Chaffee County, Colorado Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 26th-largest in Colorado
The population of Chaffee County, Colorado is 19,876 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 26th-largest county in Colorado. The median household income is $70,909, the median home value is $598,500, and the median age is 47.6.
The population of Chaffee County has grown 16.7% since 2010 (17,808 → 20,780), a +1.11% annualized rate.
19,876
Population
+1.11%
Annual growth
20
People / sq mi
$70,909
Median Income
$598,500
Median Home Value
Chaffee County covers 1,013 sq mi of land at 19.6 people per square mile.
About Chaffee County, CO
Chaffee County is a county in Colorado with a population of 19,876. It ranks #26 among counties in Colorado by population. The median age is 47.6, older than the national median. The population is 52.3% male and 47.7% female.
The median household income in Chaffee County is $70,909, near the US median of $74,580. 7.1% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $598,500, with monthly rent averaging $1,514. The homeownership rate of 72.9% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Chaffee County reflects 45.4% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 19.6% of workers primarily work from home, noticeably above the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 17.3 minutes each way.
Chaffee County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Chaffee County had a population of 17,808 in 2010 and 20,780 in 2024, a 16.7% growth over 14 years. The peak was 20,780 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 1.12%.
20,780
Population (2024)
17,808
Population (2010)
20,780
Peak (2024)
1.12%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 17,808 |
| 2011 | 18,035 |
| 2012 | 18,164 |
| 2013 | 18,375 |
| 2014 | 18,471 |
| 2015 | 18,635 |
| 2016 | 19,140 |
| 2017 | 19,700 |
| 2018 | 20,066 |
| 2019 | 20,319 |
| 2020 | 19,488 |
| 2021 | 19,743 |
| 2022 | 20,266 |
| 2023 | 20,608 |
| 2024 | 20,780 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 88.8% |
| Black or African American | 1.1% |
| Asian | 0.1% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 3.3% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
47.6
Median Age
47.7%
Female
52.3%
Male
25.9%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 12.0% · Seniors (65+): 25.9%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $70,909$-21,561 vs state |
| Mean household income | $100,353 |
| Per-capita income | $43,357 |
| Poverty rate | 7.1%+1.2% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.9% |
| Employment-to-population | 52.4% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Chaffee County is professional & business services, accounting for 22.5% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
4.0%
Carpool
60.8%
Public transit
19.6%
Work from home
17.3 min
Avg commute
Housing
$598,500+$96,300 vs state
Median home value
$1,514
Median rent
72.9%
Homeownership rate
11,315
Total housing units
81.3%
Occupied
18.7%
Vacant
27.1%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
92.7%
With health insurance
94.3%
With broadband internet
54.1%
Foreign-born
6.4%
Veterans (18+)
11.4%
With a disability
94.5%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
94.6%
High School+
45.4%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Colorado
Other counties in Colorado
Part of Colorado
Metro areas in Colorado
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Chaffee County, Colorado has a population of 19,876 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 26th-largest county in Colorado. Population density is 20 people per square mile.
The population of Chaffee County has grown 16.7% since 2010 (17,808 → 20,780), a +1.11% annualized rate.
The median household income in Chaffee County, Colorado is $70,909, with mean (average) household income of $100,353 and per-capita income of $43,357. 7.1% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Chaffee County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (88.8%), Hispanic or Latino (3.3%), Black or African American (1.1%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Chaffee County, Colorado is 47.6 years. Residents are 47.7% female and 52.3% male.
The median home value in Chaffee County is $598,500 and median monthly rent is $1,514. 72.9% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 11,315 total housing units, 18.7% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Chaffee County, Colorado is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 22.5% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.9%.
Denver is among the largest cities associated with Chaffee County, Colorado, with a population of 713,734.
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Statewide data for Colorado
Population, race, income, age, and trends across Colorado
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.