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
1.7%
53% 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%
Economy
C
Median Income$29,750
Per Capita$18,587
Unemployment1.7%
Poverty42.7%
County GDP$126M
Commute23 min
Housing
C
Home Value$239,600
Rent$871
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$228,502
Health
Obesity31.9%
UninsuredN/A
Depression19.9%
Heart Disease5.8%
Climate
Avg Temp44°F
AQI41 (Good)
Rain9.0 in/yr
Elevation7,936 ft
Education
F
Bachelor's+5.3%
High School+86.5%
School Score5.90
Community
2024 VoteR 41% / D 56%
Commute23 min
EV Stations2
Libraries2
Is Fort Garland a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Fort Garland receives an overall livability score of 2.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Fort Garland has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Fort Garland is $29,750, 60% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.7%. 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 5.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Fort Garland has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F. Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 65°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 9.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Fort Garland has a population of 426 with a density of 1,121 people per square mile. The median age is 23.8 years, 39% younger than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly White (40.6%), with 3.3% Hispanic, 10.1% Black.
Population
23.8yrs
Median Age
39% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Fort Garland vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
| English Only | 53.1% |
| 32% 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. The unemployment rate is 1.7% (below the 3.6% US average). 42.7% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
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 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.7% |
| 53% 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 |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 23.4 min |
| Work from Home | 8.8% |
The median home value in Fort Garland is $239,600, 15% below the national average. Monthly rent averages $871 (25% below US avg). Zillow estimates the typical home value at $228,502.
Home Values
| Census Median | $239,600 |
| 15% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $228,502 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $871 |
| 25% below US avg |
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
Property Tax
In Fort Garland, 31.9% of adults are obese (below the 32.1% national rate). 19.9% report depression. 27.2% are physically inactive.
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% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| |
| Binge Drinking | 15.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.2% |
| Depression | 19.9% |
| Mental Distress | 16.5% |
| Physical Distress | 14.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.7% |
| |
| Checkup Rate | 69.5% |
| Premature Death | 20,239/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 1.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 41.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 6 |
Crime Rates: Fort Garland vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
Fort Garland has an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 65°F in July. Annual precipitation is 9.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Temperature
22°F Jan (-6°C)
65°F Jul (18°C)
| Annual Average | 44.0°F |
| 19% below US avg |
| January Average | 22°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 65°F (18°C) |
Precipitation & Snow
| Annual Rainfall | 9.0 inches |
| 76% below US avg |
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
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 |
| County FIPS | 08023 |