As of 2026 the population of Cottage Grove is 45,338. The population is expected to grow to 48,855 by 2031 - a growth rate of 1.51%.
The median age of Cottage Grove residents is 38.
The diversity index of Cottage Grove is 53.4, meaning that there is a 53% chance that any two people selected out of 100 residents will be of different race or ethnicity from one another.
The average household income in Cottage Grove is $148,570 and projected to be $163,823 in 2031. Per capita income is $50,931, projected to be $56,740 in 2031. 6.75% of households – 3,061 – have an income of $200,000 or higher. Average net worth is $1,788,331 and the average disposable income is $107,099.
There are 16,035 housing units in Cottage Grove; 13,434 are owner-occupied, 2,088 are rented, and 513 are vacant. The average home value is $455,126, with 2,413 homes built in 2010 or later, and 228 built in 1939 or earlier.
There are 625 businesses in Cottage Grove, employing 8,219 workers and pulling from a labor force of 21,842 age 16 and above. 9,955 workers commute into Cottage Grove from outside the county or state. Key industries for the area include:
11,449 residents both live and work in/around Cottage Grove. The average travel time is 23.9 minutes. 3.35% people have a commute of less than 5 minutes while 1.81% commute 90 minutes or more each way. Of commuters, 15,121 drive alone, 1,792 carpool, and 75 take public transportation. 239 use other modes of transport such as motorcycle, bicycle, walking, etc. 4,615 residents work from home.
6,944 members of the workforce hold a high school diploma or GED. 4,200 have associates degrees, 8,508 have bachelor’s degrees, and 3,910 hold a graduate or professional degree.
Source: ESRI, 2026-09-09
