Cottonwood Public RecordsMinnesota

As of the 2020 Census, Cottonwood city in Lyon County, Minnesota, had a population of 1,147. The median age was about 36.2 years. Gender distribution was nearly even, with approximately 49% male and 51% female residents. Racially, the city was 85.8% White, 1.7% African American, 1.3% Native American, 4.2% Asian, and 6.4% Hispanic or Latino of any race, with small percentages of other groups. The community maintains a relatively youthful and diverse population for its size.

Cottonwood, Lyon County, MN, is served primarily by Lakeview Public Schools, including Lakeview Secondary (grades 7–12), with a student-teacher ratio of approximately 13:1. The district’s average graduation rate is about 98%. There are no colleges or universities in the city; around 22% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. The public school has a GreatSchools rating of 6/10 and offers programs in STEM and athletics. School safety is a community priority, reflected in low reported incidents. Adult education services are accessible through nearby Marshall, enhancing local lifelong learning opportunities.

Cottonwood, Lyon County, MN, has a homeownership rate of about 78%, with median home values near $140,000 and median rents around $650 per month. The housing market has remained stable, with slight appreciation in recent years. Single-family homes dominate, alongside some duplexes and apartments. Neighborhoods are quiet and primarily residential. Property taxes in Lyon County average 1.2% of a property's assessed value, meaning annual taxes on a $140,000 home are about $1,680. Cottonwood offers affordable living with strong community ties, making it attractive for families and retirees.

Cottonwood, Lyon County, MN, lacks a hospital within city limits; residents typically access healthcare at Avera Marshall Regional Medical Center, 18 miles away in Marshall, which has 49 beds and serves the region. Local clinics include Cottonwood Medical Clinic (under Avera). Lyon County’s uninsured rate is approximately 6%, and about 92% of residents have a regular healthcare provider. The population is predominantly White (over 90%), with diabetes, hypertension, and obesity among the most common health issues per Minnesota Department of Health data. Rural healthcare challenges include provider shortages and limited specialty care access.

Cottonwood, Lyon County, MN, relies primarily on personal vehicles for transportation, with about 93% of workers commuting by car and carpooling rates near 10%. Public transit usage is negligible (<1%), reflecting limited service availability. The average commute time is approximately 20 minutes, below the national average. Most households (over 95%) own at least one vehicle. Transportation infrastructure centers on local roads and nearby highways, with no dedicated rail or bus lines. Major employment hubs include local schools, agricultural businesses, and Marshall (15 miles away), where many residents commute for work.