Basalt, CO
Population 3,995 · Colorado
About Basalt, CO
Basalt is a small town located in Colorado with a population of 3,995 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $106,000 per year, which is 41% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 43.6 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Basalt features a median home value of $1,148,100, which is 369% above the national median of $244,900. This places Basalt in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $2,188, 88% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,143 total housing units, 58% are owner-occupied (1,075 units) and 42% are renter-occupied (773 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Basalt shows an unemployment rate of 3.0%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 4.2%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Basalt have an average one-way commute time of 26.6 minutes.
Education & Demographics
59.3% of Basalt residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 5.4% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.4% Asian residents, with 2.6% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Basalt, CO
Compared to national averages, Basalt has a median household income of $106,000 (41% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $1,148,100, which is 369% above the national median. Monthly rent at $2,188 is 88% above the US average of $1,163. Within Colorado, Basalt's income is 20% above the state average of $88,514, and home values are 151% above the state median of $457,127.
Why Live in Basalt, CO?
Basalt offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $106,000, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.0%, and a well-educated community where 59.3% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 4.2%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $1,148,100. However, Basalt’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Basalt has a population of 3,995 with a median age of 43.6 years. Compare Basalt with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Colorado.
Similar Cities Near Basalt
Cities in Colorado with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Penrose | 3,978 | $75,109 | $276,100 | Compare |
| El Jebel | 3,935 | $100,518 | $854,300 | Compare |
| Florence | 3,870 | $57,239 | $228,300 | Compare |
| Rocky Ford | 3,843 | $35,658 | $126,100 | Compare |
| Genesee | 3,826 | $172,692 | $994,700 | Compare |
| Monte Vista | 4,178 | $49,339 | $204,500 | Compare |
| Niwot | 3,773 | $141,621 | $868,400 | Compare |
| Lincoln Park | 4,315 | $64,750 | $272,000 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Colorado
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Basalt With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Basalt
What is the population of Basalt, CO?
The population of Basalt, CO is 3,995 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Colorado.
What is the median household income in Basalt?
The median household income in Basalt, CO is $106,000 per year, which is 41% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Basalt?
The median home value in Basalt, CO is $1,148,100, which is 369% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Basalt?
The median monthly rent in Basalt, CO is $2,188, which is 88% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Basalt?
The unemployment rate in Basalt, CO is 3.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Basalt, CO a good place to live?
Basalt offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 3,995 and a median age of 43.6, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Basalt, CO?
59.3% of residents in Basalt aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Basalt?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Basalt, CO: median home value is $1,148,100 (369% above national), median rent is $2,188/month, and median household income is $106,000. The home-value-to-income ratio is 10.8x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Basalt?
The poverty rate in Basalt, CO is 4.2%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Basalt, CO?
Basalt's population is 5.4% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.4% Asian, and 0.6% two or more races. 2.6% of residents are foreign-born.