Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Fort Garland, CO
Thinking of moving to Fort Garland, CO? This small, friendly community of about 500 residents offers affordable living, with a median home price around $195,000 and average rents near $850. Enjoy beautiful mountain views, over 70% sunny days per year, and a quiet pace of life. Commute times are short (under 30 minutes), crime rates are low, and you'll find access to local schools and healthcare within a short drive. Fort Garland is perfect for those seeking rural charm and affordability in southern Colorado.
Demographics - Fort Garland, CO
Demographics - Fort Garland, CO
Fort Garland is a close-knit rural community with a population of just over 500 and a median age of 48.2, reflecting a mature and settled population. The town is predominantly White, but nearly a fifth of residents speak a language other than English at home, adding to its local diversity.
Population:
512
Density:
130 per sq mi
Median Age:
48.2
Gender Ratio:
104 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
18.0%

Ethnic Composition
White:
72.5%
Black:
1.2%
Asian:
0.0%
Others:
26.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Fort Garland, CO?
Living in Fort Garland is highly affordable, with a median home value of $195,000 and average rents of $850, making it attractive for budget-conscious residents. The overall cost of living index sits at 89.2, well below the national average, and daily expenses like groceries and utilities are also comparatively low.
Median House Value:
$195,000
Gross Rent:
$850
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,450
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,120
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$390
State Taxes:
Low:
4.4%
|
High:
4.4%
Cost Of Living Index:
89.2
Grocery:
94.0
Housing:
75.0
Utilities:
93.0
Transportation:
87.0
Health Care:
92.0
Miscellaneous:
91.0
Crime
Is Fort Garland, CO a safe place to live?
Fort Garland enjoys a low crime environment, with a violent crime rate of 210 incidents per 100,000 people and a 1 in 476 chance of being affected by violent crime. Property crime is somewhat higher but still manageable for a small town, contributing to a generally safe atmosphere.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
210
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,400
Crime Index:
1,610
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 476
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 71
Weather
What is the weather like in Fort Garland, CO year-round?
Residents experience a dry, sunny climate with about 73% sunny days each year and modest annual rainfall. Winters are cold, with lows around 6°F, while summers are pleasantly warm, reaching highs near 82°F, making outdoor activities enjoyable in every season.

Winter
Min:
6°F
Max:
38°F

Spring
Min:
22°F
Max:
60°F

Summer
Min:
44°F
Max:
82°F

Fall
Min:
25°F
Max:
65°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
10.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
73%
Neighbors
The community has a modest median household income of $35,100 and a poverty rate of 21.8%, typical for rural Colorado. Most residents own their homes, and commute times average under 30 minutes, supporting a laid-back lifestyle with a strong sense of local connection.
Median Income:
$26,700
Household Income:
$35,100
Family Income:
$41,200
Per Capita Income:
$21,500
Income Male:
$28,000
Income Female:
$26,000
Poverty Rate:
21.8%
Non English Speakers:
18.0%
Rent:
$850
Unemployment Rate:
5.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
27.5 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
81.2%
Bachelors or More:
13.5%
Education
How are the schools in Fort Garland, CO?
Families in Fort Garland benefit from a local public school with small class sizes, as well as proximity to higher education options like Trinidad State College and Adams State University just 32 miles away. Educational attainment is typical for the area, with most adults having at least a high school diploma.

Public Schools
Name:
Sierra Grande School
Street:
17523 Hwy 160
Phone:
719-379-3257
Students:
290
Student Teacher Ratio:
10.2

Colleges
Name:
Trinidad State College
City:
Alamosa
State:
CO
Distance:
32 miles
Students:
1,700
Name:
Adams State University
City:
Alamosa
State:
CO
Distance:
32 miles
Students:
3,000
Healthcare
Fort Garland residents have access to essential healthcare services through nearby hospitals and a physician rate of 1.1 per 1,000 people. Over 86% of locals have health insurance, ensuring most community members can receive medical care when needed.

Major Hospitals
Name:
San Luis Valley Health Conejos County Hospital
Address:
19021 US Hwy 285, La Jara, CO 81140
Phone:
(719) 274-5121
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
San Luis Valley Health Regional Medical Center
Address:
106 Blanca Ave, Alamosa, CO 81101
Phone:
(719) 589-2511
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
86.2%
Health Care Index:
69.3
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Fort Garland, CO?
The housing market in Fort Garland is stable and affordable, with a median home price of $195,000 and a healthy 65.5% owner-occupancy rate. Home values have appreciated by 6.1% over the past year, and rental vacancies are moderate, offering options for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$195,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$850
Owner Occupied Rate:
65.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Motor vehicle services for Fort Garland are handled by the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles, which provides licensing and registration at nearby offices or online. Residents can find DMV resources, locations, and contact information easily through the official state website.
State:
Colorado
Department:
Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
4315 S. Santa Fe Dr., Englewood, CO 80110
Phone:
303-205-5600
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.