
Racial breakdown
White
73.5%
Black or African American
0.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native
1.7%
Asian
0.5%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
17.1%
Other
6.9%
Value Percent
White 9,361 73.5%
Black or African American 22 0.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native 220 1.7%
Asian 66 0.5%
Two or more races 2,182 17.1%
Other 878 6.9%

Households in Cottonwood

A peek inside Cottonwood households

Cottonwood has 6,662 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 44.6% are families, while the remaining 55.4% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
6,662
1.5% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
3,689
Family households
2,973
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 3,689 55.4% -3.0%
Family households 2,973 44.6% 7.8%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Cottonwood

The housing landscape of Cottonwood

Cottonwood's housing consists of 7,313 units, with 44.8% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 2.5% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 16.2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
7,313
3.8% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 3,279 44.8%
1 unit, attached 186 2.5%
2 units 304 4.2%
3 or 4 units 825 11.3%
5 to 9 units 608 8.3%
20 to 49 units 569 7.8%
50 or more units 342 4.7%
Mobile home 1,185 16.2%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 15 0.2%
Homes built since 2020
96
3.2% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Cottonwood

In Cottonwood, the median construction year is 1982. About 2% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 1.2% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 19.1% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 10.7% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.3% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 147 2% 53.1%
Built between 1940 and 1949 91 1.2% 2.2%
Built between 1950 and 1959 30 0.4% -61.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 270 3.7% -7.2%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,662 22.7% 0.2%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,261 17.2% 6.4%
Built between 1990 and 1999 1,580 21.6% 0.4%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,396 19.1% 7.1%
Built between 2010 and 2019 780 10.7% 14.5%
Built in 2020 or later 96 1.3% 3.2%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Cottonwood occupancy rates

Out of the 6,662 occupied housing units in Cottonwood, 53.4% are owner-occupied, while 46.6% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 8.9% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
6,662
1.5% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
3,108
Owner occupied
3,554
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 3,108 46.6% -3.7%
Owner occupied 3,554 53.4% 6.6%
Unoccupied housing units
8.9%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Cottonwood housing costs

Housing costs in Cottonwood come to a median of $1,019 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,120.

Median housing costs per month
$1,019/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Cottonwood
$1,120/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Cottonwood

Cottonwood education at a glance

About 32.7% of the population in Cottonwood went to high school, while 28.2% pursued college studies. Another 10.1% earned an associate degree and 16.4% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 8.8% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 426 3.8% 3.6%
High school diploma 3,701 32.7% -11.0%
College diploma 3,198 28.2% 7.5%
Associate degree 1,141 10.1% 35.4%
Bachelor's degree 1,860 16.4% -3.5%
Graduate degree 996 8.8% 31.9%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Cottonwood

How much people earn in Cottonwood

The average annual household income in Cottonwood was $63,680 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +7% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $48,448, reflecting a +2.7% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Cottonwood
$63,680/year
7.0% year-over-year change
Median household income in Cottonwood
$48,448/year
2.7% year-over-year change

Cottonwood income by age

In Cottonwood, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $94,147. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $56,940 overall. Overall, 81.2% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $94,147 8.4%
45 - 64 $56,940 -19.3%
Over 65 $32,361 -13.9%
Above poverty level
10,225
Below poverty level
2,371
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 10,225 81.2% -0.7%
Below poverty level 2,371 18.8% 7.9%

Average renter income in Cottonwood

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Cottonwood, their median household income was $33,964 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 39.6%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$33,964
Rent-to-income ratio
39.6%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Cottonwood

Workforce and job types in Cottonwood

The job market in Cottonwood is powered by 5,327 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 78.9% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 21.1% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 18.3% run their own businesses, 59.7% are employed by private companies, and 14.6% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
5,327
-0.1% year-over-year change
White collar
4,205
Blue collar
1,122
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 4,205 78.9% 2.2%
Blue collar 1,122 21.1% -7.7%
Employer type
Self employees
18.3%
Private companies
59.7%
Governmental workers
14.6%
Not for profit companies
7.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 974 18.3% 0.7%
Private companies 3,181 59.7% -2.2%
Governmental workers 780 14.6% 24.6%
Not for profit companies 392 7.4% -19.5%
Unemployment rate
3.4%
27.2% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Cottonwood stands at 3.4%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Cottonwood

How people get around in Cottonwood

In Cottonwood, the average commute time is 30 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 98% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.4% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
30 min
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 4,747 98% -1.5%
Bus or trolleybus 52 1.1% -16.1%
Motorcycle 27 0.6% 80.0%
Walk 19 0.4% -76.5%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Cottonwood by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
86326 24,852 11,766 $57,378 $75,720

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FAQs about Cottonwood demographics 

What is the total population of Cottonwood?

Cottonwood has a total population of 12,729 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +0.5% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Cottonwood?

The gender ratio in Cottonwood is as follows:
  • 45.3% males (5,767 residents)
  • 54.7% females (6,962 residents)

What is the median age in Cottonwood?

The median age in Cottonwood is 55.

What is the age distribution of the population in Cottonwood?

The age distribution in Cottonwood is as follows:
  • Under 15: 8.7% (1,106 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 9.6% (1,215 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 23.4% (2,984 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 21.8% (2,779 residents)
  • Over 65: 36.5% (4,645 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Cottonwood?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Cottonwood is as follows:
  • White: 73.5% (9,361 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.2% (22 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 1.7% (220 residents)
  • Asian: 0.5% (66 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% ( residents)
  • Two or More Races: 17.1% (2,182 residents)
  • Other: 6.9% (878 residents)

What percentage of the population in Cottonwood are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 83.7% of the population in Cottonwood.

How many housing units are there in Cottonwood?

There are 7,313 housing units in Cottonwood, reflecting a +3.8% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Cottonwood and what is the average household size?

Cottonwood has a total of 6,662 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Cottonwood?

Cottonwood has a median household income of $48,448, representing a +2.7% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Cottonwood?

The employment rate is 96.6% in Cottonwood, with a workforce of 5,327 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 78.9% (4,205 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 21.1% (1,122 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 18.3% (974 residents)
  • Private companies: 59.7% (3,181 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 14.6% (780 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 7.4% (392 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025