Fort Carson, CO
Population 18,447 · Colorado
About Fort Carson, CO
Fort Carson is a mid-sized city located in Colorado with a population of 18,447 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $61,783 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 22.1 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Fort Carson features a median home value of $0, which is 100% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Fort Carson one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $2,046, 76% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 3,646 total housing units, 0% are owner-occupied (0 units) and 100% are renter-occupied (3,327 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Fort Carson shows an unemployment rate of 3.0%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 11.3%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Fort Carson have an average one-way commute time of 10.6 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
27.2% of Fort Carson 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 12.5% White, 3.4% Hispanic or Latino, 4.1% Black or African American, and 4.8% Asian residents, with 4.1% of the population being foreign-born.
How Fort Carson Ranks in Colorado
Cost of Living in Fort Carson, CO
Compared to national averages, Fort Carson has a median household income of $61,783 (18% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $0, which is 100% below the national median. Monthly rent at $2,046 is 76% above the US average of $1,163. Within Colorado, Fort Carson's income is 30% below the state average of $88,514, and home values are 100% below the state median of $457,127.
Why Live in Fort Carson, CO?
Fort Carson offers affordable housing with a median home value of $0, below the US average of $244,900, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.0%, and a low poverty rate of 11.3%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 10.6 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($61,783) that falls below the national average. However, Fort Carson’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Fort Carson has a population of 18,447 with a median age of 22.1 years. Compare Fort Carson with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Colorado.
Similar Cities Near Fort Carson
Cities in Colorado with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cimarron Hills | 18,808 | $75,853 | $333,300 | Compare |
| Johnstown | 18,075 | $130,851 | $493,500 | Compare |
| Durango | 19,257 | $79,545 | $609,700 | Compare |
| Sherrelwood | 19,368 | $73,849 | $412,200 | Compare |
| Firestone | 17,353 | $114,591 | $511,800 | Compare |
| Clifton | 19,746 | $54,301 | $234,200 | Compare |
| Cañon City | 17,098 | $66,068 | $275,300 | Compare |
| Golden | 20,467 | $95,913 | $790,500 | 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 Fort Carson With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Fort Carson
What is the population of Fort Carson, CO?
The population of Fort Carson, CO is 18,447 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Colorado.
What is the median household income in Fort Carson?
The median household income in Fort Carson, CO is $61,783 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Fort Carson?
The median home value in Fort Carson, CO is $0, which is 100% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Fort Carson?
The median monthly rent in Fort Carson, CO is $2,046, which is 76% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Fort Carson?
The unemployment rate in Fort Carson, CO is 3.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Fort Carson, CO a good place to live?
Fort Carson offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 18,447 and a median age of 22.1, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Fort Carson, CO?
27.2% of residents in Fort Carson 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 Fort Carson?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Fort Carson, CO: median home value is $0 (100% below national), median rent is $2,046/month, and median household income is $61,783. The home-value-to-income ratio is 0.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Fort Carson?
The poverty rate in Fort Carson, CO is 11.3%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Fort Carson, CO?
Fort Carson's population is 12.5% White, 3.4% Hispanic or Latino, 4.1% Black or African American, 4.8% Asian, and 14.8% two or more races. 4.1% of residents are foreign-born.