Cottondale, FL demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
822
-7.8% year-over-year change
Median household income
$36,959/yr
-11.0% year-over-year change
Housing units
425
-0.5% year-over-year change

Cottondale population

How many people live in Cottondale

Cottondale is home to 822 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 43.3% of Cottondale locals are male, and 56.7% are female.

Total population
822
-7.8% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
43.3%
356
Female
56.7%
466
Value Percent YoY change
Male 356 43.3% -10.6%
Female 466 56.7% -5.7%
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 Cottondale is 39, with the population distributed as follows: about 19.5% are children under 15, then 12.5% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 23.5% of the population, while another 22.1% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 22.4% are 65 or older.

Median age
38.8
Age breakdown
Under 15
19.5%
15 to 24
12.5%
25 to 44
23.5%
45 to 64
22.1%
Over 65
22.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 160 19.5% -7.5%
15 to 24 103 12.5% 28.8%
25 to 44 193 23.5% -21.5%
45 to 64 182 22.1% -19.1%
Over 65 184 22.4% 9.5%
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 Cottondale, 98.3% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.7% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 9.1% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
98.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1%
Non-citizens
0.7%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 808 98.3% -7.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 8 1% -50.0%
Non-citizens 6 0.7% 500.0%
Racial breakdown
White
77.2%
Black or African American
13.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
9.1%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 635 77.2%
Black or African American 112 13.6%
Two or more races 75 9.1%

Households in Cottondale

A peek inside Cottondale households

Cottondale has 356 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 57.6% are families, while the remaining 42.4% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
356
-0.3% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
151
Family households
205
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 151 42.4% -0.7%
Family households 205 57.6% 0.0%
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 Cottondale

The housing landscape of Cottondale

Cottondale's housing consists of 425 units, with 61.2% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 22.1% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
425
-0.5% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 260 61.2%
2 units 9 2.1%
3 or 4 units 32 7.5%
5 to 9 units 15 3.5%
20 to 49 units 12 2.8%
50 or more units 3 0.7%
Mobile home 94 22.1%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Cottondale

In Cottondale, the median construction year is 1977. About 12.5% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 4.9% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 53 12.5% 3.9%
Built between 1940 and 1949 21 4.9% 10.5%
Built between 1950 and 1959 31 7.3% 6.9%
Built between 1960 and 1969 40 9.4% -27.3%
Built between 1970 and 1979 102 24% -15.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 61 14.4% -26.5%
Built between 1990 and 1999 68 16% 38.8%
Built between 2000 and 2009 17 4% 750.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 32 7.5% 68.4%
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.

Cottondale occupancy rates

Out of the 356 occupied housing units in Cottondale, 66.8% are owner-occupied, while 33.2% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 16.2% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
356
-0.3% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
118
Owner occupied
238
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 118 33.2% -8.5%
Owner occupied 238 66.8% 4.4%
Unoccupied housing units
16.2%
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.

Cottondale housing costs

Housing costs in Cottondale come to a median of $597 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,085.

Median housing costs per month
$597/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 Cottondale
$1,085/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 Cottondale

Cottondale education at a glance

About 60.5% of the population in Cottondale went to high school, while 17.4% pursued college studies. Another 7.2% earned an associate degree and 8.6% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 3.2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 20 3.1% 100.0%
High school diploma 393 60.5% -20.1%
College diploma 113 17.4% 34.5%
Associate degree 47 7.2% -20.3%
Bachelor's degree 56 8.6% 36.6%
Graduate degree 21 3.2% 23.5%
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 Cottondale

How much people earn in Cottondale

The average annual household income in Cottondale was $54,450 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -3.2% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $36,959, reflecting a -11% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Cottondale
$54,450/year
-3.2% year-over-year change
Median household income in Cottondale
$36,959/year
-11.0% year-over-year change

Cottondale income by age

In Cottondale, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $42,000. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $76,071 overall. Overall, 71.2% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $42,000 -33.5%
45 - 64 $76,071 19.3%
Over 65 $35,608 0.8%
Above poverty level
570
Below poverty level
231
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 570 71.2% -19.8%
Below poverty level 231 28.8% 47.1%

Average renter income in Cottondale

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Cottondale, their median household income was $42,708 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 30.5%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$42,708
Rent-to-income ratio
30.5%
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 Cottondale

Workforce and job types in Cottondale

The job market in Cottondale is powered by 303 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 74.6% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 25.4% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 7.9% run their own businesses, 73.9% are employed by private companies, and 14.8% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
303
-16.1% year-over-year change
White collar
226
Blue collar
77
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 226 74.6% -3.8%
Blue collar 77 25.4% -38.9%
Employer type
Self employees
7.9%
Private companies
73.9%
Governmental workers
14.8%
Not for profit companies
3.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 24 7.9% -29.4%
Private companies 224 73.9% -12.5%
Governmental workers 45 14.8% -27.4%
Not for profit companies 10 3.3% 11.1%
Unemployment rate
3.5%
-15.4% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Cottondale stands at 3.5%, 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 Cottondale

How people get around in Cottondale

Commuting methods vary: 84.8% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 257 84.8% -21.4%
Bus or trolleybus 3 1% 50.0%
Walk 3 1% N/A
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 Cottondale by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
32431 4,683 1,844 $55,293 $62,506
32448 8,549 3,565 $43,862 $56,070

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FAQs about Cottondale demographics 

What is the total population of Cottondale?

Cottondale has a total population of 822 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 -7.8% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Cottondale?

The gender ratio in Cottondale is as follows:
  • 43.3% males (356 residents)
  • 56.7% females (466 residents)

What is the median age in Cottondale?

The median age in Cottondale is 38.8.

What is the age distribution of the population in Cottondale?

The age distribution in Cottondale is as follows:
  • Under 15: 19.5% (160 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.5% (103 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 23.5% (193 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 22.1% (182 residents)
  • Over 65: 22.4% (184 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Cottondale?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Cottondale is as follows:
  • White: 77.2% (635 residents)
  • Black or African American: 13.6% (112 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 9.1% (75 residents)
  • Other: 0% (0 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 98.3% of the population in Cottondale.

How many housing units are there in Cottondale?

There are 425 housing units in Cottondale, reflecting a -0.5% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Cottondale has a total of 356 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Cottondale?

Cottondale has a median household income of $36,959, representing a -11.0% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 96.5% in Cottondale, with a workforce of 303 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 74.6% (226 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 25.4% (77 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 7.9% (24 residents)
  • Private companies: 73.9% (224 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 14.8% (45 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 3.3% (10 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