Crime
With a lower than average crime rate per 100,000 people, this area could be considered a very safe place to live. Crime rates are based on both violent and property crimes.
Employment
The combination of higher than average median home income, income per capita and low unemployment rates results in a score that is well above average in the employment category.
Housing
This area has received high scores in the housing category. This could be due to a positive home affordability ratio, high appreciation rates or elevated home values.
Ratings
Local residents have positive things to say about the proximity of restaurants, grocery stores, parks, public transit, friendliness of neighbors, sense of community and overall safety of the area.
Amenities
A majority of amenities are not ideally situated within a reasonable walking distance, which may lead residents to rely on a vehicle or public transportation.
Commute
Public transportation is not readily available in this area and the average commute time to work could also be longer than the national average.
Located in the state of Minnesota, Cottage Grove is a moderately-sized city with a population of 38,398 people. According to the most recent Census, 84% of Cottage Grove residents are White, 5% Black and 5% Asian. On a daily basis, the typical American spends approximately 26 minutes on their one-way work commute. Reduced travel times not only contributes to increased overall happiness, but also affords more opportunities to cherish moments with family and friends. If you're living in Cottage Grove, your commute time will align closely with the national average, spanning a one-way duration of approximately 25 minutes.
Living in Cottage Grove can be a positive experience for anyone moving to the city. Having said that, in the state of Minnesota, there are many amazing places to live, so choose wisely! When searching for a new neighborhood, several factors play a vital role in determining its suitability. Safety should be a top priority, ensuring a secure environment with low crime rates. Proximity to your workplace or school helps minimize commuting time and allows for a better work-life balance. Availability of essential amenities such as parks, coffee shops, restaurants, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities contributes to convenience and well-being. Access to reliable public transportation options facilitates easy commuting and connectivity. Additionally, considering the sense of community and the overall atmosphere that resonates with your lifestyle and preferences fosters a harmonious living experience. The best areas in Cottage Grove and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from amenities, crime, cost of living, commute, housing, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Minnesota and national averages.
With a livability score of 76/100, Cottage Grove is ranked #2,879 in the United States and #128 in Minnesota. Clearly, Cottage Grove is doing something right, as this score ranks well above the average of most cities. Cottage Grove is also ranked in the top 10 percentile of all cities across the USA. There are nine total categories that generate the livability score. Cottage Grove ranks well for crime (A+), education (B-) and housing (A+) On a less positive note, Cottage Grove does not have favorable grades for the following: amenities (F). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.
Feeling a sense of safety in the area that you live in is a must for most people. Low crime rates can have a positive impact on things like home prices, home appreciation rates and can help foster positive community dynamics and social cohesion. Cottage Grove has a violent crime rate of 39 crimes per 100,000 residents which is far lower than the national average.
The Cottage Grove unemployment rate of 2.2% has continued to decrease over the years and is now well below the national average. The result could lead to reduced poverty and inequality in the area, higher wages and increased economic growth. This is a positive sign in the overall health of the local economy.
For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their Cottage Grove apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.
Cottage Grove real estate prices and overall affordability will play a huge role in determining if the area is the right fit for you. Of course there are probably some other items on your “wish list”, but even before they are considered, let’s take a look at the home prices and affordability in Cottage Grove. The median home price for Cottage Grove homes is $468,138, which is 38.1% higher than the Minnesota average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Cottage Grove, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 3.1, which is 16.2% lower than the Minnesota average.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Statistic | Cottage Grove | Minnesota | National |
| Average one way commute | 25min | 23min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 82.3% | 78.0% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 7.5% | 8.7% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 1.9% | 3.5% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.3% | 0.8% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 0.8% | 2.8% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 6.6% | 5.3% | 4.6% |
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