Paonia, CO
Population 1,454 · Colorado
About Paonia, CO
Paonia is a small town located in Colorado with a population of 1,454 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $52,466 per year, which is 30% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 51.9 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 Paonia features a median home value of $301,300, which is 23% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Paonia in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $799, 31% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 917 total housing units, 60% are owner-occupied (465 units) and 40% are renter-occupied (308 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Paonia shows an unemployment rate of 3.5%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 19.1%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Paonia have an average one-way commute time of 13.5 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
34.1% of Paonia 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 10.8% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 2.8% Asian residents, with 3.2% of the population being foreign-born.
How Paonia Ranks in Colorado
Cost of Living in Paonia, CO
Compared to national averages, Paonia has a median household income of $52,466 (30% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $301,300, which is 23% above the national median. Monthly rent at $799 is 31% below the US average of $1,163. Within Colorado, Paonia's income is 41% below the state average of $88,514, and home values are 34% below the state median of $457,127.
Why Live in Paonia, CO?
Paonia offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $799/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.5%, and a well-educated community where 34.1% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 13.5 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($52,466) that falls below the national average. However, Paonia’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Paonia has a population of 1,454 with a median age of 51.9 years. Compare Paonia with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Colorado.
Similar Cities Near Paonia
Cities in Colorado with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leadville North | 1,470 | $96,447 | $397,900 | Compare |
| Crested Butte | 1,436 | $71,923 | $928,100 | Compare |
| Springfield | 1,482 | $42,368 | $122,600 | Compare |
| Alamosa East | 1,404 | $44,741 | $219,100 | Compare |
| Parachute | 1,513 | $58,910 | $269,500 | Compare |
| Nederland | 1,523 | $103,452 | $631,100 | Compare |
| Loma | 1,365 | $133,456 | $778,100 | Compare |
| Ellicott | 1,337 | $55,822 | $0 | 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 Paonia With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Paonia
What is the population of Paonia, CO?
The population of Paonia, CO is 1,454 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 Paonia?
The median household income in Paonia, CO is $52,466 per year, which is 30% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Paonia?
The median home value in Paonia, CO is $301,300, which is 23% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Paonia?
The median monthly rent in Paonia, CO is $799, which is 31% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Paonia?
The unemployment rate in Paonia, CO is 3.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Paonia, CO a good place to live?
Paonia offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 1,454 and a median age of 51.9, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Paonia, CO?
34.1% of residents in Paonia 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 Paonia?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Paonia, CO: median home value is $301,300 (23% above national), median rent is $799/month, and median household income is $52,466. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.7x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Paonia?
The poverty rate in Paonia, CO is 19.1%, 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 Paonia, CO?
Paonia's population is 10.8% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 2.8% Asian, and 5.4% two or more races. 3.2% of residents are foreign-born.