Cottonwood is a city in Yavapai County, Arizona, United States. According to the 2010 census, the population of the city is 11,265.
Geography
Cottonwood is located at (34.7321, -112.0186). According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of , all land.
Climate
Cottonwood has a semi-arid steppe climate. In January the normal high temperature is with a low of . In July the normal high temperature is with a low of . Annual precipitation is approximately .
Demographics
At the 2000 census there were 9,179 people, 3,983 households and 2,369 families in the city. The population density was 860.3 people per square mile (332.1/km²). There were 4,427 housing units at an average density of 414.9 per square mile (160.2/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 85.2% White, 0.5% Black or African American, 1.6% Native American, 0.4% Asian, <0.1% Pacific Islander, 9.7% from other races, and 2.6% from two or more races. 20.5% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
Of the 3,983 households 25.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 44.5% were married couples living together, 10.8% had a female as Head of Household with no Husband present, and 40.5% were non-families. 34.4% of households were one person and 19.1% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.27 and the average family size was 2.90.
The age distribution was 23.4% under the age of 18, 8.2% from 18 to 24, 23.3% from 25 to 44, 21.4% from 45 to 64, and 23.8% 65 or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females, there were 86.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 81.4 males.
The median household income was $27,444 and the median family income was $37,794. Males had a median income of $24,308 versus $19,977 for females. The per capita income for the city was $17,518. About 8.9% of families and 13.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 19.5% of those under age 18 and 11.3% of those age 65 or over.
The city became one of the Arizona municipalities to approve of civil unions for same-sex partners.
Economy
Cottonwood is the economic heart of the Verde Valley. The City of Cottonwood recently went through an extensive re-branding process and is now known as the “Heart of Arizona Wine Country". Focused on the Old Town Cottonwood tourist area, the City is the epicenter of the renowned Verde Valley wine region of Arizona.
Education
Cottonwood-Oak Creek School District operates public schools.
Library
The Cottonwood Public Library is part of the Yavapai County Library Network and serves the city of Cottonwood along with surrounding cities including Clarkdale, Camp Verde, Jerome, Rimrock and unincorporated areas of the Verde Valley in Yavapai County.
Transportation
The city is served by Cottonwood Airport, a general aviation facility.
Notable people
Frederick Henry Ball – American movie studio executive and younger brother of Lucille Ball.
Junior Brown – country singer and guitarist
Ray Manley – photographer
June Miller – Second wife of writer Henry Miller
John Pedersen – arms designer, known for the Pedersen device
Alvie Self – singer, member of Rockabilly Hall of Fame
Max Terhune – actor (1891–1973)
