Median Income
$50,975
32% lower than US avg
Home Value
$365,300
30% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
517/100K
36% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
37.1%
10% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
25.6%
20% lower than US avg
Unemployment
2.0%
44% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
9.5%
23% lower than US avg
How La Veta Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population751
Median Age68.4 yrs
Density548/mi²
Male / Female42% / 58%
Largest GroupWhite 98%
Veterans18.5%
Economy
B+
Median Income$50,975
Per Capita$29,702
Unemployment2.0%
Poverty9.5%
County GDP$126M
Commute12 min
Housing
C+
Home Value$365,300
Ownership79.6%
Zillow$359,936
Housing Units604
Rent Burden41.8%
Crime
F
Violent517/100K
Property3,379/100K
Health
Obesity25.6%
Uninsured8.7%
Smoking11.7%
Depression24.0%
Heart Disease4.8%
Climate
Avg Temp46°F (8°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain13.6 in/yr
Sunny Days330/yr
Elevation7,022 ft (2,140 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+37.1%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+19.8%
School Score4.23
Community
2024 VoteR 41% / D 56%
Commute12 min
Broadband62.1%
EV Stations1
Libraries2
Is La Veta a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, La Veta receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, a highly educated population, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, below-average incomes. La Veta has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in La Veta is $50,975, 32% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.0%. 9.5% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 12 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in La Veta is $365,300, 30% above the national median. With a home price-to-income ratio of 7.2x, housing affordability is a significant challenge for many families.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 517 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,379 per 100,000, 72% above the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 37.1% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 100.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.2/10.
Climate & Weather
La Veta experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 46°F. Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 66°F in July. With 330 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 13.6 inches, including 51.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
La Veta has a population of 751 with a density of 548 people per square mile, spread across 1.4 square miles. The median age is 68.4 years, 76% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 58.2% female and 41.8% male. The city is predominantly White (98%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.5% of residents. 18.5% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 15.9% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 97.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
68.4yrs
Median Age
76% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.5%
25% above US avg
Spanish
1.5%
89% below US avg
The median household income in La Veta is $50,975, which is 32% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $29,702 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $781, 45% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 9.5% of residents live below the poverty line, lower 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 12 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 25.4% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $50,975 |
| 32% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $29,702 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $781 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $41,455 |
| Gini Index | 0.503 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.0% |
| 44% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 9.5% |
| 23% below 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 | 12.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 72.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 25.4% |
The median home value in La Veta is $365,300, 30% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $359,936. Fair market rent ranges from $1,161 for a one-bedroom to $1,429 for a two-bedroom apartment. 79.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 604 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1972. 41.8% 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 7.2x, making homeownership a significant financial stretch for most families.
Home Values
| Census Median | $365,300 |
| 30% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $359,936 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
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 | 79.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 79.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 20.4% |
| Housing Units | 604 |
| Median Year Built | 1972 |
Property Tax
In La Veta, 25.6% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 7.6% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.8% of residents, below the national average. 25.6% have high blood pressure. 11.7% are current smokers. 19.9% report binge drinking. 16.2% are physically inactive, below the national average. 24.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.3% experience frequent mental distress. 8.7% 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: La Veta vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 25.6% |
| 20% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 7.6% |
| Heart Disease | 4.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 25.6% |
| Asthma | 11.3% |
| COPD | 5.2% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 11.7% |
| 16% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 16.2% |
| Depression | 24.0% |
| Mental Distress | 17.3% |
| Physical Distress | 11.7% |
| Short Sleep | 30.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.8% |
| Uninsured | 8.7% |
| 1% above US avg |
| Mental Health | 1:3,628 |
| Checkup Rate | 69.7% |
| Dental Visits | 65.6% |
| Premature Death | 20,239/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 1.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 41.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 6 |
La Veta has a violent crime rate of 517 per 100,000 residents, 36% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,379 per 100,000, 72% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, La Veta receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: La Veta vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 517.2/100K |
| 36% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,379.3/100K |
| 72% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Traffic Accidents | 42 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.6 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
La Veta experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 66°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 13.6 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 51.2 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 7,022 feet, a high-altitude location.
Temperature
29°F Jan (-2°C)
66°F Jul (19°C)
| Annual Average | 45.9°F |
| 15% below US avg |
| January Average | 29°F (-2°C) |
| July Average | 66°F (19°C) |
| Sunny Days | 330 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 7,022 ft (2,140 m) |
| Area | 1.4 sq mi (3.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 548/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.5086°N, 105.0085°W |
| Timezone | America/Denver |
| County | Costilla County County |
| Nearest Airport | San Luis Valley Regional/Bergman Field (ALS)
47 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
13.6"
64% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
2.56"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
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
340 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 |
57 km |
| Aug 10, 2005 |
20 km S of Weston, Colorado |
M5.0 |
64 km |
| Aug 22, 2011 |
9 km SSW of Starkville, Colorado |
M4.7 |
67 km |
| Sep 5, 2001 |
0 km SE of Cokedale, Colorado |
M4.5 |
53 km |
| Mar 22, 2004 |
30 km S of Weston, Colorado |
M4.4 |
74 km |
| Jan 3, 2007 |
8 km SSW of Weston, Colorado |
M4.4 |
50 km |
| Mar 10, 2023 |
6 km NNE of Segundo, Colorado |
M4.3 |
44 km |
| Aug 1, 2004 |
31 km S of Stonewall Gap, Colorado |
M4.3 |
71 km |
| Jul 29, 2009 |
32 km NNE of Cimarron, New Mexico |
M4.1 |
81 km |
| Jun 19, 2023 |
Colorado |
M4.1 |
52 km |
| Aug 10, 2005 |
20 km SSW of Segundo, Colorado |
M4.1 |
64 km |
| Aug 26, 2023 |
19 km SSW of Weston, Colorado |
M4.0 |
60 km |
| Sep 13, 2011 |
20 km S of Sequndo, Colorado |
M4.0 |
68 km |
| Aug 23, 2011 |
7 km S of Valdez, Colorado |
M4.0 |
58 km |
| Feb 6, 2016 |
Colorado |
M4.0 |
47 km |
| Sep 4, 2001 |
2 km W of Cokedale, Colorado |
M4.0 |
52 km |
| Mar 10, 2023 |
5 km N of Sequndo, Colorado |
M3.9 |
45 km |
| Aug 20, 2015 |
7 km WSW of Weston, Colorado |
M3.9 |
46 km |
| Sep 16, 2011 |
26 km S of Sequndo, Colorado |
M3.9 |
73 km |
| Aug 23, 2016 |
18 km SSW of Weston, CO |
M3.9 |
58 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
82 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 3 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 31, 1955 |
EF3 |
38 km |
0 |
| Aug 21, 1984 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jul 10, 1978 |
EF2 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 1960 |
EF2 |
71 km |
0 |
| Jul 10, 1955 |
EF2 |
76 km |
0 |
| May 8, 2017 |
EF1 |
44 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 2014 |
EF1 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 2014 |
EF1 |
82 km |
0 |
| Aug 16, 2008 |
EF1 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jul 9, 2006 |
EF1 |
94 km |
0 |
| Mar 19, 1995 |
EF1 |
77 km |
0 |
| May 25, 1993 |
EF1 |
4 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 1983 |
EF1 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jun 10, 1983 |
EF1 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jun 10, 1983 |
EF1 |
25 km |
0 |
| Sep 13, 1982 |
EF1 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1982 |
EF1 |
94 km |
0 |
| Aug 6, 1981 |
EF1 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1980 |
EF1 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1980 |
EF1 |
96 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 |
13 km |
| 2002 |
PONIL COMPLEX |
89,084 |
92 km |
| 2011 |
BEAR SPRINGS CALLIE MARIE |
36,863 |
99 km |
| 2011 |
TRACK |
28,893 |
79 km |
| 2002 |
SPRING |
24,044 |
56 km |
| 2016 |
JUNKINS |
19,023 |
71 km |
| 2006 |
MATO VEGA |
13,126 |
26 km |
| 2005 |
MASON |
11,630 |
72 km |
| 2013 |
EAST PEAK |
10,082 |
15 km |
| 2002 |
JAMES AND JOHN |
7,190 |
73 km |
| 2011 |
BEAR |
6,585 |
86 km |
| 2011 |
PURGATOIRE FIRE |
6,233 |
92 km |
| 2021 |
HART CANYON RX FY22 |
5,781 |
82 km |
| 2016 |
BEULAH HILL |
5,769 |
63 km |
| 2018 |
LOOP ROAD RX |
5,688 |
85 km |
| 2008 |
WEST FORK |
5,436 |
73 km |
| 2010 |
MEDANO |
4,887 |
52 km |
| 1998 |
BEARD |
4,553 |
92 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
4,505 |
86 km |
| 2010 |
H12 |
4,393 |
62 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
29°F (-2°C) |
0.4 in |
Driest |
| February |
28°F (-2°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
34°F (1°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| April |
41°F (5°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| May |
50°F (10°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| June |
59°F (15°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| July |
66°F (19°C) |
2.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
62°F (17°C) |
2.6 in |
Wettest |
| September |
56°F (13°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| October |
46°F (8°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| November |
34°F (1°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| December |
26°F (-3°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest |
La Veta has a seasonal temperature swing of 40°F / from 26°F in December to 66°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 14.5 inches, with August being the wettest month (2.6") and January the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in La Veta. 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 La Veta
What is the population of La Veta?
La Veta has a population of 751 residents and is located in Colorado. The population density is 548 people per square mile, spread across 1.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 68.4 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 58.2% female and 41.8% male.
Is La Veta expensive to live in?
La Veta 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 $50,975, 32% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $365,300 (30% above the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 7.2x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.
Is La Veta safe?
The violent crime rate in La Veta is 517 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 3,379 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, La Veta receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in La Veta?
La Veta has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 29°F in January, while summers reach an average of 66°F in July. The area receives 330 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 13.6 inches, with 51.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in La Veta?
The job market in La Veta is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.0% / well below the national rate 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 12 minutes, and 25.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in La Veta?
The median home value in La Veta is $365,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $359,936. The homeownership rate is 79.6%.
How are the schools in La Veta?
Schools in La Veta have an average test score of 4.2 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 37.1% of adults in La Veta hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 19.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is La Veta?
The obesity rate in La Veta is 25.6% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 11.7% of adults are smokers. 16.2% are physically inactive. 24.0% of residents report depression. 8.7% lack health insurance. 41.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What is transportation like in La Veta?
The average commute in La Veta is 12 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 72.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 25.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of La Veta?
The racial and ethnic makeup of La Veta is 98% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino. 98.5% of residents speak only English at home. 18.5% of the population are military veterans. 15.9% of residents have a disability. 97.8% have health insurance coverage.
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