Rocky Ford, CO
Population 3,843 · Colorado
About Rocky Ford, CO
Rocky Ford is a small town located in Colorado with a population of 3,843 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $35,658 per year, which is 53% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 32 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 Rocky Ford features a median home value of $126,100, which is 49% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Rocky Ford one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $756, 35% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,679 total housing units, 66% are owner-occupied (848 units) and 34% are renter-occupied (442 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Rocky Ford shows an unemployment rate of 7.4%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 40.2%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Rocky Ford have an average one-way commute time of 18.2 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
11.9% of Rocky Ford 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 56.1% White, 2.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 11.1% Asian residents, with 4.6% of the population being foreign-born.
How Rocky Ford Ranks in Colorado
Cost of Living in Rocky Ford, CO
Compared to national averages, Rocky Ford has a median household income of $35,658 (53% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $126,100, which is 49% below the national median. Monthly rent at $756 is 35% below the US average of $1,163. Within Colorado, Rocky Ford's income is 60% below the state average of $88,514, and home values are 72% below the state median of $457,127.
Why Live in Rocky Ford, CO?
Rocky Ford offers affordable housing with a median home value of $126,100, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $756/month, and short commute times averaging just 18.2 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($35,658) that falls below the national average. However, Rocky Ford’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Rocky Ford has a population of 3,843 with a median age of 32 years. Compare Rocky Ford with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Colorado.
Similar Cities Near Rocky Ford
Cities in Colorado with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Genesee | 3,826 | $172,692 | $994,700 | Compare |
| Florence | 3,870 | $57,239 | $228,300 | Compare |
| Niwot | 3,773 | $141,621 | $868,400 | Compare |
| El Jebel | 3,935 | $100,518 | $854,300 | Compare |
| Penrose | 3,978 | $75,109 | $276,100 | Compare |
| Basalt | 3,995 | $106,000 | $1,148,100 | Compare |
| Silt | 3,575 | $86,484 | $391,400 | Compare |
| Ponderosa Park | 3,556 | $133,425 | $670,400 | 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 Rocky Ford With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Rocky Ford
What is the population of Rocky Ford, CO?
The population of Rocky Ford, CO is 3,843 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 Rocky Ford?
The median household income in Rocky Ford, CO is $35,658 per year, which is 53% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Rocky Ford?
The median home value in Rocky Ford, CO is $126,100, which is 49% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Rocky Ford?
The median monthly rent in Rocky Ford, CO is $756, which is 35% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Rocky Ford?
The unemployment rate in Rocky Ford, CO is 7.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Rocky Ford, CO a good place to live?
Rocky Ford offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 3,843 and a median age of 32, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Rocky Ford, CO?
11.9% of residents in Rocky Ford 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 Rocky Ford?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Rocky Ford, CO: median home value is $126,100 (49% below national), median rent is $756/month, and median household income is $35,658. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.5x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Rocky Ford?
The poverty rate in Rocky Ford, CO is 40.2%, 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 Rocky Ford, CO?
Rocky Ford's population is 56.1% White, 2.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 11.1% Asian, and 0.1% two or more races. 4.6% of residents are foreign-born.