Median Income
$69,659
7% lower than US avg
Home Value
$145,000
49% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
13.4%
60% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
27.0%
16% lower than US avg
Unemployment
6.6%
83% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
22.0%
77% higher than US avg
How Dove Creek Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population680
Median Age36.4 yrs
Density1,193/mi²
Male / Female62% / 38%
Largest GroupWhite 77%
Veterans25.4%
Economy
C+
Median Income$69,659
Per Capita$45,865
Unemployment6.6%
Poverty22.0%
County GDP$106M
Commute20 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$145,000
Ownership54.7%
Zillow$232,911
Housing Units393
Rent Burden14.1%
Health
Obesity27.0%
Uninsured7.2%
Smoking15.4%
Depression25.6%
Heart Disease5.6%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F (9°C)
Rain11.3 in/yr
Elevation6,840 ft (2,085 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+13.4%
High School+95.6%
Graduate+8.8%
School Score5.16
Community
2024 VoteR 76% / D 23%
Commute20 min
Broadband93.1%
EV Stations1
Libraries3
Is Dove Creek a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Dove Creek receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include affordable housing, strong internet connectivity. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate. Dove Creek offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Dove Creek is $69,659, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 6.6% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. The poverty rate of 22.0% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Dove Creek is $145,000, 49% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 2.1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
13.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.2/10.
Climate & Weather
Dove Creek experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 49°F. Winters average 28°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 11.3 inches, including 64.2 inches of snow.
Dove Creek has a population of 680 with a density of 1,193 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age is 36.4 years, 6% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 37.6% female and 62.4% male. The city is predominantly White (76.5%), with 15.9% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 94.2% of residents, while 5.2% speak Spanish. 25.4% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 11.5% of residents have a disability. 92.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
680
Total Population
2023 Census
36.4yrs
Median Age
6% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Dove Creek vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
94.2%
20% above US avg
Spanish
5.2%
61% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Dove Creek vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Dove Creek is $69,659, which is 7% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $45,865 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $797, 44% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 6.6% (above the 3.6% US average). 22.0% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 100 business establishments, including 13 restaurants. The cost of living index is 103.1, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 26.4% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Dove Creek vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $69,659 |
| 7% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $45,865 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $797 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $54,322 |
| Gini Index | 0.436 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 6.6% |
| 83% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 22.0% |
| 77% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 100 |
| County GDP | $106M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 13 |
| Healthcare | 4 |
| Retail | 8 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 103.10 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 19.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 69.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 26.4% |
The median home value in Dove Creek is $145,000, 49% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $232,911, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $1,161 for a one-bedroom to $1,429 for a two-bedroom apartment. 54.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 393 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1973. 14.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $145,000 |
| 49% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $232,911 |
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 | 54.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 54.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 45.3% |
| Housing Units | 393 |
| Median Year Built | 1973 |
Property Tax
In Dove Creek, 27.0% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 8.5% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.6% of residents. 28.2% have high blood pressure. 15.4% are current smokers. 19.4% report binge drinking. 19.4% are physically inactive, below the national average. 25.6% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.3% experience frequent mental distress. 7.2% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,397. The dentist ratio is 1:1,227. 19.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 4.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Dove Creek vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 27.0% |
| 16% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.5% |
| Heart Disease | 5.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.2% |
| Asthma | 12.0% |
| COPD | 6.8% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.4% |
| 10% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 19.4% |
| Depression | 25.6% |
| Mental Distress | 19.3% |
| Physical Distress | 13.6% |
| Short Sleep | 32.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 92.8% |
| Uninsured | 7.2% |
| 16% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,397 |
| Dentists | 1:1,227 |
| Checkup Rate | 69.3% |
| Dental Visits | 62.2% |
| Premature Death | 7,029/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 4.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 19.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 4 |
Dove Creek experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winters average 28°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 11.3 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 64.2 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. The city sits at an elevation of 6,840 feet, a high-altitude location.
Temperature
28°F Jan (-3°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 48.7°F |
| 10% below US avg |
| January Average | 28°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 6,840 ft (2,085 m) |
| Area | 0.6 sq mi (1.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,193/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.7668°N, 108.9072°W |
| Timezone | America/Denver |
| County | Dolores County County |
| Nearest Airport | Telluride Regional (TEX)
56 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
11.3"
70% below US avg
Wettest Month (Oct)
1.35"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 11.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 55.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 14.2 / 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 |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively High |
| Avalanche |
Relatively High |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
67 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.5. Most recent: M3.2 on Apr 3, 2025.
| Mar 4, 2019 |
29 km E of La Sal, Utah |
M4.5 |
57 km |
| Sep 13, 1994 |
17 km N of Sawpit, Colorado |
M4.4 |
92 km |
| May 27, 2000 |
29 km WNW of Naturita, Colorado |
M4.4 |
58 km |
| Jan 24, 2013 |
22 km E of La Sal, Utah |
M3.9 |
62 km |
| May 31, 2022 |
37 km ENE of Thompson Springs, Utah |
M3.8 |
148 km |
| Jul 6, 1999 |
27 km WNW of Naturita, Colorado |
M3.7 |
57 km |
| Apr 22, 2017 |
4 km SSW of Bluff, Utah |
M3.7 |
82 km |
| Jun 3, 1999 |
28 km E of La Sal, Utah |
M3.7 |
58 km |
| Jun 6, 2008 |
10 km NE of Bluff, Utah |
M3.6 |
68 km |
| Mar 10, 2023 |
16 km S of Ophir, Colorado |
M3.6 |
93 km |
| Oct 14, 1993 |
36 km SW of Spanish Valley, Utah |
M3.6 |
98 km |
| Aug 2, 1991 |
59 km WNW of Blanding, Utah |
M3.4 |
106 km |
| Apr 3, 2025 |
34 km W of Delta, Colorado |
M3.2 |
111 km |
| Dec 15, 1997 |
7 km ENE of La Sal, Utah |
M3.2 |
66 km |
| Feb 24, 1993 |
16 km SSE of Monticello, Utah |
M3.1 |
35 km |
| May 13, 1993 |
19 km SSE of Monticello, Utah |
M3.1 |
32 km |
| Mar 15, 2000 |
Colorado |
M3.1 |
58 km |
| Jun 6, 2002 |
29 km E of La Sal, Utah |
M3.0 |
65 km |
| May 8, 1998 |
15 km E of La Sal, Utah |
M3.0 |
65 km |
| Mar 31, 2009 |
32 km NE of Halls Crossing, Utah |
M3.0 |
135 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
4 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF2.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 25, 1985 |
EF2 |
55 km |
0 |
| Oct 4, 2005 |
EF1 |
63 km |
0 |
| Sep 5, 1970 |
EF1 |
49 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 2011 |
EF0 |
63 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: 416 (55,123 ac, 2018).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2018 |
416 |
55,123 |
94 km |
| 2018 |
BULL DRAW |
37,178 |
86 km |
| 2002 |
BURN CANYON |
30,573 |
53 km |
| 2000 |
BIRCHER |
23,317 |
75 km |
| 2018 |
PLATEAU |
19,746 |
42 km |
| 2012 |
WEBER |
10,898 |
77 km |
| 2021 |
PACK CREEK |
8,859 |
85 km |
| 2009 |
NARRAGUINNEP |
7,798 |
23 km |
| 2019 |
DOE CANYON |
7,388 |
20 km |
| 1986 |
UNNAMED |
6,205 |
34 km |
| 2012 |
SUNRISE MINE |
5,905 |
77 km |
| 2002 |
CANYONS COMPLEX (HANG DOG) |
5,668 |
71 km |
| 1986 |
WESTTOE |
5,397 |
71 km |
| 1986 |
HOGAN |
5,298 |
61 km |
| 2018 |
BURRO |
5,242 |
77 km |
| 2000 |
PONY |
5,224 |
71 km |
| 1996 |
CHAPIN 5 |
4,832 |
69 km |
| 2000 |
CONE MOUNTAIN |
4,708 |
94 km |
| 2004 |
CAMPBELL |
4,429 |
78 km |
| 2002 |
CANYONS COMPLEX (HAMMOND) |
3,859 |
74 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
28°F (-3°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
31°F (-0°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| March |
39°F (4°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| May |
55°F (13°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| June |
66°F (19°C) |
0.4 in |
Driest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
1.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| September |
62°F (17°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
1.4 in |
Wettest |
| November |
38°F (3°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| December |
28°F (-2°C) |
1.0 in |
|
Dove Creek has a seasonal temperature swing of 45°F / from 28°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 11.3 inches, with October being the wettest month (1.4") and June the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Dove Creek. 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 | $950 |
| Toddler | $874 |
| Preschool | $797 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $636 |
| Toddler | $622 |
| Preschool | $622 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Dove Creek
What is the population of Dove Creek?
Dove Creek has a population of 680 residents and is located in Colorado. The population density is 1,193 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 36.4 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 37.6% female and 62.4% male.
Is Dove Creek expensive to live in?
Dove Creek has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 103.1 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $69,659, 7% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $145,000 (49% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Dove Creek?
Dove Creek has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 28°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 11.3 inches, with 64.2 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Dove Creek?
The unemployment rate in Dove Creek is 6.6%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $797. There are 100 business establishments in the area, including 13 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 20 minutes, and 26.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Dove Creek?
The median home value in Dove Creek is $145,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $232,911. The homeownership rate is 54.7%.
How are the schools in Dove Creek?
Schools in Dove Creek score 5.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 13.4% of adults in Dove Creek hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.6% have completed high school. 8.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Dove Creek?
The obesity rate in Dove Creek is 27.0% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 15.4% of adults are smokers. 19.4% are physically inactive. 25.6% of residents report depression. 7.2% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 19.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,397.
What is transportation like in Dove Creek?
The average commute in Dove Creek is 20 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 69.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 26.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Dove Creek?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Dove Creek is 76.5% White, 15.9% Hispanic or Latino. 94.2% of residents speak only English at home, while 5.2% speak Spanish. 25.4% of the population are military veterans. 11.5% of residents have a disability. 92.8% have health insurance coverage.