Home Value
$210,300
25% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
312/100K
18% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
19.9%
41% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,141
2% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
26.3%
18% lower than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
33.1%
167% higher than US avg
How Simla Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population576
Median Age40.2 yrs
Density886/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 77%
Veterans12.1%
Economy
Per Capita$39,385
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty33.1%
County GDP$1,042M
Commute23 min
Housing
Home Value$210,300
Rent$1,141
Ownership63.3%
Zillow$332,455
Housing Units286
Rent Burden36.4%
Crime
F
Violent312/100K
Property467/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault312/100K
Burglary156/100K
Health
Obesity26.3%
Uninsured9.8%
Smoking13.8%
Depression24.1%
Heart Disease5.2%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Sunny Days297/yr
Elevation5,980 ft (1,823 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+19.9%
High School+95.5%
Graduate+4.9%
School Score6.06
Community
2024 VoteR 74% / D 23%
Commute23 min
Broadband85.3%
EV Stations6
Libraries4
Is Simla a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Simla receives an overall livability score of 1.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of D. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate. Simla faces significant challenges across several quality-of-life categories.
Economy & Jobs
The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. The poverty rate of 33.1% 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 Simla is $210,300, 25% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,141 per month.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Simla is below the national average at 312 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 467 per 100,000, 76% below the national average.
Education
19.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.5% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Simla 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.
Simla has a population of 576 with a density of 886 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age is 40.2 years, 3% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.4% female and 47.6% male. The city is predominantly White (76.7%), with 8.2% Hispanic, 7.6% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 12.1% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 19.8% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 89.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
40.2yrs
Median Age
3% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Per capita income is $39,385. The average weekly wage is $1,155, 19% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 33.1% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 900 business establishments, including 30 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). 7.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $39,385 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,155 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $114,269 |
| Gini Index | 0.406 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 33.1% |
| 167% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 900 |
| County GDP | $1,042M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 30 |
| Healthcare | 29 |
| Retail | 41 |
| Manufacturing | 24 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,119 |
| 18% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 103.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.96% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 82.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 7.9% |
The median home value in Simla is $210,300, 25% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $332,455, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $1,141 (2% 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. 63.3% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 286 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1950. The average annual property tax is $4,119 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 36.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Home Values
| Census Median | $210,300 |
| 25% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $332,455 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,141 |
| 2% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 36.4% |
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 | 63.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 63.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 36.7% |
| Housing Units | 286 |
| Median Year Built | 1950 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,119 |
| 18% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.96% |
In Simla, 26.3% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 7.9% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.2% of residents. 26.8% have high blood pressure. 13.8% are current smokers. 19.7% report binge drinking. 17.8% are physically inactive, below the national average. 24.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.4% experience frequent mental distress. 9.8% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:9,043. The dentist ratio is 1:6,950. 47.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Simla vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 26.3% |
| 18% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 7.9% |
| Heart Disease | 5.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 26.8% |
| Asthma | 11.7% |
| COPD | 6.1% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.8% |
| 1% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 17.8% |
| Depression | 24.1% |
| Mental Distress | 18.4% |
| Physical Distress | 12.8% |
| Short Sleep | 32.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 89.2% |
| Uninsured | 9.8% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:9,043 |
| Dentists | 1:6,950 |
| Mental Health | 1:823 |
| Checkup Rate | 69.5% |
| Dental Visits | 62.1% |
| Premature Death | 6,354/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 47.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 29 |
Simla has a violent crime rate of 312 per 100,000 residents, 18% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 311.5 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 467 per 100,000, 76% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 312, burglary at 156, vehicle theft at 0 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Simla receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Simla vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 311.5/100K |
| 18% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 311.5/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 467.3/100K |
| 76% below US avg |
| Burglary | 155.8/100K |
| Theft | 311.5/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Traffic Accidents | 8 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.5 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Simla 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 5,980 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 | 5,980 ft (1,823 m) |
| Area | 0.6 sq mi (1.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 886/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.1407°N, 104.0824°W |
| Timezone | America/Denver |
| County | Elbert County County |
| Nearest Airport | Denver International (DEN) 59 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Wettest Month (Jul)
2.68"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 36.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 60.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Moderate |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Volcano |
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 |
65 km |
| Aug 17, 2009 |
8 km E of Eads, Colorado |
M3.9 |
142 km |
| Dec 23, 1995 |
7 km WNW of Rock Creek Park, Colorado |
M3.5 |
85 km |
| Jan 18, 1997 |
8 km SE of Westcreek, Colorado |
M3.3 |
88 km |
| Jul 22, 2001 |
6 km WNW of Woodland Park, Colorado |
M3.1 |
91 km |
| Jul 15, 2014 |
23 km NNE of Haswell, Colorado |
M3.0 |
107 km |
| Feb 26, 2008 |
29 km WNW of Westcreek, Colorado |
M2.9 |
121 km |
| Jan 19, 1997 |
8 km SE of Westcreek, Colorado |
M2.9 |
88 km |
| Aug 24, 2016 |
16 km ENE of Beulah Valley, Colorado |
M2.9 |
127 km |
| Dec 31, 1995 |
6 km WNW of Rock Creek Park, Colorado |
M2.8 |
86 km |
| Jan 19, 1997 |
8 km SE of Westcreek, Colorado |
M2.7 |
88 km |
| Apr 18, 1998 |
8 km SE of Westcreek, Colorado |
M2.7 |
88 km |
| Jun 13, 2025 |
7 km SE of Erie, Colorado |
M2.7 |
123 km |
| Jun 26, 2021 |
19 km WNW of Cañon City, Colorado |
M2.5 |
136 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 |
96 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
722 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 65 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 31, 1999 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| Jul 21, 1993 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1990 |
EF3 |
33 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1990 |
EF3 |
18 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1988 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 1982 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 1979 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 1977 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| May 18, 1975 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 2012 |
EF2 |
12 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 2009 |
EF2 |
49 km |
0 |
| May 10, 2004 |
EF2 |
18 km |
0 |
| May 28, 2001 |
EF2 |
44 km |
0 |
| May 28, 2001 |
EF2 |
44 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1999 |
EF2 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 1996 |
EF2 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1990 |
EF2 |
35 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1988 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1987 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1987 |
EF2 |
84 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 |
80 km |
| 2012 |
WALDO CANYON |
20,112 |
78 km |
| 2016 |
IMPACT AREA |
19,918 |
86 km |
| 1998 |
UNNAMED |
18,218 |
86 km |
| 2012 |
LAST CHANCE |
17,958 |
82 km |
| 2013 |
BLACK FOREST |
11,885 |
54 km |
| 2008 |
TA-25 |
8,253 |
89 km |
| 2024 |
RANGE 135 |
7,766 |
85 km |
| 2018 |
HWY 94 |
7,480 |
67 km |
| 2001 |
MVD PSFRXASST 4 |
7,375 |
92 km |
| 2002 |
MILNE/SQUIRREL |
6,568 |
61 km |
| 2011 |
KARVAL |
5,322 |
63 km |
| 2018 |
APACHE COMPLEX |
5,182 |
96 km |
| 2009 |
QUARRY |
5,141 |
80 km |
| 2017 |
MILNE |
5,113 |
57 km |
| 2018 |
EDISON |
5,109 |
66 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
4,928 |
57 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
4,911 |
53 km |
| 2002 |
HANOVER |
4,903 |
77 km |
| 2018 |
CARSON MIDWAY |
4,773 |
88 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
29°F (-2°C) |
0.3 in |
Driest |
| February |
30°F (-1°C) |
0.3 in |
|
| March |
36°F (2°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| April |
44°F (7°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| May |
53°F (12°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| June |
63°F (17°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
2.7 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
67°F (19°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| September |
59°F (15°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| October |
48°F (9°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| November |
36°F (2°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| December |
27°F (-3°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest |
Simla has a seasonal temperature swing of 44°F / from 27°F in December to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 14.6 inches, with July being the wettest month (2.7") and January the driest (0.3").
Average costs for common services in Simla. 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 | $1,215 |
| Toddler | $1,152 |
| Preschool | $1,084 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,107 |
| Toddler | $994 |
| Preschool | $994 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Simla
What is the population of Simla?
Simla has a population of 576 residents and is located in Colorado. The population density is 886 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 40.2 years. The population is 52.4% female and 47.6% male.
Is Simla expensive to live in?
Simla has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 103.1 (baseline: 100). The median home value is $210,300 (25% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,141 per month.
Is Simla safe?
Simla is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 312 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 467 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Simla receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Simla?
Simla 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 Simla?
The job market in Simla is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,155. There are 900 business establishments in the area, including 30 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 23 minutes, and 7.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Simla?
The median home value in Simla is $210,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $332,455. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,141. Fair market rent is $1,161 for a 1-bedroom and $1,429 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 63.3%. The average annual property tax is $4,119.
How are the schools in Simla?
Schools in Simla score 6.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 19.9% of adults in Simla hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.5% have completed high school. 4.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Simla?
The obesity rate in Simla is 26.3% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 13.8% of adults are smokers. 17.8% are physically inactive. 24.1% of residents report depression. 9.8% lack health insurance. 47.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:9,043.
What is transportation like in Simla?
The average commute in Simla is 23 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 82.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 7.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Simla?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Simla is 76.7% White, 7.6% Black or African American, 8.2% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 12.1% of the population are military veterans. 19.8% of residents have a disability. 89.2% have health insurance coverage.