Median Income
$45,000
40% lower than US avg
Home Value
$66,300
76% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
128/100K
66% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
17.1%
49% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$800
31% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
32.5%
1% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.0%
11% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
8.3%
33% lower than US avg
How Sugar City Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population552
Median Age48.3 yrs
Density1,415/mi²
Male / Female53% / 47%
Largest GroupWhite 63%
Veterans6.1%
Economy
B
Median Income$45,000
Per Capita$43,541
Unemployment4.0%
Poverty8.3%
County GDP$176M
Commute28 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$66,300
Rent$800
Ownership71.9%
Zillow$136,543
Housing Units178
Rent Burden22.5%
Crime
F
Violent128/100K
Property154/100K
Health
Obesity32.5%
Uninsured17.9%
Smoking22.4%
Depression27.1%
Heart Disease7.0%
Climate
Avg Temp52°F (11°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain11.2 in/yr
Sunny Days330/yr
Elevation4,308 ft (1,313 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+17.1%
High School+76.4%
Graduate+2.5%
School Score5.51
Community
2024 VoteR 72% / D 25%
Commute28 min
Broadband73.3%
EV Stations8
Libraries2
Is Sugar City a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Sugar City receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include a high uninsured rate, below-average incomes. Sugar City has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Sugar City is $45,000, 40% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.0%, indicating a healthy job market. 8.3% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Sugar City is $66,300, 76% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $800 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Sugar City is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 128 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 154 per 100,000, 92% below the national average.
Education
17.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 76.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Sugar City experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 52°F. Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. With 330 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 11.2 inches, including 14.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Sugar City has a population of 552 with a density of 1,415 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age is 48.3 years, 24% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 46.9% female and 53.1% male. The city is predominantly White (63.4%), with 2.7% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 94% of residents, while 6% speak Spanish. 6.1% of the population are veterans. 19.0% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 89.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
48.3yrs
Median Age
24% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Sugar City vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
94.0%
20% above US avg
Spanish
6.0%
55% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Sugar City vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Sugar City is $45,000, which is 40% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $43,541 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,069, 25% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.0% (above the 3.6% US average). 8.3% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 76 business establishments, including 48 restaurants. The cost of living index is 103.1, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes. 7.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Sugar City vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $45,000 |
| 40% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $43,541 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,069 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $43,934 |
| Gini Index | 0.483 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.0% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 8.3% |
| 33% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 76 |
| County GDP | $176M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 48 |
| Healthcare | 5 |
| Retail | 11 |
| Manufacturing | 14 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 103.10 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 28.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 84.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 7.7% |
The median home value in Sugar City is $66,300, 76% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $136,543, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $800 (31% 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. 71.9% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 178 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. 22.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $66,300 |
| 76% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $136,543 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $800 |
| 31% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 22.5% |
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 | 71.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 71.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 28.1% |
| Housing Units | 178 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
In Sugar City, 32.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.7% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 7.0% of residents, above the national average. 31.4% have high blood pressure. 22.4% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.6% report binge drinking. 28.1% are physically inactive. 27.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 22.3% experience frequent mental distress. 17.9% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The dentist ratio is 1:5,614. 2.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Sugar City vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 32.5% |
| 1% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.7% |
| Heart Disease | 7.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.4% |
| Asthma | 13.0% |
| COPD | 9.8% |
| Cancer | 6.7% |
| Stroke | 4.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 22.4% |
| 60% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 28.1% |
| Depression | 27.1% |
| Mental Distress | 22.3% |
| Physical Distress | 18.2% |
| Short Sleep | 36.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 89.2% |
| Uninsured | 17.9% |
| 108% above US avg |
| Dentists | 1:5,614 |
| Checkup Rate | 67.5% |
| Dental Visits | 43.9% |
| Premature Death | 16,105/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 2.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 5 |
Sugar City has a violent crime rate of 128 per 100,000 residents, 66% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 154 per 100,000, 92% below the U.S. average. Overall, Sugar City receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Sugar City vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 128.2/100K |
| 66% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 153.9/100K |
| 92% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Sugar City experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 78°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 11.2 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 14.1 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 4,308 feet.
Temperature
29°F Jan (-2°C)
78°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 52.1°F |
| 4% below US avg |
| January Average | 29°F (-2°C) |
| July Average | 78°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 330 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 4,308 ft (1,313 m) |
| Area | 0.4 sq mi (1.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,415/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 38.2328°N, 103.6633°W |
| Timezone | America/Denver |
| County | Crowley County County |
| Nearest Airport | Southeast Colorado Regional (LAA)
54 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
11.2"
70% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
2.28"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 3.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 62.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 10.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
62 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.5. Most recent: M2.7 on Oct 15, 2024.
| Sep 5, 2001 |
0 km SE of Cokedale, Colorado |
M4.5 |
147 km |
| Jun 19, 2023 |
Colorado |
M4.1 |
125 km |
| Sep 4, 2001 |
2 km W of Cokedale, Colorado |
M4.0 |
149 km |
| Aug 17, 2009 |
8 km E of Eads, Colorado |
M3.9 |
89 km |
| Aug 1, 1996 |
17 km NE of Hoehne, Colorado |
M3.8 |
106 km |
| Mar 19, 2023 |
4 km WNW of Hoehne, Colorado |
M3.8 |
125 km |
| Sep 5, 2001 |
3 km SSE of Cokedale, Colorado |
M3.7 |
150 km |
| Jan 22, 2014 |
9 km NNW of Cokedale, Colorado |
M3.6 |
141 km |
| Mar 10, 2023 |
8 km N of Segundo, Colorado |
M3.5 |
149 km |
| Dec 23, 1995 |
7 km WNW of Rock Creek Park, Colorado |
M3.5 |
122 km |
| Sep 6, 2001 |
3 km E of Cokedale, Colorado |
M3.5 |
146 km |
| May 3, 2023 |
8 km N of Segundo, Colorado |
M3.4 |
150 km |
| Jan 2, 1998 |
21 km SE of La Junta, Colorado |
M3.4 |
50 km |
| Sep 10, 2001 |
4 km SSE of Cokedale, Colorado |
M3.4 |
150 km |
| Sep 11, 2023 |
7 km N of Valdez, Colorado |
M3.4 |
148 km |
| Jun 19, 2023 |
7 km NNW of El Moro, Colorado |
M3.4 |
128 km |
| Nov 1, 1996 |
15 km ENE of Hoehne, Colorado |
M3.2 |
110 km |
| Aug 17, 2023 |
9 km N of Segundo, Colorado |
M3.2 |
150 km |
| Jun 1, 2023 |
6 km NW of El Moro, Colorado |
M3.2 |
132 km |
| Aug 1, 1996 |
19 km ENE of Hoehne, Colorado |
M3.2 |
106 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
294 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 34 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 29, 2001 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Oct 17, 1971 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Oct 20, 1953 |
EF3 |
34 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 2012 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 2012 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 2012 |
EF2 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 2004 |
EF2 |
80 km |
0 |
| May 28, 2001 |
EF2 |
92 km |
0 |
| May 28, 2001 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1990 |
EF2 |
75 km |
0 |
| Aug 21, 1984 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
| May 18, 1982 |
EF2 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jul 10, 1978 |
EF2 |
85 km |
0 |
| Apr 13, 1977 |
EF2 |
1 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1975 |
EF2 |
92 km |
0 |
| May 22, 1975 |
EF2 |
39 km |
0 |
| May 12, 1975 |
EF2 |
67 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1975 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 23, 1965 |
EF2 |
38 km |
0 |
| May 23, 1965 |
EF2 |
13 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BRIDGER (46,612 ac, 2008).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2008 |
BRIDGER |
46,612 |
75 km |
| 2011 |
BEAR SPRINGS CALLIE MARIE |
36,863 |
77 km |
| 1986 |
UNNAMED |
25,771 |
63 km |
| 2011 |
SHELL COMPLEX |
14,158 |
87 km |
| 2011 |
FT. LYONS |
12,310 |
55 km |
| 2020 |
CHERRY CANYON |
11,823 |
93 km |
| 1996 |
CANYON |
10,233 |
68 km |
| 2011 |
CALLIE MARIE |
9,393 |
72 km |
| 2018 |
HWY 94 |
7,480 |
68 km |
| 2002 |
MILNE/SQUIRREL |
6,568 |
94 km |
| 2011 |
SALT |
6,078 |
54 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
5,555 |
68 km |
| 2008 |
ORDWAY CROWLEY CO |
5,339 |
8 km |
| 2011 |
KARVAL |
5,322 |
53 km |
| 2017 |
MILNE |
5,113 |
86 km |
| 2018 |
EDISON |
5,109 |
45 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
4,911 |
81 km |
| 2002 |
HANOVER |
4,903 |
87 km |
| 2023 |
GAGEBY CREEK |
4,867 |
54 km |
| 2018 |
CARSON MIDWAY |
4,773 |
97 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
29°F (-2°C) |
0.3 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
35°F (1°C) |
0.3 in |
|
| March |
43°F (6°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| April |
52°F (11°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| June |
72°F (22°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| July |
78°F (25°C) |
2.3 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
76°F (24°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| September |
67°F (19°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| October |
54°F (12°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| November |
39°F (4°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| December |
30°F (-1°C) |
0.3 in |
|
Sugar City has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 29°F in January to 78°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 12.1 inches, with July being the wettest month (2.3") and January the driest (0.3").
Average costs for common services in Sugar City. 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 | $790 |
| Toddler | $626 |
| Preschool | $591 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $658 |
| Toddler | $657 |
| Preschool | $657 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Sugar City
What is the population of Sugar City?
Sugar City has a population of 552 residents and is located in Colorado. The population density is 1,415 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 48.3 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 46.9% female and 53.1% male.
Is Sugar City expensive to live in?
Sugar City 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 $45,000, 40% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $66,300 (76% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $800 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Sugar City safe?
Sugar City is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 128 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 154 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Sugar City receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Sugar City?
Sugar City has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 29°F in January, while summers reach an average of 78°F in July. The area receives 330 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 11.2 inches, with 14.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Sugar City?
Sugar City has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.0%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,069. There are 76 business establishments in the area, including 48 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 28 minutes, and 7.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Sugar City?
The median home value in Sugar City is $66,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $136,543. For renters, the median monthly rent is $800. Fair market rent is $1,161 for a 1-bedroom and $1,429 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 71.9%.
How are the schools in Sugar City?
Schools in Sugar City score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 17.1% of adults in Sugar City hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 76.4% have completed high school. 2.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Sugar City?
The obesity rate in Sugar City is 32.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 22.4% of adults are smokers. 28.1% are physically inactive. 27.1% of residents report depression. 17.9% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 2.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What is transportation like in Sugar City?
The average commute in Sugar City is 28 minutes. 84.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 7.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Sugar City?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Sugar City is 63.4% White, 2.7% Hispanic or Latino. 94% of residents speak only English at home, while 6% speak Spanish. 6.1% of the population are military veterans. 19.0% of residents have a disability. 89.2% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
