Salida, CO
Population 5,786 · Colorado
About Salida, CO
Salida is a small town located in Colorado with a population of 5,786 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $69,773 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 43.1 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 Salida features a median home value of $583,400, which is 138% above the national median of $244,900. This places Salida in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,567, 35% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 3,191 total housing units, 60% are owner-occupied (1,655 units) and 40% are renter-occupied (1,115 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Salida shows an unemployment rate of 2.5%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 16.7%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Salida have an average one-way commute time of 17.6 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
56.1% of Salida 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 9.4% White, 6.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 1.0% Asian residents, with 2.7% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Salida, CO
Compared to national averages, Salida has a median household income of $69,773 (7% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $583,400, which is 138% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,567 is 35% above the US average of $1,163. Within Colorado, Salida's income is 21% below the state average of $88,514, and home values are 28% above the state median of $457,127.
Why Live in Salida, CO?
Salida offers a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.5%, and a well-educated community where 56.1% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and short commute times averaging just 17.6 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($69,773) that falls below the national average, and a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $583,400. However, Salida’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Salida has a population of 5,786 with a median age of 43.1 years. Compare Salida with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Colorado.
Similar Cities Near Salida
Cities in Colorado with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eaton | 5,832 | $106,146 | $448,800 | Compare |
| Estes Park | 5,879 | $73,313 | $634,200 | Compare |
| Sheridan | 6,031 | $58,571 | $360,900 | Compare |
| Avon | 6,057 | $85,364 | $689,000 | Compare |
| Mead | 5,503 | $116,074 | $552,100 | Compare |
| Battlement Mesa | 5,402 | $69,432 | $231,500 | Compare |
| Gleneagle | 6,207 | $137,105 | $570,700 | Compare |
| Dove Valley | 5,313 | $85,772 | $425,900 | 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 Salida With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Salida
What is the population of Salida, CO?
The population of Salida, CO is 5,786 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 Salida?
The median household income in Salida, CO is $69,773 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Salida?
The median home value in Salida, CO is $583,400, which is 138% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Salida?
The median monthly rent in Salida, CO is $1,567, which is 35% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Salida?
The unemployment rate in Salida, CO is 2.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Salida, CO a good place to live?
Salida offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 5,786 and a median age of 43.1, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Salida, CO?
56.1% of residents in Salida 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 Salida?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Salida, CO: median home value is $583,400 (138% above national), median rent is $1,567/month, and median household income is $69,773. The home-value-to-income ratio is 8.4x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Salida?
The poverty rate in Salida, CO is 16.7%, 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 Salida, CO?
Salida's population is 9.4% White, 6.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 1.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 2.7% of residents are foreign-born.