The community was named for Judge James Cowgill, a prominent local resident.

[6] According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.24 square miles (0.62 km2), all land.

[7] As of the census[9] of 2010, there were 188 people, 82 households, and 49 families residing in the city.

31.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

30.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

About 21.2% of families and 21.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 25.0% of those under the age of eighteen and 12.8% of those 65 or over.