Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Carbondale, CO
Considering a move to Carbondale, CO? This scenic mountain town of 6,927 residents offers high-quality schools, abundant sunshine (70% sunny days!), and a relaxed, outdoorsy lifestyle. With a median home price of $765,000 and average rents around $2,250, the cost of living is higher than average, but crime rates are low and commutes are short at 22 minutes. Excellent access to healthcare, strong educational attainment, and a vibrant community make Carbondale a standout for those seeking small-town charm with Rocky Mountain adventure.
Demographics - Carbondale, CO
Demographics - Carbondale, CO
Carbondale is home to nearly 7,000 residents, with a median age of 35.8 and a diverse population that is 67% White and 29% Hispanic. The community has a slightly higher number of males than females and about 22% of residents speak a language other than English at home, reflecting its multicultural character.
Population:
6,927
Density:
1,840 per sq mi
Median Age:
35.8
Gender Ratio:
106 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
22%

Ethnic Composition
White:
67.2%
Black:
0.5%
Asian:
1.2%
Others:
2.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Carbondale, CO?
Living in Carbondale comes with a higher-than-average cost, as the median home value is $765,000 and average rent is $2,250 per month. The city’s overall cost of living index is 132.5, driven mainly by high housing prices, though utilities and transportation costs remain moderate.
Median House Value:
$765,000
Gross Rent:
$2,250
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$98
Auto Insurance:
$1,380
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,950
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$950
State Taxes:
Low:
4.4%
|
High:
4.4%
Cost Of Living Index:
132.5
Grocery:
117.0
Housing:
178.0
Utilities:
97.0
Transportation:
103.0
Health Care:
106.0
Miscellaneous:
100.0
Crime
Is Carbondale, CO a safe place to live?
Carbondale enjoys a low crime rate, with only 88 violent crimes and 1,420 property crimes per 100,000 people, making it a safe choice for families and individuals. Residents have a much lower chance of encountering violent crime compared to national averages, contributing to the town’s relaxed atmosphere.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
88
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,420
Crime Index:
1,508
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,136
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 70
Weather
What is the weather like in Carbondale, CO year-round?
Residents experience all four seasons, with snowy winters averaging lows of 14°F and warm, pleasant summers that reach up to 86°F. Carbondale boasts 70% sunny days annually and receives about 16 inches of rainfall, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.

Winter
Min:
14°F
Max:
36°F

Spring
Min:
28°F
Max:
60°F

Summer
Min:
46°F
Max:
86°F

Fall
Min:
26°F
Max:
65°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
16.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
70%
Neighbors
Carbondale’s neighborhoods reflect a comfortable lifestyle, with a median household income of $81,550 and a poverty rate of 10.8%. Most adults have completed high school, and nearly half hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, supporting a well-educated, active community.
Median Income:
$36,800
Household Income:
$81,550
Family Income:
$94,600
Per Capita Income:
$37,200
Income Male:
$41,900
Income Female:
$34,300
Poverty Rate:
10.8%
Non English Speakers:
22%
Rent:
$2,250
Unemployment Rate:
3.4%
Public Transport Usage:
1.2%
Commute Time:
22.1 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
93.0%
Bachelors or More:
43.2%
Education
How are the schools in Carbondale, CO?
Families in Carbondale benefit from a range of educational options, including well-rated public and private schools with favorable student-teacher ratios. The town is also home to a campus of Colorado Mountain College, providing convenient access to higher education and lifelong learning opportunities.

Public Schools
Name:
Carbondale Middle School
Street:
180 Snowmass Dr
Phone:
970-384-5700
Students:
340
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.4
Name:
Crystal River Elementary School
Street:
160 Snowmass Dr
Phone:
970-384-5620
Students:
350
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.7

Private Schools
Name:
Ross Montessori School
Street:
1101 Village Rd
Phone:
970-963-7199
Students:
410

Colleges
Name:
Colorado Mountain College
City:
Carbondale
State:
CO
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
1,200
Name:
Colorado Mountain College - Spring Valley
City:
Glenwood Springs
State:
CO
Distance:
13 miles
Students:
2,100
Healthcare
The area offers quality healthcare services, with major hospitals like Valley View and Aspen Valley Hospital located nearby and a high rate of health insurance coverage at 91%. With 2.5 physicians per 1,000 residents, residents have good access to medical care and emergency services.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Valley View Hospital
Address:
1906 Blake Ave, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
Phone:
(970) 945-6535
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Aspen Valley Hospital
Address:
0401 Castle Creek Rd, Aspen, CO 81611
Phone:
(970) 925-1120
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.4%
Health Care Index:
71.5
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Carbondale, CO?
Carbondale’s housing market is competitive, with the median home price at $765,000 and a strong 6.7% appreciation rate over the past year. Over half of homes are owner-occupied, and the rental vacancy rate remains low at 4%, reflecting steady demand for both buying and renting.
Median Home Price:
$765,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,250
Owner Occupied Rate:
59.1%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.0%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.7%
New Construction Rate:
2.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Carbondale residents are served by the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles, with the nearest office located in Rifle. Essential DMV services, including licensing and registration, are easily accessible both in-person and online through the state’s official website.
State:
Colorado
Department:
Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
2447 W. 12th St, Rifle, CO 81650
Phone:
970-625-1109
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.