Cortez, CO
Population 8,898 · Colorado
About Cortez, CO
Cortez is a small town located in Colorado with a population of 8,898 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $51,377 per year, which is 32% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 38.9 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Cortez features a median home value of $226,700, which is 7% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Cortez in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,028, 12% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 3,980 total housing units, 60% are owner-occupied (2,172 units) and 40% are renter-occupied (1,432 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Cortez shows an unemployment rate of 5.6%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 13.8%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Cortez have an average one-way commute time of 16.9 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
29.2% of Cortez residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 10.0% White, 19.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, and 8.5% Asian residents, with 4.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Cortez, CO
Compared to national averages, Cortez has a median household income of $51,377 (32% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $226,700, which is 7% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,028 is 12% below the US average of $1,163. Within Colorado, Cortez's income is 42% below the state average of $88,514, and home values are 50% below the state median of $457,127.
Why Live in Cortez, CO?
Cortez offers affordable housing with a median home value of $226,700, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,028/month, and short commute times averaging just 16.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($51,377) that falls below the national average. However, Cortez’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Cortez has a population of 8,898 with a median age of 38.9 years. Compare Cortez with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Colorado.
Similar Cities Near Cortez
Cities in Colorado with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Woodmoor | 8,819 | $174,138 | $702,900 | Compare |
| Craig | 9,022 | $69,256 | $252,900 | Compare |
| Redlands | 8,771 | $97,500 | $466,400 | Compare |
| Milliken | 8,695 | $100,567 | $398,200 | Compare |
| Derby | 8,692 | $78,696 | $317,400 | Compare |
| Evergreen | 8,643 | $148,665 | $745,500 | Compare |
| Stonegate | 9,164 | $157,021 | $614,000 | Compare |
| Delta | 9,266 | $46,010 | $238,100 | 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 Cortez With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Cortez
What is the population of Cortez, CO?
The population of Cortez, CO is 8,898 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 Cortez?
The median household income in Cortez, CO is $51,377 per year, which is 32% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Cortez?
The median home value in Cortez, CO is $226,700, which is 7% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Cortez?
The median monthly rent in Cortez, CO is $1,028, which is 12% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Cortez?
The unemployment rate in Cortez, CO is 5.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Cortez, CO a good place to live?
Cortez offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 8,898 and a median age of 38.9, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Cortez, CO?
29.2% of residents in Cortez 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 Cortez?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Cortez, CO: median home value is $226,700 (7% below national), median rent is $1,028/month, and median household income is $51,377. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.4x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Cortez?
The poverty rate in Cortez, CO is 13.8%, 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 Cortez, CO?
Cortez's population is 10.0% White, 19.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, 8.5% Asian, and 1.9% two or more races. 4.0% of residents are foreign-born.