Cottage Grove 71 Excellent
Cottage Grove Livability #254 ranked city in Wisconsin#6,548 ranked city in the USARanks better than 77% of areas
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Pros and Cons of Living in Cottage Grove

PROS
  • Crime 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 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 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.

CONS
  • Amenities 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 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.

  • Health & Safety Health & Safety

    Poor air quality and the inaccessibility of certain health related facilities like hospitals, clinics, doctors and pharmacies could have all contributed to the low score in this category.

What's it like Living in Cottage Grove?

Cottage Grove is a smaller city located in the state of Wisconsin. The city has a population of 7,270 residents. If we look at the most recent Census, Cottage Grove is known to have a predominantly White population. The next two most common races are Asian and Black. The average American spends about 26 minutes on their one way commute to work each day. Lower travel times can increase overall happiness and allow for more time to be spent with family and friends. While living in Cottage Grove, your commute times will be about average, with a one way commute time of 23 minutes.

Living in Cottage Grove can be a good experience for anyone moving to the area. Having said that, in the state of Wisconsin, 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 crime, education, employment, housing, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Wisconsin and national averages.

With a livability score of 71/100, Cottage Grove is ranked #6,021 in the United States and #221 in Wisconsin. Based on the rankings for each individual category, Cottage Grove has been rewarded with high marks for crime (A+), education (B-) and housing (A+). There is at least one category that you should be aware of in Cottage Grove. The following was graded with a discouraging score: amenities (F) and cost of living (D).

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 116 crimes per 100,000 residents which is far lower than the national average.

Unemployment rates can vary significantly among cities, impacting job prospects, wage levels and the overall economic health of an area. In Cottage Grove, the unemployment rate stands at 2.3%, suggesting increased job opportunities and a heightened demand for workers. This scenario can lead to higher wages, as the demand for employees outpaces job availability. Importantly, a low unemployment rate often signifies a robust and flourishing 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. Median real estate prices in Cottage Grove come in at $526,340, which is 74.7% higher than the Wisconsin average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Cottage Grove, the home price to income ratio is 3.6, which is 2.7% lower than the Wisconsin average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Cottage Grove

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Compare Cottage Grove, WI Livability

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      Cottage Grove transportation information

      Statistic Cottage Grove Wisconsin National
      Average one way commute23min22min26min
      Workers who drive to work84.3%80.7%76.4%
      Workers who carpool5.2%8.3%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.0%1.9%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.0%0.8%0.6%
      Workers who walk2.1%3.3%2.8%
      Working from home8.0%4.2%4.6%
      Source: The Cottage Grove, WI data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) and include 2026 modeled data developed using proprietary methodologies.