Kit Carson County, Colorado Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 43rd-largest in Colorado
The population of Kit Carson County, Colorado is 7,015 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 43rd-largest county in Colorado. The median household income is $59,810, the median home value is $221,400, and the median age is 39.0.
The population of Kit Carson County has declined 14.4% since 2010 (8,271 → 7,080), a -1.10% annualized rate.
7,015
Population
-1.10%
Annual growth
3
People / sq mi
$59,810
Median Income
$221,400
Median Home Value
Kit Carson County covers 2,161 sq mi of land at 3.2 people per square mile.
About Kit Carson County, CO
Kit Carson County stands apart on settlement density — it is among the most sparsely settled of US counties, at roughly 3 people per square mile. Kit Carson County is a county in Colorado with a population of 7,015. It ranks #43 among counties in Colorado by population.
Household earnings are middling, with a median of $59,810 — below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate, 7.0%, is on the lower side for US counties and below the national 12.4%. Median home value is $221,400, with typical rent around $916.
Degree attainment is mid-range for US counties: 18.4% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. Around 8.7% of workers work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 16 minutes each way.
Kit Carson County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Kit Carson County had a population of 8,271 in 2010 and 7,080 in 2024, a -14.4% growth over 14 years. The peak was 8,271 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -1.07%.
7,080
Population (2024)
8,271
Population (2010)
8,271
Peak (2010)
-1.07%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 8,271 |
| 2011 | 8,183 |
| 2012 | 8,088 |
| 2013 | 8,259 |
| 2014 | 8,028 |
| 2015 | 8,223 |
| 2016 | 7,632 |
| 2017 | 7,149 |
| 2018 | 7,166 |
| 2019 | 7,161 |
| 2020 | 7,063 |
| 2021 | 6,928 |
| 2022 | 7,010 |
| 2023 | 7,032 |
| 2024 | 7,080 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 80.6% |
| Black or African American | 0.1% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 3.1% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
39.0
Median Age
49.4%
Female
50.6%
Male
19.9%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 21.5% · Seniors (65+): 19.9%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $59,810$-32,660 vs state |
| Mean household income | $89,493 |
| Per-capita income | $37,807 |
| Poverty rate | 7.0%+1.1% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 1.8% |
| Employment-to-population | 63.9% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Kit Carson County is agriculture, accounting for 21.2% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
4.6%
Carpool
79.1%
Public transit
8.7%
Work from home
16.2 min
Avg commute
Housing
$221,400$-280,800 vs state
Median home value
$916
Median rent
68.3%
Homeownership rate
3,426
Total housing units
85.1%
Occupied
14.9%
Vacant
31.7%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
89.2%
With health insurance
92.0%
With broadband internet
31.4%
Foreign-born
7.5%
Veterans (18+)
17.8%
With a disability
85.6%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
89.0%
High School+
18.4%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Colorado
Other counties in Colorado
Part of Colorado
Metro areas in Colorado
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Kit Carson County, Colorado has a population of 7,015 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 43rd-largest county in Colorado. Population density is 3 people per square mile.
The population of Kit Carson County has declined 14.4% since 2010 (8,271 → 7,080), a -1.10% annualized rate.
The median household income in Kit Carson County, Colorado is $59,810, with mean (average) household income of $89,493 and per-capita income of $37,807. 7.0% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Kit Carson County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (80.6%), Hispanic or Latino (3.1%), Black or African American (0.1%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Kit Carson County, Colorado is 39.0 years. Residents are 49.4% female and 50.6% male.
The median home value in Kit Carson County is $221,400 and median monthly rent is $916. 68.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 3,426 total housing units, 14.9% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Kit Carson County, Colorado is agriculture, forestry, fishing, and mining, employing 21.2% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.8%.
Denver is among the largest cities associated with Kit Carson County, Colorado, with a population of 713,734.
Kit Carson County, CO Climate
Kit Carson County, CO has an average annual temperature of 10.1°C (50°F) and receives about 415 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
10.1°C
Avg Temp
415
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -2° / 28° | 8 mm |
| February | 0° / 32° | 10 mm |
| March | 4° / 39° | 24 mm |
| April | 9° / 48° | 36 mm |
| May | 14° / 58° | 73 mm |
| June | 20° / 68° | 63 mm |
| July | 23° / 74° | 66 mm |
| August | 22° / 72° | 56 mm |
| September | 18° / 64° | 35 mm |
| October | 11° / 52° | 21 mm |
| November | 3° / 38° | 15 mm |
| December | -1° / 30° | 8 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 Kit Carson County, CO
The most comfortable months to visit Kit Carson County, CO are typically June, August and September, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 32°C high). The coldest is January (near -10°C low). May is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Kit Carson County
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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.