La Jara, CO
Population 593 · Colorado
About La Jara, CO
La Jara is a small community located in Colorado with a population of 593 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $39,630 per year, which is 47% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 34.1 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 La Jara features a median home value of $134,400, which is 45% below the national median of $244,900. This makes La Jara one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $692, 40% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 294 total housing units, 59% are owner-occupied (148 units) and 41% are renter-occupied (102 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in La Jara shows an unemployment rate of 10.4%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 28.2%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in La Jara have an average one-way commute time of 14.5 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
17.2% of La Jara 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 27.0% White, 12.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 38.8% Asian residents, with 1.7% of the population being foreign-born.
How La Jara Ranks in Colorado
Cost of Living in La Jara, CO
Compared to national averages, La Jara has a median household income of $39,630 (47% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $134,400, which is 45% below the national median. Monthly rent at $692 is 40% below the US average of $1,163. Within Colorado, La Jara's income is 55% below the state average of $88,514, and home values are 71% below the state median of $457,127.
Why Live in La Jara, CO?
La Jara offers affordable housing with a median home value of $134,400, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $692/month, and short commute times averaging just 14.5 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($39,630) that falls below the national average. However, La Jara’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
La Jara has a population of 593 with a median age of 34.1 years. Compare La Jara with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Colorado.
Similar Cities Near La Jara
Cities in Colorado with a similar population size.
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 La Jara With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about La Jara
What is the population of La Jara, CO?
The population of La Jara, CO is 593 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Colorado.
What is the median household income in La Jara?
The median household income in La Jara, CO is $39,630 per year, which is 47% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in La Jara?
The median home value in La Jara, CO is $134,400, which is 45% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in La Jara?
The median monthly rent in La Jara, CO is $692, which is 40% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in La Jara?
The unemployment rate in La Jara, CO is 10.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is La Jara, CO a good place to live?
La Jara offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 593 and a median age of 34.1, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is La Jara, CO?
17.2% of residents in La Jara 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 La Jara?
Key cost-of-living indicators for La Jara, CO: median home value is $134,400 (45% below national), median rent is $692/month, and median household income is $39,630. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in La Jara?
The poverty rate in La Jara, CO is 28.2%, 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 La Jara, CO?
La Jara's population is 27.0% White, 12.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 38.8% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 1.7% of residents are foreign-born.