Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Cottonwood Falls, KS
Considering a move to Cottonwood Falls, KS? This friendly community of 806 residents offers small-town charm, affordable living, and scenic Flint Hills views. With a median home price of just $87,000 and average rents around $660, your dollar goes far. Violent crime is low (110 per 100k), commutes are short at 18 minutes, and schools have favorable student-teacher ratios. Enjoy four distinct seasons, 61% sunny days, and easy access to healthcare and outdoor recreation in this peaceful Kansas town.
Demographics - Cottonwood Falls, KS
Demographics - Cottonwood Falls, KS
Cottonwood Falls is a close-knit community of around 800 people, with a predominantly White population and a median age of 48. Most residents speak English, and the gender ratio is fairly balanced, making it a welcoming place for families and retirees seeking a slower pace of life.
Population:
806
Density:
950 per sq mi
Median Age:
48.2
Gender Ratio:
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
4.1%

Ethnic Composition
White:
94.2%
Black:
0.7%
Asian:
0.4%
Others:
4.7%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Cottonwood Falls, KS?
Living in Cottonwood Falls is quite affordable, with a median home value of $87,000 and average rents near $660. The overall cost of living index is well below the national average, allowing residents to enjoy more for less, especially when it comes to housing and daily expenses.
Median House Value:
$87,000
Gross Rent:
$660
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,090
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$930
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$340
State Taxes:
Low:
3.1%
|
High:
5.7%
Cost Of Living Index:
75.4
Grocery:
93.2
Housing:
45.7
Utilities:
103.8
Transportation:
88.4
Health Care:
99.3
Miscellaneous:
92.1
Crime
Is Cottonwood Falls, KS a safe place to live?
Cottonwood Falls experiences low crime rates, with only 110 violent crimes per 100,000 residents and a low likelihood of becoming a victim. This contributes to the city’s safe, community-oriented atmosphere.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
110
Property Crimes Per 100k:
890
Crime Index:
1,000
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 900
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 112
Weather
What is the weather like in Cottonwood Falls, KS year-round?
Residents enjoy four distinct seasons, from warm summers reaching up to 93°F to chilly winters with lows around 19°F. The town receives about 36 inches of rainfall annually and boasts sunny weather 61% of the year, making it ideal for those who appreciate seasonal variety.

Winter
Min:
19°F
Max:
42°F

Spring
Min:
44°F
Max:
69°F

Summer
Min:
67°F
Max:
93°F

Fall
Min:
43°F
Max:
73°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
36 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
61%
Neighbors
The local community features a median household income of $43,700 and a poverty rate of 12.8%. Most residents commute less than 20 minutes to work, and public transportation use is minimal, highlighting the town's small-town, self-reliant character.
Median Income:
$29,400
Household Income:
$43,700
Family Income:
$54,200
Per Capita Income:
$23,800
Income Male:
$34,800
Income Female:
$25,400
Poverty Rate:
12.8%
Non English Speakers:
4.1%
Rent:
$660
Unemployment Rate:
4.3%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
18.2 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
92.0%
Bachelors or More:
19.7%
Education
How are the schools in Cottonwood Falls, KS?
Local students attend public schools with favorable class sizes, and higher education is accessible with Emporia State University just 21 miles away. The community values education, with most adults holding at least a high school diploma and nearly 20% earning a bachelor’s degree or higher.

Public Schools
Name:
Chase County Elementary School
Street:
410 Palmer St
Phone:
620-273-6676
Students:
160
Student Teacher Ratio:
11.5
Name:
Chase County Jr/Sr High School
Street:
600 Main St
Phone:
620-273-6800
Students:
210
Student Teacher Ratio:
10.8

Colleges
Name:
Emporia State University
City:
Emporia
State:
KS
Distance:
21 miles
Students:
5,900
Healthcare
Access to healthcare is solid with local clinics and a major hospital in nearby Emporia, plus nearly 90% of residents have health insurance coverage. Physician availability is on par with similar rural areas, supporting the needs of this small community.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Chase County Health Department
Address:
202 Broadway St, Cottonwood Falls, KS 66845
Phone:
(620) 273-6676
Type:
Clinic & Public Health
Emergency Services:
No
Name:
Newman Regional Health
Address:
1201 W 12th Ave, Emporia, KS 66801
Phone:
(620) 343-6800
Type:
General & Emergency
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.6%
Health Care Index:
78.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Cottonwood Falls, KS?
The housing market in Cottonwood Falls is stable and affordable, with a median home price of $87,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate of nearly 72%. Rental options are available with an average two-bedroom rent of $660, and vacancy and foreclosure rates remain low.
Median Home Price:
$87,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$660
Owner Occupied Rate:
71.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.4%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
DMV services for Cottonwood Falls residents are provided by the Kansas Department of Revenue – Division of Vehicles, located in Topeka. Residents can handle licensing, registration, and other vehicle needs through their official website or by phone.
State:
Kansas
Department:
Kansas Department of Revenue – Division of Vehicles
Address:
300 SW 29th St, Topeka, KS 66611
Phone:
785-296-3621
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.