Median Income
$57,273
24% lower than US avg
Home Value
$153,100
46% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
329/100K
13% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
23.8%
29% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$621
47% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
29.1%
9% lower than US avg
Unemployment
2.2%
39% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Kit Carson Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population210
Median Age42.0 yrs
Density356/mi²
Male / Female53% / 47%
Largest GroupWhite 86%
Veterans15.6%
Economy
A
Median Income$57,273
Per Capita$44,574
Unemployment2.2%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$356M
Commute20 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$153,100
Rent$621
Ownership73.0%
Zillow$160,007
Housing Units154
Rent Burden22.5%
Crime
F
Violent329/100K
Property1,825/100K
Health
Obesity29.1%
Uninsured12.1%
Smoking14.3%
Depression24.7%
Heart Disease5.4%
Climate
Avg Temp51°F (11°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain15.4 in/yr
Sunny Days330/yr
Elevation4,287 ft (1,307 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+23.8%
High School+94.7%
Graduate+15.4%
School Score5.35
Community
2024 VoteR 88% / D 10%
Commute20 min
Broadband100.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries1
Is Kit Carson a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Kit Carson receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include a high uninsured rate, below-average incomes. Kit Carson offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Kit Carson is $57,273, 24% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.2%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Kit Carson is $153,100, 46% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $621 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Kit Carson is below the national average at 329 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,825 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
23.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.3/10.
Climate & Weather
Kit Carson experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 51°F. Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. With 330 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 15.4 inches, including 15.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Kit Carson has a population of 210 with a density of 356 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age is 42.0 years, 8% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 46.7% female and 53.3% male. The city is predominantly White (85.7%), with 5.2% Hispanic, 4.3% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 15.6% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 5.0% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
42.0yrs
Median Age
8% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Kit Carson vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Kit Carson vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Kit Carson is $57,273, which is 24% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $44,574 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,106, 23% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.2% (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 103 business establishments, including 3 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). 1.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Kit Carson vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $57,273 |
| 24% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $44,574 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,106 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $66,291 |
| Gini Index | 0.427 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.2% |
| 39% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 103 |
| County GDP | $356M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 3 |
| Healthcare | 4 |
| Retail | 7 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 103.10 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 20.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 92.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 1.7% |
The median home value in Kit Carson is $153,100, 46% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $160,007. Monthly rent averages $621 (47% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $833 for a one-bedroom to $1,093 for a two-bedroom apartment. 73.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 154 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1975. 22.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $153,100 |
| 46% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $160,007 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $621 |
| 47% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 22.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $828 |
| 1 Bedroom | $833 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,093 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,311 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,714 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 73.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 73.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 27.0% |
| Housing Units | 154 |
| Median Year Built | 1975 |
Property Tax
In Kit Carson, 29.1% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 8.8% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.4% of residents. 27.3% have high blood pressure. 14.3% are current smokers. 19.4% report binge drinking. 19.6% are physically inactive, below the national average. 24.7% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.8% experience frequent mental distress. 12.1% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). 51.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Kit Carson vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 29.1% |
| 9% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.8% |
| Heart Disease | 5.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.3% |
| Asthma | 11.7% |
| COPD | 6.3% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.3% |
| 2% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 19.6% |
| Depression | 24.7% |
| Mental Distress | 18.8% |
| Physical Distress | 13.5% |
| Short Sleep | 33.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| Uninsured | 12.1% |
| 41% above US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 69.0% |
| Dental Visits | 60.4% |
| Premature Death | 12,534/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 51.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 4 |
Kit Carson has a violent crime rate of 329 per 100,000 residents, 13% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,825 per 100,000, 7% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Kit Carson receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Kit Carson vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 329.5/100K |
| 13% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,824.6/100K |
| 7% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Traffic Accidents | 95 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.8 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Kit Carson experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 51°F (11°C). Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. The area gets 330 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 15.4 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 15.9 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 4,287 feet.
Temperature
29°F Jan (-2°C)
76°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 50.9°F |
| 6% below US avg |
| January Average | 29°F (-2°C) |
| July Average | 76°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 330 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 4,287 ft (1,307 m) |
| Area | 0.6 sq mi (1.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 356/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 38.7628°N, 102.7955°W |
| Timezone | America/Denver |
| County | Cheyenne County County |
| Nearest Airport | Southeast Colorado Regional (LAA)
48 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
15.4"
59% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
2.64"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 3.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 18.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 19.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
6 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.9. Most recent: M2.5 on Aug 7, 2021.
| Aug 17, 2009 |
8 km E of Eads, Colorado |
M3.9 |
34 km |
| Jan 2, 1998 |
21 km SE of La Junta, Colorado |
M3.4 |
117 km |
| Jul 15, 2014 |
23 km NNE of Haswell, Colorado |
M3.0 |
25 km |
| Jan 10, 2003 |
14 km NE of Wiley, Colorado |
M2.9 |
58 km |
| Aug 7, 2021 |
23 km NE of Sugar City, Colorado |
M2.5 |
74 km |
| Aug 6, 2016 |
13 km NNE of Wiley, Colorado |
M2.5 |
56 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
585 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 55 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 29, 2001 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1999 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1990 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| May 19, 1982 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Oct 17, 1971 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| Jul 20, 1958 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2015 |
EF2 |
86 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 2012 |
EF2 |
86 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 2012 |
EF2 |
83 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 2012 |
EF2 |
72 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 2012 |
EF2 |
41 km |
0 |
| Oct 31, 2000 |
EF2 |
70 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1999 |
EF2 |
89 km |
0 |
| Oct 5, 1994 |
EF2 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 1993 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1988 |
EF2 |
61 km |
0 |
| May 18, 1982 |
EF2 |
44 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1979 |
EF2 |
35 km |
0 |
| Apr 13, 1977 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: FT. LYONS (12,310 ac, 2011).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2011 |
FT. LYONS |
12,310 |
81 km |
| 2018 |
HWY 94 |
7,480 |
56 km |
| 2011 |
KARVAL |
5,322 |
71 km |
| 2022 |
SHERIDAN LAKE |
5,310 |
47 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
4,928 |
75 km |
| 2023 |
GAGEBY CREEK |
4,867 |
79 km |
| 2022 |
FORT LYONS |
2,647 |
83 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
2,535 |
81 km |
| 2003 |
UNNAMED |
2,530 |
25 km |
| 2022 |
FF |
2,463 |
43 km |
| 2016 |
PUMKIN CENTER |
2,451 |
79 km |
| 2022 |
HASWELL |
2,101 |
59 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
2,039 |
58 km |
| 2023 |
MANVEL |
2,038 |
80 km |
| 2022 |
BENTS FORT |
1,704 |
96 km |
| 2019 |
BLACK BRIDGE |
1,689 |
84 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
1,623 |
98 km |
| 2021 |
FT. LYONS |
1,541 |
80 km |
| 2020 |
BENT FORT |
1,437 |
94 km |
| 2020 |
COUNTY RD T |
1,371 |
29 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
29°F (-2°C) |
0.2 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
33°F (0°C) |
0.3 in |
|
| March |
41°F (5°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| April |
49°F (10°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
2.6 in |
Wettest |
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| July |
76°F (24°C) |
2.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
74°F (23°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| November |
38°F (3°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| December |
29°F (-2°C) |
0.3 in |
|
Kit Carson has a seasonal temperature swing of 47°F / from 29°F in January to 76°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 14.4 inches, with May being the wettest month (2.6") and January the driest (0.2").
Average costs for common services in Kit Carson. 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 | $450 |
| Toddler | $549 |
| Preschool | $1,611 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $643 |
| Toddler | $642 |
| Preschool | $642 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Kit Carson
What is the population of Kit Carson?
Kit Carson has a population of 210 residents and is located in Colorado. The population density is 356 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 42.0 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 46.7% female and 53.3% male.
Is Kit Carson expensive to live in?
Kit Carson 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 $57,273, 24% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $153,100 (46% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $621 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Kit Carson safe?
Kit Carson is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 329 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,825 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Kit Carson receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Kit Carson?
Kit Carson has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 51°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 29°F in January, while summers reach an average of 76°F in July. The area receives 330 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 15.4 inches, with 15.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Kit Carson?
The job market in Kit Carson is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.2% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,106. There are 103 business establishments in the area, including 3 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 20 minutes, and 1.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Kit Carson?
The median home value in Kit Carson is $153,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $160,007. For renters, the median monthly rent is $621. Fair market rent is $833 for a 1-bedroom and $1,093 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 73.0%.
How are the schools in Kit Carson?
Schools in Kit Carson score 5.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 23.8% of adults in Kit Carson hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.7% have completed high school. 15.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Kit Carson?
The obesity rate in Kit Carson is 29.1% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 14.3% of adults are smokers. 19.6% are physically inactive. 24.7% of residents report depression. 12.1% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 51.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What is transportation like in Kit Carson?
The average commute in Kit Carson is 20 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 92.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 1.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Kit Carson?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Kit Carson is 85.7% White, 4.3% Black or African American, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 15.6% of the population are military veterans. 5.0% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
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