Rio Grande County, Colorado Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 37th-largest in Colorado
The population of Rio Grande County, Colorado is 11,394 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 37th-largest county in Colorado. The median household income is $62,166, the median home value is $215,400, and the median age is 43.2.
The population of Rio Grande County has declined 7.4% since 2010 (12,022 → 11,132), a -0.55% annualized rate.
11,394
Population
-0.55%
Annual growth
12
People / sq mi
$62,166
Median Income
$215,400
Median Home Value
Rio Grande County covers 912 sq mi of land at 12.5 people per square mile.
About Rio Grande County, CO
Rio Grande County is defined demographically by education — 31.1% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national average. Rio Grande County is a county in Colorado with a population of 11,394. It ranks #37 among counties in Colorado by population.
The typical household here earns about $62,166, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 10.1%, below the national 12.4%. Homes carry a median value of $215,400, with typical rent around $782.
College attainment is above the local norm at 31.1%, below the national 35.0%. About 7.1% of the workforce is home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 21 minutes each way.
The education numbers are the throughline: a college-heavy population in Rio Grande County usually coincides with higher incomes and a workforce concentrated in professional and information industries.
Rio Grande County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Rio Grande County had a population of 12,022 in 2010 and 11,132 in 2024, a -7.4% growth over 14 years. The peak was 12,022 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.54%.
11,132
Population (2024)
12,022
Population (2010)
12,022
Peak (2010)
-0.54%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 12,022 |
| 2011 | 11,914 |
| 2012 | 11,867 |
| 2013 | 11,674 |
| 2014 | 11,505 |
| 2015 | 11,355 |
| 2016 | 11,354 |
| 2017 | 11,300 |
| 2018 | 11,274 |
| 2019 | 11,277 |
| 2020 | 11,543 |
| 2021 | 11,409 |
| 2022 | 11,329 |
| 2023 | 11,194 |
| 2024 | 11,132 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 74.5% |
| Black or African American | 0.4% |
| Asian | 1.1% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 7.2% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
43.2
Median Age
49.4%
Female
50.6%
Male
22.1%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 16.6% · Seniors (65+): 22.1%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $62,166$-30,304 vs state |
| Mean household income | $86,169 |
| Per-capita income | $40,132 |
| Poverty rate | 10.1%+4.2% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 4.8% |
| Employment-to-population | 55.5% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Rio Grande County is professional & business services, accounting for 27.7% of workers.
How residents commute
0.6%
Drive alone
2.2%
Carpool
80.3%
Public transit
7.1%
Work from home
21.1 min
Avg commute
Housing
$215,400$-286,800 vs state
Median home value
$782
Median rent
68.4%
Homeownership rate
6,574
Total housing units
76.5%
Occupied
23.5%
Vacant
31.6%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
86.2%
With health insurance
89.7%
With broadband internet
37.7%
Foreign-born
6.5%
Veterans (18+)
17.1%
With a disability
81.1%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
89.3%
High School+
31.1%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Colorado
Other counties in Colorado
Part of Colorado
Metro areas in Colorado
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Rio Grande County, Colorado has a population of 11,394 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 37th-largest county in Colorado. Population density is 12 people per square mile.
The population of Rio Grande County has declined 7.4% since 2010 (12,022 → 11,132), a -0.55% annualized rate.
The median household income in Rio Grande County, Colorado is $62,166, with mean (average) household income of $86,169 and per-capita income of $40,132. 10.1% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Rio Grande County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (74.5%), Hispanic or Latino (7.2%), Asian (1.1%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Rio Grande County, Colorado is 43.2 years. Residents are 49.4% female and 50.6% male.
The median home value in Rio Grande County is $215,400 and median monthly rent is $782. 68.4% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 6,574 total housing units, 23.5% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Rio Grande County, Colorado is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 27.7% of workers. The unemployment rate is 4.8%.
Denver is among the largest cities associated with Rio Grande 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.