Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Cottage Grove, WI
Considering a move to Cottage Grove, WI? With a friendly population of 7,500, this suburb offers affordable living, a median home price of $370,000, and average rents around $1,480. You’ll enjoy low crime rates, short 22-minute commutes to Madison, and top-rated public schools with over half of residents holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. The area features four seasons, plenty of sunny days, and excellent healthcare options nearby—making Cottage Grove a welcoming spot for families and professionals alike.
Demographics - Cottage Grove, WI
Demographics - Cottage Grove, WI
Cottage Grove is a close-knit community of about 7,500 residents, predominantly White, with a median age of 38.4 years and a near-even gender balance. The town's moderate population density and small percentage of non-English speakers create a welcoming, family-friendly environment.
Population:
7,500
Density:
1,600 per sq mi
Median Age:
38.4
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.2%
Ethnic Composition
White:
90.3%
Black:
2.5%
Asian:
2.7%
Others:
4.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Cottage Grove, WI?
Living in Cottage Grove offers a slightly above-average cost of living, with a median home value of $370,000 and rent averaging $1,480 per month. Household expenses, such as utilities and auto insurance, remain manageable, making it an attractive option for families seeking quality amenities without big-city prices.
Median House Value:
$370,000
Gross Rent:
$1,480
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,180
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,950
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$630
State Taxes:
Low:
3.54%
|
High:
7.65%
Cost Of Living Index:
104.2
Grocery:
101.8
Housing:
107.5
Utilities:
97.3
Transportation:
99.7
Health Care:
101.4
Miscellaneous:
98.9
Crime
Is Cottage Grove, WI a safe place to live?
Cottage Grove enjoys a notably low crime rate, with violent crime at just 75 incidents per 100,000 people and a property crime risk of 1 in 139. Residents can feel secure in this safe and peaceful suburb.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
75
Property Crimes Per 100k:
720
Crime Index:
795
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,333
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 139
Weather
What is the weather like in Cottage Grove, WI year-round?
Residents experience all four seasons, from cold winters with lows around 10°F to warm summers reaching 83°F. With an average of 33 inches of rainfall and 59% sunny days, the climate supports a variety of outdoor activities year-round.
Winter
Min:
10°F
Max:
28°F
Spring
Min:
37°F
Max:
64°F
Summer
Min:
58°F
Max:
83°F
Fall
Min:
39°F
Max:
66°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
33.3 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
59%
Neighbors
Cottage Grove boasts a strong community with a median household income of $108,400 and a low poverty rate of 3.9%. Most neighbors are well-educated, with over half holding a bachelor’s degree, and enjoy short average commutes of about 22 minutes.
Median Income:
$43,000
Household Income:
$108,400
Family Income:
$120,000
Per Capita Income:
$46,500
Income Male:
$56,000
Income Female:
$47,000
Poverty Rate:
3.9%
Non English Speakers:
7.2%
Rent:
$1,480
Unemployment Rate:
2.9%
Public Transport Usage:
2.1%
Commute Time:
22.1 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
97.8%
Bachelors or More:
52.4%
Education
How are the schools in Cottage Grove, WI?
Families benefit from top-rated public schools with favorable student–teacher ratios, as well as access to private schooling. Higher education opportunities are abundant, with major colleges like the University of Wisconsin–Madison located just a short drive away.
Public Schools
Name:
Cottage Grove School
Street:
470 N Main St
Phone:
608-839-4576
Students:
550
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.5
Name:
Glacial Drumlin School
Street:
801 Damascus Trail
Phone:
608-839-8437
Students:
950
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.2
Private Schools
Name:
Peace Lutheran School
Street:
232 Windsor St
Phone:
608-839-8622
Students:
120
Colleges
Name:
Madison Area Technical College
City:
Madison
State:
WI
Distance:
9 miles
Students:
28,000
Name:
University of Wisconsin–Madison
City:
Madison
State:
WI
Distance:
11 miles
Students:
47,900
Healthcare
Access to healthcare is excellent, with major hospitals like UW Health East Madison Hospital and St. Mary's Hospital nearby, and 95% of residents covered by health insurance. The area’s physician availability and healthcare index ensure quality care for families and individuals.
Major Hospitals
Name:
UW Health East Madison Hospital
Address:
4602 Eastpark Blvd, Madison, WI 53718
Phone:
(608) 440-6400
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
St. Mary's Hospital
Address:
700 S Park St, Madison, WI 53715
Phone:
(608) 251-6100
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
95.1%
Health Care Index:
79.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Cottage Grove, WI?
The housing market in Cottage Grove is healthy, featuring a median home price of $370,000 and steady appreciation rates. High owner-occupancy and a low foreclosure rate provide stability for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$370,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,480
Owner Occupied Rate:
76.3%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.1%
New Construction Rate:
2.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Cottage Grove residents are served by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation’s DMV office in nearby Madison, offering convenient access to driver and vehicle services. Information and online resources are easily available through the state DMV website.
State:
Wisconsin
Department:
Wisconsin Department of Transportation – Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
4802 Sheboygan Ave, Madison, WI 53707
Phone:
1-608-264-7447
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.