Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Cottage Grove, OR
Thinking of moving to Cottage Grove, OR? With a friendly population of just over 10,500 and a median home price around $347,000, this small city delivers an affordable lifestyle with easy commutes averaging 23 minutes. Residents enjoy mild summers, a strong sense of community, and access to local schools and healthcare. While property crime rates are above average, Cottage Grove's low cost of living and scenic Willamette Valley location make it a welcoming choice for families and nature lovers alike.
Demographics - Cottage Grove, OR
Demographics - Cottage Grove, OR
Cottage Grove is home to about 10,574 residents, featuring a balanced gender ratio and a median age of 39.2 years. The community is predominantly White, with 6.9% of the population speaking a language other than English at home, reflecting a modest level of diversity. With a population density of 2,200 per square mile, Cottage Grove offers a small-town feel with a close-knit atmosphere.
Population:
10,574
Density:
2,200 per sq mi
Median Age:
39.2
Gender Ratio:
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
6.9%

Ethnic Composition
White:
85.6%
Black:
0.5%
Asian:
1.2%
Others:
12.7%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Cottage Grove, OR?
Living in Cottage Grove is relatively affordable, with a median home value of $347,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom apartment at $1,120. The overall cost of living index is slightly above the national average at 103.1, mainly due to housing costs. Utilities, groceries, and transportation remain reasonable, making it an accessible option for families and retirees.
Median House Value:
$347,000
Gross Rent:
$1,120
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,160
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,570
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$480
State Taxes:
Low:
4.75%
|
High:
9.9%
Cost Of Living Index:
103.1
Grocery:
101.5
Housing:
110.3
Utilities:
98.6
Transportation:
96.2
Health Care:
104.8
Miscellaneous:
99.2
Crime
Is Cottage Grove, OR a safe place to live?
Cottage Grove experiences a higher rate of property crime compared to national averages, with a chance of 1 in 43 for property incidents and 1 in 490 for violent crime. Despite the elevated property crime rate, violent crimes remain relatively infrequent. Residents should stay aware but can generally expect a safe environment, especially in residential neighborhoods.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
204
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,340
Crime Index:
2,544
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 490
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 43
Weather
What is the weather like in Cottage Grove, OR year-round?
The city enjoys a mild climate, with summer highs reaching 83°F and winter lows seldom dropping below 34°F. Annual rainfall averages 46 inches, and about 47% of days are sunny, providing a comfortable balance for outdoor enthusiasts. The region’s weather supports a lush landscape and year-round recreational activities.

Winter
Min:
34°F
Max:
48°F

Spring
Min:
41°F
Max:
65°F

Summer
Min:
50°F
Max:
83°F

Fall
Min:
42°F
Max:
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
46.0 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
47%
Neighbors
Cottage Grove’s residents have a median household income of $55,700 and a poverty rate of 17.5%. Most locals own their homes, and the average commute time is 23.3 minutes, indicating convenient access to nearby jobs. The community values education, with 88% holding at least a high school diploma.
Median Income:
$33,000
Household Income:
$55,700
Family Income:
$67,800
Per Capita Income:
$26,300
Income Male:
$42,000
Income Female:
$34,000
Poverty Rate:
17.5%
Non English Speakers:
6.9%
Rent:
$1,120
Unemployment Rate:
5.1%
Public Transport Usage:
0.7%
Commute Time:
23.3 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
88.0%
Bachelors or More:
18.2%
Education
How are the schools in Cottage Grove, OR?
Families in Cottage Grove benefit from local public schools, including Cottage Grove High School and Bohemia Elementary, with student-teacher ratios around 18–20:1. Private education is available, and higher learning opportunities are nearby at Lane Community College and the University of Oregon in Eugene, both within a 20-mile drive. The city’s educational resources support lifelong learning and community involvement.

Public Schools
Name:
Cottage Grove High School
Street:
1375 S River Rd
Phone:
541-942-3391
Students:
750
Student Teacher Ratio:
20:1
Name:
Bohemia Elementary School
Street:
721 S R St
Phone:
541-942-3313
Students:
430
Student Teacher Ratio:
18:1

Private Schools
Name:
South Lane Christian School
Street:
1475 S 6th St
Phone:
541-942-9122
Students:
80

Colleges
Name:
Lane Community College
City:
Eugene
State:
OR
Distance:
19 miles
Students:
7,000
Name:
University of Oregon
City:
Eugene
State:
OR
Distance:
21 miles
Students:
22,000
Healthcare
Healthcare in Cottage Grove is anchored by PeaceHealth Cottage Grove Community Medical Center, offering general and emergency services. With 2.1 physicians per 1,000 residents and 91.7% health insurance coverage, locals have reliable access to medical care. The area’s healthcare index reflects solid service availability for a city of its size.

Major Hospitals
Name:
PeaceHealth Cottage Grove Community Medical Center
Address:
1515 Village Dr, Cottage Grove, OR 97424
Phone:
(541) 767-5500
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.7%
Health Care Index:
71.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Cottage Grove, OR?
The housing market in Cottage Grove is stable, with a median home price of $347,000 and a 4.7% appreciation rate over the past year. About 61% of residents own their homes, and rental vacancies are low at 4.6%, showing steady demand. Both buyers and renters can find affordable options in this friendly community.
Median Home Price:
$347,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,120
Owner Occupied Rate:
61.3%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.6%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.7%
New Construction Rate:
1.3%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Cottage Grove residents are served by the Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicle Services office in nearby Eugene. The DMV provides a full range of licensing and registration services and is easily accessible by phone or through the state website. This ensures convenient support for all vehicle and driver needs.
State:
Oregon
Department:
Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicle Services
Address:
875 Wilson St, Eugene, OR 97402
Phone:
503-945-5000
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.