Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Crested Butte, CO
Dreaming of mountain living? Crested Butte, CO is a charming small town of about 1,700 residents, famous for outdoor adventure, abundant sunshine (70% sunny days), and a tight-knit community. Median home prices are high at $1,050,000, and average rents are around $2,200, reflecting its resort appeal. Crime rates are low, with only 65 violent crimes per 100k, and commutes are a breeze at under 15 minutes. With excellent local schools and world-class recreation, Crested Butte offers a unique blend of beauty and quality of life for new residents.
Demographics - Crested Butte, CO
Demographics - Crested Butte, CO
Crested Butte is a small, close-knit mountain town with a population of around 1,700, predominantly White, and a median age of 38. The community is slightly male-skewed and features a moderate percentage of non-English speakers, contributing to its welcoming yet homogenous atmosphere. Residents enjoy a high population density for a rural area, fostering a vibrant local scene.
Population:
1,700
Density:
1,500 per sq mi
Median Age:
38.0
Gender Ratio:
108 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
94.5%
Black:
0.3%
Asian:
0.6%
Others:
4.6%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Crested Butte, CO?
Living in Crested Butte comes with a high cost of living, with a median home value of $1,050,000 and average rent near $2,200 per month. Everyday expenses such as groceries, utilities, and transportation are above the national average, reflecting the town’s resort status. State income taxes are moderate, but overall affordability is a consideration for new residents.
Median House Value:
$1,050,000
Gross Rent:
$2,200
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,650
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$3,400
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$900
State Taxes:
Low:
4.4%
|
High:
4.4%
Cost Of Living Index:
160
Grocery:
118
Housing:
240
Utilities:
105
Transportation:
120
Health Care:
110
Miscellaneous:
115
Crime
Is Crested Butte, CO a safe place to live?
Crested Butte boasts a very low violent crime rate, with just 65 offenses per 100,000 residents, and property crime is also relatively rare. The chance of being a victim of violent crime is about 1 in 1,500, making it a safe and secure place to live. This favorable safety profile adds to the town’s appeal for families and outdoor enthusiasts.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
65
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,150
Crime Index:
1,215
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,538
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 87
Weather
What is the weather like in Crested Butte, CO year-round?
Crested Butte experiences a classic mountain climate, with cold, snowy winters and mild summers where highs reach the mid-70s°F. The area enjoys about 70% sunny days annually, ideal for year-round outdoor activities. Average annual rainfall is moderate, supporting lush alpine scenery.
Winter
Min:
5°F
Max:
25°F
Spring
Min:
18°F
Max:
45°F
Summer
Min:
38°F
Max:
74°F
Fall
Min:
22°F
Max:
54°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
23 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
70%
Neighbors
Local households in Crested Butte have a median income of $69,000, with a relatively low poverty rate of 8.4% and an unemployment rate below 4%. The community is highly educated, with 98% holding a high school diploma or higher and 61% earning at least a bachelor’s degree. Commutes are short, typically under 15 minutes, enhancing work-life balance.
Median Income:
$44,000
Household Income:
$69,000
Family Income:
$85,000
Per Capita Income:
$41,000
Income Male:
$45,000
Income Female:
$38,000
Poverty Rate:
8.4%
Non English Speakers:
7.5%
Rent:
$2,200
Unemployment Rate:
3.9%
Public Transport Usage:
1.2%
Commute Time:
14.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
98.2%
Bachelors or More:
61.0%
Education
How are the schools in Crested Butte, CO?
Crested Butte is served by the well-regarded Crested Butte Community School, which enrolls about 735 students and maintains a student-teacher ratio of 13.5. While there are no private schools in town, Western Colorado University is just 28 miles away, offering higher education opportunities. The area’s strong educational attainment reflects its commitment to learning and youth development.
Public Schools
Name:
Crested Butte Community School
Street:
818 Red Lady Ave
Phone:
970-641-7720
Students:
735
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.5
Colleges
Name:
Western Colorado University
City:
Gunnison
State:
CO
Distance:
28 miles
Students:
2,600
Healthcare
Residents of Crested Butte benefit from good healthcare access, with Gunnison Valley Health nearby and approximately 2.4 physicians per 1,000 people. Over 93% of locals are insured, and the healthcare index indicates generally favorable services. Emergency and general medical care are readily available within a short drive.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Gunnison Valley Health
Address:
711 N Taylor St, Gunnison, CO 81230
Phone:
(970) 641-1456
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.4
Health Insurance Coverage:
93.8%
Health Care Index:
78.7
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Crested Butte, CO?
Crested Butte’s housing market is competitive, marked by a median home price of $1,050,000 and a 6.2% annual appreciation rate. About 54% of homes are owner-occupied, with rental vacancies at 7.5%, and foreclosures remain very low. The area’s desirability and limited new construction contribute to high property values.
Median Home Price:
$1,050,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,200
Owner Occupied Rate:
54.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.5%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.4%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.2%
DMV Information
DMV services for Crested Butte are provided by the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles at the Gunnison office, located at 222 N 6th St. Residents can access all standard licensing and vehicle registration services locally or online. The nearby office and online options make vehicle and license management convenient.
State:
Colorado
Department:
Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
222 N 6th St, Gunnison, CO 81230
Phone:
970-641-1602
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.