Estes Park, CO
Population 5,879 · Colorado
About Estes Park, CO
Estes Park is a small town located in Colorado with a population of 5,879 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $73,313 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 60.7 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 Estes Park features a median home value of $634,200, which is 159% above the national median of $244,900. This places Estes Park in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,431, 23% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 4,203 total housing units, 69% are owner-occupied (2,093 units) and 31% are renter-occupied (932 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Estes Park shows an unemployment rate of 0.5%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 9.9%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Estes Park have an average one-way commute time of 14 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
56.2% of Estes Park 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 3.2% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 1.8% Asian residents, with 5.5% of the population being foreign-born.
How Estes Park Ranks in Colorado
Cost of Living in Estes Park, CO
Compared to national averages, Estes Park has a median household income of $73,313 (2% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $634,200, which is 159% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,431 is 23% above the US average of $1,163. Within Colorado, Estes Park's income is 17% below the state average of $88,514, and home values are 39% above the state median of $457,127.
Why Live in Estes Park, CO?
Estes Park offers a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.5%, and a well-educated community where 56.2% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 9.9%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 14 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($73,313) that falls below the national average, and a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $634,200. However, Estes Park’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Estes Park has a population of 5,879 with a median age of 60.7 years. Compare Estes Park with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Colorado.
Similar Cities Near Estes Park
Cities in Colorado with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eaton | 5,832 | $106,146 | $448,800 | Compare |
| Salida | 5,786 | $69,773 | $583,400 | Compare |
| Sheridan | 6,031 | $58,571 | $360,900 | Compare |
| Avon | 6,057 | $85,364 | $689,000 | Compare |
| Gleneagle | 6,207 | $137,105 | $570,700 | Compare |
| Mead | 5,503 | $116,074 | $552,100 | Compare |
| Battlement Mesa | 5,402 | $69,432 | $231,500 | Compare |
| Cherry Hills Village | 6,366 | $250,001 | $2,000,001 | 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 Estes Park With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Estes Park
What is the population of Estes Park, CO?
The population of Estes Park, CO is 5,879 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 Estes Park?
The median household income in Estes Park, CO is $73,313 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Estes Park?
The median home value in Estes Park, CO is $634,200, which is 159% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Estes Park?
The median monthly rent in Estes Park, CO is $1,431, which is 23% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Estes Park?
The unemployment rate in Estes Park, CO is 0.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Estes Park, CO a good place to live?
Estes Park offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 5,879 and a median age of 60.7, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Estes Park, CO?
56.2% of residents in Estes Park 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 Estes Park?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Estes Park, CO: median home value is $634,200 (159% above national), median rent is $1,431/month, and median household income is $73,313. The home-value-to-income ratio is 8.7x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Estes Park?
The poverty rate in Estes Park, CO is 9.9%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Estes Park, CO?
Estes Park's population is 3.2% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 1.8% Asian, and 0.4% two or more races. 5.5% of residents are foreign-born.