Median Income
$30,938
59% lower than US avg
Home Value
$65,600
77% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
13.9%
59% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$457
61% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
30.6%
5% lower than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
25.0%
102% higher than US avg
How Vilas Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population191
Median Age41.6 yrs
Density1,469/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 70%
Veterans2.3%
Economy
C+
Median Income$30,938
Per Capita$22,185
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty25.0%
County GDP$143M
Commute10 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$65,600
Rent$457
Ownership62.5%
Zillow$174,792
Housing Units65
Rent Burden19.8%
Health
Obesity30.6%
Uninsured5.8%
Smoking17.1%
Depression24.9%
Heart Disease6.3%
Climate
Avg Temp53°F (12°C)
Rain15.2 in/yr
Elevation4,157 ft (1,267 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+13.9%
High School+81.1%
Graduate+4.1%
School Score5.89
Community
2024 VoteR 84% / D 14%
Commute10 min
Broadband61.4%
Libraries3
Is Vilas a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Vilas receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Vilas offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Vilas is $30,938, 59% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. The poverty rate of 25.0% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 10 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Vilas is $65,600, 77% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $457 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
13.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 81.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Vilas experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 53°F. Winters average 33°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 15.2 inches, including 23.0 inches of snow.
Vilas has a population of 191 with a density of 1,469 people per square mile, spread across 0.1 square miles. The median age is 41.6 years, 7% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.2% female and 51.8% male. The city is predominantly White (70.2%), with 40.8% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 87% of residents, while 15.4% speak Spanish. 2.3% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 19.9% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 94.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
191
Total Population
2023 Census
41.6yrs
Median Age
7% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
87.0%
11% above US avg
Spanish
15.4%
15% above US avg
The median household income in Vilas is $30,938, which is 59% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $22,185 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $778, 46% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 25.0% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 123 business establishments, including 4 restaurants. The cost of living index is 103.1, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 10 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $30,938 |
| 59% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $22,185 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $778 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $44,903 |
| Gini Index | 0.490 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 25.0% |
| 102% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 123 |
| County GDP | $143M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 4 |
| Healthcare | 4 |
| Retail | 15 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 103.10 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 10.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 59.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Vilas is $65,600, 77% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $174,792, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $457 (61% 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. 62.5% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 65 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1967. 19.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $65,600 |
| 77% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $174,792 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $457 |
| 61% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 19.8% |
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 | 62.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 62.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 37.5% |
| Housing Units | 65 |
| Median Year Built | 1967 |
Property Tax
In Vilas, 30.6% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 10.2% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.3% of residents. 29.7% have high blood pressure. 17.1% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 18.4% report binge drinking. 24.7% are physically inactive. 24.9% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.4% experience frequent mental distress. 5.8% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,757. The dentist ratio is 1:1,716. 53.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Vilas vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 30.6% |
| 5% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.2% |
| Heart Disease | 6.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.7% |
| Asthma | 11.7% |
| COPD | 8.2% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.1% |
| 22% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.7% |
| Depression | 24.9% |
| Mental Distress | 19.4% |
| Physical Distress | 15.6% |
| Short Sleep | 35.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.2% |
| Uninsured | 5.8% |
| 33% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,757 |
| Dentists | 1:1,716 |
| Mental Health | 1:3,344 |
| Checkup Rate | 68.2% |
| Dental Visits | 53.7% |
| Premature Death | 16,304/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 53.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 4 |
Vilas experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winters average 33°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 15.2 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 23.0 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 4,157 feet.
Temperature
33°F Jan (0°C)
76°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 52.7°F |
| 2% below US avg |
| January Average | 33°F (0°C) |
| July Average | 76°F (24°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 4,157 ft (1,267 m) |
| Area | 0.1 sq mi (0.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,469/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.3737°N, 102.4474°W |
| Timezone | America/Denver |
| County | Baca County County |
| Nearest Airport | Southeast Colorado Regional (LAA)
50 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
15.2"
60% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
2.81"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 23.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 95.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 11.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
11 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.9. Most recent: M3.4 on Mar 31, 2022.
| Aug 17, 2009 |
8 km E of Eads, Colorado |
M3.9 |
124 km |
| Mar 17, 2022 |
13 km SSW of Clayton, New Mexico |
M3.8 |
135 km |
| Jun 19, 2002 |
19 km NE of Clayton, New Mexico |
M3.7 |
103 km |
| Jan 2, 1998 |
21 km SE of La Junta, Colorado |
M3.4 |
99 km |
| Mar 31, 2022 |
8 km S of Clayton, New Mexico |
M3.4 |
129 km |
| Jul 15, 2014 |
23 km NNE of Haswell, Colorado |
M3.0 |
150 km |
| Jan 10, 2003 |
14 km NE of Wiley, Colorado |
M2.9 |
99 km |
| Nov 16, 2013 |
33 km ENE of Grenville, New Mexico |
M2.7 |
102 km |
| Apr 6, 2020 |
14 km WNW of Pritchett, Colorado |
M2.7 |
50 km |
| Aug 7, 2021 |
23 km NE of Sugar City, Colorado |
M2.5 |
147 km |
| Aug 6, 2016 |
13 km NNE of Wiley, Colorado |
M2.5 |
102 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
360 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 4 fatalities, 39 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 18, 1977 |
EF4 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2023 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 2007 |
EF3 |
77 km |
2 |
| May 29, 2001 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1972 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1951 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 2012 |
EF2 |
72 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 2012 |
EF2 |
74 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 2012 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| May 31, 2010 |
EF2 |
37 km |
0 |
| May 31, 2010 |
EF2 |
44 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2005 |
EF2 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 2004 |
EF2 |
64 km |
0 |
| May 15, 2003 |
EF2 |
29 km |
0 |
| Apr 6, 2001 |
EF2 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1990 |
EF2 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1990 |
EF2 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1990 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
| May 18, 1977 |
EF2 |
57 km |
0 |
| May 18, 1977 |
EF2 |
65 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BADGER HOLE (49,146 ac, 2018).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2018 |
BADGER HOLE |
49,146 |
32 km |
| 2018 |
STATELINE |
28,533 |
72 km |
| 2011 |
TUNNER |
17,774 |
63 km |
| 2011 |
SHELL COMPLEX |
14,158 |
82 km |
| 2011 |
FT. LYONS |
12,310 |
94 km |
| 2020 |
CHERRY CANYON |
11,823 |
86 km |
| 2018 |
RABBIT 22 |
10,393 |
48 km |
| 2002 |
FURNISH |
8,862 |
73 km |
| 2006 |
WINDY |
6,882 |
87 km |
| 2011 |
SALT |
6,078 |
95 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
5,555 |
75 km |
| 2002 |
KENTON |
5,400 |
86 km |
| 2023 |
GAGEBY CREEK |
4,867 |
97 km |
| 2006 |
MOUNT CARMEL |
4,061 |
49 km |
| 2019 |
C34 |
3,883 |
36 km |
| 2018 |
APPLE NM |
3,779 |
74 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
3,539 |
93 km |
| 2020 |
DEER CANYON |
3,414 |
90 km |
| 2017 |
WINDSPLITTER |
3,299 |
51 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
3,162 |
72 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
33°F (0°C) |
0.3 in |
Driest |
| February |
35°F (1°C) |
0.3 in |
|
| March |
43°F (6°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| April |
50°F (10°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| May |
60°F (16°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| July |
76°F (24°C) |
2.8 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
74°F (23°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| September |
66°F (19°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| November |
41°F (5°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| December |
32°F (0°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest |
Vilas has a seasonal temperature swing of 43°F / from 32°F in December to 76°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 15.2 inches, with July being the wettest month (2.8") and January the driest (0.3").
Average costs for common services in Vilas. 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 | $450 |
| Toddler | $549 |
| Preschool | $495 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $396 |
| Toddler | $388 |
| Preschool | $388 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Vilas
What is the population of Vilas?
Vilas has a population of 191 residents and is located in Colorado. The population density is 1,469 people per square mile, spread across 0.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 41.6 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48.2% female and 51.8% male.
Is Vilas expensive to live in?
Vilas 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 $30,938, 59% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $65,600 (77% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $457 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Vilas?
Vilas has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 33°F in January, while summers reach an average of 76°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 15.2 inches, with 23.0 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Vilas?
The job market in Vilas is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $778. There are 123 business establishments in the area, including 4 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 10 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Vilas?
The median home value in Vilas is $65,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $174,792. For renters, the median monthly rent is $457. Fair market rent is $1,161 for a 1-bedroom and $1,429 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 62.5%.
How are the schools in Vilas?
Schools in Vilas score 5.9 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 13.9% of adults in Vilas hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 81.1% have completed high school. 4.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Vilas?
The obesity rate in Vilas is 30.6% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 17.1% of adults are smokers. 24.7% are physically inactive. 24.9% of residents report depression. 5.8% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 53.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,757.
What is transportation like in Vilas?
The average commute in Vilas is 10 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 59.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Vilas?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Vilas is 70.2% White, 40.8% Hispanic or Latino. 87% of residents speak only English at home, while 15.4% speak Spanish. 2.3% of the population are military veterans. 19.9% of residents have a disability. 94.2% have health insurance coverage.