Vail, CO demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
4,613
-2.5% year-over-year change
Median household income
$98,893/yr
-4.6% year-over-year change
Housing units
6,787
-4.4% year-over-year change

Vail population

How many people live in Vail

Vail is home to 4,613 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 55.2% of Vail locals are male, and 44.8% are female.

Total population
4,613
-2.5% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
55.2%
2,545
Female
44.8%
2,068
Value Percent YoY change
Male 2,545 55.2% 1.0%
Female 2,068 44.8% -6.4%
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 Vail is 50, with the population distributed as follows: about 5.5% are children under 15, then 6.7% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 33.4% of the population, while another 32.8% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 21.6% are 65 or older.

Median age
49.8
Age breakdown
Under 15
5.5%
15 to 24
6.7%
25 to 44
33.4%
45 to 64
32.8%
Over 65
21.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 252 5.5% 7.7%
15 to 24 310 6.7% -31.4%
25 to 44 1,540 33.4% 6.8%
45 to 64 1,515 32.8% -7.0%
Over 65 996 21.6% 2.5%
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 Vail, 81.6% of the population are US-born citizens, while 12.2% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 6.2% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 12.8% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
81.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
12.2%
Non-citizens
6.2%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 3,763 81.6% -5.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 565 12.2% 15.5%
Non-citizens 285 6.2% 10.0%
Racial breakdown
White
84.2%
Black or African American
0%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0.5%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.1%
Two or more races
12.8%
Other
2.3%
Value Percent
White 3,884 84.2%
Asian 25 0.5%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 6 0.1%
Two or more races 590 12.8%
Other 108 2.3%

Households in Vail

A peek inside Vail households

Vail has 2,483 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 46.2% are families, while the remaining 53.8% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
2,483
2.0% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
1,335
Family households
1,148
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,335 53.8% -4.2%
Family households 1,148 46.2% 10.2%
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 Vail

The housing landscape of Vail

Vail's housing consists of 6,787 units, with 17.5% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 18.8% 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 0.2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
6,787
-4.4% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,186 17.5%
1 unit, attached 1,274 18.8%
2 units 133 2%
3 or 4 units 472 7%
5 to 9 units 628 9.2%
10 to 19 units 640 9.4%
20 to 49 units 1,079 15.9%
50 or more units 1,359 20%
Mobile home 16 0.2%
Homes built since 2020
34
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Vail

In Vail, the median construction year is 1987. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 11.1% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 6.2% 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 between 1960 and 1969 601 8.9% 0.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 2,116 31.2% -10.7%
Built between 1980 and 1989 984 14.5% -20.1%
Built between 1990 and 1999 1,873 27.6% 4.1%
Built between 2000 and 2009 756 11.1% 1.9%
Built between 2010 and 2019 423 6.2% 19.5%
Built in 2020 or later 34 0.5% N/A
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.

Vail occupancy rates

Out of the 2,483 occupied housing units in Vail, 61.4% are owner-occupied, while 38.6% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 63.4% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
2,483
2.0% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
958
Owner occupied
1,525
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 958 38.6% 25.6%
Owner occupied 1,525 61.4% -8.8%
Unoccupied housing units
63.4%
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.

Vail housing costs

Housing costs in Vail come to a median of $1,801 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,606.

Median housing costs per month
$1,801/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 Vail
$1,606/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 Vail

Vail education at a glance

About 11.9% of the population in Vail went to high school, while 16.8% pursued college studies. Another 4.8% earned an associate degree and 39.6% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 26.8% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 1 0% N/A
High school diploma 503 11.9% -8.9%
College diploma 714 16.8% -8.9%
Associate degree 205 4.8% -15.3%
Bachelor's degree 1,682 39.6% -4.2%
Graduate degree 1,137 26.8% 6.7%
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 Vail

How much people earn in Vail

The average annual household income in Vail was $187,037 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +1.3% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $98,893, reflecting a -4.6% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Vail
$187,037/year
1.3% year-over-year change
Median household income in Vail
$98,893/year
-4.6% year-over-year change

Vail income by age

In Vail, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $94,777. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $95,231 overall. Overall, 93.6% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $94,777 -1.0%
45 - 64 $95,231 -15.5%
Over 65 $127,708 6.5%
Above poverty level
4,308
Below poverty level
297
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 4,308 93.6% -2.4%
Below poverty level 297 6.4% -4.5%

Average renter income in Vail

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Vail, their median household income was $54,472 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 35.4%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$54,472
Rent-to-income ratio
35.4%
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 Vail

Workforce and job types in Vail

The job market in Vail is powered by 2,665 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 90.8% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 9.2% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 11.6% run their own businesses, 64.1% are employed by private companies, and 16% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
2,665
-10.3% year-over-year change
White collar
2,419
Blue collar
246
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 2,419 90.8% -7.5%
Blue collar 246 9.2% -30.9%
Employer type
Self employees
11.6%
Private companies
64.1%
Governmental workers
16%
Not for profit companies
8.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 310 11.6% -12.7%
Private companies 1,708 64.1% -15.5%
Governmental workers 427 16% 0.2%
Not for profit companies 220 8.3% 29.4%
Unemployment rate
7.4%
-6.2% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Vail stands at 7.4%, 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 Vail

How people get around in Vail

In Vail, the average commute time is 18 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 63.4% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 7.9% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
18 min
-4.2% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 1,628 63.4% -16.1%
Bus or trolleybus 282 11% 21.0%
Bicycle 60 2.3% -40.0%
Walk 203 7.9% -14.0%
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 Vail by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
81657 4,835 2,563 $100,573 $193,540

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FAQs about Vail demographics 

What is the total population of Vail?

Vail has a total population of 4,613 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 -2.5% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Vail?

The gender ratio in Vail is as follows:
  • 55.2% males (2,545 residents)
  • 44.8% females (2,068 residents)

What is the median age in Vail?

The median age in Vail is 49.8.

What is the age distribution of the population in Vail?

The age distribution in Vail is as follows:
  • Under 15: 5.5% (252 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 6.7% (310 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 33.4% (1,540 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 32.8% (1,515 residents)
  • Over 65: 21.6% (996 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Vail?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Vail is as follows:
  • White: 84.2% (3,884 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0% (0 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0.5% (25 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.1% (6 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 12.8% (590 residents)
  • Other: 2.3% (108 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 81.6% of the population in Vail.

How many housing units are there in Vail?

There are 6,787 housing units in Vail, reflecting a -4.4% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Vail has a total of 2,483 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Vail?

Vail has a median household income of $98,893, representing a -4.6% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 92.6% in Vail, with a workforce of 2,665 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 90.8% (2,419 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 9.2% (246 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 11.6% (310 residents)
  • Private companies: 64.1% (1,708 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 16% (427 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 8.3% (220 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