Median Income
$43,953
42% lower than US avg
Home Value
$52,900
81% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
5.7%
83% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$640
45% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.7%
30% higher than US avg
Unemployment
6.4%
78% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
22.7%
83% higher than US avg
How Thoreau Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,795
Median Age37.6 yrs
Density45/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 9%
Economy
C
Median Income$43,953
Per Capita$22,466
Unemployment6.4%
Poverty22.7%
County GDP$2,894M
Commute33 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$52,900
Rent$640
OwnershipN/A
Health
Obesity41.7%
UninsuredN/A
Depression25.6%
Heart Disease9.5%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F
AQI37 (Good)
Rain12.3 in/yr
Elevation7,207 ft
Education
F
Bachelor's+5.7%
High School+81.7%
School Score4.65
Community
2024 VoteR 36% / D 61%
Commute33 min
Libraries3
Is Thoreau a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Thoreau receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Thoreau offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Thoreau is $43,953, 42% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 6.4% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. The poverty rate of 22.7% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 33 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Thoreau is $52,900, 81% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $640 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. At just 1.2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
5.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 81.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Thoreau experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 12.3 inches, including 30.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 37.
Thoreau has a population of 1,795 with a density of 45 people per square mile. The median age is 37.6 years, 3% younger than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly Hispanic (84.2%), with 8.7% White, 79.2% Asian.
Population
37.6yrs
Median Age
3% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
| English Only | 55.0% |
| 30% below US avg |
| Spanish | 45.0% |
| 236% above US avg |
The median household income in Thoreau is $43,953, which is 42% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate is 6.4% (above the 3.6% US average). 22.7% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 33 minutes.
Income
| Median HH Income | $43,953 |
| 42% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $22,466 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $908 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $41,364 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 6.4% |
| 78% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 22.7% |
| 83% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,225 |
| County GDP | $2,894M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 138 |
| Healthcare | 130 |
| Retail | 214 |
| Manufacturing | 22 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,272 |
| 7% below US avg |
| Effective Tax Rate | 6.19% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 33.3 min |
| Work from Home | 7.7% |
The median home value in Thoreau is $52,900, 81% below the national average. Monthly rent averages $640 (45% below US avg).
Home Values
| Census Median | $52,900 |
| 81% below US avg |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $640 |
| 45% below US avg |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $828 |
| 1 Bedroom | $927 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,129 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,496 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,758 |
Ownership & Property
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,272 |
| 7% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 6.19% |
In Thoreau, 41.7% of adults are obese (above the 32.1% national rate). 25.6% report depression. 33.5% are physically inactive.
Health Metrics: Thoreau vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.7% |
| 30% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 18.4% |
| Heart Disease | 9.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 37.6% |
| Asthma | 14.7% |
| COPD | 12.0% |
| Stroke | 6.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| |
| Binge Drinking | 12.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 33.5% |
| Depression | 25.6% |
| Mental Distress | 24.9% |
| Physical Distress | 23.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 81.9% |
| |
| Checkup Rate | 64.5% |
| Premature Death | 27,593/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 3.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 41.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 130 |
Crime Rates: Thoreau vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 33 |
Safety Score
Thoreau has an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. Annual precipitation is 12.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 37.
Temperature
30°F Jan (-1°C)
70°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 49.7°F |
| 8% below US avg |
| January Average | 30°F (-1°C) |
| July Average | 70°F (21°C) |
Precipitation & Snow
| Annual Rainfall | 12.3 inches |
| 68% below US avg |
| Snowfall | 30.6 inches/yr |
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 37.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Geography
| Elevation | 7,207 ft (2,197 m) |
| Area | 39.5 sq mi (102.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 45/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 35.4235°N, 108.2001°W |
| County FIPS | 35031 |