Median Income
$29,750
60% lower than US avg
Home Value
$239,600
15% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
5.3%
84% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$871
25% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
31.9%
1% lower than US avg
Unemployment
3.3%
8% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
42.7%
244% higher than US avg
How Fort Garland Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population426
Median Age23.8 yrs
Density1,121/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 41%
Veterans11.2%
Economy
C
Median Income$29,750
Per Capita$18,587
Unemployment3.3%
Poverty42.7%
County GDP$126M
Commute23 min
Housing
C
Home Value$239,600
Rent$871
Ownership70.9%
Zillow$228,705
Housing Units276
Rent Burden46.0%
Health
Obesity31.9%
Uninsured7.0%
Smoking12.0%
Depression19.9%
Heart Disease5.8%
Climate
Avg Temp44°F (6°C)
Rain9.8 in/yr
Elevation7,936 ft (2,419 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+5.3%
High School+86.5%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score4.23
Community
2024 VoteR 41% / D 56%
Commute23 min
Broadband80.6%
EV Stations2
Libraries2
Is Fort Garland a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Fort Garland receives an overall livability score of 1.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of D. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Fort Garland faces significant challenges across several quality-of-life categories.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Fort Garland is $29,750, 60% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.3%, indicating a healthy job market. The poverty rate of 42.7% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Fort Garland is $239,600, 15% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $871 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. With a home price-to-income ratio of 8.1x, housing affordability is a significant challenge for many families.
Education
5.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 86.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.2/10.
Climate & Weather
Fort Garland has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F. Winters average 20°F in January while summers reach 66°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 9.8 inches, including 27.9 inches of snow.
Fort Garland has a population of 426 with a density of 1,121 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age is 23.8 years, 39% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.7% female and 49.3% male. The city is predominantly Hispanic (72.8%), with 40.6% White, 10.1% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 72.4% of residents, while 46.9% speak Spanish. 11.2% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 18.3% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 93.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
426
Total Population
2023 Census
23.8yrs
Median Age
39% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Fort Garland vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
72.4%
8% below US avg
Spanish
46.9%
250% above US avg
Social Characteristics
Fort Garland vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Fort Garland is $29,750, which is 60% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $18,587 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $781, 45% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.3% (below the 3.6% US average). 42.7% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 116 business establishments, including 6 restaurants. The cost of living index is 103.1, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes. 8.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Fort Garland vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $29,750 |
| 60% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $18,587 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $781 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $41,455 |
| Gini Index | 0.503 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.3% |
| 8% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 42.7% |
| 244% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 116 |
| County GDP | $126M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 6 |
| Healthcare | 6 |
| Retail | 15 |
| Manufacturing | 3 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 103.10 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 23.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 89.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 8.8% |
The median home value in Fort Garland is $239,600, 15% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $228,705. Monthly rent averages $871 (25% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $1,161 for a one-bedroom to $1,429 for a two-bedroom apartment. 70.9% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 276 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1982. 46.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters. The home price-to-income ratio is 8.1x, making homeownership a significant financial stretch for most families.
Home Values
| Census Median | $239,600 |
| 15% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $228,705 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $871 |
| 25% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 46.0% |
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 | 70.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 70.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 29.1% |
| Housing Units | 276 |
| Median Year Built | 1982 |
Property Tax
In Fort Garland, 31.9% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 12.3% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.8% of residents. 28.3% have high blood pressure. 12.0% are current smokers. 15.8% report binge drinking. 27.2% are physically inactive. 19.9% report depression. 16.5% experience frequent mental distress. 7.0% of residents lack health insurance. 41.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 1.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Fort Garland vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 31.9% |
| 1% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.3% |
| Heart Disease | 5.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.3% |
| Asthma | 10.3% |
| COPD | 5.3% |
| Cancer | 5.5% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 12.0% |
| 14% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 15.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.2% |
| Depression | 19.9% |
| Mental Distress | 16.5% |
| Physical Distress | 14.8% |
| Short Sleep | 35.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.0% |
| Uninsured | 7.0% |
| 19% below US avg |
| Mental Health | 1:3,628 |
| Checkup Rate | 69.5% |
| Dental Visits | 47.4% |
| Premature Death | 20,239/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 1.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 41.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 6 |
Fort Garland has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (6°C). Winters average 20°F in January while summers reach 66°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 9.8 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 27.9 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 7,936 feet, a high-altitude location.
Temperature
20°F Jan (-7°C)
66°F Jul (19°C)
| Annual Average | 43.5°F |
| 19% below US avg |
| January Average | 20°F (-7°C) |
| July Average | 66°F (19°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 7,936 ft (2,419 m) |
| Area | 0.4 sq mi (1.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,121/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.4279°N, 105.4350°W |
| Timezone | America/Denver |
| County | Costilla County County |
| Nearest Airport | San Luis Valley Regional/Bergman Field (ALS)
24 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
9.8"
74% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
1.69"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 6.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 96.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 0.6 / 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 |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
| Volcano |
No Rating |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
343 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.3. Most recent: M3.4 on Jun 28, 2025.
| Aug 23, 2011 |
6 km S of Valdez, Colorado |
M5.3 |
77 km |
| Aug 10, 2005 |
20 km S of Weston, Colorado |
M5.0 |
76 km |
| Aug 22, 2011 |
9 km SSW of Starkville, Colorado |
M4.7 |
90 km |
| Sep 5, 2001 |
0 km SE of Cokedale, Colorado |
M4.5 |
79 km |
| Mar 22, 2004 |
30 km S of Weston, Colorado |
M4.4 |
82 km |
| Jan 3, 2007 |
8 km SSW of Weston, Colorado |
M4.4 |
62 km |
| Aug 1, 2004 |
31 km S of Stonewall Gap, Colorado |
M4.3 |
68 km |
| Mar 10, 2023 |
6 km NNE of Segundo, Colorado |
M4.3 |
68 km |
| Jul 29, 2009 |
32 km NNE of Cimarron, New Mexico |
M4.1 |
88 km |
| Jun 19, 2023 |
Colorado |
M4.1 |
86 km |
| Aug 10, 2005 |
20 km SSW of Segundo, Colorado |
M4.1 |
76 km |
| Sep 4, 2001 |
2 km W of Cokedale, Colorado |
M4.0 |
76 km |
| Sep 13, 2011 |
20 km S of Sequndo, Colorado |
M4.0 |
83 km |
| Aug 23, 2011 |
7 km S of Valdez, Colorado |
M4.0 |
78 km |
| Aug 26, 2023 |
19 km SSW of Weston, Colorado |
M4.0 |
68 km |
| Feb 6, 2016 |
Colorado |
M4.0 |
57 km |
| Aug 23, 2016 |
18 km SSW of Weston, CO |
M3.9 |
66 km |
| Sep 16, 2011 |
26 km S of Sequndo, Colorado |
M3.9 |
86 km |
| Mar 10, 2023 |
5 km N of Sequndo, Colorado |
M3.9 |
69 km |
| Aug 20, 2015 |
7 km WSW of Weston, Colorado |
M3.9 |
58 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
65 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 1 injury.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 31, 1955 |
EF3 |
1 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 1960 |
EF2 |
67 km |
0 |
| Jul 10, 1955 |
EF2 |
39 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 1953 |
EF2 |
69 km |
0 |
| May 8, 2017 |
EF1 |
63 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 2014 |
EF1 |
96 km |
0 |
| Aug 16, 2008 |
EF1 |
35 km |
0 |
| Mar 19, 1995 |
EF1 |
39 km |
0 |
| May 25, 1993 |
EF1 |
36 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 1983 |
EF1 |
48 km |
0 |
| Jun 10, 1983 |
EF1 |
58 km |
0 |
| Jun 10, 1983 |
EF1 |
90 km |
0 |
| Sep 13, 1982 |
EF1 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1982 |
EF1 |
57 km |
0 |
| Jun 10, 1980 |
EF1 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1980 |
EF1 |
33 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1965 |
EF1 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 1956 |
EF1 |
37 km |
0 |
| Feb 13, 1954 |
EF1 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2023 |
EF0 |
93 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: SPRING CREEK (107,108 ac, 2018).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2018 |
SPRING CREEK |
107,108 |
29 km |
| 2002 |
PONIL COMPLEX |
89,084 |
90 km |
| 2002 |
SPRING |
24,044 |
62 km |
| 2016 |
JUNKINS |
19,023 |
83 km |
| 2006 |
MATO VEGA |
13,126 |
25 km |
| 2005 |
MASON |
11,630 |
88 km |
| 2013 |
EAST PEAK |
10,082 |
49 km |
| 1996 |
HONDO |
8,258 |
89 km |
| 2021 |
HART CANYON RX FY22 |
5,781 |
81 km |
| 2016 |
BEULAH HILL |
5,769 |
84 km |
| 2018 |
LOOP ROAD RX |
5,688 |
79 km |
| 2008 |
WEST FORK |
5,436 |
82 km |
| 2010 |
MEDANO |
4,887 |
43 km |
| 2011 |
DUCKETT |
4,705 |
94 km |
| 1998 |
BEARD |
4,553 |
89 km |
| 2010 |
H12 |
4,393 |
57 km |
| 2006 |
MAURICIO CANYON |
4,370 |
56 km |
| 2021 |
RING RX FY21 |
4,172 |
79 km |
| 2023 |
MCCRYSTAL ROCK RX (EAST) FY24 |
4,054 |
75 km |
| 2022 |
UNNAMED |
3,643 |
57 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
20°F (-7°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest |
| February |
26°F (-3°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| March |
36°F (2°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| April |
43°F (6°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| May |
52°F (11°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| June |
61°F (16°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| July |
66°F (19°C) |
1.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
64°F (18°C) |
1.7 in |
Wettest |
| September |
57°F (14°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| October |
45°F (7°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| November |
32°F (0°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| December |
21°F (-6°C) |
0.2 in |
Driest |
Fort Garland has a seasonal temperature swing of 45°F / from 20°F in January to 66°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 9.8 inches, with August being the wettest month (1.7") and December the driest (0.2").
Average costs for common services in Fort Garland. 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 | $793 |
| Toddler | $634 |
| Preschool | $597 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $658 |
| Toddler | $657 |
| Preschool | $657 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Fort Garland
What is the population of Fort Garland?
Fort Garland has a population of 426 residents and is located in Colorado. The population density is 1,121 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 23.8 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.7% female and 49.3% male.
Is Fort Garland expensive to live in?
Fort Garland 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 $29,750, 60% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $239,600 (15% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $871 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 8.1x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.
What is the weather like in Fort Garland?
Fort Garland has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 20°F in January, while summers reach an average of 66°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 9.8 inches, with 27.9 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Fort Garland?
Fort Garland has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.3%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $781. There are 116 business establishments in the area, including 6 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 23 minutes, and 8.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Fort Garland?
The median home value in Fort Garland is $239,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $228,705. For renters, the median monthly rent is $871. Fair market rent is $1,161 for a 1-bedroom and $1,429 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 70.9%.
How are the schools in Fort Garland?
Schools in Fort Garland have an average test score of 4.2 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 5.3% of adults in Fort Garland hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 86.5% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Fort Garland?
The obesity rate in Fort Garland is 31.9% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 12.0% of adults are smokers. 27.2% are physically inactive. 19.9% of residents report depression. 7.0% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 41.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What is transportation like in Fort Garland?
The average commute in Fort Garland is 23 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 89.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 8.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Fort Garland?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Fort Garland is 40.6% White, 10.1% Black or African American, 72.8% Hispanic or Latino. 72.4% of residents speak only English at home, while 46.9% speak Spanish. 11.2% of the population are military veterans. 18.3% of residents have a disability. 93.0% have health insurance coverage.