Rio Blanco County, Colorado Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 45th-largest in Colorado
The population of Rio Blanco County, Colorado is 6,518 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 45th-largest county in Colorado. The median household income is $72,620, the median home value is $243,400, and the median age is 39.1.
The population of Rio Blanco County has declined 0.2% since 2010 (6,623 → 6,607), a -0.02% annualized rate.
6,518
Population
-0.02%
Annual growth
2
People / sq mi
$72,620
Median Income
$243,400
Median Home Value
Rio Blanco County covers 3,221 sq mi of land at 2.0 people per square mile.
About Rio Blanco County, CO
Rio Blanco County stands apart on settlement density — it is among the most sparsely settled of US counties, at roughly 2 people per square mile. Rio Blanco County is a county in Colorado with a population of 6,518. It ranks #45 among counties in Colorado by population.
The typical household earns $72,620 a year, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty runs at 7.2%, below the national 12.4%. A typical home is worth $243,400, with typical rent around $924.
26.6% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national average of 35.0%. Around 7.6% of workers work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 15 minutes each way.
Rio Blanco County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Rio Blanco County had a population of 6,623 in 2010 and 6,607 in 2024, a -0.2% growth over 14 years. The peak was 6,763 in 2012. Average annual growth rate: -0.01%.
6,607
Population (2024)
6,623
Population (2010)
6,763
Peak (2012)
-0.01%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 6,623 |
| 2011 | 6,751 |
| 2012 | 6,763 |
| 2013 | 6,699 |
| 2014 | 6,604 |
| 2015 | 6,487 |
| 2016 | 6,443 |
| 2017 | 6,362 |
| 2018 | 6,347 |
| 2019 | 6,350 |
| 2020 | 6,521 |
| 2021 | 6,447 |
| 2022 | 6,561 |
| 2023 | 6,586 |
| 2024 | 6,607 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 85.5% |
| Black or African American | 0.1% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 3.7% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
39.1
Median Age
47.4%
Female
52.6%
Male
16.8%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 20.7% · Seniors (65+): 16.8%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $72,620$-19,850 vs state |
| Mean household income | $80,991 |
| Per-capita income | $33,375 |
| Poverty rate | 7.2%+1.3% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.6% |
| Employment-to-population | 57.3% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Rio Blanco County is professional & business services, accounting for 21.1% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
5.7%
Carpool
77.8%
Public transit
7.6%
Work from home
15.0 min
Avg commute
Housing
$243,400$-258,800 vs state
Median home value
$924
Median rent
75.9%
Homeownership rate
3,288
Total housing units
78.7%
Occupied
21.3%
Vacant
24.1%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
90.4%
With health insurance
96.0%
With broadband internet
48.6%
Foreign-born
10.3%
Veterans (18+)
18.4%
With a disability
92.0%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
93.2%
High School+
26.6%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Colorado
Other counties in Colorado
Part of Colorado
Metro areas in Colorado
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Rio Blanco County, Colorado has a population of 6,518 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 45th-largest county in Colorado. Population density is 2 people per square mile.
The population of Rio Blanco County has declined 0.2% since 2010 (6,623 → 6,607), a -0.02% annualized rate.
The median household income in Rio Blanco County, Colorado is $72,620, with mean (average) household income of $80,991 and per-capita income of $33,375. 7.2% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Rio Blanco County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (85.5%), Hispanic or Latino (3.7%), 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 Rio Blanco County, Colorado is 39.1 years. Residents are 47.4% female and 52.6% male.
The median home value in Rio Blanco County is $243,400 and median monthly rent is $924. 75.9% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 3,288 total housing units, 21.3% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Rio Blanco County, Colorado is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 21.1% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.6%.
Denver is among the largest cities associated with Rio Blanco County, Colorado, with a population of 713,734.
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Full rankings of Colorado counties
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.