Carbondale, CO
Population 6,553 · Colorado
About Carbondale, CO
Carbondale is a small town located in Colorado with a population of 6,553 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $94,300 per year, which is 25% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 40.8 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Carbondale features a median home value of $796,100, which is 225% above the national median of $244,900. This places Carbondale in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $2,255, 94% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 3,037 total housing units, 64% are owner-occupied (1,828 units) and 36% are renter-occupied (1,023 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Carbondale shows an unemployment rate of 3.5%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 11.7%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Carbondale have an average one-way commute time of 27.1 minutes.
Education & Demographics
56.3% of Carbondale 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 14.2% White, 2.5% Hispanic or Latino, 1.7% Black or African American, and 5.0% Asian residents, with 12.2% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Carbondale, CO
Compared to national averages, Carbondale has a median household income of $94,300 (25% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $796,100, which is 225% above the national median. Monthly rent at $2,255 is 94% above the US average of $1,163. Within Colorado, Carbondale's income is 7% above the state average of $88,514, and home values are 74% above the state median of $457,127.
Why Live in Carbondale, CO?
Carbondale offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $94,300, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.5%, and a well-educated community where 56.3% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 11.7%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $796,100. However, Carbondale’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Carbondale has a population of 6,553 with a median age of 40.8 years. Compare Carbondale with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Colorado.
Similar Cities Near Carbondale
Cities in Colorado with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Orchard Mesa | 6,597 | $76,173 | $304,200 | Compare |
| Dacono | 6,419 | $99,389 | $448,200 | Compare |
| Air Force Academy | 6,701 | $93,889 | $0 | Compare |
| Stratmoor | 6,396 | $62,759 | $276,000 | Compare |
| Gunnison | 6,712 | $55,313 | $432,200 | Compare |
| Cherry Hills Village | 6,366 | $250,001 | $2,000,001 | Compare |
| Aspen | 6,862 | $78,636 | $1,375,000 | Compare |
| Gleneagle | 6,207 | $137,105 | $570,700 | 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 Carbondale With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Carbondale
What is the population of Carbondale, CO?
The population of Carbondale, CO is 6,553 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 Carbondale?
The median household income in Carbondale, CO is $94,300 per year, which is 25% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Carbondale?
The median home value in Carbondale, CO is $796,100, which is 225% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Carbondale?
The median monthly rent in Carbondale, CO is $2,255, which is 94% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Carbondale?
The unemployment rate in Carbondale, CO is 3.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Carbondale, CO a good place to live?
Carbondale offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 6,553 and a median age of 40.8, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Carbondale, CO?
56.3% of residents in Carbondale 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 Carbondale?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Carbondale, CO: median home value is $796,100 (225% above national), median rent is $2,255/month, and median household income is $94,300. The home-value-to-income ratio is 8.4x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Carbondale?
The poverty rate in Carbondale, CO is 11.7%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Carbondale, CO?
Carbondale's population is 14.2% White, 2.5% Hispanic or Latino, 1.7% Black or African American, 5.0% Asian, and 0.6% two or more races. 12.2% of residents are foreign-born.