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.
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%.
5,197
Population (2024)
4,457
Population (2010)
5,197
Peak (2024)
1.12%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 4,457 |
| 2011 | 4,424 |
| 2012 | 4,508 |
| 2013 | 4,554 |
| 2014 | 4,576 |
| 2015 | 4,611 |
| 2016 | 4,794 |
| 2017 | 4,815 |
| 2018 | 4,834 |
| 2019 | 5,005 |
| 2020 | 4,882 |
| 2021 | 5,064 |
| 2022 | 5,108 |
| 2023 | 5,185 |
| 2024 | 5,197 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 89.9% |
| Black or African American | 2.0% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.8% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
55.6
Median Age
48.2%
Female
51.8%
Male
35.5%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
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 rate | 3.2%-2.7% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 1.8% |
| Employment-to-population | 53.2% |
Top Industries by Employment
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
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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.
Ouray County, CO Climate
Ouray County, CO has an average annual temperature of 6.1°C (43°F) and receives about 435 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
6.1°C
Avg Temp
435
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -5° / 22° | 30 mm |
| February | -3° / 26° | 25 mm |
| March | 0° / 33° | 36 mm |
| April | 5° / 40° | 31 mm |
| May | 10° / 50° | 34 mm |
| June | 15° / 59° | 24 mm |
| July | 18° / 64° | 50 mm |
| August | 17° / 63° | 54 mm |
| September | 13° / 56° | 46 mm |
| October | 8° / 46° | 40 mm |
| November | 1° / 33° | 36 mm |
| December | -4° / 24° | 29 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 Ouray County, CO
The most comfortable months to visit Ouray County, CO are typically July, August and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 27°C high). The coldest is January (near -13°C low). August is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Ouray County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.