Carbondale, CO demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
6,637
1.3% year-over-year change
Median household income
$108,324/yr
14.9% year-over-year change
Housing units
2,956
-2.7% year-over-year change

Carbondale population

How many people live in Carbondale

Carbondale is home to 6,637 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 52.8% of Carbondale locals are male, and 47.2% are female.

Total population
6,637
1.3% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
52.8%
3,504
Female
47.2%
3,133
Value Percent YoY change
Male 3,504 52.8% -3.9%
Female 3,133 47.2% 7.8%
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 Carbondale is 44, with the population distributed as follows: about 12.2% are children under 15, then 10.9% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 28.6% of the population, while another 28.3% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 19.9% are 65 or older.

Median age
43.7
Age breakdown
Under 15
12.2%
15 to 24
10.9%
25 to 44
28.6%
45 to 64
28.3%
Over 65
19.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 810 12.2% -13.4%
15 to 24 726 10.9% -1.6%
25 to 44 1,898 28.6% 0.4%
45 to 64 1,881 28.3% 8.0%
Over 65 1,322 19.9% 5.9%
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 Carbondale, 83.1% of the population are US-born citizens, while 8.1% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 8.8% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 74% of locals are Caucasian, 1.3% are African American and 1.6% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 11.8% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
83.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
8.1%
Non-citizens
8.8%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 5,516 83.1% 0.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 537 8.1% -6.0%
Non-citizens 584 8.8% 20.7%
Racial breakdown
White
74%
Black or African American
1.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native
1.4%
Asian
1.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
11.8%
Other
9.9%
Value Percent
White 4,914 74%
Black or African American 85 1.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 93 1.4%
Asian 108 1.6%
Two or more races 780 11.8%
Other 657 9.9%

Households in Carbondale

A peek inside Carbondale households

Carbondale has 2,816 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 61.4% are families, while the remaining 38.6% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
2,816
-1.2% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
1,088
Family households
1,728
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,088 38.6% -7.2%
Family households 1,728 61.4% 3.0%
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 Carbondale

The housing landscape of Carbondale

Carbondale's housing consists of 2,956 units, with 46.4% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 17.7% 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 5.4% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
2,956
-2.7% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,373 46.4%
1 unit, attached 522 17.7%
2 units 77 2.6%
3 or 4 units 470 15.9%
5 to 9 units 117 4%
10 to 19 units 56 1.9%
20 to 49 units 55 1.9%
50 or more units 128 4.3%
Mobile home 158 5.4%
Homes built since 2020
115
259.4% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Carbondale

In Carbondale, the median construction year is 1994. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 18.6% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 14.8% between 2010 and 2019, and 3.9% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 137 4.6% -6.8%
Built between 1960 and 1969 97 3.3% -32.2%
Built between 1970 and 1979 491 16.6% 19.2%
Built between 1980 and 1989 478 16.2% -12.8%
Built between 1990 and 1999 651 22% -10.3%
Built between 2000 and 2009 549 18.6% -11.7%
Built between 2010 and 2019 438 14.8% 19.7%
Built in 2020 or later 115 3.9% 259.4%
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.

Carbondale occupancy rates

Out of the 2,816 occupied housing units in Carbondale, 63.7% are owner-occupied, while 36.3% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 4.7% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
2,816
-1.2% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,022
Owner occupied
1,794
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,022 36.3% -0.1%
Owner occupied 1,794 63.7% -1.9%
Unoccupied housing units
4.7%
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.

Carbondale housing costs

Housing costs in Carbondale come to a median of $2,264 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $2,167.

Median housing costs per month
$2,264/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 Carbondale
$2,167/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 Carbondale

Carbondale education at a glance

About 14.7% of the population in Carbondale went to high school, while 20.2% pursued college studies. Another 5.8% earned an associate degree and 30.2% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 20.4% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 484 8.8% 51.2%
High school diploma 813 14.7% -12.4%
College diploma 1,116 20.2% 25.2%
Associate degree 318 5.8% -5.4%
Bachelor's degree 1,669 30.2% 0.0%
Graduate degree 1,130 20.4% -3.3%
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 Carbondale

How much people earn in Carbondale

The average annual household income in Carbondale was $130,570 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +6.8% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $108,324, reflecting a +14.9% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Carbondale
$130,570/year
6.8% year-over-year change
Median household income in Carbondale
$108,324/year
14.9% year-over-year change

Carbondale income by age

In Carbondale, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $143,505. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $101,233 overall. Overall, 89.3% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $143,505 28.8%
45 - 64 $101,233 7.1%
Over 65 $89,636 5.1%
Above poverty level
5,780
Below poverty level
692
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 5,780 89.3% 2.5%
Below poverty level 692 10.7% -8.8%

Employment in Carbondale

Workforce and job types in Carbondale

The job market in Carbondale is powered by 4,020 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 82.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 17.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 26.1% run their own businesses, 53.2% are employed by private companies, and 11.7% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
4,020
-0.2% year-over-year change
White collar
3,312
Blue collar
708
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 3,312 82.4% -1.3%
Blue collar 708 17.6% 5.2%
Employer type
Self employees
26.1%
Private companies
53.2%
Governmental workers
11.7%
Not for profit companies
8.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 1,051 26.1% -3.0%
Private companies 2,140 53.2% -2.1%
Governmental workers 471 11.7% 77.1%
Not for profit companies 358 8.9% -27.7%
Unemployment rate
2.4%
-33.1% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Carbondale stands at 2.4%, 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 Carbondale

How people get around in Carbondale

Commuting methods vary: 68.6% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 4.4% 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 2,737 68.6% 5.0%
Bus or trolleybus 58 1.4% -73.3%
Bicycle 257 6.4% -20.9%
Walk 177 4.4% -21.7%
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 Carbondale by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
81623 15,067 6,362 $109,661 $153,826

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FAQs about Carbondale demographics 

What is the total population of Carbondale?

Carbondale has a total population of 6,637 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 +1.3% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Carbondale?

The gender ratio in Carbondale is as follows:
  • 52.8% males (3,504 residents)
  • 47.2% females (3,133 residents)

What is the median age in Carbondale?

The median age in Carbondale is 43.7.

What is the age distribution of the population in Carbondale?

The age distribution in Carbondale is as follows:
  • Under 15: 12.2% (810 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 10.9% (726 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 28.6% (1,898 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 28.3% (1,881 residents)
  • Over 65: 19.9% (1,322 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Carbondale?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Carbondale is as follows:
  • White: 74% (4,914 residents)
  • Black or African American: 1.3% (85 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 1.4% (93 residents)
  • Asian: 1.6% (108 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 11.8% (780 residents)
  • Other: 9.9% (657 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 83.1% of the population in Carbondale.

How many housing units are there in Carbondale?

There are 2,956 housing units in Carbondale, reflecting a -2.7% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Carbondale has a total of 2,816 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Carbondale?

Carbondale has a median household income of $108,324, representing a +14.9% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Carbondale?

The employment rate is 97.6% in Carbondale, with a workforce of 4,020 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 82.4% (3,312 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 17.6% (708 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 26.1% (1,051 residents)
  • Private companies: 53.2% (2,140 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 11.7% (471 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 8.9% (358 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