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 a county in Colorado with a population of 11,394. It ranks #37 among counties in Colorado by population. The median age is 43.2, older than the national median. The population is 50.6% male and 49.4% female.
The median household income in Rio Grande County is $62,166, below the US median of $74,580. 10.1% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $215,400, with monthly rent averaging $782. The homeownership rate of 68.4% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Rio Grande County reflects 31.1% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 7.1% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 21.1 minutes each way.
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.