Median Income
$97,188
29% higher than US avg
Home Value
$302,900
7% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
46.6%
38% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$825
29% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
28.9%
10% lower than US avg
Unemployment
1.6%
56% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Colton Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population291
Median Age51.5 yrs
Density469/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 96%
Veterans7.1%
Economy
A+
Median Income$97,188
Per Capita$50,220
Unemployment1.6%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$221M
Commute22 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$302,900
Rent$825
Ownership89.8%
Zillow$382,909
Housing Units168
Rent Burden26.9%
Crime
Violent0/100K
Property0/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault0/100K
Burglary0/100K
Health
Obesity28.9%
Uninsured6.0%
Smoking10.3%
Depression27.1%
Heart Disease4.7%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F (9°C)
AQI28 (Good)
Rain17.5 in/yr
Sunny Days273/yr
Elevation2,563 ft (781 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+46.6%
High School+98.3%
Graduate+10.6%
School Score5.34
Community
2024 VoteR 72% / D 25%
Commute22 min
Broadband85.0%
EV Stations23
Libraries1
Is Colton a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Colton receives an overall livability score of 4.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, a highly educated population. Colton stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Colton is $97,188, 29% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.6%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Colton is $302,900, roughly aligned with the national median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $825 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.1x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Colton is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 0 per 100,000, 100% below the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 46.6% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 98.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.3/10.
Climate & Weather
Colton experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 49°F. Winters average 33°F in January while summers reach 67°F in July. With 273 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 17.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 28.
Colton has a population of 291 with a density of 469 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age is 51.5 years, 32% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.2% female and 49.8% male. The city is predominantly White (95.9%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 94.4% of residents, while 5.6% speak Spanish. 7.1% of the population are veterans. 18.8% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 97.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
51.5yrs
Median Age
32% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
94.4%
20% above US avg
Spanish
5.6%
58% below US avg
The median household income in Colton is $97,188, which is 29% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $50,220 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,171, 18% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.6% (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 70 business establishments, including 123 restaurants. The cost of living index is 107, slightly above the national baseline of 100. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 9.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $97,188 |
| 29% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $50,220 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,171 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $64,066 |
| Gini Index | 0.388 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.6% |
| 56% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 70 |
| County GDP | $221M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 123 |
| Healthcare | 6 |
| Retail | 7 |
| Manufacturing | 22 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 107.00 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 21.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 69.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 9.2% |
The median home value in Colton is $302,900, 7% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $382,909, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $825 (29% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $1,180 for a one-bedroom to $1,472 for a two-bedroom apartment. 89.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 168 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1971. 26.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.1x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $302,900 |
| 7% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $382,909 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $825 |
| 29% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 26.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,082 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,180 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,472 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,003 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,351 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 89.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 89.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 10.2% |
| Housing Units | 168 |
| Median Year Built | 1971 |
Property Tax
In Colton, 28.9% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 7.3% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.7% of residents, below the national average. 26.4% have high blood pressure. 10.3% are current smokers (below the 14.0% national rate). 18.9% report binge drinking. 14.4% are physically inactive, below the national average. 27.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.9% experience frequent mental distress. 6.0% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,173. The dentist ratio is 1:1,182. 42.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Colton vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 28.9% |
| 10% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 7.3% |
| Heart Disease | 4.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 26.4% |
| Asthma | 11.5% |
| COPD | 4.7% |
| Cancer | 8.1% |
| Stroke | 2.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 10.3% |
| 26% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 14.4% |
| Depression | 27.1% |
| Mental Distress | 17.9% |
| Physical Distress | 11.8% |
| Short Sleep | 28.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.9% |
| Uninsured | 6.0% |
| 30% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,173 |
| Dentists | 1:1,182 |
| Mental Health | 1:2,363 |
| Checkup Rate | 69.3% |
| Dental Visits | 70.4% |
| Premature Death | 10,097/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 42.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 6 |
Colton has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 0.0 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 0 per 100,000, 100% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 0, burglary at 0, vehicle theft at 0 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes.
Crime Rates: Colton vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 0.0/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Burglary | 0.0/100K |
| Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
Colton experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winters average 33°F in January while summers reach 67°F in July. The area gets 273 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 17.5 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 28 / among the cleanest air in the country. The city sits at an elevation of 2,563 feet.
Temperature
33°F Jan (0°C)
67°F Jul (19°C)
| Annual Average | 48.6°F |
| 10% below US avg |
| January Average | 33°F (0°C) |
| July Average | 67°F (19°C) |
| Sunny Days | 273 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,563 ft (781 m) |
| Area | 0.2 sq mi (0.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 469/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 46.5675°N, 117.1284°W |
| Timezone | America/Los_Angeles |
| County | Garfield County County |
| Nearest Airport | Pullman/Moscow Regional (PUW)
12 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
17.5"
54% below US avg
Wettest Month (Nov)
2.80"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 28.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 1.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 18.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 27.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
107 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.3. Most recent: M3.3 on Feb 11, 2025.
| Nov 28, 1991 |
7 km S of Walla Walla East, Washington |
M4.3 |
112 km |
| Jul 14, 1992 |
6 km S of Walla Walla East, Washington |
M4.1 |
111 km |
| Aug 17, 1994 |
1 km E of Mullan, Idaho |
M4.1 |
144 km |
| Nov 11, 2001 |
3 km NE of Spokane, Washington |
M4.0 |
126 km |
| Jun 25, 2001 |
Washington |
M3.9 |
126 km |
| Jun 28, 1998 |
3 km SE of Genesee, Idaho |
M3.8 |
18 km |
| Nov 8, 1997 |
39 km SE of Pierce, Idaho |
M3.8 |
136 km |
| May 30, 1996 |
3 km SSW of Mullan, Idaho |
M3.6 |
139 km |
| Mar 14, 1997 |
1 km E of Mullan, Idaho |
M3.6 |
143 km |
| Jan 23, 2015 |
3 km N of Cayuse, Oregon |
M3.5 |
145 km |
| Jan 13, 1994 |
11 km SW of Lind, Washington |
M3.4 |
125 km |
| Mar 8, 1994 |
32 km S of Wallace, Idaho |
M3.4 |
114 km |
| Jun 17, 2004 |
11 km SSE of Washtucna, Washington |
M3.4 |
85 km |
| Jun 25, 2001 |
2 km SSE of Town and Country, Washington |
M3.4 |
128 km |
| Jun 28, 1997 |
3 km NNW of Mullan, Idaho |
M3.4 |
144 km |
| Dec 15, 1991 |
6 km SSW of Walla Walla East, Washington |
M3.3 |
112 km |
| May 10, 2000 |
Idaho-Montana border region |
M3.3 |
143 km |
| Nov 12, 2001 |
3 km NNE of Spokane, Washington |
M3.3 |
127 km |
| Feb 11, 2025 |
2 km NNW of Mullan, Idaho |
M3.3 |
143 km |
| Sep 22, 2003 |
12 km NW of Rathdrum, Idaho |
M3.3 |
148 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
18 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF2.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 30, 1971 |
EF2 |
43 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 1968 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| Mar 14, 1966 |
EF2 |
52 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1962 |
EF2 |
31 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1954 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jan 16, 2000 |
EF1 |
72 km |
0 |
| May 19, 1986 |
EF1 |
35 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1973 |
EF1 |
21 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1969 |
EF1 |
26 km |
0 |
| Oct 5, 2011 |
EF0 |
88 km |
0 |
| Oct 7, 2010 |
EF0 |
73 km |
0 |
| Oct 7, 2010 |
EF0 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 2007 |
EF0 |
91 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1997 |
EF0 |
20 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 1991 |
EF0 |
18 km |
0 |
| May 1, 1991 |
EF0 |
16 km |
0 |
| Sep 14, 1986 |
EF0 |
57 km |
0 |
| Aug 9, 1982 |
EF0 |
89 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: MALONEY CREEK (131,397 ac, 2000).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2000 |
MALONEY CREEK |
131,397 |
74 km |
| 2006 |
COLUMBIA COMPLEX |
118,865 |
68 km |
| 2021 |
SHOVEL CREEK |
109,829 |
65 km |
| 2021 |
LICK CREEK |
80,376 |
45 km |
| 2015 |
BUTTE CREEK |
79,418 |
73 km |
| 2012 |
CACHE CREEK |
75,521 |
76 km |
| 2014 |
BIG COUGAR |
65,397 |
66 km |
| 1988 |
TEEPEE BUTTE |
59,565 |
81 km |
| 2005 |
SCHOOL |
51,701 |
49 km |
| 2007 |
CHIMNEY COMPLEX |
50,646 |
60 km |
| 2015 |
KAMIAH GULCH |
48,459 |
89 km |
| 2017 |
POWERLINE |
45,449 |
71 km |
| 2021 |
GREEN RIDGE |
44,604 |
60 km |
| 1986 |
JOSEPH/STARVATION |
37,064 |
82 km |
| 2000 |
EASTSIDE COMPLEX (DEEP CREEK) |
31,969 |
99 km |
| 2021 |
ELBOW CREEK |
23,103 |
86 km |
| 2015 |
FISHER |
20,757 |
61 km |
| 2005 |
TRYON COMPLEX (CHERRY CREEK) |
17,794 |
85 km |
| 2010 |
UNNAMED |
16,737 |
100 km |
| 1986 |
JOSEPH CANYON 1 |
14,398 |
62 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
33°F (0°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| February |
34°F (1°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| March |
40°F (4°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| May |
53°F (12°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| June |
59°F (15°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| July |
67°F (19°C) |
0.9 in |
Warmest, Driest |
| August |
66°F (19°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| September |
58°F (14°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| October |
47°F (9°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| November |
37°F (3°C) |
2.8 in |
Wettest |
| December |
30°F (-1°C) |
2.5 in |
Coldest |
Colton has a seasonal temperature swing of 37°F / from 30°F in December to 67°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 22.4 inches, with November being the wettest month (2.8") and July the driest (0.9").
Average costs for common services in Colton. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$268 ($161–$428) |
| Specialist Visit |
$375 ($214–$589) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$214 ($107–$375) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,354 ($856–$5,350) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$139 ($80–$214) |
| Dental Filling |
$268 ($161–$428) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$48 ($27–$80) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$80 ($54–$128) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$321 ($161–$535) |
| Tire Rotation |
$43 ($21–$80) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$642 ($428–$1,070) |
| Battery Replacement |
$214 ($107–$375) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$107 ($64–$161) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$96 ($54–$150) |
| HVAC Repair |
$428 ($161–$856) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,490 ($4,280–$12,840) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,070 ($428–$2,140) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,630 ($5,885–$16,050) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,605 ($535–$3,745) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$16,050 ($5,350–$32,100) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,350 ($2,140–$10,700) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,605 ($856–$3,210) |
| Will Preparation |
$535 ($214–$1,070) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,675 ($1,070–$5,350) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$27 ($16–$48) |
| Women's Haircut |
$59 ($32–$107) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$161 ($80–$268) |
| Manicure |
$27 ($16–$48) |
| Pedicure |
$43 ($27–$70) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$86 ($54–$139) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.39 ($3.21–$5.89) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.75 ($2.68–$5.35) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$4.07 ($2.68–$5.89) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.82 ($3.21–$6.96) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.89 ($4.28–$8.03) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.07 ($0.64–$1.93) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$150 ($86–$268) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$75 ($32–$161) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$75 ($43–$128) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$75 ($43–$107) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$70 ($32–$107) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$91 ($54–$161) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$214 ($80–$535) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,140 ($1,284–$3,745) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$75 ($32–$139) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$16 ($8.56–$27) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$107 ($32–$268) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$32 ($16–$80) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,284 ($642–$2,675) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,070 ($535–$2,140) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$428 ($214–$749) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$54 ($27–$107) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,070 ($428–$2,675) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$13,375 ($5,350–$32,100) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$64 ($32–$107) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$107 ($54–$214) |
| Dog Grooming |
$64 ($32–$107) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$43 ($21–$80) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$321 ($161–$535) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$214 ($107–$428) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,026 |
| Toddler | $938 |
| Preschool | $938 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $857 |
| Toddler | $749 |
| Preschool | $749 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Colton
What is the population of Colton?
Colton has a population of 291 residents and is located in Washington. The population density is 469 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 51.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.2% female and 49.8% male.
Is Colton expensive to live in?
Colton is slightly more expensive than average, with a cost of living index of 107 compared to the national baseline of 100. The median household income is $97,188, 29% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $302,900 (7% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $825 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Colton safe?
Colton is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 0 per 100,000 (below the national average).
What is the weather like in Colton?
Colton has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 33°F in January, while summers reach an average of 67°F in July. The area receives 273 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 17.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 28.
How is the job market in Colton?
The job market in Colton is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.6% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,171. There are 70 business establishments in the area, including 123 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 22 minutes, and 9.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Colton?
The median home value in Colton is $302,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $382,909. For renters, the median monthly rent is $825. Fair market rent is $1,180 for a 1-bedroom and $1,472 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 89.8%.
How are the schools in Colton?
Schools in Colton score 5.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 46.6% of adults in Colton hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 98.3% have completed high school. 10.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Colton?
The obesity rate in Colton is 28.9% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 10.3% of adults are smokers. 14.4% are physically inactive. 27.1% of residents report depression. 6.0% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 42.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,173.
What is transportation like in Colton?
The average commute in Colton is 22 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 69.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 9.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Colton?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Colton is 95.9% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino. 94.4% of residents speak only English at home, while 5.6% speak Spanish. 7.1% of the population are military veterans. 18.8% of residents have a disability. 97.9% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
