Center, CO
Population 2,312 · Colorado
About Center, CO
Center is a small town located in Colorado with a population of 2,312 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $50,057 per year, which is 33% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 36.1 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Center features a median home value of $115,600, which is 53% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Center one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $478, 59% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,137 total housing units, 66% are owner-occupied (676 units) and 34% are renter-occupied (353 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Center shows an unemployment rate of 8.8%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 26.0%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Center have an average one-way commute time of 16.8 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
19.9% of Center residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 44.4% White, 9.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 46.2% Asian residents, with 14.2% of the population being foreign-born.
How Center Ranks in Colorado
Cost of Living in Center, CO
Compared to national averages, Center has a median household income of $50,057 (33% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $115,600, which is 53% below the national median. Monthly rent at $478 is 59% below the US average of $1,163. Within Colorado, Center's income is 43% below the state average of $88,514, and home values are 75% below the state median of $457,127.
Why Live in Center, CO?
Center offers affordable housing with a median home value of $115,600, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $478/month, and short commute times averaging just 16.8 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($50,057) that falls below the national average. However, Center’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Center has a population of 2,312 with a median age of 36.1 years. Compare Center with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Colorado.
Similar Cities Near Center
Cities in Colorado with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wray | 2,305 | $57,318 | $205,900 | Compare |
| Aristocrat Ranchettes | 2,335 | $87,604 | $398,300 | Compare |
| Ault | 2,270 | $79,654 | $330,200 | Compare |
| Holyoke | 2,378 | $54,154 | $260,000 | Compare |
| Cedaredge | 2,394 | $41,944 | $240,300 | Compare |
| Granby | 2,195 | $82,321 | $415,700 | Compare |
| Las Animas | 2,480 | $48,917 | $111,500 | Compare |
| Laporte | 2,123 | $67,697 | $373,100 | 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 Center With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Center
What is the population of Center, CO?
The population of Center, CO is 2,312 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 Center?
The median household income in Center, CO is $50,057 per year, which is 33% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Center?
The median home value in Center, CO is $115,600, which is 53% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Center?
The median monthly rent in Center, CO is $478, which is 59% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Center?
The unemployment rate in Center, CO is 8.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Center, CO a good place to live?
Center offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 2,312 and a median age of 36.1, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Center, CO?
19.9% of residents in Center aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Center?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Center, CO: median home value is $115,600 (53% below national), median rent is $478/month, and median household income is $50,057. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Center?
The poverty rate in Center, CO is 26.0%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Center, CO?
Center's population is 44.4% White, 9.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 46.2% Asian, and 2.1% two or more races. 14.2% of residents are foreign-born.