Colorado
Cortez is a small city in Colorado with a population of 8,898. Residents earn $51,377 per year, which is 32% below the national average.
Based on current data, Cortez receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Cortez offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
The median household income in Cortez is $51,377, 32% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.2%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 7.5% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
The median home value in Cortez is $226,700, 20% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,028 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 4.4x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Violent crime in Cortez is below the national average at 198 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,761 per 100,000, 92% above the national average.
29.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.9/10.
Cortez experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 51°F. Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 11.8 inches, including 33.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
| English Only | 86.8% |
| 11% above US avg | |
| Spanish | 13.2% |
| 1% below US avg |
| Median HH Income | $51,377 |
| 32% below US avg | |
| Per Capita Income | $29,086 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $888 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $64,517 |
| Unemployment | 3.2% |
| 11% below US avg | |
| Poverty Rate | 7.5% |
| 40% below US avg | |
| Establishments (County) | 1,029 |
| County GDP | $1,454M |
| Restaurants | 90 |
| Healthcare | 86 |
| Retail | 103 |
| Manufacturing | 33 |
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,392 |
| 32% below US avg | |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.06% |
| Commute Time | 16.9 min |
| Work from Home | 6.8% |
| Census Median | $226,700 |
| 20% below US avg | |
| Zillow ZHVI | $333,540 |
| Census Median Rent | $1,028 |
| 12% below US avg | |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $1,758 |
| Studio | $1,083 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,161 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,429 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,861 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,178 |
| Owner-Occupied | 60.3% |
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,392 |
| 32% below US avg | |
| Effective Rate | 1.06% |
| Obesity | 28.6% |
| 11% below US avg | |
| Diabetes | 9.1% |
| Heart Disease | 5.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 26.9% |
| Asthma | 12.1% |
| COPD | 6.4% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
| Binge Drinking | 17.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.1% |
| Depression | 25.1% |
| Mental Distress | 18.9% |
| Physical Distress | 13.8% |
| Insurance Rate | 88.3% |
| Checkup Rate | 68.7% |
| Premature Death | 12,917/100K |
| Food Environment | 7.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 67.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 86 |
| Total Violent | 198.0/100K |
| 48% below US avg | |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg | |
| Rape | 46.6/100K |
| Robbery | 11.6/100K |
| Assault | 139.7/100K |
| Total Property | 3,761.1/100K |
| 92% above US avg | |
| Burglary | 58.2/100K |
| Theft | 3,539.8/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 163.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 6 |
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
| Annual Average | 50.8°F |
| 6% below US avg | |
| January Average | 30°F (-1°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Annual Rainfall | 11.8 inches |
| 69% below US avg | |
| Snowfall | 33.4 inches/yr |
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Elevation | 6,183 ft (1,885 m) |
| Area | 6.2 sq mi (16.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,428/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.3498°N, 108.5767°W |
| County FIPS | 08083 |
Winner: Republican by 21 points
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 29.2% |
| 13% below US avg | |
| High School+ | 89.3% |
| School Test Score | 5.90 |
| RUCC Code 6 | Nonmetro — Urban 2.5K–20K, adjacent |
| Population Density | 1,428/sq mi |
| Total Area | 6.2 sq mi |
| EV Charging Stations | 4 |
| Alt Fuel Stations | 4 |
| Public Libraries | 3 |
| Healthcare Facilities | 86 |
| Restaurants | 90 |
| Retail Stores | 103 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 6 |
| Avg Commute | 16.9 min |
| Work from Home | 6.8% |