Vail, CO
Population 4,729 · Colorado
About Vail, CO
Vail is a small town located in Colorado with a population of 4,729 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $103,705 per year, which is 38% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 49.5 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 Vail features a median home value of $1,040,100, which is 325% above the national median of $244,900. This places Vail in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,610, 38% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 7,099 total housing units, 69% are owner-occupied (1,672 units) and 31% are renter-occupied (763 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Vail shows an unemployment rate of 7.1%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 6.6%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Vail have an average one-way commute time of 19 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
68.4% of Vail 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 4.0% White, 0.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, and 5.5% Asian residents, with 14.6% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Vail, CO
Compared to national averages, Vail has a median household income of $103,705 (38% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $1,040,100, which is 325% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,610 is 38% above the US average of $1,163. Within Colorado, Vail's income is 17% above the state average of $88,514, and home values are 128% above the state median of $457,127.
Why Live in Vail, CO?
Vail offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $103,705, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 68.4% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 6.6%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 19 minutes.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $1,040,100. However, Vail’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Vail has a population of 4,729 with a median age of 49.5 years. Compare Vail with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Colorado.
Similar Cities Near Vail
Cities in Colorado with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manitou Springs | 4,796 | $76,550 | $545,800 | Compare |
| Silverthorne | 4,657 | $114,185 | $691,300 | Compare |
| New Castle | 4,878 | $88,421 | $488,600 | Compare |
| Edgewater | 4,955 | $74,320 | $603,400 | Compare |
| Breckenridge | 5,001 | $132,666 | $757,100 | Compare |
| Castle Pines Village | 4,441 | $219,083 | $1,260,200 | Compare |
| Meridian | 5,058 | $90,496 | $571,600 | Compare |
| Todd Creek | 5,069 | $185,417 | $856,800 | 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 Vail With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Vail
What is the population of Vail, CO?
The population of Vail, CO is 4,729 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 Vail?
The median household income in Vail, CO is $103,705 per year, which is 38% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Vail?
The median home value in Vail, CO is $1,040,100, which is 325% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Vail?
The median monthly rent in Vail, CO is $1,610, which is 38% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Vail?
The unemployment rate in Vail, CO is 7.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Vail, CO a good place to live?
Vail offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 4,729 and a median age of 49.5, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Vail, CO?
68.4% of residents in Vail 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 Vail?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Vail, CO: median home value is $1,040,100 (325% above national), median rent is $1,610/month, and median household income is $103,705. The home-value-to-income ratio is 10.0x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Vail?
The poverty rate in Vail, CO is 6.6%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Vail, CO?
Vail's population is 4.0% White, 0.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, 5.5% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 14.6% of residents are foreign-born.