Ouray, Colorado Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Ouray, Colorado had a total population of 985, the 223rd largest city in Colorado, with a median household income of $78,182, which is 18% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 3.5%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- An exceptionally low poverty rate of 3.5% — among the lowest in Colorado.
- Housing affordability is a challenge — homes cost 7.5x the median household income.
Ouray Quick Facts
How Ouray 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 | 1,031 | 985 | -4.5% |
| Median household income | $76,458 | $78,182 | +2.3% |
| Median home value | $549,200 | $588,300 | +7.1% |
How Ouray 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
A less diverse community where one racial or ethnic group represents a large majority.
State average: 52 | National average: 61
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Ouray Rankings in Colorado
Explore Colorado Rankings
Other Cities in Ouray County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ridgway | 1,237 | $83,750 | 7.2% | $709,900 |
| Loghill Village | 618 | $89,297 | 8.1% | $823,700 |
| Portland | 125 | N/A | 0.0% | $946,400 |
| Colona | 108 | $128,750 | 0.0% | N/A |
Cities Similar to Ouray
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gilcrest | 1,026 | N/A | $321,900 | 5.6% | 18.4% |
| Cheyenne Wells | 979 | $72,759 | $173,100 | 25.6% | 11.1% |
| Aetna Estates | 1,010 | $74,853 | $50,800 | 12.4% | 1.1% |
| Georgetown | 1,053 | $79,118 | $521,700 | 50.2% | 13.4% |
| Haxtun | 978 | $63,375 | $233,300 | 26.2% | 29.8% |
A note before these figures: with a population of 985, Ouray'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
Ouray is a small community located in Colorado, within Ouray County. The total population is 985. It ranks as the 223rd most populous out of 472 Census-designated places in Colorado.
Age Demographics
The median age in Ouray is 54.5 years. This is 45% higher than the state median of 37.7 years. Only 12.1% of residents are under 18, indicating fewer families with children. 16.1% of residents are 75 or older, suggesting a significant retirement-age population with implications for healthcare services and senior housing.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Ouray is $78,182. This is 18% lower than the state median of $95,470. It is also 3% lower than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 3.5%. This is 62% lower than the state poverty rate of 9.4%. This exceptionally low poverty rate indicates strong economic prosperity across the community. The unemployment rate is 4.7%. This is 2% higher than the state rate of 4.6%. The median home value is $588,300. Housing costs are 9% higher than the state median of $539,400. The home-value-to-income ratio of 7.5x suggests that housing affordability is a significant concern for many residents. 72.8% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 10% higher than the state average of 66.2%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Ouray is White (non-Hispanic), making up 82.3% of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 13.4%.
Education
63.8% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 40% higher 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 95.0%. Notably, 24.0% of adults hold a graduate or professional degree, indicating a highly educated workforce.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Ouray, 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 Ouray, Colorado?
Ouray, Colorado has a population of 985 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Ouray, CO?
The median household income in Ouray is $78,182, which is 3% lower than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in Ouray, CO?
The poverty rate in Ouray is 3.5%. This means approximately 35 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Ouray, Colorado?
Ouray's population is 82.3% White, 0.0% Black, 13.4% Hispanic/Latino, and 1.7% Asian.
What is the median home value in Ouray, CO?
The median home value in Ouray is $588,300. The home-value-to-income ratio is 7.5x.
How educated is Ouray, Colorado?
63.8% of adults (25+) in Ouray hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 24.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.