Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Cortez, CO
Considering Cortez, CO for your next move? This scenic city of around 8,800 residents offers affordable living with a median home price of $258,000 and average rent at $950. Enjoy short commutes (just 14 minutes on average), plenty of sunshine (73% sunny days), and proximity to local outdoor attractions. While property crime is higher than national averages, Cortez features small-town charm, access to local schools and healthcare, and a relaxed pace—perfect for those seeking a close-knit Southwest Colorado community.
Demographics - Cortez, CO
Demographics - Cortez, CO
Cortez is a small city of about 8,800 people, with a median age nearing 40 and a balanced gender ratio. The community is predominantly White (75%), with significant Native American (13%) and Hispanic or Latino (12%) populations, reflecting a diverse local culture. Around 10% of residents speak a non-English language at home, contributing to the city’s multicultural atmosphere.
Population:
8,800
Density:
1,400 per sq mi
Median Age:
39.8
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
10.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
75.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Cortez, CO?
Cortez offers a cost of living below the national average, with a median home value of $258,000 and typical rent around $950 per month. Utility and everyday expenses are moderate, while state income tax remains a flat 4.4%. The lower housing index makes this city particularly attractive for buyers and renters seeking affordability in Colorado.
Median House Value:
$258,000
Gross Rent:
$950
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,350
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,340
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$400
State Taxes:
Low:
4.4%
|
High:
4.4%
Cost Of Living Index:
94.5
Grocery:
97.1
Housing:
81.8
Utilities:
96.4
Transportation:
85.0
Health Care:
90.3
Miscellaneous:
98.2
Crime
Is Cortez, CO a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Cortez are higher than national averages, especially for property-related incidents, with property crime affecting approximately 1 in 29 residents yearly. Violent crime is less common but still present, with a rate of 449 incidents per 100,000 people. Residents should remain vigilant, particularly regarding property security.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
449
Property Crimes Per 100k:
3,411
Crime Index:
3,860
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 223
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 29
Weather
What is the weather like in Cortez, CO year-round?
Cortez enjoys a sunny climate with about 73% of days featuring sunshine annually and relatively low average rainfall of 13.4 inches. Summers are warm, reaching highs in the upper 80s, while winters can be chilly with lows in the upper teens. The city’s weather supports year-round outdoor activities, especially for those who appreciate a dry, sunny environment.
Winter
Min:
17°F
Max:
39°F
Spring
Min:
30°F
Max:
61°F
Summer
Min:
53°F
Max:
87°F
Fall
Min:
34°F
Max:
69°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
13.4 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
73%
Neighbors
Residents of Cortez enjoy short average commutes of just over 14 minutes and a strong sense of community, though median household income is modest at $48,700. The area has an 18.5% poverty rate and about 90% of adults have completed high school, indicating a working-class, education-focused population. Public transportation use is minimal, reflecting the city's small-town character.
Median Income:
$29,400
Household Income:
$48,700
Family Income:
$55,200
Per Capita Income:
$25,100
Income Male:
$38,400
Income Female:
$30,100
Poverty Rate:
18.5%
Non English Speakers:
10.5%
Rent:
$950
Unemployment Rate:
5.1%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
14.3 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
89.7%
Bachelors or More:
20.2%
Education
How are the schools in Cortez, CO?
Cortez offers a range of educational opportunities, including public schools like Montezuma-Cortez High School and Mesa Elementary, known for their manageable class sizes. Private schooling and local higher education are available, with Pueblo Community College Southwest located in the city and Fort Lewis College just 45 miles away. The community values education, with nearly 90% of adults holding a high school diploma.
Public Schools
Name:
Montezuma-Cortez High School
Street:
418 S Sligo St
Phone:
970-565-3722
Students:
600
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.8
Name:
Mesa Elementary School
Street:
703 W 7th St
Phone:
970-565-3858
Students:
390
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.2
Private Schools
Name:
Kiva Montessori School
Street:
601 N Mildred Rd
Phone:
970-565-8586
Students:
45
Colleges
Name:
Pueblo Community College Southwest
City:
Cortez
State:
CO
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
300
Name:
Fort Lewis College
City:
Durango
State:
CO
Distance:
45 miles
Students:
3,200
Healthcare
Cortez is served by Southwest Memorial Hospital, providing general and emergency care to the city’s residents. Health insurance coverage is strong at over 86%, and there are about 1.4 physicians per 1,000 residents. The healthcare index reflects accessible basic medical services with local facilities convenient for most needs.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Southwest Memorial Hospital
Address:
1311 N Mildred Rd, Cortez, CO 81321
Phone:
(970) 565-6666
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.4
Health Insurance Coverage:
86.2%
Health Care Index:
68.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Cortez, CO?
The Cortez housing market is affordable, with the median home price at $258,000 and average two-bedroom rents around $950. Most residents own their homes (64%), and the area maintains a healthy rental vacancy rate of 7%. Home appreciation has been steady, making Cortez appealing for both buyers and renters seeking stable housing options.
Median Home Price:
$258,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$950
Owner Occupied Rate:
64.1%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.9%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
The local DMV office in Cortez is operated by the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles and is conveniently located on N Mildred Rd. Residents can access standard vehicle, licensing, and registration services locally or online through the state DMV website. The office provides essential services for newcomers and long-time residents alike.
State:
Colorado
Department:
Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
601 N Mildred Rd, Cortez, CO 81321
Phone:
970-565-9777
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.