The Cottage Grove 2040 background report outlines the market and development context for the City. Cottage Grove is located within Washington County, in the East Submarket. In general, Cottage Grove has experienced moderate growth in recent decades. There are a number of factors that influence the price of real estate in the City. These factors include the presence of public transportation, high-quality retail areas, and a natural setting.
The majority of homes in Cottage Grove are owner-occupied, with less than 200 pre-1950 dwellings remaining. Single-family homes and townhomes are the predominant type of housing in the City, with more than one thousand homes built each decade starting in the 1950s. Cottage Grove's neighborhoods reflect the housing practices of individual home builders, with many apartment and townhome developments designed with families in mind. This is reflected in the number of evictions.
The historic Armory is located in the National Historic District in downtown Cottage Grove, and is subject to strict State preservation laws. Renovations to the Armory are underway, thanks to a grant for window restoration and a donation from the Faye and Lucille Stewart Foundation. Ultimately, the City hopes to transform the Armory into a multi-use community program and event facility. Youth programs are interested in using the Armory.
In 2016, the U.S. Census compiled population and income figures for Cottage Grove, Minnesota. The area is home to approximately 35,600 residents. The city has grown 55 percent since 1990. According to the most recent census data, Cottage Grove had moderate growth in the early 2000s but saw steady growth during the remainder of the decade. Cottage Grove also experienced a modest slowdown during the Great Recession.