Median Income
$75,000
0% lower than US avg
Home Value
$285,000
1% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
562/100K
48% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
22.8%
32% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
23.7%
26% lower than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Southern Ute Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population126
Median Age40.3 yrs
Density8/mi²
Male / Female42% / 58%
Largest GroupWhite 50%
Veterans2.9%
Economy
A+
Median Income$75,000
Per Capita$37,485
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$4,264M
Housing
A+
Home Value$285,000
Ownership78.6%
Zillow$450,879
Housing Units65
Rent Burden31.2%
Crime
C
Violent562/100K
Property0/100K
Health
Obesity23.7%
Uninsured13.4%
Smoking16.1%
Depression22.0%
Heart Disease5.8%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (8°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain13.5 in/yr
Sunny Days330/yr
Elevation6,564 ft (2,001 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+22.8%
High School+93.7%
Graduate+4.6%
School Score6.08
Community
2024 VoteR 39% / D 58%
Broadband56.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries5
Is Southern Ute a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Southern Ute receives an overall livability score of 3.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, a high uninsured rate. Southern Ute offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Southern Ute is $75,000, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. 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 Southern Ute is $285,000, roughly aligned with the national median of $281,900. A price-to-income ratio of 3.8x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 562 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 0 per 100,000, 100% below the national average.
Education
22.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.7% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Southern Ute experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. With 330 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 13.5 inches, including 33.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Southern Ute has a population of 126 with a density of 8 people per square mile, spread across 16.0 square miles. The median age is 40.3 years, 4% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 57.9% female and 42.1% male. The city is predominantly White (50%), with 50% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 69.2% of residents, while 30.8% speak Spanish. 2.9% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 13.2% of residents have a disability. 62.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
40.3yrs
Median Age
4% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Southern Ute vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
69.2%
12% below US avg
Spanish
30.8%
130% above US avg
Social Characteristics
Southern Ute vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Southern Ute is $75,000, which is 0% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $37,485. The average weekly wage is $1,192, 17% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below 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 3,080 business establishments, including 228 restaurants. The cost of living index is 103.1, roughly in line with the national average. 42.2% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Southern Ute vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $75,000 |
| 0% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $37,485 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,192 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $97,837 |
| Gini Index | 0.444 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 3,080 |
| County GDP | $4,264M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 228 |
| Healthcare | 253 |
| Retail | 287 |
| Manufacturing | 68 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,196 |
| 9% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 103.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.12% |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 57.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 42.2% |
The median home value in Southern Ute is $285,000, 1% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $450,879, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $1,161 for a one-bedroom to $1,429 for a two-bedroom apartment. 78.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 65 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1959. The average annual property tax is $3,196. 31.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.8x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $285,000 |
| 1% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $450,879 |
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 | 78.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 78.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 21.4% |
| Housing Units | 65 |
| Median Year Built | 1959 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,196 |
| 9% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.12% |
In Southern Ute, 23.7% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 9.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.8% of residents. 26.6% have high blood pressure. 16.1% are current smokers. 19.6% report binge drinking. 19.4% are physically inactive, below the national average. 22.0% report depression. 18.9% experience frequent mental distress. 13.4% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:760. The dentist ratio is 1:1,011. 74.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Southern Ute vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 23.7% |
| 26% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.9% |
| Heart Disease | 5.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 26.6% |
| Asthma | 12.5% |
| COPD | 6.1% |
| Cancer | 6.9% |
| Stroke | 3.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.1% |
| 15% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 19.4% |
| Depression | 22.0% |
| Mental Distress | 18.9% |
| Physical Distress | 14.3% |
| Short Sleep | 33.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 62.5% |
| Uninsured | 13.4% |
| 56% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:760 |
| Dentists | 1:1,011 |
| Mental Health | 1:180 |
| Checkup Rate | 69.3% |
| Dental Visits | 56.8% |
| Premature Death | 7,126/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 74.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 253 |
Southern Ute has a violent crime rate of 562 per 100,000 residents, 48% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 0 per 100,000, 100% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 12 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Southern Ute receives a safety grade of C.
Crime Rates: Southern Ute vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 561.8/100K |
| 48% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 12 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C |
| Safety Score | 2.0 / 5.0 |
Southern Ute experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 69°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 13.5 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 33.8 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 6,564 feet, a high-altitude location.
Temperature
25°F Jan (-4°C)
69°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 46.5°F |
| 14% below US avg |
| January Average | 25°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 69°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 330 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 6,564 ft (2,001 m) |
| Area | 16.0 sq mi (41.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 8/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.0749°N, 107.5933°W |
| Timezone | America/Denver |
| County | La Plata County County |
| Nearest Airport | Four Corners Regional (FMN) 42 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
13.5"
64% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
2.13"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0492 ppm |
| NO₂ (Nitrogen Dioxide) | 4.6 ppb |
| CO (Carbon Monoxide) | 0.12 ppm |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 75.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 21.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 48.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Moderate |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
| Avalanche |
Relatively High |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
30 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.4. Most recent: M2.9 on Sep 1, 2024.
| Sep 13, 1994 |
17 km N of Sawpit, Colorado |
M4.4 |
124 km |
| Jul 12, 2021 |
5 km E of Capulin, New Mexico |
M4.2 |
121 km |
| Jun 4, 2008 |
8 km ENE of Canjilon, New Mexico |
M3.7 |
127 km |
| Jul 12, 2021 |
3 km E of Capulin, New Mexico |
M3.7 |
119 km |
| Mar 10, 2023 |
16 km S of Ophir, Colorado |
M3.6 |
74 km |
| Sep 14, 2009 |
7 km NNW of Canjilon, New Mexico |
M3.5 |
117 km |
| May 10, 1991 |
24 km SSE of South Fork, Colorado |
M3.4 |
100 km |
| Apr 9, 2021 |
2 km NNE of Capulin, New Mexico |
M3.3 |
116 km |
| Jul 4, 2021 |
24 km SW of Lake Valley, New Mexico |
M3.1 |
143 km |
| Jul 12, 2021 |
4 km NNE of Capulin, New Mexico |
M3.0 |
115 km |
| Jun 14, 2018 |
0 km NW of Regina, New Mexico |
M3.0 |
113 km |
| Jun 26, 2018 |
3 km ESE of Regina, New Mexico |
M3.0 |
117 km |
| Feb 8, 2021 |
3 km ENE of Capulin, New Mexico |
M2.9 |
118 km |
| Sep 1, 2024 |
7 km ENE of Capulin, New Mexico |
M2.9 |
118 km |
| Jun 18, 2002 |
39 km SW of Creede, Colorado |
M2.9 |
65 km |
| May 2, 2013 |
2 km E of Loghill Village, Colorado |
M2.9 |
126 km |
| Jun 17, 2022 |
4 km NNW of Regina, New Mexico |
M2.8 |
109 km |
| Jan 17, 1994 |
6 km ENE of Loghill Village, Colorado |
M2.8 |
128 km |
| Jan 17, 2009 |
11 km NNW of Cañones, New Mexico |
M2.8 |
133 km |
| Sep 14, 1994 |
20 km ENE of Norwood, Colorado |
M2.8 |
133 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
19 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF2.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Oct 10, 1997 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| Apr 25, 1985 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1957 |
EF2 |
71 km |
0 |
| Sep 29, 2014 |
EF1 |
72 km |
0 |
| Oct 5, 2004 |
EF1 |
27 km |
0 |
| Aug 5, 1999 |
EF1 |
48 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1997 |
EF1 |
40 km |
0 |
| Aug 30, 1966 |
EF1 |
31 km |
0 |
| Mar 21, 2020 |
EF0 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jun 10, 2015 |
EF0 |
69 km |
0 |
| Sep 18, 2013 |
EF0 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 2011 |
EF0 |
100 km |
0 |
| Aug 29, 2002 |
EF0 |
37 km |
0 |
| Oct 23, 2000 |
EF0 |
55 km |
0 |
| Oct 23, 2000 |
EF0 |
55 km |
0 |
| Apr 25, 1999 |
EF0 |
54 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1992 |
EF0 |
26 km |
0 |
| Sep 28, 1990 |
EF0 |
66 km |
0 |
| May 28, 1963 |
EF0 |
54 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: MISSIONARY RIDGE (68,919 ac, 2002).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2002 |
MISSIONARY RIDGE |
68,919 |
42 km |
| 2018 |
416 |
55,123 |
54 km |
| 2013 |
PAPOOSE |
46,991 |
79 km |
| 2013 |
WEST FORK COMPLEX - EAST ZONE |
34,441 |
91 km |
| 2012 |
LITTLE SAND |
26,240 |
48 km |
| 2000 |
BIRCHER |
23,317 |
74 km |
| 2018 |
PLATEAU |
19,746 |
98 km |
| 2013 |
WEST FORK COMPLEX |
18,775 |
75 km |
| 1996 |
ARCHULETA |
15,613 |
53 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
13,234 |
35 km |
| 2012 |
WEBER |
10,898 |
64 km |
| 2001 |
SANDOVAL |
6,773 |
26 km |
| 2017 |
EIGHT FOUR TWO |
5,954 |
22 km |
| 2018 |
BURRO |
5,242 |
66 km |
| 2000 |
PONY |
5,224 |
87 km |
| 1996 |
CHAPIN 5 |
4,832 |
81 km |
| 2016 |
GREATER GRACIA RX |
3,960 |
32 km |
| 2020 |
EAST CANYON |
3,031 |
60 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
2,852 |
66 km |
| 2012 |
VALLECITO |
2,764 |
38 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
25°F (-4°C) |
1.3 in |
Coldest |
| February |
31°F (-1°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| March |
38°F (4°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| May |
54°F (12°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| June |
64°F (18°C) |
0.6 in |
Driest |
| July |
69°F (21°C) |
1.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
68°F (20°C) |
2.1 in |
Wettest |
| September |
60°F (16°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| October |
49°F (10°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| November |
37°F (3°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| December |
28°F (-2°C) |
1.5 in |
|
Southern Ute has a seasonal temperature swing of 44°F / from 25°F in January to 69°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 16.4 inches, with August being the wettest month (2.1") and June the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Southern Ute. 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 | $1,238 |
| Toddler | $1,025 |
| Preschool | $918 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,016 |
| Toddler | $913 |
| Preschool | $913 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Southern Ute
What is the population of Southern Ute?
Southern Ute has a population of 126 residents and is located in Colorado. The population density is 8 people per square mile, spread across 16.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 40.3 years. The population is 57.9% female and 42.1% male.
Is Southern Ute expensive to live in?
Southern Ute 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 $75,000, 0% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $285,000 (1% above the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 3.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Southern Ute safe?
The violent crime rate in Southern Ute is 562 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 0 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Southern Ute receives a safety grade of C based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Southern Ute?
Southern Ute has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 25°F in January, while summers reach an average of 69°F in July. The area receives 330 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 13.5 inches, with 33.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Southern Ute?
The job market in Southern Ute is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,192. There are 3,080 business establishments in the area, including 228 restaurants and food service locations.
How much does housing cost in Southern Ute?
The median home value in Southern Ute is $285,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $450,879. The homeownership rate is 78.6%. The average annual property tax is $3,196.
How are the schools in Southern Ute?
Schools in Southern Ute score 6.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 22.8% of adults in Southern Ute hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.7% have completed high school. 4.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Southern Ute?
The obesity rate in Southern Ute is 23.7% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 16.1% of adults are smokers. 19.4% are physically inactive. 22.0% of residents report depression. 13.4% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 74.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:760.
What are the demographics of Southern Ute?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Southern Ute is 50% White, 50% Hispanic or Latino. 69.2% of residents speak only English at home, while 30.8% speak Spanish. 2.9% of the population are military veterans. 13.2% of residents have a disability. 62.5% have health insurance coverage.