Cottonwood, ID Utility & Living Guide

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Cottonwood, ID Utility & Living Guide

Cottonwood is a city in Idaho County, Idaho. On the Camas Prairie in north central Idaho, the population was 822 at the 2020 census, down from 900 in 2010 and 944 in 2000. It is just west of U.S. Route 95, between Grangeville and Lewiston.

Last updated: June 26, 2026
Total Utilities$270/mo
1BR Rent$900/mo
Sales Tax6%
COL Index105 (+5% above national average)
Family Score8/10
Median Home$280,000
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⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Cottonwood
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💰 Budget Calculator
🔌 Utilities
🏠 Housing
📊 Cost of Living
💰 Taxes
👨‍👩‍👧 Families
🧮 Tools

Monthly Utility Costs

⚡ Electric

$130/mo

Idaho Power
🔥 Gas

N/A - Electric only
💧 Water

$50/mo

Cottonwood Water Department
🗑️ Garbage

$30/mo

Cottonwood Sanitation Department
📶 Internet

$60/mo

Combined Average Overhead$270/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom$900/mo
2 Bedrooms$1200/mo
3 Bedrooms$1800/mo
Median Home Price$280,000
Property Tax Rate1.1%
Avg Childcare/mo$800

The housing market in Cottonwood is relatively small, with a mix of older and newer homes. Rentals are limited, and prices may vary depending on the location and amenities. Overall, the market is stable, with some room for growth

Cost of Living

Overall COL Index

105

US national avg = 100
vs National Avg

+5% above national average

Groceries

102

Transportation

98

Healthcare

100

Childcare/mo

$800

Tax Rates

Tax Overview
Total Sales Tax6%
Property Tax Rate1.1%
<p>State 6% + no County or City tax</p>

Idaho has a state income tax with a top rate of 6.925%, but no local income taxes

Family & Relocation

Family Vibe Score
8/10
Safety Index

70

Higher = safer
School Rating

7/10

GreatSchools avg
Avg Childcare

$800/mo

City Pulse

Population Trend
+2% (growing)
Political Climate
Red
Business Momentum
Moderate, with key industries in agriculture, healthcare, and small manufacturing
Top Local Concerns
water conservation, rural broadband access, economic development
🚌 Transit for Families

Cottonwood has limited public transportation, but the city is relatively small and walkable, with some sidewalks and crosswalks

🎡 Top Kid Attractions
  • 🎯
    Monastery of St. Gertrude
  • 🎯
    Cottonwood Park
  • 🎯
    Camas Prairie Winery

Best Neighborhoods for Families

The area around Cottonwood Park is popular with families, offering easy access to outdoor recreation and community events. The downtown area is also charming, with shops and restaurants within walking distance

Household Budget Calculator

Estimate your real monthly cost of living in Cottonwood based on your household profile.

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📊 Cottonwood — Census & Demographic Data

Official data from the US Census Bureau, American Community Survey.

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Utility costs in Cottonwood tend to be higher in the winter due to heating needs, with an average increase of 20-30% from December to February. In the summer, costs are relatively stable, with some increase in electricity usage for cooling

🏛️ Local Tax Details

The ZIP code 83522 has a property tax millage rate of 1.1%, with no local surtaxes

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

6, with explanation: while Cottonwood has some sidewalks and crosswalks, the city's infrastructure is not extensively designed for stroller accessibility, and some areas may be challenging to navigate with a stroller

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