Central, Colorado Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Central, Colorado had a total population of 525, the 283rd largest city in Colorado, with a median household income of $61,622, which is 35% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 6.1%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 35% below the state average, indicating significant economic challenges.
Central Quick Facts
How Central Changed
Change from the 2019–2023 ACS period to 2020–2024. These are rolling five-year estimates, not year-over-year measurements.
| Metric | 2019–2023 | 2020–2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 576 | 525 | -8.9% |
| Median household income | $62,094 | $61,622 | -0.8% |
| Median home value | $379,400 | $366,300 | -3.5% |
How Central Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Detailed income brackets
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
Moderate diversity with one or two groups making up the majority.
State average: 52 | National average: 61
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Central Rankings in Colorado
Explore Colorado Rankings
Cities Similar to Central
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| La Jara | 522 | N/A | $141,700 | 25.5% | 24.9% |
| Coaldale | 538 | N/A | $383,300 | 8.3% | 19.9% |
| Pine Brook Hill | 543 | $63,606 | $1,099,100 | 56.6% | 3.1% |
| Otis | 521 | $55,962 | $167,900 | 19.8% | 15.2% |
| Lake City | 561 | $61,919 | $428,600 | 45.8% | 4.1% |
A note before these figures: with a population of 525, Central's ACS estimates come from a small number of survey responses and carry wide margins of error. Individual percentages below — particularly rates that round to 0% or 100% — are approximations, not precise measurements. See data.census.gov for the published margins of error.
Population Overview
Central is a small community located in Colorado. The total population is 525. It ranks as the 283rd most populous out of 472 Census-designated places in Colorado.
Age Demographics
The median age in Central is 35.9 years. This is 5% lower than the state median of 37.7 years. With 31.4% of the population under 18, Central has a notably young demographic profile, suggesting a family-oriented community.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Central is $61,622. This is 35% lower than the state median of $95,470. It is also 24% lower than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 6.1%. This is 35% lower than the state poverty rate of 9.4%. The unemployment rate is 4.1%. This is 11% lower than the state rate of 4.6%. The median home value is $366,300. Housing costs are 32% lower than the state median of $539,400. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.9x. 61.6% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 7% lower than the state average of 66.2%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Central is White (non-Hispanic), making up 61.0% of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 36.2%. The Hispanic or Latino population is significantly higher than the state average (36.2% vs 22.5%).
Education
22.9% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 50% lower than the state rate of 45.7%. Nationally, 35.7% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 77.4%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Central, Colorado is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates. The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually and pools five years of responses so that even small communities can be measured, though the margin of error widens as the population falls. Comparisons are made against Colorado state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 472 Census-designated places in Colorado. Read more about how these figures are produced on our methodology page, or visit data.census.gov for official data.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Central, Colorado?
Central, Colorado has a population of 525 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Central, CO?
The median household income in Central is $61,622, which is 24% lower than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in Central, CO?
The poverty rate in Central is 6.1%. This means approximately 32 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Central, Colorado?
Central's population is 61.0% White, 0.0% Black, 36.2% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.0% Asian.
What is the median home value in Central, CO?
The median home value in Central is $366,300. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.9x.
How educated is Central, Colorado?
22.9% of adults (25+) in Central hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 5.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.