La Plata County, Colorado Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 14th-largest in Colorado
The population of La Plata County, Colorado is 56,088 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 14th-largest county in Colorado. The median household income is $85,296, the median home value is $549,100, and the median age is 42.3.
The population of La Plata County has grown 10.5% since 2010 (51,416 → 56,823), a +0.72% annualized rate.
56,088
Population
+0.72%
Annual growth
33
People / sq mi
$85,296
Median Income
$549,100
Median Home Value
La Plata County covers 1,690 sq mi of land at 33.2 people per square mile.
About La Plata County, CO
La Plata County is a county in Colorado with a population of 56,088. It ranks #14 among counties in Colorado by population. The median age is 42.3, older than the national median. The population is 50.6% male and 49.4% female.
The median household income in La Plata County is $85,296, above the US median of $74,580. 8.0% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $549,100, with monthly rent averaging $1,409. The homeownership rate of 71.0% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in La Plata County reflects 47.3% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 17.9% of workers primarily work from home, noticeably above the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 20.7 minutes each way.
La Plata County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of La Plata County had a population of 51,416 in 2010 and 56,823 in 2024, a 10.5% growth over 14 years. The peak was 56,823 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.72%.
56,823
Population (2024)
51,416
Population (2010)
56,823
Peak (2024)
0.72%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 51,416 |
| 2011 | 51,886 |
| 2012 | 52,489 |
| 2013 | 53,432 |
| 2014 | 53,941 |
| 2015 | 54,776 |
| 2016 | 55,459 |
| 2017 | 55,717 |
| 2018 | 56,511 |
| 2019 | 56,440 |
| 2020 | 55,676 |
| 2021 | 56,177 |
| 2022 | 56,577 |
| 2023 | 56,401 |
| 2024 | 56,823 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 83.4% |
| Black or African American | 0.2% |
| Asian | 3.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 8.2% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
42.3
Median Age
49.4%
Female
50.6%
Male
19.9%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 14.5% · Seniors (65+): 19.9%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $85,296$-7,174 vs state |
| Mean household income | $106,437 |
| Per-capita income | $45,717 |
| Poverty rate | 8.0%+2.1% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.0% |
| Employment-to-population | 61.6% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in La Plata County is professional & business services, accounting for 22.9% of workers.
How residents commute
0.4%
Drive alone
4.4%
Carpool
66.7%
Public transit
17.9%
Work from home
20.7 min
Avg commute
Housing
$549,100+$46,900 vs state
Median home value
$1,409
Median rent
71.0%
Homeownership rate
28,613
Total housing units
81.1%
Occupied
18.9%
Vacant
29.0%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
90.5%
With health insurance
97.0%
With broadband internet
59.5%
Foreign-born
7.1%
Veterans (18+)
10.1%
With a disability
91.4%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
96.4%
High School+
47.3%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Colorado
Other counties in Colorado
Part of Colorado
Metro areas in Colorado
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
La Plata County, Colorado has a population of 56,088 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 14th-largest county in Colorado. Population density is 33 people per square mile.
The population of La Plata County has grown 10.5% since 2010 (51,416 → 56,823), a +0.72% annualized rate.
The median household income in La Plata County, Colorado is $85,296, with mean (average) household income of $106,437 and per-capita income of $45,717. 8.0% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In La Plata County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (83.4%), Hispanic or Latino (8.2%), Asian (3.0%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in La Plata County, Colorado is 42.3 years. Residents are 49.4% female and 50.6% male.
The median home value in La Plata County is $549,100 and median monthly rent is $1,409. 71.0% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 28,613 total housing units, 18.9% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in La Plata County, Colorado is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 22.9% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.0%.
Denver is among the largest cities associated with La Plata 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.