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.
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 defined demographically by education — 59.3% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree, above the national average. With 17,158 residents, Gunnison County is a county in Colorado. It ranks #29 among counties in Colorado by population.
The typical household earns $77,358 a year, near the US median of $78,538. Poverty is relatively low for US counties at 4.7%, below the national 12.4%. Home prices are steep, with the typical property valued at $597,200, with typical rent around $1,191.
Degree attainment is near the top of the range for US counties: 59.3% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s, above the 35.0% national rate. A solid 13.2% of workers are based at home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 20 minutes each way.
The education numbers are the throughline: a college-heavy population in Gunnison County usually coincides with higher incomes and a workforce concentrated in professional and information industries.
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%.
17,310
Population (2024)
15,290
Population (2010)
17,480
Peak (2019)
0.90%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 15,290 |
| 2011 | 15,267 |
| 2012 | 15,390 |
| 2013 | 15,597 |
| 2014 | 15,786 |
| 2015 | 16,125 |
| 2016 | 16,447 |
| 2017 | 16,896 |
| 2018 | 17,177 |
| 2019 | 17,480 |
| 2020 | 16,946 |
| 2021 | 17,296 |
| 2022 | 17,319 |
| 2023 | 17,334 |
| 2024 | 17,310 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 89.6% |
| Black or African American | 1.1% |
| Asian | 0.1% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 2.4% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
37.0
Median Age
45.2%
Female
54.8%
Male
14.4%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
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 rate | 4.7%-1.2% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.7% |
| Employment-to-population | 69.9% |
Top Industries by Employment
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.
Gunnison County, CO Climate
Gunnison County, CO has an average annual temperature of 1.5°C (35°F) and receives about 446 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
1.5°C
Avg Temp
446
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -11° / 12° | 41 mm |
| February | -9° / 16° | 34 mm |
| March | -5° / 24° | 39 mm |
| April | 0° / 32° | 30 mm |
| May | 6° / 43° | 30 mm |
| June | 11° / 51° | 26 mm |
| July | 14° / 56° | 46 mm |
| August | 13° / 55° | 49 mm |
| September | 9° / 49° | 40 mm |
| October | 4° / 39° | 31 mm |
| November | -4° / 26° | 35 mm |
| December | -10° / 14° | 45 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Gunnison County, CO
The most comfortable months to visit Gunnison County, CO are typically July, August and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 23°C high). The coldest is January (near -20°C low). August is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Gunnison County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.