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

Total population
5,087
1.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$91,020/yr
7.6% year-over-year change
Housing units
3,531
1.9% year-over-year change

Ouray County population

How many people live in Ouray County

Ouray County is home to 5,087 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50.1% of Ouray County locals are male, and 49.9% are female.

Total population
5,087
1.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50.1%
2,547
Female
49.9%
2,540
Value Percent YoY change
Male 2,547 50.1% -2.0%
Female 2,540 49.9% 4.8%
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 Ouray County is 55, with the population distributed as follows: about 8.9% are children under 15, then 5.6% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 20.4% of the population, while another 29.3% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 35.8% are 65 or older.

Median age
55.4
Age breakdown
Under 15
8.9%
15 to 24
5.6%
25 to 44
20.4%
45 to 64
29.3%
Over 65
35.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 454 8.9% -1.1%
15 to 24 286 5.6% 4.0%
25 to 44 1,037 20.4% -3.5%
45 to 64 1,490 29.3% 3.9%
Over 65 1,820 35.8% 2.1%
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 Ouray County, 94.6% of the population are US-born citizens, while 3.6% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.8% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 89.7% of locals are Caucasian, 1.5% are African American and 0.5% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 7.6% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
94.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
3.6%
Non-citizens
1.8%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 4,812 94.6% 0.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 182 3.6% 14.5%
Non-citizens 93 1.8% 45.3%
Racial breakdown
White
89.7%
Black or African American
1.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0.5%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
7.6%
Other
0.7%
Value Percent
White 4,563 89.7%
Black or African American 77 1.5%
Asian 25 0.5%
Two or more races 385 7.6%
Other 37 0.7%

Households in Ouray County

A peek inside Ouray County households

Ouray County has 2,623 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 63.7% are families, while the remaining 36.3% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
2,623
4.3% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
952
Family households
1,671
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 952 36.3% 2.7%
Family households 1,671 63.7% 5.3%
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 Ouray County

The housing landscape of Ouray County

Ouray County's housing consists of 3,531 units, with 75% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 4.1% 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% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
3,531
1.9% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 2,647 75%
1 unit, attached 146 4.1%
2 units 157 4.4%
3 or 4 units 151 4.3%
5 to 9 units 164 4.6%
10 to 19 units 90 2.6%
Mobile home 176 5%
Homes built since 2020
41
86.4% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Ouray County

In Ouray County, the median construction year is 1995. About 13.8% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 1% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 26.6% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 11.8% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.2% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 488 13.8% 15.9%
Built between 1940 and 1949 35 1% N/A
Built between 1950 and 1959 123 3.5% -12.8%
Built between 1960 and 1969 72 2% -16.3%
Built between 1970 and 1979 412 11.7% -1.2%
Built between 1980 and 1989 292 8.3% -30.0%
Built between 1990 and 1999 710 20.1% 13.2%
Built between 2000 and 2009 941 26.6% -1.2%
Built between 2010 and 2019 417 11.8% 8.9%
Built in 2020 or later 41 1.2% 86.4%
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.

Ouray County occupancy rates

Out of the 2,623 occupied housing units in Ouray County, 82.5% are owner-occupied, while 17.5% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 25.7% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
2,623
4.3% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
458
Owner occupied
2,165
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 458 17.5% -17.2%
Owner occupied 2,165 82.5% 10.4%
Unoccupied housing units
25.7%
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.

Ouray County housing costs

Housing costs in Ouray County come to a median of $1,250 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,786.

Median housing costs per month
$1,250/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 Ouray County
$1,786/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 Ouray County

Ouray County education at a glance

About 17.4% of the population in Ouray County went to high school, while 17% pursued college studies. Another 9.1% earned an associate degree and 36.4% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 18.8% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 61 1.4% 48.8%
High school diploma 772 17.4% 5.0%
College diploma 755 17% -18.0%
Associate degree 404 9.1% 6.6%
Bachelor's degree 1,620 36.4% 9.5%
Graduate degree 836 18.8% 0.0%
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 Ouray County

How much people earn in Ouray County

The average annual household income in Ouray County was $107,727 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -1.2% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $91,020, reflecting a +7.6% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Ouray County
$107,727/year
-1.2% year-over-year change
Median household income in Ouray County
$91,020/year
7.6% year-over-year change

Ouray County income by age

In Ouray County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $79,071. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $125,078 overall. Overall, 95.7% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $79,071 -6.0%
45 - 64 $125,078 10.2%
Over 65 $85,188 14.0%
Above poverty level
4,856
Below poverty level
216
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 4,856 95.7% 2.3%
Below poverty level 216 4.3% -14.6%

Employment in Ouray County

Workforce and job types in Ouray County

The job market in Ouray County is powered by 2,385 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 79.9% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 20.1% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 30.5% run their own businesses, 43% are employed by private companies, and 16.5% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
2,385
0.2% year-over-year change
White collar
1,905
Blue collar
480
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,905 79.9% -1.2%
Blue collar 480 20.1% 6.4%
Employer type
Self employees
30.5%
Private companies
43%
Governmental workers
16.5%
Not for profit companies
10%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 727 30.5% 17.1%
Private companies 1,025 43% -14.0%
Governmental workers 394 16.5% 10.4%
Not for profit companies 239 10% 14.3%
Unemployment rate
3.5%
10.1% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Ouray 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 Ouray County

How people get around in Ouray County

Commuting methods vary: 69.2% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 8.5% 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 1,621 69.2% -7.5%
Motorcycle 8 0.3% 60.0%
Bicycle 10 0.4% 11.1%
Walk 199 8.5% 31.8%
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 Ouray County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
81403 12,138 5,088 $80,893 $101,009
81427 1,218 600 $84,167 $96,390
81432 3,219 1,656 $90,882 $112,068

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FAQs about Ouray County demographics 

What is the total population of Ouray County?

Ouray County has a total population of 5,087 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 +1.2% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Ouray County?

The gender ratio in Ouray County is as follows:
  • 50.1% males (2,547 residents)
  • 49.9% females (2,540 residents)

What is the median age in Ouray County?

The median age in Ouray County is 55.4.

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

The age distribution in Ouray County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 8.9% (454 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 5.6% (286 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 20.4% (1,037 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 29.3% (1,490 residents)
  • Over 65: 35.8% (1,820 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Ouray County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Ouray County is as follows:
  • White: 89.7% (4,563 residents)
  • Black or African American: 1.5% (77 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0.5% (25 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 7.6% (385 residents)
  • Other: 0.7% (37 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 94.6% of the population in Ouray County.

How many housing units are there in Ouray County?

There are 3,531 housing units in Ouray County, reflecting a +1.9% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Ouray County has a total of 2,623 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Ouray County?

Ouray County has a median household income of $91,020, representing a +7.6% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 96.5% in Ouray County, with a workforce of 2,385 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 79.9% (1,905 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 20.1% (480 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 30.5% (727 residents)
  • Private companies: 43% (1,025 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 16.5% (394 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 10% (239 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