Bent County, CO demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
5,549
0.5% year-over-year change
Median household income
$50,179/yr
2.0% year-over-year change
Housing units
2,174
0.5% year-over-year change

Bent County population

How many people live in Bent County

Bent County is home to 5,549 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 62.7% of Bent County locals are male, and 37.3% are female.

Total population
5,549
0.5% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
62.7%
3,480
Female
37.3%
2,069
Value Percent YoY change
Male 3,480 62.7% 1.3%
Female 2,069 37.3% -1.0%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Bent County is 41, with the population distributed as follows: about 13% are children under 15, then 9.7% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 34.2% of the population, while another 24.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 18.9% are 65 or older.

Median age
40.6
Age breakdown
Under 15
13%
15 to 24
9.7%
25 to 44
34.2%
45 to 64
24.2%
Over 65
18.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 724 13% -1.4%
15 to 24 536 9.7% 17.0%
25 to 44 1,897 34.2% 3.0%
45 to 64 1,344 24.2% -7.4%
Over 65 1,048 18.9% 0.9%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Bent County, 97.5% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.4% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 2% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 67.4% of locals are Caucasian, 3.2% are African American and 0.9% have Asian roots. Another 2.3% are Indigenous American, 0.2% are Pacific Islanders, while 10.4% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 15.6% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
97.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.4%
Non-citizens
2%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 5,412 97.5% 0.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 23 0.4% -17.9%
Non-citizens 114 2% -13.6%
Racial breakdown
White
67.4%
Black or African American
3.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native
2.3%
Asian
0.9%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.2%
Two or more races
15.6%
Other
10.4%
Value Percent
White 3,737 67.4%
Black or African American 179 3.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native 128 2.3%
Asian 52 0.9%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 9 0.2%
Two or more races 866 15.6%
Other 578 10.4%

Households in Bent County

A peek inside Bent County households

Bent County has 1,875 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 58.5% are families, while the remaining 41.5% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
1,875
0.0% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
778
Family households
1,097
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 778 41.5% -2.1%
Family households 1,097 58.5% 1.6%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Bent County

The housing landscape of Bent County

Bent County's housing consists of 2,174 units, with 81% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 0.7% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 9.9% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
2,174
0.5% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,761 81%
1 unit, attached 16 0.7%
3 or 4 units 96 4.4%
5 to 9 units 36 1.7%
10 to 19 units 26 1.2%
20 to 49 units 9 0.4%
50 or more units 10 0.5%
Mobile home 216 9.9%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 4 0.2%
Homes built since 2020
34
61.9% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Bent County

In Bent County, the median construction year is 1959. About 28.3% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 7.9% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 4% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 1% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.6% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 615 28.3% -6.4%
Built between 1940 and 1949 172 7.9% 8.2%
Built between 1950 and 1959 333 15.3% 33.7%
Built between 1960 and 1969 199 9.2% -4.3%
Built between 1970 and 1979 324 14.9% -10.7%
Built between 1980 and 1989 230 10.6% -3.0%
Built between 1990 and 1999 160 7.4% -12.6%
Built between 2000 and 2009 86 4% 22.9%
Built between 2010 and 2019 21 1% 31.2%
Built in 2020 or later 34 1.6% 61.9%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Bent County occupancy rates

Out of the 1,875 occupied housing units in Bent County, 65.2% are owner-occupied, while 34.8% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 13.8% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
1,875
0.0% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
653
Owner occupied
1,222
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 653 34.8% 2.7%
Owner occupied 1,222 65.2% -1.4%
Unoccupied housing units
13.8%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Bent County housing costs

Housing costs in Bent County come to a median of $861 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,162.

Median housing costs per month
$861/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Bent County
$1,162/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Bent County

Bent County education at a glance

About 52.2% of the population in Bent County went to high school, while 19.6% pursued college studies. Another 8.7% earned an associate degree and 9.7% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 4.9% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 226 4.8% -2.6%
High school diploma 2,434 52.2% -1.2%
College diploma 913 19.6% -1.7%
Associate degree 407 8.7% 5.4%
Bachelor's degree 453 9.7% 17.1%
Graduate degree 227 4.9% -2.6%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Bent County

How much people earn in Bent County

The average annual household income in Bent County was $62,883 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +7.4% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $50,179, reflecting a +2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Bent County
$62,883/year
7.5% year-over-year change
Median household income in Bent County
$50,179/year
2.0% year-over-year change

Bent County income by age

In Bent County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $49,821. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $59,340 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $47,564, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $49,083 in earnings. Overall, 72.5% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $47,564 46.8%
25 - 44 $49,821 24.7%
45 - 64 $59,340 -0.4%
Over 65 $49,083 9.6%
Above poverty level
3,117
Below poverty level
1,184
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 3,117 72.5% 7.3%
Below poverty level 1,184 27.5% -8.6%

Employment in Bent County

Workforce and job types in Bent County

The job market in Bent County is powered by 1,730 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 67.2% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 32.8% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 15.8% run their own businesses, 49.8% are employed by private companies, and 23.5% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
1,730
8.7% year-over-year change
White collar
1,162
Blue collar
568
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,162 67.2% 7.3%
Blue collar 568 32.8% 11.6%
Employer type
Self employees
15.8%
Private companies
49.8%
Governmental workers
23.5%
Not for profit companies
10.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 273 15.8% 2.2%
Private companies 862 49.8% 21.4%
Governmental workers 406 23.5% 9.1%
Not for profit companies 189 10.9% -22.2%
Unemployment rate
5.8%
37.7% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Bent County stands at 5.8%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Bent County

How people get around in Bent County

Commuting methods vary: 91.6% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.5% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 1,574 91.6% 12.9%
Walk 8 0.5% 300.0%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Bent County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
81044 160 70 $58,500 $72,179
81052 9,045 3,546 $58,875 $84,780
81054 4,729 1,519 $48,398 $60,020
81057 450 186 $54,167 $68,954
81092 761 293 $66,719 $81,428

Explore more communities

FAQs about Bent County demographics 

What is the total population of Bent County?

Bent County has a total population of 5,549 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +0.5% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Bent County?

The gender ratio in Bent County is as follows:
  • 62.7% males (3,480 residents)
  • 37.3% females (2,069 residents)

What is the median age in Bent County?

The median age in Bent County is 40.6.

What is the age distribution of the population in Bent County?

The age distribution in Bent County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 13% (724 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 9.7% (536 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 34.2% (1,897 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 24.2% (1,344 residents)
  • Over 65: 18.9% (1,048 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Bent County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Bent County is as follows:
  • White: 67.4% (3,737 residents)
  • Black or African American: 3.2% (179 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 2.3% (128 residents)
  • Asian: 0.9% (52 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.2% (9 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 15.6% (866 residents)
  • Other: 10.4% (578 residents)

What percentage of the population in Bent County are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 97.5% of the population in Bent County.

How many housing units are there in Bent County?

There are 2,174 housing units in Bent County, reflecting a +0.5% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Bent County and what is the average household size?

Bent County has a total of 1,875 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Bent County?

Bent County has a median household income of $50,179, representing a +2.0% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Bent County?

The employment rate is 94.2% in Bent County, with a workforce of 1,730 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 67.2% (1,162 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 32.8% (568 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 15.8% (273 residents)
  • Private companies: 49.8% (862 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 23.5% (406 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 10.9% (189 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025