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

Total population
3,607
1.0% year-over-year change
Median household income
$36,861/yr
0.9% year-over-year change
Housing units
2,433
0.6% year-over-year change

Costilla County population

How many people live in Costilla County

Costilla County is home to 3,607 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 51.3% of Costilla County locals are male, and 48.7% are female.

Total population
3,607
1.0% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
51.3%
1,851
Female
48.7%
1,756
Value Percent YoY change
Male 1,851 51.3% 2.8%
Female 1,756 48.7% -0.8%
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 Costilla County is 50, with the population distributed as follows: about 15% are children under 15, then 8.7% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 21.4% of the population, while another 26.3% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 28.5% are 65 or older.

Median age
50.5
Age breakdown
Under 15
15%
15 to 24
8.7%
25 to 44
21.4%
45 to 64
26.3%
Over 65
28.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 540 15% -2.4%
15 to 24 315 8.7% -5.1%
25 to 44 773 21.4% 0.9%
45 to 64 950 26.3% 1.2%
Over 65 1,029 28.5% 4.9%
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 Costilla County, 93.9% of the population are US-born citizens, while 2.8% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 3.3% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 44.2% of locals are Caucasian, 2.5% are African American and 1.5% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 38.5% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
93.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
2.8%
Non-citizens
3.3%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 3,386 93.9% 2.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 102 2.8% -8.9%
Non-citizens 119 3.3% -17.9%
Racial breakdown
White
44.2%
Black or African American
2.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native
4.5%
Asian
1.5%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
38.5%
Other
8.7%
Value Percent
White 1,595 44.2%
Black or African American 91 2.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native 162 4.5%
Asian 55 1.5%
Two or more races 1,389 38.5%
Other 315 8.7%

Households in Costilla County

A peek inside Costilla County households

Costilla County has 1,651 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 61.6% are families, while the remaining 38.4% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
1,651
4.9% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
634
Family households
1,017
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 634 38.4% 8.8%
Family households 1,017 61.6% 2.6%
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 Costilla County

The housing landscape of Costilla County

Costilla County's housing consists of 2,433 units, with 81% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 0.6% 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 13.7% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
2,433
0.6% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,972 81%
1 unit, attached 15 0.6%
2 units 12 0.5%
3 or 4 units 17 0.7%
5 to 9 units 23 1%
10 to 19 units 2 0.1%
50 or more units 5 0.2%
Mobile home 334 13.7%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 53 2.2%
Homes built since 2020
81
268.2% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Costilla County

In Costilla County, the median construction year is 1985. About 14% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 7% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 19.7% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 7.8% between 2010 and 2019, and 3.3% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 340 14% -11.9%
Built between 1940 and 1949 169 7% 39.7%
Built between 1950 and 1959 101 4.2% 24.7%
Built between 1960 and 1969 83 3.4% 50.9%
Built between 1970 and 1979 366 15% -3.9%
Built between 1980 and 1989 290 11.9% -12.1%
Built between 1990 and 1999 333 13.7% -18.4%
Built between 2000 and 2009 479 19.7% 3.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 191 7.8% 13.0%
Built in 2020 or later 81 3.3% 268.2%
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.

Costilla County occupancy rates

Out of the 1,651 occupied housing units in Costilla County, 79% are owner-occupied, while 21% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 32.1% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
1,651
4.9% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
346
Owner occupied
1,305
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 346 21% 2.4%
Owner occupied 1,305 79% 5.6%
Unoccupied housing units
32.1%
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.

Costilla County housing costs

Housing costs in Costilla County come to a median of $538 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $927.

Median housing costs per month
$538/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 Costilla County
$927/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 Costilla County

Costilla County education at a glance

About 36% of the population in Costilla County went to high school, while 26.9% pursued college studies. Another 11.2% earned an associate degree and 16% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 7.2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 74 2.5% 7.2%
High school diploma 1,057 36% -4.3%
College diploma 791 26.9% 9.1%
Associate degree 330 11.2% 29.9%
Bachelor's degree 471 16% -11.6%
Graduate degree 213 7.2% -0.9%
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 Costilla County

How much people earn in Costilla County

The average annual household income in Costilla County was $54,653 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -5.3% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $36,861, reflecting a +0.9% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Costilla County
$54,653/year
-5.3% year-over-year change
Median household income in Costilla County
$36,861/year
0.9% year-over-year change

Costilla County income by age

In Costilla County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $37,384. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $30,924 overall. Overall, 79% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $37,384 36.5%
45 - 64 $30,924 -43.4%
Over 65 $38,281 5.5%
Above poverty level
2,820
Below poverty level
752
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 2,820 79% 3.0%
Below poverty level 752 21% -4.9%

Employment in Costilla County

Workforce and job types in Costilla County

The job market in Costilla County is powered by 1,288 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 78.7% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 21.3% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 23.9% run their own businesses, 42.5% are employed by private companies, and 29.8% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
1,288
3.5% year-over-year change
White collar
1,014
Blue collar
274
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,014 78.7% 4.6%
Blue collar 274 21.3% -0.4%
Employer type
Self employees
23.9%
Private companies
42.5%
Governmental workers
29.8%
Not for profit companies
3.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 308 23.9% 34.5%
Private companies 547 42.5% 7.5%
Governmental workers 384 29.8% -9.2%
Not for profit companies 49 3.8% -41.0%
Unemployment rate
3.5%
-20.3% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Costilla County stands at 3.5%, 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 Costilla County

How people get around in Costilla County

Commuting methods vary: 77.2% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 5.9% 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 951 77.2% -0.5%
Walk 73 5.9% 69.8%
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 Costilla County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
81133 1,085 516 $45,833 $60,884
81138 17 17 $0 $0
81151 1,716 767 $43,417 $61,132
81152 1,244 552 $31,875 $49,376
81123 606 323 $36,487 $44,734
81126 506 140 $52,870 $86,265

Explore more communities

FAQs about Costilla County demographics 

What is the total population of Costilla County?

Costilla County has a total population of 3,607 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 +1.0% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Costilla County?

The gender ratio in Costilla County is as follows:
  • 51.3% males (1,851 residents)
  • 48.7% females (1,756 residents)

What is the median age in Costilla County?

The median age in Costilla County is 50.5.

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

The age distribution in Costilla County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 15% (540 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 8.7% (315 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 21.4% (773 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 26.3% (950 residents)
  • Over 65: 28.5% (1,029 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Costilla County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Costilla County is as follows:
  • White: 44.2% (1,595 residents)
  • Black or African American: 2.5% (91 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 4.5% (162 residents)
  • Asian: 1.5% (55 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 38.5% (1,389 residents)
  • Other: 8.7% (315 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 93.9% of the population in Costilla County.

How many housing units are there in Costilla County?

There are 2,433 housing units in Costilla County, reflecting a +0.6% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Costilla County has a total of 1,651 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Costilla County?

Costilla County has a median household income of $36,861, representing a +0.9% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 96.5% in Costilla County, with a workforce of 1,288 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 78.7% (1,014 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 21.3% (274 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 23.9% (308 residents)
  • Private companies: 42.5% (547 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 29.8% (384 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 3.8% (49 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