Median Income
$42,344
44% lower than US avg
Home Value
$194,100
31% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
223/100K
41% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
25.7%
24% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
29.6%
8% lower than US avg
Unemployment
1.7%
53% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
14.9%
20% higher than US avg
How Walden Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population658
Median Age51.1 yrs
Density1,935/mi²
Male / Female54% / 46%
Largest GroupWhite 80%
Veterans19.3%
Economy
B
Median Income$42,344
Per Capita$37,583
Unemployment1.7%
Poverty14.9%
County GDP$159M
Commute12 min
Housing
A
Home Value$194,100
Ownership75.9%
Zillow$1,283,489
Housing Units381
Rent Burden32.0%
Crime
F
Violent223/100K
Property2,642/100K
Health
Obesity29.6%
Uninsured14.8%
Smoking16.7%
Depression25.4%
Heart Disease6.2%
Climate
Avg Temp35°F (2°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain12.1 in/yr
Sunny Days316/yr
Elevation8,098 ft (2,468 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+25.7%
High School+74.5%
Graduate+7.4%
School Score5.82
Community
2024 VoteR 76% / D 21%
Commute12 min
Broadband86.1%
EV Stations3
Libraries1
Is Walden a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Walden receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include a high uninsured rate, below-average incomes. Walden has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Walden is $42,344, 44% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.7%. 14.9% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 12 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Walden is $194,100, 31% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. A price-to-income ratio of 4.6x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Walden is below the national average at 223 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,642 per 100,000, 35% above the national average.
Education
25.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 74.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Walden has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 35°F. Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 57°F in July. With 316 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 12.1 inches, including 67.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Walden has a population of 658 with a density of 1,935 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 51.1 years, 31% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 46.4% female and 53.6% male. The city is predominantly White (80.1%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 99% of residents. 19.3% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 11.7% of residents have a disability. 93.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
51.1yrs
Median Age
31% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.0%
26% above US avg
Spanish
1.0%
93% below US avg
The median household income in Walden is $42,344, which is 44% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $37,583. The average weekly wage is $918, 36% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.7% (below the 3.6% US average). 14.9% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 94 business establishments, including 14 restaurants. The cost of living index is 103.1, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 12 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 6.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $42,344 |
| 44% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $37,583 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $918 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $62,208 |
| Gini Index | 0.490 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.7% |
| 53% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 14.9% |
| 20% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 94 |
| County GDP | $159M |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 103.10 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 11.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 74.2% |
| Public Transit | 1.6% |
| Work from Home | 6.5% |
The median home value in Walden is $194,100, 31% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $1,283,489, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $1,161 for a one-bedroom to $1,429 for a two-bedroom apartment. 75.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 381 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1972. 32.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.6x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $194,100 |
| 31% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $1,283,489 |
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 | 75.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 75.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 24.1% |
| Housing Units | 381 |
| Median Year Built | 1972 |
Property Tax
In Walden, 29.6% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 9.8% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.2% of residents. 29.3% have high blood pressure. 16.7% are current smokers. 18.2% report binge drinking. 23.4% are physically inactive. 25.4% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.6% experience frequent mental distress. 14.8% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,363. 78.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Walden vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 29.6% |
| 8% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.8% |
| Heart Disease | 6.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.3% |
| Asthma | 12.0% |
| COPD | 7.8% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.7% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.4% |
| Depression | 25.4% |
| Mental Distress | 19.6% |
| Physical Distress | 15.1% |
| Short Sleep | 33.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.1% |
| Uninsured | 14.8% |
| 72% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,363 |
| Mental Health | 1:262 |
| Checkup Rate | 68.5% |
| Dental Visits | 55.1% |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 78.4% |
Walden has a violent crime rate of 223 per 100,000 residents, 41% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,642 per 100,000, 35% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Walden receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Walden vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 222.9/100K |
| 41% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,641.6/100K |
| 35% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 38 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Walden has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 35°F (2°C). Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 57°F in July. The area gets 316 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 12.1 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 67.1 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 8,098 feet, a high-altitude location.
Temperature
14°F Jan (-10°C)
57°F Jul (14°C)
| Annual Average | 35.3°F |
| 35% below US avg |
| January Average | 14°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 57°F (14°C) |
| Sunny Days | 316 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 8,098 ft (2,468 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,935/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.7316°N, 106.2813°W |
| Timezone | America/Denver |
| County | Jackson County County |
| Nearest Airport | Laramie Regional (LAR) 50 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
12.1"
68% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
3.27"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0496 ppm |
| NO₂ (Nitrogen Dioxide) | 2.7 ppb |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 3.6 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 11.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 44.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 17.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
No Rating |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
| Volcano |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Very High |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
55 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.3. Most recent: M2.7 on Jun 13, 2025.
| Apr 6, 1999 |
31 km SE of Wamsutter, Wyoming |
M4.3 |
146 km |
| Jan 31, 2002 |
28 km SSW of Craig, Colorado |
M4.3 |
129 km |
| Mar 19, 2022 |
5 km NW of Ryan Park, Wyoming |
M3.8 |
73 km |
| Aug 18, 2009 |
19 km N of Craig, Colorado |
M3.7 |
109 km |
| Jun 2, 2023 |
9 km SSE of Saratoga, Wyoming |
M3.6 |
83 km |
| Jun 6, 2011 |
17 km NNW of Oak Creek, Colorado |
M3.5 |
72 km |
| Apr 20, 2017 |
24 km NE of Maybell, Colorado |
M3.5 |
135 km |
| Apr 10, 2011 |
12 km N of Oak Creek, Colorado |
M3.4 |
68 km |
| Sep 14, 2024 |
9 km SSE of Saratoga, Wyoming |
M3.4 |
83 km |
| Aug 21, 2012 |
12 km SSW of Gypsum, Colorado |
M3.4 |
146 km |
| May 4, 2015 |
5 km SSW of Encampment, Wyoming |
M3.3 |
66 km |
| Jan 19, 2022 |
8 km ESE of Saratoga, Wyoming |
M3.3 |
86 km |
| Jun 3, 2023 |
8 km SSE of Saratoga, Wyoming |
M3.3 |
83 km |
| Mar 29, 2022 |
10 km NNW of Ryan Park, Wyoming |
M3.3 |
78 km |
| Jul 3, 2009 |
22 km SW of Rawlins, Wyoming |
M3.2 |
136 km |
| Jan 15, 2009 |
29 km SSW of Encampment, Wyoming |
M3.2 |
59 km |
| Jun 1, 2014 |
9 km NNW of Kersey, Colorado |
M3.2 |
144 km |
| Sep 2, 2024 |
21 km NW of Steamboat Springs, Colorado |
M3.1 |
64 km |
| Dec 18, 1991 |
24 km NE of Sinclair, Wyoming |
M3.1 |
144 km |
| Jan 9, 2005 |
42 km NNE of Dixon, Wyoming |
M3.0 |
115 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
42 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 3 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 6, 2018 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Apr 23, 1960 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 2018 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2008 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1976 |
EF2 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 2020 |
EF1 |
82 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 2004 |
EF1 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1987 |
EF1 |
63 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1984 |
EF1 |
74 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1980 |
EF1 |
66 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1979 |
EF1 |
88 km |
0 |
| Aug 9, 1974 |
EF1 |
76 km |
0 |
| Aug 9, 1974 |
EF1 |
31 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1974 |
EF1 |
40 km |
0 |
| Jul 15, 1967 |
EF1 |
63 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1966 |
EF1 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jul 3, 1960 |
EF1 |
71 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 1958 |
EF1 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 29, 1957 |
EF1 |
93 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 1954 |
EF1 |
45 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: CAMERON PEAK (208,910 ac, 2020).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2020 |
CAMERON PEAK |
208,910 |
63 km |
| 2020 |
EAST TROUBLESOME |
188,924 |
61 km |
| 2020 |
MULLEN |
179,894 |
41 km |
| 2012 |
HIGH PARK |
90,769 |
78 km |
| 2016 |
BEAVER CREEK |
44,221 |
31 km |
| 2018 |
RYAN |
28,858 |
44 km |
| 2020 |
MIDDLE FORK |
20,886 |
42 km |
| 2018 |
BADGER CREEK |
20,752 |
39 km |
| 2018 |
SILVER CREEK |
20,725 |
61 km |
| 2002 |
MT. ZIRKEL COMPLEX (HINMAN) |
17,627 |
41 km |
| 2002 |
MT. ZIRKEL COMPLEX (BURN RIDGE) |
15,478 |
35 km |
| 2012 |
SQUIRREL CREEK |
10,768 |
51 km |
| 2000 |
BOBCAT |
10,444 |
88 km |
| 2004 |
PICNIC ROCK |
9,014 |
89 km |
| 2021 |
MORGAN CREEK |
7,710 |
43 km |
| 2021 |
MUDDY SLIDE |
4,372 |
77 km |
| 2002 |
BIG ELK |
4,348 |
88 km |
| 2002 |
GREEN CREEK |
4,342 |
58 km |
| 2017 |
DEEP CREEK |
4,019 |
71 km |
| 2004 |
PENNOCK RX |
3,593 |
87 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
14°F (-10°C) |
2.4 in |
Coldest |
| February |
20°F (-7°C) |
2.1 in |
Driest |
| March |
28°F (-2°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| April |
35°F (2°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| May |
45°F (7°C) |
3.3 in |
Wettest |
| June |
54°F (12°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| July |
57°F (14°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| August |
58°F (14°C) |
2.6 in |
Warmest |
| September |
50°F (10°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| October |
40°F (4°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| November |
27°F (-3°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| December |
19°F (-7°C) |
2.6 in |
|
Walden has a seasonal temperature swing of 44°F / from 14°F in January to 58°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 32.0 inches, with May being the wettest month (3.3") and February the driest (2.1").
Average costs for common services in Walden. 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
Frequently Asked Questions About Walden
What is the population of Walden?
Walden has a population of 658 residents and is located in Colorado. The population density is 1,935 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 51.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 46.4% female and 53.6% male.
Is Walden expensive to live in?
Walden 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 $42,344, 44% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $194,100 (31% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 4.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Walden safe?
Walden is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 223 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,642 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Walden receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Walden?
Walden has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 35°F (2°C). Winter temperatures average 14°F in January, while summers reach an average of 57°F in July. The area receives 316 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 12.1 inches, with 67.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Walden?
The job market in Walden is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.7% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $918. There are 94 business establishments in the area, including 14 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 12 minutes, and 6.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Walden?
The median home value in Walden is $194,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $1,283,489. The homeownership rate is 75.9%.
How are the schools in Walden?
Schools in Walden score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 25.7% of adults in Walden hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 74.5% have completed high school. 7.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Walden?
The obesity rate in Walden is 29.6% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 16.7% of adults are smokers. 23.4% are physically inactive. 25.4% of residents report depression. 14.8% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 78.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,363.
What is transportation like in Walden?
The average commute in Walden is 12 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 74.2% of workers drive alone to work, 1.6% use public transit, and 6.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Walden?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Walden is 80.1% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino. 99% of residents speak only English at home. 19.3% of the population are military veterans. 11.7% of residents have a disability. 93.1% have health insurance coverage.