Montrose, CO
Population 20,703 · Colorado
About Montrose, CO
Montrose is a mid-sized city located in Colorado with a population of 20,703 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $63,177 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 45.9 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 Montrose features a median home value of $359,000, which is 47% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Montrose in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,117, 4% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 9,611 total housing units, 70% are owner-occupied (6,105 units) and 30% are renter-occupied (2,643 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Montrose shows an unemployment rate of 4.6%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 12.9%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Montrose have an average one-way commute time of 21.1 minutes.
Education & Demographics
33.6% of Montrose 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 16.3% White, 2.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, and 3.8% Asian residents, with 6.4% of the population being foreign-born.
How Montrose Ranks in Colorado
Cost of Living in Montrose, CO
Compared to national averages, Montrose has a median household income of $63,177 (16% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $359,000, which is 47% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,117 is 4% below the US average of $1,163. Within Colorado, Montrose's income is 29% below the state average of $88,514, and home values are 21% below the state median of $457,127.
Why Live in Montrose, CO?
Montrose offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,117/month, and short commute times averaging just 21.1 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($63,177) that falls below the national average. However, Montrose’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Montrose has a population of 20,703 with a median age of 45.9 years. Compare Montrose with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Colorado.
Similar Cities Near Montrose
Cities in Colorado with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Louisville | 20,788 | $149,159 | $835,000 | Compare |
| Golden | 20,467 | $95,913 | $790,500 | Compare |
| Clifton | 19,746 | $54,301 | $234,200 | Compare |
| Four Square Mile | 21,788 | $73,318 | $448,200 | Compare |
| Sherrelwood | 19,368 | $73,849 | $412,200 | Compare |
| Durango | 19,257 | $79,545 | $609,700 | Compare |
| Evans | 22,265 | $72,926 | $326,300 | Compare |
| Cimarron Hills | 18,808 | $75,853 | $333,300 | 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 Montrose With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Montrose
What is the population of Montrose, CO?
The population of Montrose, CO is 20,703 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 Montrose?
The median household income in Montrose, CO is $63,177 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Montrose?
The median home value in Montrose, CO is $359,000, which is 47% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Montrose?
The median monthly rent in Montrose, CO is $1,117, which is 4% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Montrose?
The unemployment rate in Montrose, CO is 4.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Montrose, CO a good place to live?
Montrose offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 20,703 and a median age of 45.9, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Montrose, CO?
33.6% of residents in Montrose 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 Montrose?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Montrose, CO: median home value is $359,000 (47% above national), median rent is $1,117/month, and median household income is $63,177. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.7x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Montrose?
The poverty rate in Montrose, CO is 12.9%, 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 Montrose, CO?
Montrose's population is 16.3% White, 2.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, 3.8% Asian, and 0.2% two or more races. 6.4% of residents are foreign-born.