Median Income
$30,481
59% lower than US avg
Home Value
$137,500
51% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
517/100K
36% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
8.1%
76% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$700
40% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
33.0%
3% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.1%
42% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
35.8%
189% higher than US avg
How San Luis Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population582
Median Age38.7 yrs
Density1,021/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 46%
Veterans4.9%
Economy
C
Median Income$30,481
Per Capita$21,347
Unemployment2.1%
Poverty35.8%
County GDP$126M
Commute21 min
Housing
A
Home Value$137,500
Rent$700
Ownership48.5%
Zillow$130,241
Housing Units379
Rent Burden26.3%
Crime
F
Violent517/100K
Property3,379/100K
Health
Obesity33.0%
Uninsured25.6%
Smoking12.5%
Depression19.6%
Heart Disease6.1%
Climate
Avg Temp44°F (7°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain9.0 in/yr
Sunny Days330/yr
Elevation7,988 ft (2,435 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+8.1%
High School+84.3%
Graduate+0.2%
School Score4.23
Community
2024 VoteR 41% / D 56%
Commute21 min
Broadband78.0%
EV Stations2
Libraries2
Is San Luis a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, San Luis receives an overall livability score of 2.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate. San Luis has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in San Luis is $30,481, 59% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.1%. The poverty rate of 35.8% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in San Luis is $137,500, 51% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $700 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 4.5x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
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
8.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 84.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.2/10.
Climate & Weather
San Luis 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. With 330 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 9.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
San Luis has a population of 582 with a density of 1,021 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age is 38.7 years, 1% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.7% female and 49.3% male. The city is predominantly White (46.2%), with 7% Hispanic, 1.5% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 54.2% of residents, while 45.8% speak Spanish. 4.9% of the population are veterans. 23.6% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 89.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
38.7yrs
Median Age
1% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
54.2%
31% below US avg
Spanish
45.8%
242% above US avg
The median household income in San Luis is $30,481, which is 59% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $21,347 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $781, 45% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.1% (below the 3.6% US average). 35.8% of residents live below the poverty line, higher 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 21 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 2.6% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $30,481 |
| 59% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $21,347 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $781 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $41,455 |
| Gini Index | 0.503 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.1% |
| 42% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 35.8% |
| 189% above 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 | 21.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 61.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 2.6% |
The median home value in San Luis is $137,500, 51% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $130,241. Monthly rent averages $700 (40% 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. 48.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 379 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1970. 26.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.5x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $137,500 |
| 51% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $130,241 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $700 |
| 40% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 26.3% |
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 | 48.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 48.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 51.5% |
| Housing Units | 379 |
| Median Year Built | 1970 |
Property Tax
In San Luis, 33.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 13.8% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 6.1% of residents. 29.0% have high blood pressure. 12.5% are current smokers. 15.6% report binge drinking. 29.3% are physically inactive, above the national average. 19.6% report depression. 16.7% experience frequent mental distress. 25.6% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). 41.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 1.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: San Luis vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 33.0% |
| 3% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 13.8% |
| Heart Disease | 6.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.0% |
| Asthma | 10.0% |
| COPD | 5.0% |
| Cancer | 4.9% |
| Stroke | 3.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 12.5% |
| 11% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 15.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 29.3% |
| Depression | 19.6% |
| Mental Distress | 16.7% |
| Physical Distress | 15.4% |
| Short Sleep | 34.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 89.6% |
| Uninsured | 25.6% |
| 198% above US avg |
| Mental Health | 1:3,628 |
| Checkup Rate | 69.2% |
| Dental Visits | 52.7% |
| Premature Death | 20,239/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 1.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 41.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 6 |
San Luis 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, San Luis receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: San Luis 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 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
San Luis has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 65°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 9.0 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 7,988 feet, a high-altitude location.
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) |
| Sunny Days | 330 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 7,988 ft (2,435 m) |
| Area | 0.6 sq mi (1.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,021/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.2024°N, 105.4225°W |
| Timezone | America/Denver |
| County | Costilla County County |
| Nearest Airport | San Luis Valley Regional/Bergman Field (ALS)
29 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
9.0"
76% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
2.32"
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
343 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 |
66 km |
| Aug 10, 2005 |
20 km S of Weston, Colorado |
M5.0 |
60 km |
| Aug 22, 2011 |
9 km SSW of Starkville, Colorado |
M4.7 |
79 km |
| Sep 5, 2001 |
0 km SE of Cokedale, Colorado |
M4.5 |
72 km |
| Mar 22, 2004 |
30 km S of Weston, Colorado |
M4.4 |
64 km |
| Jan 3, 2007 |
8 km SSW of Weston, Colorado |
M4.4 |
49 km |
| Mar 10, 2023 |
6 km NNE of Segundo, Colorado |
M4.3 |
61 km |
| Aug 1, 2004 |
31 km S of Stonewall Gap, Colorado |
M4.3 |
46 km |
| Jul 29, 2009 |
32 km NNE of Cimarron, New Mexico |
M4.1 |
69 km |
| Aug 10, 2005 |
20 km SSW of Segundo, Colorado |
M4.1 |
60 km |
| Jun 19, 2023 |
Colorado |
M4.1 |
84 km |
| Aug 26, 2023 |
19 km SSW of Weston, Colorado |
M4.0 |
51 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 |
67 km |
| Feb 6, 2016 |
Colorado |
M4.0 |
43 km |
| Sep 4, 2001 |
2 km W of Cokedale, Colorado |
M4.0 |
69 km |
| Mar 10, 2023 |
5 km N of Sequndo, Colorado |
M3.9 |
62 km |
| Aug 23, 2016 |
18 km SSW of Weston, CO |
M3.9 |
49 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 |
70 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
60 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 40 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 31, 1955 |
EF3 |
25 km |
0 |
| Jul 25, 1996 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 1960 |
EF2 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jul 10, 1955 |
EF2 |
48 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 1953 |
EF2 |
61 km |
0 |
| May 8, 2017 |
EF1 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 2014 |
EF1 |
90 km |
0 |
| Aug 16, 2008 |
EF1 |
55 km |
0 |
| Mar 19, 1995 |
EF1 |
48 km |
0 |
| May 25, 1993 |
EF1 |
46 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 1983 |
EF1 |
58 km |
0 |
| Jun 10, 1983 |
EF1 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jun 10, 1983 |
EF1 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1982 |
EF1 |
66 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1980 |
EF1 |
22 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1965 |
EF1 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 1956 |
EF1 |
49 km |
0 |
| May 31, 2021 |
EF0 |
51 km |
0 |
| Sep 1, 2018 |
EF0 |
38 km |
0 |
| Aug 9, 2018 |
EF0 |
76 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 |
45 km |
| 2002 |
PONIL COMPLEX |
89,084 |
67 km |
| 2018 |
UTE PARK |
30,177 |
82 km |
| 2011 |
TRACK |
28,893 |
93 km |
| 2002 |
SPRING |
24,044 |
45 km |
| 2006 |
MATO VEGA |
13,126 |
48 km |
| 2013 |
EAST PEAK |
10,082 |
54 km |
| 1996 |
HONDO |
8,258 |
64 km |
| 2017 |
BONITA |
7,754 |
95 km |
| 2002 |
JAMES AND JOHN |
7,190 |
92 km |
| 2017 |
HONDITO |
6,949 |
85 km |
| 2021 |
HART CANYON RX FY22 |
5,781 |
58 km |
| 2018 |
LOOP ROAD RX |
5,688 |
55 km |
| 2008 |
WEST FORK |
5,436 |
64 km |
| 2003 |
ENCEBADO |
5,064 |
87 km |
| 2010 |
MEDANO |
4,887 |
68 km |
| 1998 |
BEARD |
4,553 |
66 km |
| 2010 |
H12 |
4,393 |
36 km |
| 2006 |
MAURICIO CANYON |
4,370 |
59 km |
| 2021 |
RING RX FY21 |
4,172 |
56 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
22°F (-6°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
25°F (-4°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
33°F (0°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| April |
40°F (4°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| May |
49°F (10°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| June |
59°F (15°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| July |
65°F (18°C) |
2.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
62°F (17°C) |
2.3 in |
Wettest |
| September |
55°F (13°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| October |
45°F (7°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| November |
32°F (-0°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| December |
22°F (-6°C) |
0.6 in |
|
San Luis has a seasonal temperature swing of 43°F / from 22°F in January to 65°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 13.4 inches, with August being the wettest month (2.3") and January the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in San Luis. 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 San Luis
What is the population of San Luis?
San Luis has a population of 582 residents and is located in Colorado. The population density is 1,021 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 38.7 years. The population is 50.7% female and 49.3% male.
Is San Luis expensive to live in?
San Luis 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 $30,481, 59% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $137,500 (51% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $700 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is San Luis safe?
The violent crime rate in San Luis 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, San Luis receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in San Luis?
San Luis has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 22°F in January, while summers reach an average of 65°F in July. The area receives 330 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 9.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in San Luis?
The job market in San Luis is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.1% / 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 21 minutes, and 2.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in San Luis?
The median home value in San Luis is $137,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $130,241. For renters, the median monthly rent is $700. Fair market rent is $1,161 for a 1-bedroom and $1,429 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 48.5%.
How are the schools in San Luis?
Schools in San Luis have an average test score of 4.2 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 8.1% of adults in San Luis hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 84.3% have completed high school. 0.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is San Luis?
The obesity rate in San Luis is 33.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 12.5% of adults are smokers. 29.3% are physically inactive. 19.6% of residents report depression. 25.6% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 41.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What is transportation like in San Luis?
The average commute in San Luis is 21 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 61.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 2.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of San Luis?
The racial and ethnic makeup of San Luis is 46.2% White, 1.5% Black or African American, 7% Hispanic or Latino. 54.2% of residents speak only English at home, while 45.8% speak Spanish. 4.9% of the population are military veterans. 23.6% of residents have a disability. 89.6% have health insurance coverage.
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