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Population Review

Ouray County, Colorado Population 2026

Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 52nd-largest in Colorado

The population of Ouray County, Colorado is 5,024 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 52nd-largest county in Colorado. The median household income is $84,556, the median home value is $670,100, and the median age is 55.6.

The population of Ouray County has grown 16.6% since 2010 (4,457 → 5,197), a +1.10% annualized rate.

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

5,024

Population

+1.10%

Annual growth

9

People / sq mi

$84,556

Median Income

$670,100

Median Home Value

Ouray County covers 541 sq mi of land at 9.3 people per square mile.

About Ouray County, CO

Ouray County is distinguished by its share of foreign-born residents, 69.4% of the population. With 5,024 residents, Ouray County is a county in Colorado.

Median household income is $84,556, above the US median of $78,538. Hardship is rare relative to US counties: a poverty rate of just 3.2%, below the national 12.4%. Home prices are steep, with the typical property valued at $670,100, with typical rent around $1,398.

Degree attainment is near the top of the range for US counties: 54.0% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s, above the 35.0% national rate. Remote work is widespread — 16.7% of workers stay home, above the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 29 minutes each way.

The large foreign-born share is a defining thread in Ouray County, shaping language, household composition, and the labor force behind the economic figures above.

Ouray County Population History (2010-2024)

The county of Ouray County had a population of 4,457 in 2010 and 5,197 in 2024, a 16.6% growth over 14 years. The peak was 5,197 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 1.12%.

2024 · 5K20102024
Ouray County population, 2010–2024 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau — decennial census & Population Estimates

5,197

Population (2024)

4,457

Population (2010)

5,197

Peak (2024)

1.12%

Avg Annual Growth

YearPopulation
20104,457
20114,424
20124,508
20134,554
20144,576
20154,611
20164,794
20174,815
20184,834
20195,005
20204,882
20215,064
20225,108
20235,185
20245,197

Race & Ethnicity

White89.9%
Black or African American2.0%
Asian0.0%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)0.8%
Two or More Races0.0%

Age & Sex

55.6

Median Age

48.2%

Female

51.8%

Male

35.5%

Age 65+

Age Distribution

Under 5
2.3%
5–9
1.9%
10–14
4.9%
15–19
3.7%
20–24
1.8%
25–34
11.4%
35–44
10.0%
45–54
13.2%
55–59
6.3%
60–64
9.0%
65–74
23.4%
75–84
10.9%
85+
1.2%

Children (under 15): 9.1% · Seniors (65+): 35.5%

Income & Poverty

Median household income$84,556$-7,914 vs state
Mean household income$109,038
Per-capita income$53,914
Poverty rate3.2%-2.7% vs state
Unemployment rate1.8%
Employment-to-population53.2%

Top Industries by Employment

Professional & business services
17.5%
Finance & real estate
16.3%
Education & health care
16.1%
Construction
10.1%
Public administration
6.6%
Retail trade
6.2%
Information
4.8%
Manufacturing
3.7%

The largest employment sector in Ouray County is professional & business services, accounting for 17.5% of workers.

How residents commute

0.2%

Drive alone

6.5%

Carpool

60.6%

Public transit

16.7%

Work from home

28.9 min

Avg commute

Housing

$670,100+$167,900 vs state

Median home value

$1,398

Median rent

78.0%

Homeownership rate

3,466

Total housing units

72.5%

Occupied

27.5%

Vacant

22.0%

Renter-occupied

Social & access

85.7%

With health insurance

96.4%

With broadband internet

69.4%

Foreign-born

11.3%

Veterans (18+)

13.1%

With a disability

94.8%

Speak language other than English at home

Education

97.3%

High School+

54.0%

Bachelor's+

Largest cities in Colorado

Other counties in Colorado

Part of Colorado

Metro areas in Colorado

County rankings

Frequently Asked Questions

Ouray County, Colorado has a population of 5,024 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 52nd-largest county in Colorado. Population density is 9 people per square mile.

The population of Ouray County has grown 16.6% since 2010 (4,457 → 5,197), a +1.10% annualized rate.

The median household income in Ouray County, Colorado is $84,556, with mean (average) household income of $109,038 and per-capita income of $53,914. 3.2% of residents live below the federal poverty level.

In Ouray County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (89.9%), Black or African American (2.0%), Hispanic or Latino (0.8%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.

The median age in Ouray County, Colorado is 55.6 years. Residents are 48.2% female and 51.8% male.

The median home value in Ouray County is $670,100 and median monthly rent is $1,398. 78.0% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 3,466 total housing units, 27.5% of which are vacant.

The largest employment sector in Ouray County, Colorado is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 17.5% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.8%.

Denver is among the largest cities associated with Ouray 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.