Black Forest, CO
Population 14,658 · Colorado
About Black Forest, CO
Black Forest is a mid-sized city located in Colorado with a population of 14,658 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $142,173 per year, which is 89% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 48.7 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 Black Forest features a median home value of $805,200, which is 229% above the national median of $244,900. This places Black Forest in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $0, 100% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 5,400 total housing units, 95% are owner-occupied (4,996 units) and 5% are renter-occupied (254 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Black Forest shows an unemployment rate of 6.2%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 2.8%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Black Forest have an average one-way commute time of 29.9 minutes.
Education & Demographics
57.0% of Black Forest 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 5.2% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 1.4% Asian residents, with 4.4% of the population being foreign-born.
How Black Forest Ranks in Colorado
Cost of Living in Black Forest, CO
Compared to national averages, Black Forest has a median household income of $142,173 (89% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $805,200, which is 229% above the national median. Monthly rent at $0 is 100% below the US average of $1,163. Within Colorado, Black Forest's income is 61% above the state average of $88,514, and home values are 76% above the state median of $457,127.
Why Live in Black Forest, CO?
Black Forest offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $142,173, well above the national average, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $0/month, and a well-educated community where 57.0% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 2.8%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $805,200. However, Black Forest’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Black Forest has a population of 14,658 with a median age of 48.7 years. Compare Black Forest with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Colorado.
Similar Cities Near Black Forest
Cities in Colorado with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Federal Heights | 14,160 | $57,957 | $91,300 | Compare |
| Lone Tree | 14,136 | $125,699 | $819,800 | Compare |
| Greenwood Village | 15,485 | $145,781 | $1,213,300 | Compare |
| Fruita | 13,578 | $77,680 | $361,500 | Compare |
| Frederick | 15,893 | $135,316 | $529,800 | Compare |
| Steamboat Springs | 13,341 | $100,156 | $874,400 | Compare |
| Sterling | 13,273 | $44,242 | $205,200 | Compare |
| Superior | 13,136 | $157,909 | $795,500 | 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 Black Forest With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Black Forest
What is the population of Black Forest, CO?
The population of Black Forest, CO is 14,658 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Colorado.
What is the median household income in Black Forest?
The median household income in Black Forest, CO is $142,173 per year, which is 89% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Black Forest?
The median home value in Black Forest, CO is $805,200, which is 229% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Black Forest?
The median monthly rent in Black Forest, CO is $0, which is 100% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Black Forest?
The unemployment rate in Black Forest, CO is 6.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Black Forest, CO a good place to live?
Black Forest offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 14,658 and a median age of 48.7, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Black Forest, CO?
57.0% of residents in Black Forest 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 Black Forest?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Black Forest, CO: median home value is $805,200 (229% above national), median rent is $0/month, and median household income is $142,173. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.7x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Black Forest?
The poverty rate in Black Forest, CO is 2.8%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Black Forest, CO?
Black Forest's population is 5.2% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 1.4% Asian, and 2.3% two or more races. 4.4% of residents are foreign-born.