Median Income
$117,188
56% higher than US avg
Home Value
$370,000
31% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
216/100K
43% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
45.0%
34% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
23.6%
26% lower than US avg
Unemployment
20.0%
456% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Matheson Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population20
Median Age72.3 yrs
Density12/mi²
Male / Female40% / 60%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans20.0%
Economy
B+
Median Income$117,188
Per Capita$154,595
Unemployment20.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$188M
Housing
A+
Home Value$370,000
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$332,455
Housing Units20
Rent Burden25.6%
Crime
F
Violent216/100K
Property378/100K
Health
Obesity23.6%
Uninsured7.7%
Smoking12.5%
Depression23.4%
Heart Disease4.7%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Sunny Days297/yr
Elevation5,840 ft (1,780 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+45.0%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+8.3%
School Score5.73
Community
2024 VoteR 87% / D 12%
Broadband17.0%
EV Stations6
Libraries1
Is Matheson a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Matheson receives an overall livability score of 3.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low crime rates, a highly educated population, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment. Matheson offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Matheson is $117,188, which is significantly higher than the national average / 56% above $75,149. This places Matheson among higher-income communities. At 20.0%, unemployment is notably high. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Matheson is $370,000, 31% above the national median. A price-to-income ratio of 3.2x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Matheson is below the national average at 216 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 378 per 100,000, 81% below the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 45.0% 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 5.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Matheson experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. With 297 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Matheson has a population of 20 with a density of 12 people per square mile, spread across 1.7 square miles. The median age is 72.3 years, 86% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 60% female and 40% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 20.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 17.9% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
72.3yrs
Median Age
86% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Matheson is $117,188, which is 56% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $154,595 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $834, 42% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 20.0% (above 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 154 business establishments, including 4 restaurants. The cost of living index is 103.1, roughly in line with the national average. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $117,188 |
| 56% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $154,595 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $834 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $59,494 |
| Gini Index | 0.429 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 20.0% |
| 456% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 154 |
| County GDP | $188M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 4 |
| Healthcare | 7 |
| Retail | 11 |
| Manufacturing | 4 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $1,200 |
| 66% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 103.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 0.32% |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 100.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Matheson is $370,000, 31% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $332,455, lower than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 91.8% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Fair market rent ranges from $1,161 for a one-bedroom to $1,429 for a two-bedroom apartment. 100.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 20 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $1,200 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 25.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.2x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $370,000 |
| 31% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $332,455 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| $/Sq Ft | $36 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 91.8% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 1 |
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 | 100.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 100.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 0.0% |
| Housing Units | 20 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $1,200 |
| 66% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 0.32% |
In Matheson, 23.6% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 7.3% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.7% of residents, below the national average. 24.8% have high blood pressure. 12.5% are current smokers. 16.1% report binge drinking. 16.5% are physically inactive, below the national average. 23.4% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.2% experience frequent mental distress. 7.7% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,620. The dentist ratio is 1:2,406. 42.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Matheson vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 23.6% |
| 26% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 7.3% |
| Heart Disease | 4.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 24.8% |
| Asthma | 11.5% |
| COPD | 6.0% |
| Cancer | 7.7% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 12.5% |
| 11% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 16.5% |
| Depression | 23.4% |
| Mental Distress | 17.2% |
| Physical Distress | 12.2% |
| Short Sleep | 29.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| Uninsured | 7.7% |
| 10% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,620 |
| Dentists | 1:2,406 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,618 |
| Checkup Rate | 64.7% |
| Dental Visits | 55.2% |
| Premature Death | 11,152/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 42.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 7 |
Matheson has a violent crime rate of 216 per 100,000 residents, 43% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 378 per 100,000, 81% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 6 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Matheson receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Matheson vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 216.2/100K |
| 43% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 378.4/100K |
| 81% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 6 |
| Traffic Accidents | 7 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.3 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Matheson experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. The area gets 297 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 5,840 feet, a high-altitude location.
Temperature
29°F Jan (-2°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 48.3°F |
| 11% below US avg |
| January Average | 29°F (-2°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 297 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 5,840 ft (1,780 m) |
| Area | 1.7 sq mi (4.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 12/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.1683°N, 103.9770°W |
| Timezone | America/Denver |
| County | Washington County County |
| Nearest Airport | Denver International (DEN) 61 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Wettest Month (Jul)
2.60"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 12.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 64.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 44.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
16 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.0. Most recent: M2.7 on Jun 13, 2025.
| Dec 25, 1994 |
9 km NE of Larkspur, Colorado |
M4.0 |
73 km |
| Aug 17, 2009 |
8 km E of Eads, Colorado |
M3.9 |
136 km |
| Dec 23, 1995 |
7 km WNW of Rock Creek Park, Colorado |
M3.5 |
95 km |
| Jan 18, 1997 |
8 km SE of Westcreek, Colorado |
M3.3 |
97 km |
| Jul 22, 2001 |
6 km WNW of Woodland Park, Colorado |
M3.1 |
101 km |
| Jul 15, 2014 |
23 km NNE of Haswell, Colorado |
M3.0 |
101 km |
| Feb 26, 2008 |
29 km WNW of Westcreek, Colorado |
M2.9 |
129 km |
| Jan 19, 1997 |
8 km SE of Westcreek, Colorado |
M2.9 |
97 km |
| Aug 24, 2016 |
16 km ENE of Beulah Valley, Colorado |
M2.9 |
134 km |
| Dec 31, 1995 |
6 km WNW of Rock Creek Park, Colorado |
M2.8 |
95 km |
| Jan 19, 1997 |
8 km SE of Westcreek, Colorado |
M2.7 |
97 km |
| Apr 18, 1998 |
8 km SE of Westcreek, Colorado |
M2.7 |
97 km |
| Jun 13, 2025 |
7 km SE of Erie, Colorado |
M2.7 |
127 km |
| Jun 26, 2021 |
19 km WNW of Cañon City, Colorado |
M2.5 |
146 km |
| Jun 23, 2014 |
6 km NNE of Kersey, Colorado |
M2.5 |
150 km |
| Aug 7, 2021 |
23 km NE of Sugar City, Colorado |
M2.5 |
95 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
738 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 52 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 31, 1999 |
EF3 |
40 km |
0 |
| Jul 21, 1993 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1990 |
EF3 |
24 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1990 |
EF3 |
9 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 1982 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 1979 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 1977 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| May 18, 1975 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2015 |
EF2 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 2012 |
EF2 |
20 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 2009 |
EF2 |
57 km |
0 |
| May 10, 2004 |
EF2 |
15 km |
0 |
| May 28, 2001 |
EF2 |
53 km |
0 |
| May 28, 2001 |
EF2 |
52 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1999 |
EF2 |
42 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 1996 |
EF2 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1990 |
EF2 |
39 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1987 |
EF2 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1986 |
EF2 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 1985 |
EF2 |
87 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (25,771 ac, 1986).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1986 |
UNNAMED |
25,771 |
86 km |
| 2012 |
WALDO CANYON |
20,112 |
87 km |
| 2016 |
IMPACT AREA |
19,918 |
94 km |
| 1998 |
UNNAMED |
18,218 |
95 km |
| 2012 |
LAST CHANCE |
17,958 |
75 km |
| 2013 |
BLACK FOREST |
11,885 |
63 km |
| 2008 |
TA-25 |
8,253 |
98 km |
| 2024 |
RANGE 135 |
7,766 |
94 km |
| 2018 |
HWY 94 |
7,480 |
61 km |
| 2002 |
MILNE/SQUIRREL |
6,568 |
69 km |
| 2011 |
KARVAL |
5,322 |
60 km |
| 2009 |
QUARRY |
5,141 |
89 km |
| 2017 |
MILNE |
5,113 |
65 km |
| 2018 |
EDISON |
5,109 |
69 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
4,928 |
47 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
4,911 |
60 km |
| 2002 |
HANOVER |
4,903 |
85 km |
| 2018 |
CARSON MIDWAY |
4,773 |
96 km |
| 1997 |
UNNAMED |
4,380 |
84 km |
| 1997 |
UNNAMED |
3,728 |
82 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
29°F (-2°C) |
0.3 in |
|
| February |
30°F (-1°C) |
0.3 in |
Driest |
| March |
37°F (3°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| May |
54°F (12°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| June |
65°F (18°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
2.6 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
69°F (20°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| October |
49°F (9°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| November |
36°F (2°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| December |
27°F (-3°C) |
0.3 in |
Coldest |
Matheson has a seasonal temperature swing of 44°F / from 27°F in December to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 14.2 inches, with July being the wettest month (2.6") and February the driest (0.3").
Average costs for common services in Matheson. 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 | $807 |
| Toddler | $1,307 |
| Preschool | $1,276 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $814 |
| Toddler | $751 |
| Preschool | $751 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Matheson
What is the population of Matheson?
Matheson has a population of 20 residents and is located in Colorado. The population density is 12 people per square mile, spread across 1.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 72.3 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 60% female and 40% male.
Is Matheson expensive to live in?
Matheson 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 $117,188, 56% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $370,000 (31% above the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 3.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Matheson safe?
Matheson is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 216 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 378 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Matheson receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Matheson?
Matheson has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 29°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. The area receives 297 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Matheson?
The job market in Matheson faces challenges, with unemployment at 20.0% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $834. There are 154 business establishments in the area, including 4 restaurants and food service locations.
How much does housing cost in Matheson?
The median home value in Matheson is $370,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $332,455. The homeownership rate is 100.0%. The average annual property tax is $1,200.
How are the schools in Matheson?
Schools in Matheson score 5.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 45.0% of adults in Matheson hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 8.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Matheson?
The obesity rate in Matheson is 23.6% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 12.5% of adults are smokers. 16.5% are physically inactive. 23.4% of residents report depression. 7.7% lack health insurance. 42.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,620.
What are the demographics of Matheson?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Matheson is 100% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 20.0% of the population are military veterans. 17.9% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.