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 distinguished by its share of foreign-born residents, 59.5% of the population. With 56,088 residents, La Plata County is a county in Colorado. It ranks #14 among counties in Colorado by population.
Median household income is $85,296, above the US median of $78,538. Poverty runs at 8.0%, below the national 12.4%. Housing is expensive: the median home is worth $549,100, with typical rent around $1,409.
Degree attainment is near the top of the range for US counties: 47.3% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s, above the 35.0% national rate. Remote work is widespread — 17.9% of workers stay home, above the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 21 minutes each way.
The large foreign-born share is a defining thread in La Plata County, shaping language, household composition, and the labor force behind the economic figures above.
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.