Ouray, CO demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
985
-4.5% year-over-year change
Median household income
$78,182/yr
2.2% year-over-year change
Housing units
798
0.6% year-over-year change

Ouray population

How many people live in Ouray

Ouray is home to 985 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 47.2% of Ouray locals are male, and 52.8% are female.

Total population
985
-4.5% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
47.2%
465
Female
52.8%
520
Value Percent YoY change
Male 465 47.2% -5.3%
Female 520 52.8% -3.7%
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 is 54, with the population distributed as follows: about 7.9% are children under 15, then 7.2% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 18.7% of the population, while another 31.8% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 34.4% are 65 or older.

Median age
54.5
Age breakdown
Under 15
7.9%
15 to 24
7.2%
25 to 44
18.7%
45 to 64
31.8%
Over 65
34.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 78 7.9% -11.4%
15 to 24 71 7.2% -11.2%
25 to 44 184 18.7% -26.7%
45 to 64 313 31.8% 19.9%
Over 65 339 34.4% -3.4%
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, 91.9% of the population are US-born citizens, while 5.2% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 2.9% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 84.2% of locals are Caucasian, 6.7% are African American and 1.7% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 7.3% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
91.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
5.2%
Non-citizens
2.9%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 905 91.9% -6.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 51 5.2% 10.9%
Non-citizens 29 2.9% 61.1%
Racial breakdown
White
84.2%
Black or African American
6.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
1.7%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
7.3%
Other
0.1%
Value Percent
White 829 84.2%
Black or African American 66 6.7%
Asian 17 1.7%
Two or more races 72 7.3%
Other 1 0.1%

Households in Ouray

A peek inside Ouray households

Ouray has 496 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
496
3.1% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
180
Family households
316
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 180 36.3% 0.6%
Family households 316 63.7% 4.6%
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 Ouray

The housing landscape of Ouray

Ouray's housing consists of 798 units, with 52.3% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 4.5% 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 3.6% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
798
0.6% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 417 52.3%
1 unit, attached 36 4.5%
2 units 123 15.4%
3 or 4 units 64 8%
5 to 9 units 39 4.9%
10 to 19 units 90 11.3%
Mobile home 29 3.6%
Homes built since 2020
4
0.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Ouray

In Ouray, the median construction year is 1979. About 25.4% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 0.6% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 20.6% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 3.1% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.5% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 203 25.4% -4.2%
Built between 1940 and 1949 5 0.6% N/A
Built between 1950 and 1959 29 3.6% -23.7%
Built between 1960 and 1969 34 4.3% 9.7%
Built between 1970 and 1979 141 17.7% -6.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 38 4.8% -44.9%
Built between 1990 and 1999 155 19.4% 42.2%
Built between 2000 and 2009 164 20.6% 3.1%
Built between 2010 and 2019 25 3.1% 19.1%
Built in 2020 or later 4 0.5% 0.0%
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 occupancy rates

Out of the 496 occupied housing units in Ouray, 72.8% are owner-occupied, while 27.2% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 37.8% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
496
3.1% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
135
Owner occupied
361
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 135 27.2% -4.3%
Owner occupied 361 72.8% 6.2%
Unoccupied housing units
37.8%
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.

Ouray housing costs

Housing costs in Ouray come to a median of $865 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,346.

Median housing costs per month
$865/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
$1,346/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

Ouray education at a glance

About 13.6% of the population in Ouray went to high school, while 16.3% pursued college studies. Another 6.8% earned an associate degree and 38.3% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 23.2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 15 1.7% 50.0%
High school diploma 118 13.6% 14.6%
College diploma 141 16.3% -2.8%
Associate degree 59 6.8% -16.9%
Bachelor's degree 332 38.3% -14.4%
Graduate degree 201 23.2% 14.2%
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

How much people earn in Ouray

The average annual household income in Ouray was $92,009 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -4.6% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $78,182, reflecting a +2.2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Ouray
$92,009/year
-4.6% year-over-year change
Median household income in Ouray
$78,182/year
2.2% year-over-year change

Ouray income by age

In Ouray, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $79,375. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $116,250 overall. Overall, 96.4% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $79,375 -5.0%
45 - 64 $116,250 55.6%
Over 65 $64,688 -5.3%
Above poverty level
950
Below poverty level
35
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 950 96.4% -5.9%
Below poverty level 35 3.6% 66.7%

Average renter income in Ouray

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Ouray, their median household income was $79,567 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 20.3%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$79,567
Rent-to-income ratio
20.3%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Ouray

Workforce and job types in Ouray

The job market in Ouray is powered by 486 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 97.3% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 2.7% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 15.6% run their own businesses, 43.4% are employed by private companies, and 27.4% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
486
-9.5% year-over-year change
White collar
473
Blue collar
13
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 473 97.3% -10.2%
Blue collar 13 2.7% 30.0%
Employer type
Self employees
15.6%
Private companies
43.4%
Governmental workers
27.4%
Not for profit companies
13.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 76 15.6% -2.6%
Private companies 211 43.4% -27.0%
Governmental workers 133 27.4% 11.8%
Not for profit companies 66 13.6% 29.4%
Unemployment rate
4.7%
100.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Ouray stands at 4.7%, 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

How people get around in Ouray

Commuting methods vary: 59.3% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 23% 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 288 59.3% -17.5%
Walk 112 23% 47.4%
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 by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
81427 1,218 600 $84,167 $96,390

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FAQs about Ouray demographics 

What is the total population of Ouray?

Ouray has a total population of 985 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 -4.5% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Ouray?

The gender ratio in Ouray is as follows:
  • 47.2% males (465 residents)
  • 52.8% females (520 residents)

What is the median age in Ouray?

The median age in Ouray is 54.5.

What is the age distribution of the population in Ouray?

The age distribution in Ouray is as follows:
  • Under 15: 7.9% (78 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 7.2% (71 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 18.7% (184 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 31.8% (313 residents)
  • Over 65: 34.4% (339 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Ouray?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Ouray is as follows:
  • White: 84.2% (829 residents)
  • Black or African American: 6.7% (66 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 1.7% (17 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 7.3% (72 residents)
  • Other: 0.1% (1 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 91.9% of the population in Ouray.

How many housing units are there in Ouray?

There are 798 housing units in Ouray, 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 Ouray and what is the average household size?

Ouray has a total of 496 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Ouray?

Ouray has a median household income of $78,182, representing a +2.2% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 95.3% in Ouray, with a workforce of 486 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 97.3% (473 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 2.7% (13 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 15.6% (76 residents)
  • Private companies: 43.4% (211 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 27.4% (133 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 13.6% (66 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