Is Cottonwood (TX) safe?
Cottonwood, Texas · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Cottonwood (TX) as “Go”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Cottonwood (TX)
“Go. Cottonwood is a quiet, sparsely populated rural community in Kaufman County where violent crime is exceptionally rare. Visitors should exercise standard rural precautions such as watching for wildlife, unlit country roads, and private property boundaries.”
About the area
Cottonwood is a tiny, semi-rural incorporated municipality located in southern Kaufman County near Scurry and Kemp. It features sprawling acreage, modest single-family ranch homes, and an agricultural backdrop far removed from the urban bustle of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.
- Rural
- Car-Dependent
- Quiet / Peaceful
- Agricultural
Walking and biking in Cottonwood (TX)
Walk score: 5/100 · Bike score: 18/100
There are no dedicated bike lanes, trails, or bike-share programs in Cottonwood; cycling is limited to sharing narrow two-lane rural roads with vehicular traffic.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Very low violent crime rate with virtually non-existent stranger-on-stranger crime
- High rate of homeownership providing a stable residential environment
- Spacious, tranquil rural atmosphere free of urban congestion
- Close proximity to outdoor recreation around Cedar Creek Reservoir
Cons
- Rural emergency response times are longer than in major municipal areas
- Unpaved or unlit country roads present driving and walking hazards after dark
- Total absence of pedestrian infrastructure like sidewalks and crosswalks
- Lack of immediate commercial services or medical facilities within town limits
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is not a notable presence in Cottonwood due to its rural, low-density residential layout. Regional support services and emergency shelters are located in larger Kaufman County cities like Terrell and Kaufman.
What Cottonwood (TX) is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and quiet with light local traffic from residents commuting or tending to rural properties.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Very calm and open, with scenic rural vistas and virtually no foot traffic.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Quiet as residents settle in; visibility decreases quickly along unlit country roads.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Pitch-black and silent; safety risks are related to wildlife crossings and poor road lighting rather than crime.
Transit, parking and getting around
There is no fixed-route public transit serving Cottonwood. Kaufman County is served primarily by the STAR Transit demand-response dial-a-ride service, requiring trips to be booked in advance.
Parking is completely unrestricted and free on private driveways, residential properties, and open lots, with zero parking meters or garages.
Things to do in Cottonwood (TX)
- Enjoy country driving and birdwatching along rural Kaufman County farm-to-market roads
- Spend a relaxing afternoon fishing or boating on nearby Cedar Creek Reservoir
- Visit nearby Canton for the famous First Monday Trade Days flea market
Local favorites
- Country Kitchen (Scurry) · Diner · 4.4★ (210)A classic nearby country café serving hearty homestyle breakfasts, chicken fried steak, and burgers.
- The Cherry Laurel · Bakery & Cafe · 4.7★ (460)A popular regional spot in nearby Athens offering fresh-baked goods, gourmet sandwiches, and specialty catering.
- Huck's Catfish · Seafood Restaurant · 4.3★ (380)A nearby favorite in Kemp known for crispy fried catfish, hushpuppies, and Southern side dishes.
Neighborhoods near Cottonwood (TX)
Common questions about Cottonwood (TX)
Is Cottonwood (TX) safe to walk at night?
Generally yes — use the same awareness you would anywhere after dark.
Is Cottonwood (TX) a good place to live?
On safety, Cottonwood (TX) scores 83/100 — safer than most of the areas we score, which is a good start for anyone looking to live here.
How walkable is Cottonwood (TX)?
Walk score 5/100 and bike score 18/100. Most trips need a car.
Which areas near Cottonwood (TX) are safer?
Oak Grove (TX) (84) score higher nearby.
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