Ouray, CO
Population 1,031 · Colorado
About Ouray, CO
Ouray is a small town located in Colorado with a population of 1,031 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $76,458 per year, which is 2% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 54.2 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 Ouray features a median home value of $549,200, which is 124% above the national median of $244,900. This places Ouray in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $962, 17% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 793 total housing units, 71% are owner-occupied (340 units) and 29% are renter-occupied (141 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Ouray shows an unemployment rate of 2.2%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 2.0%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Ouray have an average one-way commute time of 15.9 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
65.4% of Ouray 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 9.9% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 1.3% Asian residents, with 5.1% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Ouray, CO
Compared to national averages, Ouray has a median household income of $76,458 (2% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $549,200, which is 124% above the national median. Monthly rent at $962 is 17% below the US average of $1,163. Within Colorado, Ouray's income is 14% below the state average of $88,514, and home values are 20% above the state median of $457,127.
Why Live in Ouray, CO?
Ouray offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $76,458, well above the national average, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $962/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.2%. Additionally, the city features a well-educated community where 65.4% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 2.0%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 15.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $549,200. However, Ouray’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Ouray has a population of 1,031 with a median age of 54.2 years. Compare Ouray with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Colorado.
Similar Cities Near Ouray
Cities in Colorado with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mancos | 1,016 | $62,361 | $343,900 | Compare |
| Sanford | 1,047 | $41,250 | $150,000 | Compare |
| Lazy Acres | 1,056 | $147,344 | $967,100 | Compare |
| Towaoc | 1,058 | $23,661 | $0 | Compare |
| Bow Mar | 1,003 | $233,667 | $1,808,800 | Compare |
| Gilcrest | 987 | $66,771 | $287,000 | Compare |
| Minturn | 987 | $113,519 | $1,083,000 | Compare |
| Georgetown | 1,082 | $75,804 | $440,000 | 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 Ouray With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Ouray
What is the population of Ouray, CO?
The population of Ouray, CO is 1,031 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 Ouray?
The median household income in Ouray, CO is $76,458 per year, which is 2% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Ouray?
The median home value in Ouray, CO is $549,200, which is 124% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Ouray?
The median monthly rent in Ouray, CO is $962, which is 17% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Ouray?
The unemployment rate in Ouray, CO is 2.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Ouray, CO a good place to live?
Ouray offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 1,031 and a median age of 54.2, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Ouray, CO?
65.4% of residents in Ouray 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 Ouray?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Ouray, CO: median home value is $549,200 (124% above national), median rent is $962/month, and median household income is $76,458. The home-value-to-income ratio is 7.2x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Ouray?
The poverty rate in Ouray, CO is 2.0%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Ouray, CO?
Ouray's population is 9.9% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 1.3% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 5.1% of residents are foreign-born.