Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Cottage Grove, MN
Considering a move to Cottage Grove, MN? Home to about 39,600 residents, this friendly Twin Cities suburb features a balanced cost of living with median home prices around $355,000 and typical rents at $1,630. Residents enjoy low violent crime rates (just 59 per 100K), short 25-minute average commutes, and well-rated local schools. With a high rate of homeownership, strong educational attainment, and four distinct seasons, Cottage Grove offers a safe, community-focused lifestyle just outside Minneapolis–St. Paul.
Demographics - Cottage Grove, MN
Demographics - Cottage Grove, MN
Cottage Grove is a vibrant suburb with a population of approximately 39,600 and a median age of 37, offering a balanced mix of families and professionals. The community is predominantly White but includes a growing diversity, with almost 9% of residents speaking a language other than English at home. Its moderate population density creates a neighborhood feel while maintaining easy access to urban amenities.
Population:
39,600
Density:
2,000 per sq mi
Median Age:
37.0
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
8.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
80.5%
Black:
5.8%
Asian:
4.7%
Others:
9.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Cottage Grove, MN?
The cost of living in Cottage Grove sits just above the national average, with a median home value of about $355,000 and typical monthly rent around $1,630. Residents benefit from reasonable utility costs and a variety of state tax rates. This balance makes the area attractive for both homeowners and renters seeking affordability near the Twin Cities.
Median House Value:
$355,000
Gross Rent:
$1,630
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,410
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,010
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$610
State Taxes:
Low:
5.35%
|
High:
9.85%
Cost Of Living Index:
104.0
Grocery:
102.1
Housing:
106.3
Utilities:
98.5
Transportation:
101.2
Health Care:
103.0
Miscellaneous:
99.8
Crime
Is Cottage Grove, MN a safe place to live?
Cottage Grove is considered a safe community, with a very low violent crime rate of only 59 incidents per 100,000 residents. Property crime occurs at a moderate level, but the chance of experiencing violent crime is just 1 in 1,695, making it appealing for families and those seeking peace of mind.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
59
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,090
Crime Index:
1,149
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,695
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 92
Weather
What is the weather like in Cottage Grove, MN year-round?
Residents experience all four seasons, with cold winters averaging lows around 7°F and warm summers reaching highs of 83°F. The area enjoys about 54% sunny days throughout the year and receives roughly 32 inches of rainfall annually, supporting outdoor activities year-round.
Winter
Min:
7°F
Max:
28°F
Spring
Min:
36°F
Max:
65°F
Summer
Min:
62°F
Max:
83°F
Fall
Min:
39°F
Max:
64°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
32.4 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
54%
Neighbors
Cottage Grove boasts strong household incomes, with the median at $110,200 and a low poverty rate of 4.7%. Nearly all adults hold at least a high school diploma and over 40% have a bachelor’s degree or higher, making for a well-educated, prosperous, and community-minded population.
Median Income:
$52,600
Household Income:
$110,200
Family Income:
$120,800
Per Capita Income:
$41,500
Income Male:
$61,000
Income Female:
$50,200
Poverty Rate:
4.7%
Non English Speakers:
8.5%
Rent:
$1,630
Unemployment Rate:
3.2%
Public Transport Usage:
1.1%
Commute Time:
25.5 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
96.4%
Bachelors or More:
43.1%
Education
How are the schools in Cottage Grove, MN?
Cottage Grove is served by reputable public schools like Park Senior High and Cottage Grove Middle, which offer favorable student-teacher ratios and a variety of programs. The area also features private school options and is within short driving distance of respected colleges, providing ample educational opportunities for all ages.
Public Schools
Name:
Park Senior High School
Street:
8040 80th St S
Phone:
651-425-3700
Students:
1,900
Student Teacher Ratio:
18.2
Name:
Cottage Grove Middle School
Street:
9775 Indian Blvd S
Phone:
651-425-6400
Students:
1,200
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.5
Private Schools
Name:
Hope Christian Academy
Street:
920 Holley Ave
Phone:
651-459-6438
Students:
170
Colleges
Name:
Inver Hills Community College
City:
Inver Grove Heights
State:
MN
Distance:
9 miles
Students:
6,400
Name:
Metropolitan State University
City:
St. Paul
State:
MN
Distance:
14 miles
Students:
10,200
Healthcare
Access to healthcare is robust, with major hospitals such as Regions and Woodwinds nearby and 95% of residents covered by health insurance. There are 2.3 physicians per 1,000 people, ensuring adequate local care and emergency services for residents.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Regions Hospital
Address:
640 Jackson St, St Paul, MN 55101
Phone:
(651) 254-3456
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Woodwinds Hospital
Address:
1925 Woodwinds Dr, Woodbury, MN 55125
Phone:
(651) 232-0100
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
95.1%
Health Care Index:
77.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Cottage Grove, MN?
The housing market is stable, with a median home price of $355,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate of over 82%. Home values have appreciated by 4.2% in the past year, and the rental vacancy rate remains low, reflecting solid demand and steady investment potential.
Median Home Price:
$355,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,630
Owner Occupied Rate:
82.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
5.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Driver and vehicle services in Cottage Grove are managed by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, conveniently located in nearby St. Paul. Residents can access all licensing, registration, and vehicle services both in person and online.
State:
Minnesota
Department:
Minnesota Department of Public Safety – Driver and Vehicle Services
Address:
445 Minnesota St, Suite 190, St Paul, MN 55101
Phone:
651-297-2126
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.