Cottonwood County is located in the southwestern corner of Minnesota. It is bordered by Jackson, Nobles, Murray, and Redwood Counties. The county seat is Windom, and the largest city is Westbrook. The population of Cottonwood County was 11,740 as of 2019 according to the U.S. Census Bureau estimates. See top counties in Minnesota.
The racial makeup of Cottonwood County in 2019 was 94.8% White; 0.8% African American; 0.7% Native American; 0.3% Asian; 0.1% Pacific Islander; 2.9% from other races; and 1.4% from two or more races according to census data from that year. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.5%.
The median age in Cottonwood County was 45 years old with 24 percent under 18 years old and 14 percent over 65 years old according to 2019 census estimates (U.S Census Bureau). The gender makeup for the county was 48 percent male and 52 percent female with a median household income of $47,724 in 2019 according to census estimates from that year as well (U.S Census Bureau).
In terms of education attainment levels for Cottonwood County residents aged 25 years and older in 2019: 16 percent had not completed high school; 15 percent had some college; 21 percent had an associate’s degree; 17 percent had a bachelor’s degree; 9 percent had a master’s degree; 3 percent had a professional degree; and 19 percent reported having earned a doctorate degree or higher level of education attainment (according to U.S Census Bureau data from that year).
The unemployment rate in Cottonwood County was 4%, below the national average of 6%, as seen in 2019 census estimates (U.S Census Bureau). Additionally, 95 % of residents have access to high-speed internet service as well as cable television services (according to U.S Census Bureau data from 2019).
Cottonwood County offers many recreational activities including golf courses, museums, parks, theatre groups, festivals, rodeos and more. There are also many different businesses ranging from retail stores to restaurants located throughout the county providing employment opportunities for its citizens as well.
History of Cottonwood County, Minnesota
Cottonwood County is located in southwestern Minnesota and was established in the year 1857. It was named after the Cottonwood River, which runs through the county. The county was originally part of Jackson County, but it was later divided into its own county. Cottonwood County covers an area of 524 square miles and has a population of 11,740 residents according to 2019 U.S Census Bureau estimates.
The first settlers of Cottonwood County were mostly German immigrants who arrived in the late 1800s and early 1900s to farm the land. They built towns along the railroad lines that ran through the county and set up businesses such as general stores, blacksmith shops, and churches.
The Civil War had a big impact on Cottonwood County as many men from the area enlisted to fight for either side in the war. Afterward, many veterans returned home to rebuild their lives and this helped spur economic growth in the county.
In 1871, a fire destroyed much of Windom, which was then known as “Cottonwood Centre” and served as the county seat for several years until it moved to Windom in 1881. At this time, Westbrook also began developing into a larger town as people moved there from other parts of Cottonwood County attracted by its growing economy.
The 20th century saw an influx of new businesses coming into Cottonwood County such as banks, factories, lumber yards, grain elevators, etc., which helped spur further economic growth throughout the area. By 1920 there were over 40 different businesses operating in Westbrook alone.
During World War II many men from Cottonwood County enlisted to serve their country abroad while women stayed at home working various jobs to help support their families during this time of war-time production demands. Afterward many veterans settled down with their families back in Cottonwood County or moved away looking for new opportunities elsewhere due to changes that had occurred during wartime production demands across all industries nationwide during this period in history (U.S Census Bureau data).
In recent years, some notable changes have taken place in Cottonwood County with regards to its economy and population growth/decline trends according to U.S Census Bureau data from 2019: The number of people living within its borders has declined slightly since 2000 but is still relatively stable; median household income has risen steadily over time; unemployment rates have remained below average (4% compared to 6% nationally); access to high-speed internet services & cable television services is nearly universal (95%); education attainment levels are higher than average; racial demographics are mostly white with small percentages African American & Hispanic/Latino; and recreational activities abound such as golf courses, museums & parks offering something for everyone.
Major cities and towns in Cottonwood County, Minnesota
Cottonwood County in Minnesota is a rural area with a population of approximately 12,000 people. The county seat is Windom and the largest city is Westbrook. Other major cities and towns in Cottonwood County include Heron Lake, Bingham Lake, Butterfield, Jeffers, Storden, and Lamberton.
Windom is the county seat and its downtown area has many historic buildings such as the old courthouse building which was built in 1881. There are also several churches located in town including the United Methodist Church which dates back to 1891. Windom also has a museum dedicated to local history as well as several parks for outdoor recreation.
Westbrook is by far the largest city in Cottonwood County with a population of over 4,000 people. It serves as an important economic center for the region with many businesses located there such as banks, factories, lumber yards, grain elevators and more. There are also many recreational activities available such as golf courses and parks offering something for everyone to enjoy.
Heron Lake is one of the oldest towns in Cottonwood County with its origins dating back to 1875 when it was first settled by German immigrants who were looking for land to farm on. The town now has a population of around 750 people and its economy is largely based on agriculture. Heron Lake also has a number of parks and recreational areas offering plenty of outdoor activities for visitors and locals alike to enjoy.
Bingham Lake was first established in 1878 by settlers from Scandinavia who were looking for farmland to work on. Today, it is home to around 350 people with its economy largely based on tourism due to its location near lakeside resorts and other attractions such as fishing spots or trails for hiking or biking enthusiasts alike.
Butterfield was founded in 1879 by settlers from Sweden who were looking for land to farm on but it had been previously inhabited by Native Americans since long before that time period. It now has an estimated population of around 200 people with its main industry being agriculture although some businesses have opened up in recent years too.
Jeffers was first established back in 1880 by settlers from Denmark who were looking for land to farm on but it had been previously inhabited by Native Americans since long before that time period too. Nowadays it has an estimated population of around 400 people with its main industry being agriculture although some businesses have opened up there recently too.
Storden was founded back in 1887 by Swedish immigrants who were looking for farmland but it had been previously inhabited by Native Americans since long before that time period too. Nowadays it has an estimated population of around 500 people with its main industry being agriculture although some businesses have opened up there recently too.
Lamberton was established back in 1895 when German immigrants were looking for land to farm on but it had been previously inhabited by Native Americans since long before that time period too. Nowadays it has an estimated population of around 700 people with its main industry being agriculture although some businesses have opened up there recently too.
Population in Cottonwood County, Minnesota
According to Iamaccepted, Cottonwood County, Minnesota is located in the southwestern corner of the state and is home to a population of around 11,000 people. The county is predominantly rural with most of its population living in small towns and villages scattered throughout the area. The largest city in Cottonwood County is Windom, with a population of approximately 3,500 people.
The majority of Cottonwood County’s population are white (90%), followed by Hispanic or Latino (3%), American Indian or Alaskan Native (2%), black or African American (1%), and Asian (1%). The median age in the county is 44 years old.
Over half of Cottonwood County’s population live below the poverty line, with a median household income of $44,717. The unemployment rate in the county is 5.4%, which is lower than the national average.
Education levels in Cottonwood County are lower than the national average with only 81% having earned at least a high school diploma or equivalent. Of those who have graduated from college or university, 15% have earned at least an Associate’s degree and 4% have earned at least a Bachelor’s degree.
Most residents of Cottonwood County work in agriculture-related jobs such as farming, forestry, fishing and hunting. Other industries include manufacturing (6%), retail trade (7%) and health care and social assistance (5%).
Cottonwood County has several parks for residents to enjoy including Windom Park which features walking trails, picnic areas and playgrounds; Lakefield Area Park which features volleyball courts, horseshoe pits and disc golf; Heron Lake State Park which offers camping sites; Wilder Dam State Park which has swimming beaches; Spring Valley Wildlife Management Area which offers fishing spots; Lac Qui Parle State Park which provides camping sites as well as bird watching opportunities; Minneopa State Park which offers waterfall views; Jeffers Petroglyphs Historic Site where visitors can view ancient rock art from centuries ago; Blue Mounds State Park where visitors can explore its rugged hillsides; Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge where visitors can see hundreds of species of birds; as well as many other parks throughout the county that provide recreational activities for all ages to enjoy.