Median Income
$54,253
28% lower than US avg
Home Value
$180,700
36% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
504/100K
33% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
18.0%
47% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$709
39% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.4%
10% higher than US avg
Unemployment
5.3%
47% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
18.8%
52% higher than US avg
How La Junta Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population7,211
Median Age39.6 yrs
Density2,253/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 70%
Veterans10.9%
Economy
C+
Median Income$54,253
Per Capita$29,827
Unemployment5.3%
Poverty18.8%
County GDP$739M
Commute23 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$180,700
Rent$709
Ownership65.2%
Zillow$163,680
Housing Units3,386
Rent Burden29.0%
Crime
F
Violent504/100K
Property7,015/100K
Health
Obesity35.4%
Uninsured5.5%
Smoking16.0%
Depression23.5%
Heart Disease6.3%
Climate
Avg Temp55°F (13°C)
Rain11.3 in/yr
Elevation4,124 ft (1,257 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+18.0%
High School+83.9%
Graduate+8.5%
School Score5.11
Community
2024 VoteR 62% / D 35%
Commute23 min
Broadband89.0%
EV Stations8
Libraries4
Is La Junta a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, La Junta receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate. La Junta has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in La Junta is $54,253, 28% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 5.3% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. The poverty rate of 18.8% 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 La Junta is $180,700, 36% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $709 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.3x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 504 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 7,015 per 100,000, 258% above the national average.
Education
18.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 83.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.1/10.
Climate & Weather
La Junta experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 55°F. Winters average 32°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 11.3 inches, including 33.8 inches of snow.
La Junta has a population of 7,211 with a density of 2,253 people per square mile, spread across 3.0 square miles. The median age is 39.6 years, 2% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.3% female and 49.7% male. The city is predominantly White (69.9%), with 44.1% Hispanic, 1.2% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 83.7% of residents, while 16.3% speak Spanish. 10.9% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 16.8% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 94.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
7,211
Total Population
2023 Census
39.6yrs
Median Age
2% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
83.7%
7% above US avg
Spanish
16.3%
22% above US avg
The median household income in La Junta is $54,253, which is 28% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $29,827 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $892, 38% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 5.3% (above the 3.6% US average). 18.8% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 512 business establishments, including 48 restaurants. The cost of living index is 103.1, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 5.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $54,253 |
| 28% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $29,827 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $892 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $47,834 |
| Gini Index | 0.427 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 5.3% |
| 47% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 18.8% |
| 52% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 512 |
| County GDP | $739M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 48 |
| Healthcare | 51 |
| Retail | 61 |
| Manufacturing | 14 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $1,533 |
| 56% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 103.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 0.85% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 78.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.5% |
The median home value in La Junta is $180,700, 36% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $163,680. Monthly rent averages $709 (39% 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. 65.2% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 3,386 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1961. The average annual property tax is $1,533 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 29.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.3x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $180,700 |
| 36% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $163,680 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $709 |
| 39% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 29.0% |
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 | 65.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 65.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 34.8% |
| Housing Units | 3,386 |
| Median Year Built | 1961 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $1,533 |
| 56% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 0.85% |
In La Junta, 35.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 12.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.3% of residents. 30.1% have high blood pressure. 16.0% are current smokers. 17.4% report binge drinking. 27.2% are physically inactive. 23.5% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.2% experience frequent mental distress. 5.5% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,430. The dentist ratio is 1:3,051. 76.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: La Junta vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.4% |
| 10% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.1% |
| Heart Disease | 6.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.1% |
| Asthma | 11.6% |
| COPD | 7.2% |
| Cancer | 6.3% |
| Stroke | 3.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.0% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.2% |
| Depression | 23.5% |
| Mental Distress | 19.2% |
| Physical Distress | 16.2% |
| Short Sleep | 36.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.5% |
| Uninsured | 5.5% |
| 36% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,430 |
| Dentists | 1:3,051 |
| Mental Health | 1:227 |
| Checkup Rate | 68.8% |
| Dental Visits | 51.2% |
| Premature Death | 13,766/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 76.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 51 |
La Junta has a violent crime rate of 504 per 100,000 residents, 33% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 7,015 per 100,000, 258% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, La Junta receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: La Junta vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 504.2/100K |
| 33% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 7,015.3/100K |
| 258% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Traffic Accidents | 82 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.6 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
La Junta experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winters average 32°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 11.3 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 33.8 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 4,124 feet.
Temperature
32°F Jan (0°C)
79°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 54.8°F |
| 1% above US avg |
| January Average | 32°F (0°C) |
| July Average | 79°F (26°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 4,124 ft (1,257 m) |
| Area | 3.0 sq mi (7.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 2,253/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.9794°N, 103.5473°W |
| Timezone | America/Denver |
| County | Otero County County |
| Nearest Airport | Southeast Colorado Regional (LAA)
47 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
11.3"
70% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
2.21"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 50.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 79.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 28.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| 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
116 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.3. Most recent: M2.7 on Oct 15, 2024.
| Aug 23, 2011 |
6 km S of Valdez, Colorado |
M5.3 |
144 km |
| Aug 22, 2011 |
9 km SSW of Starkville, Colorado |
M4.7 |
138 km |
| Sep 5, 2001 |
0 km SE of Cokedale, Colorado |
M4.5 |
133 km |
| Mar 10, 2023 |
6 km NNE of Segundo, Colorado |
M4.3 |
138 km |
| Jun 19, 2023 |
Colorado |
M4.1 |
111 km |
| Aug 23, 2011 |
7 km S of Valdez, Colorado |
M4.0 |
144 km |
| Sep 4, 2001 |
2 km W of Cokedale, Colorado |
M4.0 |
135 km |
| Mar 10, 2023 |
5 km N of Sequndo, Colorado |
M3.9 |
138 km |
| Aug 17, 2009 |
8 km E of Eads, Colorado |
M3.9 |
93 km |
| Aug 1, 1996 |
17 km NE of Hoehne, Colorado |
M3.8 |
89 km |
| Mar 19, 2023 |
4 km WNW of Hoehne, Colorado |
M3.8 |
109 km |
| May 11, 2011 |
4 km SE of Valdez, Colorado |
M3.8 |
139 km |
| Sep 5, 2001 |
3 km SSE of Cokedale, Colorado |
M3.7 |
135 km |
| Jan 22, 2014 |
9 km NNW of Cokedale, Colorado |
M3.6 |
128 km |
| Sep 6, 2001 |
3 km S of Cokedale, Colorado |
M3.6 |
136 km |
| Sep 10, 2023 |
8 km NNW of Segundo, Colorado |
M3.6 |
139 km |
| Feb 25, 2018 |
12 km NNE of Weston, Colorado |
M3.5 |
139 km |
| Sep 1, 2019 |
16 km NNW of Weston, Colorado |
M3.5 |
145 km |
| Aug 23, 2011 |
4 km S of Cokedale, Colorado |
M3.5 |
137 km |
| Sep 6, 2001 |
3 km E of Cokedale, Colorado |
M3.5 |
131 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
255 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 19 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 29, 2001 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Oct 17, 1971 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| Oct 20, 1953 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 2012 |
EF2 |
70 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 2012 |
EF2 |
74 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 2012 |
EF2 |
83 km |
0 |
| May 31, 2010 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 2004 |
EF2 |
54 km |
0 |
| May 15, 2003 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| Aug 21, 1984 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 18, 1982 |
EF2 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jul 10, 1978 |
EF2 |
74 km |
0 |
| Apr 13, 1977 |
EF2 |
30 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1975 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
| May 22, 1975 |
EF2 |
25 km |
0 |
| May 12, 1975 |
EF2 |
77 km |
0 |
| May 23, 1965 |
EF2 |
67 km |
0 |
| May 23, 1965 |
EF2 |
43 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 1962 |
EF2 |
33 km |
0 |
| Jul 12, 1956 |
EF2 |
29 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BRIDGER (46,612 ac, 2008).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2008 |
BRIDGER |
46,612 |
50 km |
| 2011 |
BEAR SPRINGS CALLIE MARIE |
36,863 |
55 km |
| 1986 |
UNNAMED |
25,771 |
86 km |
| 2011 |
SHELL COMPLEX |
14,158 |
57 km |
| 2011 |
FT. LYONS |
12,310 |
43 km |
| 2020 |
CHERRY CANYON |
11,823 |
63 km |
| 1996 |
CANYON |
10,233 |
40 km |
| 2011 |
CALLIE MARIE |
9,393 |
45 km |
| 2018 |
HWY 94 |
7,480 |
93 km |
| 2011 |
PURGATOIRE FIRE |
6,233 |
94 km |
| 2011 |
SALT |
6,078 |
24 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
5,555 |
43 km |
| 2008 |
ORDWAY CROWLEY CO |
5,339 |
34 km |
| 2011 |
KARVAL |
5,322 |
81 km |
| 2018 |
TRINCHERA CREEK |
5,173 |
91 km |
| 2018 |
EDISON |
5,109 |
74 km |
| 2023 |
GAGEBY CREEK |
4,867 |
43 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
4,505 |
98 km |
| 1997 |
UNNAMED |
3,728 |
89 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
3,529 |
80 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
32°F (0°C) |
0.2 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
36°F (2°C) |
0.3 in |
|
| March |
46°F (8°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| April |
53°F (12°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| May |
63°F (17°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| June |
74°F (23°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| July |
79°F (26°C) |
2.2 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
77°F (25°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| September |
69°F (20°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| October |
55°F (13°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| November |
42°F (5°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| December |
32°F (0°C) |
0.3 in |
|
La Junta has a seasonal temperature swing of 47°F / from 32°F in January to 79°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 11.3 inches, with July being the wettest month (2.2") and January the driest (0.2").
Average costs for common services in La Junta. 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 | $496 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $396 |
| Toddler | $388 |
| Preschool | $388 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About La Junta
What is the population of La Junta?
La Junta has a population of 7,211 residents and is located in Colorado. The population density is 2,253 people per square mile, spread across 3.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 39.6 years. The population is 50.3% female and 49.7% male.
Is La Junta expensive to live in?
La Junta 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 $54,253, 28% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $180,700 (36% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $709 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is La Junta safe?
The violent crime rate in La Junta is 504 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 7,015 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, La Junta receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in La Junta?
La Junta has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winter temperatures average 32°F in January, while summers reach an average of 79°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 11.3 inches, with 33.8 inches of snow.
How is the job market in La Junta?
The unemployment rate in La Junta is 5.3%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $892. There are 512 business establishments in the area, including 48 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 23 minutes, and 5.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in La Junta?
The median home value in La Junta is $180,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $163,680. For renters, the median monthly rent is $709. Fair market rent is $1,161 for a 1-bedroom and $1,429 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 65.2%. The average annual property tax is $1,533.
How are the schools in La Junta?
Schools in La Junta score 5.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 18.0% of adults in La Junta hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 83.9% have completed high school. 8.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is La Junta?
The obesity rate in La Junta is 35.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.0% of adults are smokers. 27.2% are physically inactive. 23.5% of residents report depression. 5.5% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 76.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,430.
What is transportation like in La Junta?
The average commute in La Junta is 23 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 78.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of La Junta?
The racial and ethnic makeup of La Junta is 69.9% White, 1.2% Black or African American, 44.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Asian. 83.7% of residents speak only English at home, while 16.3% speak Spanish. 10.9% of the population are military veterans. 16.8% of residents have a disability. 94.5% have health insurance coverage.