Cottage Grove, WI demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
8,513
7.7% year-over-year change
Median household income
$139,313/yr
5.0% year-over-year change
Housing units
3,585
7.7% year-over-year change

Cottage Grove population

How many people live in Cottage Grove

Cottage Grove is home to 8,513 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 51% of Cottage Grove locals are male, and 49% are female.

Total population
8,513
7.7% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
51%
4,337
Female
49%
4,176
Value Percent YoY change
Male 4,337 51% 10.8%
Female 4,176 49% 4.6%
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 Cottage Grove is 38, with the population distributed as follows: about 19.7% are children under 15, then 10.8% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 30.5% of the population, while another 27.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 11.8% are 65 or older.

Median age
37.5
Age breakdown
Under 15
19.7%
15 to 24
10.8%
25 to 44
30.5%
45 to 64
27.2%
Over 65
11.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,676 19.7% -6.5%
15 to 24 920 10.8% 39.0%
25 to 44 2,598 30.5% 15.5%
45 to 64 2,313 27.2% 8.5%
Over 65 1,006 11.8% -6.1%
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 Cottage Grove, 92.1% of the population are US-born citizens, while 7% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.8% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 85.4% of locals are Caucasian, 1.6% are African American and 6.1% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 6.1% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
92.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
7%
Non-citizens
0.8%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 7,844 92.1% 7.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 599 7% 22.8%
Non-citizens 70 0.8% -38.0%
Racial breakdown
White
85.4%
Black or African American
1.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
6.1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
6.1%
Other
0.7%
Value Percent
White 7,274 85.4%
Black or African American 134 1.6%
Asian 519 6.1%
Two or more races 523 6.1%
Other 63 0.7%

Households in Cottage Grove

A peek inside Cottage Grove households

Cottage Grove has 3,549 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 68.6% are families, while the remaining 31.4% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
3,549
7.6% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
1,113
Family households
2,436
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,113 31.4% 23.7%
Family households 2,436 68.6% 1.6%
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 Cottage Grove

The housing landscape of Cottage Grove

Cottage Grove's housing consists of 3,585 units, with 61% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 8.4% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
3,585
7.7% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 2,186 61%
1 unit, attached 300 8.4%
2 units 212 5.9%
3 or 4 units 151 4.2%
5 to 9 units 52 1.4%
10 to 19 units 132 3.7%
20 to 49 units 302 8.4%
50 or more units 250 7%
Homes built since 2020
288
966.7% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Cottage Grove

In Cottage Grove, the median construction year is 2003. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 40.9% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 13.8% between 2010 and 2019, and 8% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 205 5.7% 206.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 66 1.8% 8.2%
Built between 1970 and 1979 119 3.3% 13.3%
Built between 1980 and 1989 108 3% -37.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 837 23.4% -21.5%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,466 40.9% 1.6%
Built between 2010 and 2019 496 13.8% 31.2%
Built in 2020 or later 288 8% 966.7%
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.

Cottage Grove occupancy rates

Out of the 3,549 occupied housing units in Cottage Grove, 69.9% are owner-occupied, while 30.1% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 1% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
3,549
7.6% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,067
Owner occupied
2,482
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,067 30.1% 38.2%
Owner occupied 2,482 69.9% -1.7%
Unoccupied housing units
1.0%
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.

Cottage Grove housing costs

Housing costs in Cottage Grove come to a median of $2,164 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,531.

Median housing costs per month
$2,164/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 Cottage Grove
$1,531/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 Cottage Grove

Cottage Grove education at a glance

About 19.1% of the population in Cottage Grove went to high school, while 13.6% pursued college studies. Another 10.2% earned an associate degree and 35% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 21.7% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 29 0.4% -6.5%
High school diploma 1,246 19.1% 1.2%
College diploma 889 13.6% 1.1%
Associate degree 666 10.2% -5.8%
Bachelor's degree 2,287 35% 23.2%
Graduate degree 1,419 21.7% 22.3%
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 Cottage Grove

How much people earn in Cottage Grove

The average annual household income in Cottage Grove was $143,434 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +7.4% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $139,313, reflecting a +5% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Cottage Grove
$143,434/year
7.4% year-over-year change
Median household income in Cottage Grove
$139,313/year
5.0% year-over-year change

Cottage Grove income by age

In Cottage Grove, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $154,213. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $154,056 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $59,489, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $92,885 in earnings. Overall, 96.3% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $59,489 N/A
25 - 44 $154,213 10.6%
45 - 64 $154,056 15.0%
Over 65 $92,885 21.4%
Above poverty level
8,171
Below poverty level
311
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 8,171 96.3% 9.5%
Below poverty level 311 3.7% 21.5%

Average renter income in Cottage Grove

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Cottage Grove, their median household income was $61,705 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 29.8%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$61,705
Rent-to-income ratio
29.8%
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 Cottage Grove

Workforce and job types in Cottage Grove

The job market in Cottage Grove is powered by 5,267 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 86.3% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 13.7% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 5% run their own businesses, 60.7% are employed by private companies, and 22.8% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
5,267
14.3% year-over-year change
White collar
4,545
Blue collar
722
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 4,545 86.3% 14.6%
Blue collar 722 13.7% 12.5%
Employer type
Self employees
5%
Private companies
60.7%
Governmental workers
22.8%
Not for profit companies
11.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 266 5% 24.9%
Private companies 3,197 60.7% 11.8%
Governmental workers 1,203 22.8% 5.4%
Not for profit companies 601 11.4% 52.5%
Unemployment rate
0.9%
100.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Cottage Grove stands at 0.9%, 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 Cottage Grove

How people get around in Cottage Grove

Commuting methods vary: 82% 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.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 4,296 82% 17.4%
Bicycle 10 0.2% -37.5%
Walk 23 0.4% -32.4%
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 Cottage Grove by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
53527 11,924 4,874 $133,883 $135,254
53590 45,602 18,853 $97,051 $119,498

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FAQs about Cottage Grove demographics 

What is the total population of Cottage Grove?

Cottage Grove has a total population of 8,513 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 +7.7% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Cottage Grove?

The gender ratio in Cottage Grove is as follows:
  • 51% males (4,337 residents)
  • 49% females (4,176 residents)

What is the median age in Cottage Grove?

The median age in Cottage Grove is 37.5.

What is the age distribution of the population in Cottage Grove?

The age distribution in Cottage Grove is as follows:
  • Under 15: 19.7% (1,676 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 10.8% (920 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 30.5% (2,598 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 27.2% (2,313 residents)
  • Over 65: 11.8% (1,006 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Cottage Grove?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Cottage Grove is as follows:
  • White: 85.4% (7,274 residents)
  • Black or African American: 1.6% (134 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 6.1% (519 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 6.1% (523 residents)
  • Other: 0.7% (63 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 92.1% of the population in Cottage Grove.

How many housing units are there in Cottage Grove?

There are 3,585 housing units in Cottage Grove, reflecting a +7.7% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Cottage Grove has a total of 3,549 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Cottage Grove?

Cottage Grove has a median household income of $139,313, representing a +5.0% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Cottage Grove?

The employment rate is 99.1% in Cottage Grove, with a workforce of 5,267 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 86.3% (4,545 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 13.7% (722 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 5% (266 residents)
  • Private companies: 60.7% (3,197 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 22.8% (1,203 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 11.4% (601 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