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Population Review

Gunnison County, Colorado Population 2026

Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 29th-largest in Colorado

The population of Gunnison County, Colorado is 17,158 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 29th-largest county in Colorado. The median household income is $77,358, the median home value is $597,200, and the median age is 37.0.

The population of Gunnison County has grown 13.2% since 2010 (15,290 → 17,310), a +0.89% annualized rate.

Gunnison County within Colorado · Source: US Census TIGER/Line via us-atlas

17,158

Population

+0.89%

Annual growth

5

People / sq mi

$77,358

Median Income

$597,200

Median Home Value

Gunnison County covers 3,239 sq mi of land at 5.3 people per square mile.

About Gunnison County, CO

Gunnison County is a county in Colorado with a population of 17,158. It ranks #29 among counties in Colorado by population. The median age is 37.0, younger than the national median. The population is 54.8% male and 45.2% female.

The median household income in Gunnison County is $77,358, near the US median of $74,580. 4.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $597,200, with monthly rent averaging $1,191. The homeownership rate of 66.9% is close to the national rate of 64.8%.

Educational attainment in Gunnison County reflects 59.3% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 13.2% of workers primarily work from home, similar to the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 19.9 minutes each way.

Gunnison County Population History (2010-2024)

The county of Gunnison County had a population of 15,290 in 2010 and 17,310 in 2024, a 13.2% growth over 14 years. The peak was 17,480 in 2019. Average annual growth rate: 0.90%.

2019 · 17K20102024

17,310

Population (2024)

15,290

Population (2010)

17,480

Peak (2019)

0.90%

Avg Annual Growth

YearPopulation
201015,290
201115,267
201215,390
201315,597
201415,786
201516,125
201616,447
201716,896
201817,177
201917,480
202016,946
202117,296
202217,319
202317,334
202417,310

Race & Ethnicity

White89.6%
Black or African American1.1%
Asian0.1%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)2.4%
Two or More Races0.0%

Age & Sex

37.0

Median Age

45.2%

Female

54.8%

Male

14.4%

Age 65+

Age Distribution

Under 5
2.9%
5–9
3.9%
10–14
5.0%
15–19
7.8%
20–24
13.9%
25–34
13.9%
35–44
13.8%
45–54
12.9%
55–59
5.2%
60–64
6.2%
65–74
9.7%
75–84
3.8%
85+
0.9%

Children (under 15): 11.8% · Seniors (65+): 14.4%

Income & Poverty

Median household income$77,358$-15,112 vs state
Mean household income$102,255
Per-capita income$47,042
Poverty rate4.7%-1.2% vs state
Unemployment rate2.7%
Employment-to-population69.9%

Top Industries by Employment

Professional & business services
21.5%
Education & health care
20.5%
Construction
11.0%
Finance & real estate
9.5%
Information
7.1%
Arts, entertainment & food
4.9%
Retail trade
4.7%
Public administration
4.2%

The largest employment sector in Gunnison County is professional & business services, accounting for 21.5% of workers.

How residents commute

6.1%

Drive alone

11.5%

Carpool

51.1%

Public transit

13.2%

Work from home

19.9 min

Avg commute

Housing

$597,200+$95,000 vs state

Median home value

$1,191

Median rent

66.9%

Homeownership rate

12,348

Total housing units

64.0%

Occupied

36.0%

Vacant

33.1%

Renter-occupied

Social & access

93.8%

With health insurance

98.4%

With broadband internet

61.2%

Foreign-born

4.6%

Veterans (18+)

8.1%

With a disability

93.0%

Speak language other than English at home

Education

98.3%

High School+

59.3%

Bachelor's+

Largest cities in Colorado

Other counties in Colorado

Part of Colorado

Metro areas in Colorado

County rankings

Frequently Asked Questions

Gunnison County, Colorado has a population of 17,158 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 29th-largest county in Colorado. Population density is 5 people per square mile.

The population of Gunnison County has grown 13.2% since 2010 (15,290 → 17,310), a +0.89% annualized rate.

The median household income in Gunnison County, Colorado is $77,358, with mean (average) household income of $102,255 and per-capita income of $47,042. 4.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level.

In Gunnison County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (89.6%), Hispanic or Latino (2.4%), 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 Gunnison County, Colorado is 37.0 years. Residents are 45.2% female and 54.8% male.

The median home value in Gunnison County is $597,200 and median monthly rent is $1,191. 66.9% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 12,348 total housing units, 36.0% of which are vacant.

The largest employment sector in Gunnison County, Colorado is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 21.5% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.7%.

Denver is among the largest cities associated with Gunnison County, Colorado, with a population of 713,734.

Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.