Crested Butte, CO
Population 1,436 · Colorado
About Crested Butte, CO
Crested Butte is a small town located in Colorado with a population of 1,436 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $71,923 per year, which is 4% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 44.6 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 Crested Butte features a median home value of $928,100, which is 279% above the national median of $244,900. This places Crested Butte in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,437, 24% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,272 total housing units, 66% are owner-occupied (538 units) and 34% are renter-occupied (280 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Crested Butte shows an unemployment rate of 5.4%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 5.9%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Crested Butte have an average one-way commute time of 10.7 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
75.7% of Crested Butte 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, 0.3% Hispanic or Latino, 3.6% Black or African American, and 0.7% Asian residents, with 1.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Crested Butte Ranks in Colorado
Cost of Living in Crested Butte, CO
Compared to national averages, Crested Butte has a median household income of $71,923 (4% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $928,100, which is 279% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,437 is 24% above the US average of $1,163. Within Colorado, Crested Butte's income is 19% below the state average of $88,514, and home values are 103% above the state median of $457,127.
Why Live in Crested Butte, CO?
Crested Butte offers a well-educated community where 75.7% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 5.9%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 10.7 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($71,923) that falls below the national average, and a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $928,100. However, Crested Butte’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Crested Butte has a population of 1,436 with a median age of 44.6 years. Compare Crested Butte with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Colorado.
Similar Cities Near Crested Butte
Cities in Colorado with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paonia | 1,454 | $52,466 | $301,300 | Compare |
| Alamosa East | 1,404 | $44,741 | $219,100 | Compare |
| Leadville North | 1,470 | $96,447 | $397,900 | Compare |
| Springfield | 1,482 | $42,368 | $122,600 | Compare |
| Loma | 1,365 | $133,456 | $778,100 | Compare |
| Parachute | 1,513 | $58,910 | $269,500 | Compare |
| Nederland | 1,523 | $103,452 | $631,100 | Compare |
| Ellicott | 1,337 | $55,822 | $0 | 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 Crested Butte With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Crested Butte
What is the population of Crested Butte, CO?
The population of Crested Butte, CO is 1,436 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 Crested Butte?
The median household income in Crested Butte, CO is $71,923 per year, which is 4% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Crested Butte?
The median home value in Crested Butte, CO is $928,100, which is 279% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Crested Butte?
The median monthly rent in Crested Butte, CO is $1,437, which is 24% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Crested Butte?
The unemployment rate in Crested Butte, CO is 5.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Crested Butte, CO a good place to live?
Crested Butte offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,436 and a median age of 44.6, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Crested Butte, CO?
75.7% of residents in Crested Butte 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 Crested Butte?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Crested Butte, CO: median home value is $928,100 (279% above national), median rent is $1,437/month, and median household income is $71,923. The home-value-to-income ratio is 12.9x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Crested Butte?
The poverty rate in Crested Butte, CO is 5.9%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Crested Butte, CO?
Crested Butte's population is 5.4% White, 0.3% Hispanic or Latino, 3.6% Black or African American, 0.7% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 1.0% of residents are foreign-born.