Violent Crime
365/100K
4% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
26.7%
21% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
24.0%
25% lower than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Alpine Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population99
Median Age45.6 yrs
Density94/mi²
Male / Female47% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 56%
Veterans75.0%
Economy
Per Capita$23,167
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$580M
Housing
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$431,040
Housing Units323
Rent Burden23.5%
Crime
F
Violent365/100K
Property1,215/100K
Health
Obesity24.0%
Uninsured8.8%
Smoking10.1%
Depression20.4%
Heart Disease4.9%
Climate
Avg Temp37°F (3°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain15.1 in/yr
Sunny Days330/yr
Elevation8,237 ft (2,511 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+26.7%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+18.4%
School Score4.91
Community
2024 VoteR 60% / D 37%
Broadband40.0%
EV Stations2
Libraries3
Is Alpine a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Alpine receives an overall livability score of 2.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include low unemployment, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Alpine has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Alpine is below the national average at 365 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,215 per 100,000, 38% below the national average.
Education
26.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Alpine has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 37°F. Winters average 12°F in January while summers reach 60°F in July. With 330 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 15.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Alpine has a population of 99 with a density of 94 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age is 45.6 years, 17% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.5% female and 46.5% male. The city is predominantly White (55.6%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.5% of residents. 75.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 14.6% of residents have a disability. 98.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
45.6yrs
Median Age
17% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.5%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.5%
96% below US avg
Per capita income is $23,167 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $943, 34% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 500 business establishments, including 53 restaurants. The cost of living index is 103.1, roughly in line with the national average. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $23,167 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $943 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $60,839 |
| Gini Index | 0.430 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 500 |
| County GDP | $580M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 53 |
| Healthcare | 28 |
| Retail | 51 |
| Manufacturing | 14 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,187 |
| 38% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 103.10 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 43.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $431,040. Fair market rent ranges from $1,161 for a one-bedroom to $1,429 for a two-bedroom apartment. 100.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 323 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1986. The average annual property tax is $2,187 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 23.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,083 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,161 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,429 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,861 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,178 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 100.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 100.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 0.0% |
| Housing Units | 323 |
| Median Year Built | 1986 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,187 |
| 38% below US avg |
In Alpine, 24.0% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 7.1% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.9% of residents, below the national average. 25.9% have high blood pressure. 10.1% are current smokers (below the 14.0% national rate). 20.2% report binge drinking. 14.6% are physically inactive, below the national average. 20.4% report depression. 15.1% experience frequent mental distress. 8.8% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,037. The dentist ratio is 1:2,265. 83.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Alpine vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 24.0% |
| 25% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 7.1% |
| Heart Disease | 4.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 25.9% |
| Asthma | 9.9% |
| COPD | 4.3% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 10.1% |
| 28% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 14.6% |
| Depression | 20.4% |
| Mental Distress | 15.1% |
| Physical Distress | 10.4% |
| Short Sleep | 31.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.2% |
| Uninsured | 8.8% |
| 2% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,037 |
| Dentists | 1:2,265 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,865 |
| Checkup Rate | 70.3% |
| Dental Visits | 62.0% |
| Premature Death | 14,091/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 83.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 28 |
Alpine has a violent crime rate of 365 per 100,000 residents, 4% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,215 per 100,000, 38% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Alpine receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Alpine vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 364.5/100K |
| 4% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,215.1/100K |
| 38% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Alpine has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 37°F (3°C). Winters average 12°F in January while summers reach 60°F in July. The area gets 330 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 15.1 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 8,237 feet, a high-altitude location.
Temperature
12°F Jan (-11°C)
60°F Jul (15°C)
| Annual Average | 36.7°F |
| 32% below US avg |
| January Average | 12°F (-11°C) |
| July Average | 60°F (15°C) |
| Sunny Days | 330 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 8,237 ft (2,511 m) |
| Area | 1.0 sq mi (2.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 94/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.6878°N, 106.5861°W |
| Timezone | America/Denver |
| County | Rio Grande County County |
| Nearest Airport | San Luis Valley Regional/Bergman Field (ALS) 43 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
15.1"
60% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
2.72"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 45.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 91.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 7.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
| Avalanche |
Relatively High |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
27 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.4. Most recent: M3.6 on Mar 10, 2023.
| Sep 13, 1994 |
17 km N of Sawpit, Colorado |
M4.4 |
132 km |
| Jun 4, 2008 |
8 km ENE of Canjilon, New Mexico |
M3.7 |
133 km |
| Mar 10, 2023 |
16 km S of Ophir, Colorado |
M3.6 |
111 km |
| Sep 14, 2009 |
7 km NNW of Canjilon, New Mexico |
M3.5 |
128 km |
| Feb 28, 2019 |
22 km NNW of Blanca, Colorado |
M3.4 |
90 km |
| May 10, 1991 |
24 km SSE of South Fork, Colorado |
M3.4 |
26 km |
| Feb 28, 2019 |
22 km N of Blanca, Colorado |
M3.3 |
96 km |
| Jan 26, 2008 |
12 km NE of Cotopaxi, Colorado |
M3.1 |
122 km |
| Feb 11, 2006 |
13 km NE of Costilla, New Mexico |
M2.9 |
122 km |
| Mar 5, 2016 |
14 km NNE of Stonewall Gap, Colorado |
M2.9 |
149 km |
| Jun 18, 2002 |
39 km SW of Creede, Colorado |
M2.9 |
59 km |
| May 2, 2013 |
2 km E of Loghill Village, Colorado |
M2.9 |
117 km |
| Jan 17, 1994 |
6 km ENE of Loghill Village, Colorado |
M2.8 |
115 km |
| Jul 24, 2019 |
24 km N of Blanca, Colorado |
M2.8 |
96 km |
| Sep 14, 1994 |
20 km ENE of Norwood, Colorado |
M2.8 |
143 km |
| Apr 7, 2012 |
27 km SSE of Gerrard, Colorado |
M2.7 |
28 km |
| May 2, 2013 |
5 km NE of Ridgway, Colorado |
M2.7 |
113 km |
| Mar 26, 2014 |
20 km N of Blanca, Colorado |
M2.7 |
97 km |
| Aug 21, 2013 |
15 km ENE of Canjilon, New Mexico |
M2.6 |
131 km |
| Aug 21, 2009 |
21 km SSW of Stonewall Gap, Colorado |
M2.6 |
147 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
35 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF2.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Oct 10, 1997 |
EF2 |
29 km |
0 |
| Jul 10, 1955 |
EF2 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 1953 |
EF2 |
78 km |
0 |
| Sep 29, 2014 |
EF1 |
90 km |
0 |
| Aug 16, 2008 |
EF1 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1997 |
EF1 |
96 km |
0 |
| Mar 19, 1995 |
EF1 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1991 |
EF1 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 1983 |
EF1 |
59 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1982 |
EF1 |
50 km |
0 |
| Jun 10, 1980 |
EF1 |
32 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1980 |
EF1 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 1956 |
EF1 |
69 km |
0 |
| May 31, 2021 |
EF0 |
73 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2014 |
EF0 |
86 km |
0 |
| May 20, 2013 |
EF0 |
51 km |
0 |
| Sep 25, 2012 |
EF0 |
21 km |
0 |
| Jul 9, 2006 |
EF0 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 2006 |
EF0 |
82 km |
0 |
| Apr 24, 2005 |
EF0 |
87 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: MISSIONARY RIDGE (68,919 ac, 2002).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2002 |
MISSIONARY RIDGE |
68,919 |
100 km |
| 2013 |
PAPOOSE |
46,991 |
49 km |
| 2013 |
WEST FORK COMPLEX - EAST ZONE |
34,441 |
23 km |
| 2012 |
LITTLE SAND |
26,240 |
68 km |
| 2013 |
WEST FORK COMPLEX |
18,775 |
37 km |
| 2016 |
HAYDEN PASS |
17,977 |
99 km |
| 1996 |
ARCHULETA |
15,613 |
85 km |
| 2019 |
DECKER |
9,875 |
98 km |
| 2002 |
MILLION |
7,923 |
6 km |
| 2001 |
SANDOVAL |
6,773 |
93 km |
| 2017 |
EIGHT FOUR TWO |
5,954 |
91 km |
| 2010 |
MEDANO |
4,887 |
100 km |
| 2016 |
GREATER GRACIA RX |
3,960 |
86 km |
| 2012 |
VALLECITO |
2,764 |
93 km |
| 2023 |
QUARTZ RIDGE |
2,584 |
39 km |
| 2003 |
BOLT |
2,392 |
83 km |
| 2019 |
G18 |
2,264 |
88 km |
| 2000 |
SAND |
1,911 |
93 km |
| 2003 |
BEAR CREEK WFU |
1,866 |
84 km |
| 1995 |
BLACK HORSE |
1,855 |
99 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
12°F (-11°C) |
1.4 in |
Coldest |
| February |
20°F (-7°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| March |
26°F (-3°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| April |
33°F (0°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| May |
43°F (6°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| June |
52°F (11°C) |
1.1 in |
Driest |
| July |
60°F (15°C) |
2.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
56°F (13°C) |
2.7 in |
Wettest |
| September |
50°F (10°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| October |
41°F (5°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| November |
28°F (-2°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| December |
19°F (-7°C) |
1.7 in |
|
Alpine has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 12°F in January to 60°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 20.6 inches, with August being the wettest month (2.7") and June the driest (1.1").
Average costs for common services in Alpine. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$258 ($155–$412) |
| Specialist Visit |
$361 ($206–$567) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$206 ($103–$361) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,268 ($825–$5,155) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$134 ($77–$206) |
| Dental Filling |
$258 ($155–$412) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$46 ($26–$77) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$77 ($52–$124) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$309 ($155–$516) |
| Tire Rotation |
$41 ($21–$77) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$619 ($412–$1,031) |
| Battery Replacement |
$206 ($103–$361) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$103 ($62–$155) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$93 ($52–$144) |
| HVAC Repair |
$412 ($155–$825) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,217 ($4,124–$12,372) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,031 ($412–$2,062) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,279 ($5,671–$15,465) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,547 ($516–$3,609) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,465 ($5,155–$30,930) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,155 ($2,062–$10,310) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,547 ($825–$3,093) |
| Will Preparation |
$516 ($206–$1,031) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,578 ($1,031–$5,155) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$26 ($15–$46) |
| Women's Haircut |
$57 ($31–$103) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$155 ($77–$258) |
| Manicure |
$26 ($15–$46) |
| Pedicure |
$41 ($26–$67) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$82 ($52–$134) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.23 ($3.09–$5.67) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.61 ($2.58–$5.16) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.92 ($2.58–$5.67) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.64 ($3.09–$6.70) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.67 ($4.12–$7.73) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.03 ($0.62–$1.86) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$144 ($82–$258) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$72 ($31–$155) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$72 ($41–$124) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$72 ($41–$103) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$67 ($31–$103) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$88 ($52–$155) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$206 ($77–$516) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,062 ($1,237–$3,609) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$72 ($31–$134) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($8.25–$26) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$103 ($31–$258) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$31 ($15–$77) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,237 ($619–$2,578) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,031 ($516–$2,062) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$412 ($206–$722) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$52 ($26–$103) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,031 ($412–$2,578) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,888 ($5,155–$30,930) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$62 ($31–$103) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$103 ($52–$206) |
| Dog Grooming |
$62 ($31–$103) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$41 ($21–$77) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$309 ($155–$516) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$206 ($103–$412) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $775 |
| Toddler | $583 |
| Preschool | $565 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $857 |
| Toddler | $850 |
| Preschool | $850 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Alpine
What is the population of Alpine?
Alpine has a population of 99 residents and is located in Colorado. The population density is 94 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 45.6 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 53.5% female and 46.5% male.
Is Alpine expensive to live in?
Alpine has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 103.1 (baseline: 100).
Is Alpine safe?
Alpine is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 365 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,215 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Alpine receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Alpine?
Alpine has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 37°F (3°C). Winter temperatures average 12°F in January, while summers reach an average of 60°F in July. The area receives 330 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 15.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Alpine?
The job market in Alpine is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $943. There are 500 business establishments in the area, including 53 restaurants and food service locations.
How are the schools in Alpine?
Schools in Alpine have an average test score of 4.9 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 26.7% of adults in Alpine hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 18.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Alpine?
The obesity rate in Alpine is 24.0% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 10.1% of adults are smokers. 14.6% are physically inactive. 20.4% of residents report depression. 8.8% lack health insurance. 83.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,037.
What are the demographics of Alpine?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Alpine is 55.6% White. 99.5% of residents speak only English at home. 75.0% of the population are military veterans. 14.6% of residents have a disability. 98.2% have health insurance coverage.