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

Total population
16,985
-0.8% year-over-year change
Median household income
$102,645/yr
2.3% year-over-year change
Housing units
13,412
0.5% year-over-year change

Pitkin County population

How many people live in Pitkin County

Pitkin County is home to 16,985 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50.5% of Pitkin County locals are male, and 49.5% are female.

Total population
16,985
-0.8% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50.5%
8,584
Female
49.5%
8,401
Value Percent YoY change
Male 8,584 50.5% -3.3%
Female 8,401 49.5% 1.9%
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 Pitkin County is 47, with the population distributed as follows: about 10.8% are children under 15, then 8% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 29.2% of the population, while another 29.3% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 22.8% are 65 or older.

Median age
47.2
Age breakdown
Under 15
10.8%
15 to 24
8%
25 to 44
29.2%
45 to 64
29.3%
Over 65
22.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,830 10.8% -6.2%
15 to 24 1,353 8% -23.6%
25 to 44 4,953 29.2% 11.6%
45 to 64 4,974 29.3% -5.4%
Over 65 3,875 22.8% 4.6%
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 Pitkin County, 87.1% of the population are US-born citizens, while 8.9% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 4% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 83.6% of locals are Caucasian, 0.6% are African American and 2% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 8.2% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
87.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
8.9%
Non-citizens
4%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 14,788 87.1% -0.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 1,511 8.9% 19.1%
Non-citizens 686 4% -30.9%
Racial breakdown
White
83.6%
Black or African American
0.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.3%
Asian
2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
8.2%
Other
5.4%
Value Percent
White 14,200 83.6%
Black or African American 95 0.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native 52 0.3%
Asian 341 2%
Two or more races 1,389 8.2%
Other 908 5.4%

Households in Pitkin County

A peek inside Pitkin County households

Pitkin County has 9,215 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
9,215
2.0% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
4,908
Family households
4,307
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 4,908 53.3% 4.5%
Family households 4,307 46.7% -0.7%
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 Pitkin County

The housing landscape of Pitkin County

Pitkin County's housing consists of 13,412 units, with 36% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 8% 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
13,412
0.5% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 4,831 36%
1 unit, attached 1,070 8%
2 units 740 5.5%
3 or 4 units 1,168 8.7%
5 to 9 units 1,530 11.4%
10 to 19 units 1,848 13.8%
20 to 49 units 1,189 8.9%
50 or more units 537 4%
Mobile home 485 3.6%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 14 0.1%
Homes built since 2020
131
28.4% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Pitkin County

In Pitkin County, the median construction year is 1985. About 1.7% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 0.5% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 15.9% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 6.3% between 2010 and 2019, and 1% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 234 1.7% -23.5%
Built between 1940 and 1949 71 0.5% 10.9%
Built between 1950 and 1959 387 2.9% 61.2%
Built between 1960 and 1969 1,543 11.5% 3.1%
Built between 1970 and 1979 3,110 23.2% -6.3%
Built between 1980 and 1989 2,529 18.9% 2.9%
Built between 1990 and 1999 2,438 18.2% -0.1%
Built between 2000 and 2009 2,129 15.9% -3.2%
Built between 2010 and 2019 840 6.3% 15.7%
Built in 2020 or later 131 1% 28.4%
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.

Pitkin County occupancy rates

Out of the 9,215 occupied housing units in Pitkin County, 62.8% are owner-occupied, while 37.2% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 31.3% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
9,215
2.0% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
3,425
Owner occupied
5,790
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 3,425 37.2% 16.7%
Owner occupied 5,790 62.8% -5.0%
Unoccupied housing units
31.3%
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.

Pitkin County housing costs

Housing costs in Pitkin County come to a median of $2,123 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $2,004.

Median housing costs per month
$2,123/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 Pitkin County
$2,004/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 Pitkin County

Pitkin County education at a glance

About 14.8% of the population in Pitkin County went to high school, while 16.1% pursued college studies. Another 6.7% earned an associate degree and 36.8% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 24.2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 217 1.5% 79.3%
High school diploma 2,146 14.8% 3.9%
College diploma 2,329 16.1% -6.6%
Associate degree 976 6.7% -4.3%
Bachelor's degree 5,330 36.8% 0.5%
Graduate degree 3,503 24.2% -1.4%
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 Pitkin County

How much people earn in Pitkin County

The average annual household income in Pitkin County was $192,754 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -4% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $102,645, reflecting a +2.3% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Pitkin County
$192,754/year
-4.0% year-over-year change
Median household income in Pitkin County
$102,645/year
2.3% year-over-year change

Pitkin County income by age

In Pitkin County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $104,431. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $112,463 overall. Overall, 92.2% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $104,431 4.7%
45 - 64 $112,463 -3.4%
Over 65 $94,811 -6.0%
Above poverty level
15,554
Below poverty level
1,321
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 15,554 92.2% -1.6%
Below poverty level 1,321 7.8% 8.2%

Employment in Pitkin County

Workforce and job types in Pitkin County

The job market in Pitkin County is powered by 9,934 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 88% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 12% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 25.2% run their own businesses, 55.3% are employed by private companies, and 10.3% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
9,934
-2.5% year-over-year change
White collar
8,739
Blue collar
1,195
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 8,739 88% -1.8%
Blue collar 1,195 12% -7.0%
Employer type
Self employees
25.2%
Private companies
55.3%
Governmental workers
10.3%
Not for profit companies
9.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 2,506 25.2% -9.4%
Private companies 5,490 55.3% -4.7%
Governmental workers 1,022 10.3% 12.6%
Not for profit companies 916 9.2% 22.1%
Unemployment rate
2.5%
61.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Pitkin County stands at 2.5%, 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 Pitkin County

How people get around in Pitkin County

Commuting methods vary: 51.8% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 10.8% 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 5,031 51.8% -6.8%
Taxicab 20 0.2% -25.9%
Bus or trolleybus 1,201 12.4% -0.7%
Subway or elevated 7 0.1% N/A
Motorcycle 21 0.2% 5.0%
Bicycle 646 6.6% -4.7%
Walk 1,054 10.8% 6.9%
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 Pitkin County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
81611 9,068 5,236 $82,664 $198,789
81615 2,972 1,758 $102,959 $159,241
81621 6,550 2,788 $104,754 $154,062
81623 15,067 6,362 $109,661 $153,826
81642 15 9 $0 $0
81654 1,431 708 $141,111 $169,602
81656 459 191 $250,001 $513,452

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FAQs about Pitkin County demographics 

What is the total population of Pitkin County?

Pitkin County has a total population of 16,985 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 -0.8% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Pitkin County?

The gender ratio in Pitkin County is as follows:
  • 50.5% males (8,584 residents)
  • 49.5% females (8,401 residents)

What is the median age in Pitkin County?

The median age in Pitkin County is 47.2.

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

The age distribution in Pitkin County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 10.8% (1,830 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 8% (1,353 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 29.2% (4,953 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 29.3% (4,974 residents)
  • Over 65: 22.8% (3,875 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Pitkin County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Pitkin County is as follows:
  • White: 83.6% (14,200 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.6% (95 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.3% (52 residents)
  • Asian: 2% (341 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 8.2% (1,389 residents)
  • Other: 5.4% (908 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 87.1% of the population in Pitkin County.

How many housing units are there in Pitkin County?

There are 13,412 housing units in Pitkin County, reflecting a +0.5% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Pitkin County has a total of 9,215 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Pitkin County?

Pitkin County has a median household income of $102,645, representing a +2.3% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 97.5% in Pitkin County, with a workforce of 9,934 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 88% (8,739 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 12% (1,195 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 25.2% (2,506 residents)
  • Private companies: 55.3% (5,490 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 10.3% (1,022 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 9.2% (916 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