Paonia, CO demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,661
14.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$59,574/yr
13.6% year-over-year change
Housing units
943
2.8% year-over-year change

Paonia population

How many people live in Paonia

Paonia is home to 1,661 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 41.8% of Paonia locals are male, and 58.2% are female.

Total population
1,661
14.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
41.8%
694
Female
58.2%
967
Value Percent YoY change
Male 694 41.8% 11.4%
Female 967 58.2% 16.4%
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 Paonia is 44, with the population distributed as follows: about 12.5% are children under 15, then 5.2% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 33.2% of the population, while another 22.5% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 26.6% are 65 or older.

Median age
44.4
Age breakdown
Under 15
12.5%
15 to 24
5.2%
25 to 44
33.2%
45 to 64
22.5%
Over 65
26.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 208 12.5% 16.9%
15 to 24 87 5.2% 38.1%
25 to 44 551 33.2% 53.9%
45 to 64 374 22.5% 6.2%
Over 65 441 26.6% -12.3%
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 Paonia, 96.7% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.3% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 3% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 12.2% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
96.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.3%
Non-citizens
3%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 1,606 96.7% 14.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 5 0.3% 25.0%
Non-citizens 50 3% 16.3%
Racial breakdown
White
80.8%
Black or African American
5.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
12.2%
Other
1.7%
Value Percent
White 1,342 80.8%
Black or African American 89 5.4%
Two or more races 202 12.2%
Other 28 1.7%

Households in Paonia

A peek inside Paonia households

Paonia has 814 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 46.7% are families, while the remaining 53.3% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
814
5.3% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
434
Family households
380
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 434 53.3% 1.6%
Family households 380 46.7% 9.8%
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 Paonia

The housing landscape of Paonia

Paonia's housing consists of 943 units, with 80.3% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 4.8% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
943
2.8% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 757 80.3%
2 units 20 2.1%
3 or 4 units 82 8.7%
5 to 9 units 23 2.4%
20 to 49 units 12 1.3%
50 or more units 4 0.4%
Mobile home 45 4.8%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Paonia

In Paonia, the median construction year is 1971. About 25.2% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 8.3% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 238 25.2% 6.2%
Built between 1940 and 1949 78 8.3% 4.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 101 10.7% -10.6%
Built between 1960 and 1969 39 4.1% 56.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 262 27.8% -1.5%
Built between 1980 and 1989 82 8.7% 10.8%
Built between 1990 and 1999 69 7.3% -4.2%
Built between 2000 and 2009 16 1.7% -52.9%
Built between 2010 and 2019 58 6.2% 70.6%
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.

Paonia occupancy rates

Out of the 814 occupied housing units in Paonia, 61.3% are owner-occupied, while 38.7% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 13.7% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
814
5.3% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
315
Owner occupied
499
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 315 38.7% 2.3%
Owner occupied 499 61.3% 7.3%
Unoccupied housing units
13.7%
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.

Paonia housing costs

Housing costs in Paonia come to a median of $877 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $897.

Median housing costs per month
$877/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 Paonia
$897/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 Paonia

Paonia education at a glance

About 25.2% of the population in Paonia went to high school, while 27.5% pursued college studies. Another 8.4% earned an associate degree and 25.8% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 10.5% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 38 2.7% 2.7%
High school diploma 355 25.2% 15.3%
College diploma 387 27.5% -4.4%
Associate degree 118 8.4% 81.5%
Bachelor's degree 363 25.8% 23.9%
Graduate degree 148 10.5% 12.1%
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 Paonia

How much people earn in Paonia

The average annual household income in Paonia was $70,548 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +5.4% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $59,574, reflecting a +13.6% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Paonia
$70,548/year
5.4% year-over-year change
Median household income in Paonia
$59,574/year
13.6% year-over-year change

Paonia income by age

In Paonia, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $95,500. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $86,250 overall. Overall, 82.6% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $95,500 -13.7%
45 - 64 $86,250 9.1%
Over 65 $26,071 -3.6%
Above poverty level
1,311
Below poverty level
277
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 1,311 82.6% 17.9%
Below poverty level 277 17.4% 2.6%

Employment in Paonia

Workforce and job types in Paonia

The job market in Paonia is powered by 793 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 72% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 28% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 12.4% run their own businesses, 55.1% are employed by private companies, and 23.7% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
793
25.9% year-over-year change
White collar
571
Blue collar
222
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 571 72% 20.5%
Blue collar 222 28% 42.3%
Employer type
Self employees
12.4%
Private companies
55.1%
Governmental workers
23.7%
Not for profit companies
8.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 98 12.4% 12.6%
Private companies 437 55.1% 31.2%
Governmental workers 188 23.7% 19.8%
Not for profit companies 70 8.8% 32.1%
Unemployment rate
5.8%
113.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Paonia 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 Paonia

How people get around in Paonia

Commuting methods vary: 79.8% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.1% 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 633 79.8% 30.2%
Bicycle 13 1.6% 160.0%
Walk 9 1.1% -30.8%
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 Paonia by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
81428 3,788 1,743 $75,799 $87,274

Explore more communities

FAQs about Paonia demographics 

What is the total population of Paonia?

Paonia has a total population of 1,661 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 +14.2% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Paonia?

The gender ratio in Paonia is as follows:
  • 41.8% males (694 residents)
  • 58.2% females (967 residents)

What is the median age in Paonia?

The median age in Paonia is 44.4.

What is the age distribution of the population in Paonia?

The age distribution in Paonia is as follows:
  • Under 15: 12.5% (208 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 5.2% (87 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 33.2% (551 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 22.5% (374 residents)
  • Over 65: 26.6% (441 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Paonia?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Paonia is as follows:
  • White: 80.8% (1,342 residents)
  • Black or African American: 5.4% (89 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 12.2% (202 residents)
  • Other: 1.7% (28 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 96.7% of the population in Paonia.

How many housing units are there in Paonia?

There are 943 housing units in Paonia, reflecting a +2.8% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Paonia has a total of 814 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Paonia?

Paonia has a median household income of $59,574, representing a +13.6% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 94.2% in Paonia, with a workforce of 793 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 72% (571 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 28% (222 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 12.4% (98 residents)
  • Private companies: 55.1% (437 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 23.7% (188 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 8.8% (70 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