Cottage Grove is a friendly, small town situated conveniently between the major transportation routes of Interstate 94 and Highways 12 and 18.  Only 5 minutes from Madison's east side and 15 minutes from the Dane County Airport, Cottage Grove realizes both the benefits of small town Wisconsin as well as the metropolitan culture and advantages of nearby Madison.  Come visit us for a day, a week or a lifetime!

Population : Approximately 4,500, one of the fastest growing areas in the Midwest.

Location : South of Interstate Highway 94, north of Highways 12/18, 3 miles east of Madison, Wisconsin's capital city.

Government : Served by a Village President and 6 at-large Trustees.  Day-to-day operations are run by Village Administrator and several Department Heads.

Recreational Opportunities : The Village of Cottage Grove boasts 6 parks with 77 total acres available.  Additionally, the school district maintains large playgrounds and playfields at two local elementary schools and a 40-acre School Forest with trails and educational opportunities.  McCarthy County Park is located just north of the Village and downtown the Glacial Drumlin State Trail begins its 51 mile course through rolling farmland and small towns on its route to the city of Waukesha.  The City of Madison, located a short drive from Cottage Grove, offers many opportunities for sailing, fishing, dining, theater, shopping or almost anything your heart desires!

Business/Industry : An active Chamber of Commerce and several successful business locate here for the growing population and ease of transportation, as well as the beautiful small town living atmosphere with recreational opportunities galore!  There is space available for new business and industry, and with the Village's geographical position, it's no wonder why our current businesses say "Location has its advantages!"

New Resident Information

Garbage & Recycling :

The Village of Cottage Grove provides curbside trash pick up for all residents.  Garbage collection will be on Mondays.  All refuse must be at curbside by 6:00 AM.  If a Monday is a holiday, collection will be on Tuesday.  Refuse should be placed in bags or containers of not more than 30 gallons.

The Village provides each household with a container for recycling.  All recyclable items should be placed in this container for pick up.   

Water & Sewer Utility Payments :

Accepted at Village Hall, 221 East Cottage Grove Road.  Call 839-4704 with any questions you have regarding your bill.

Cable Television :

Provided by Charter Communications, 1-800-581-0081.  Local cable access channel is channel 12.  Call 839-4704 with questions about local cable channel 12.

Natural Gas & Electric :

Provided by Alliant Energy, 1-800-862-6222.

Telephone :

Provided by Verizon, 1-800-483-3000.

Cottage Grove is comprised of two political entities: one is incorporated as a Village and the other is a Township (an unincorporated area of 36 square miles – six miles on each side).

Village of Cottage Grove

For the decade from 1960 (413 population) to 1970 (478 population), the percentage increase in population for the Village was 15.7 percent. This was a net increase of 65 people.

For the decade from 1970 (478 population) to 1980 (888 population), the percentage increase in population for the Village was 85.8 percent. This was a net increase of 410 people.

For the decade from 1980 (888 population) to 1990 (1,131 population), the percentage increase in population for the Village was 27.4 percent. This was a net increase of 243 people.

For the decade from 1990 (1,131 population) to 2000 (4,059 population), the percentage increase in population for the Village was 258.9 percent. This was a net increase of 2,928 people.

During the 90s, the Village was the fastest-growing incorporated municipality in Wisconsin.

From 1960 until the 2000 Census, the Village has increased in population by 3,646 people or 882.8 percent. This works out to an average annual percentage increase of 22.1 percent.

Township of Cottage Grove

For the decade from 1960 (1,350 population) to 1970 (1,818 population), the percentage increase in the Town's population was 34.7 percent. This was a net increase of 468 people.

For the decade from 1970 (1,818 population) to 1980 (2,952 population), the percentage increase in the Town's population was 62.4 percent. This was a net increase of 1,134 people.

For the decade from 1980 (2,952 population) to 1990 (3,525 population), the percentage

increase in the Town’s population was 19.4 percent. This was a net increase of 573 people.

For the decade from 1990 (3,525 population) to 2000 (3,839 population), the percentage increase in the Town's population was 8.9 percent. This was a net increase of 314 people.

During the late 60s and the 70s, the Township had a growth spurt. In 1960, the population was 1,350. By 1980, it had increased to 2,952, an increase of 1,602 people or 118.7 percent over this time period.

From 1960 until the 2000 Census, the Township has increased in population by 2,489 people or 184.4 percent. This works out to an average annual percentage increase of 4.6 percent.

Combined population

The combined population of the Village and Township in 2000 was 7,898. In 1960, the combined population was 1,762. Over this 40-year period, the Cottage Grove area has grown by 6,136 people. This is an increase of 348.2 percent over 40 years or an annual average increase of 8.7 percent in population.