Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Gunnison, CO
Thinking of moving to Gunnison, CO? This small mountain city of about 6,500 residents offers affordable housing with median home prices around $410,000 and rents averaging $1,250. Gunnison boasts a quick average commute of just 11 minutes, low violent crime, and abundant sunshine (over 70% of days each year). Home to Western Colorado University and surrounded by outdoor recreation, Gunnison combines a youthful vibe, quality schools, and a friendly community—perfect for those seeking adventure and a relaxed lifestyle.
Demographics - Gunnison, CO
Demographics - Gunnison, CO
Gunnison is a youthful city with a population of 6,560 and a median age of just 24.8, reflecting a vibrant college presence. The community is predominantly White (over 80%) with a notable Hispanic or Latino population and a slightly higher number of males than females. About 10% of residents speak a language other than English at home, adding some diversity to this tight-knit mountain town.
Population:
6,560
Density:
1,500 per sq mi
Median Age:
24.8
Gender Ratio:
112 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
9.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
81.5%
Black:
0.8%
Asian:
1.2%
Others:
0.7%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Gunnison, CO?
The cost of living in Gunnison sits slightly above the national average, with a cost of living index of 110.2. Housing is a significant factor, as median home values are approximately $410,000 and average rents are around $1,250 per month. Utilities and transportation remain affordable, and Colorado’s flat state income tax rate of 4.4% helps keep overall expenses reasonable.
Median House Value:
$410,000
Gross Rent:
$1,250
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,320
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,840
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$535
State Taxes:
Low:
4.4%
|
High:
4.4%
Cost Of Living Index:
110.2
Grocery:
104.8
Housing:
125.1
Utilities:
95.6
Transportation:
101.2
Health Care:
98.7
Miscellaneous:
102.1
Crime
Is Gunnison, CO a safe place to live?
Gunnison offers a safe environment, with a low violent crime rate of just 192 incidents per 100,000 residents—meaning your chance of being a victim is less than 1 in 500. Property crime is more common but still below major city averages, providing peace of mind for families and students alike. The city’s overall crime index remains moderate, supporting its reputation as a welcoming and secure place to live.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
192
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,211
Crime Index:
1,403
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 520
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 83
Weather
What is the weather like in Gunnison, CO year-round?
Gunnison experiences a classic mountain climate, with cold winters (lows around -3°F) and pleasantly warm summers reaching up to 80°F. The city enjoys abundant sunshine, with about 71% of days being sunny, and receives just over 11 inches of rainfall annually. Residents can expect four distinct seasons, ideal for year-round outdoor activities.
Winter
Min:
-3°F
Max:
29°F
Spring
Min:
20°F
Max:
58°F
Summer
Min:
38°F
Max:
80°F
Fall
Min:
18°F
Max:
62°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
11.1 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
71%
Neighbors
The median household income in Gunnison is around $52,200, with a noticeable gap between male and female earnings. Education levels are high, as over 93% of adults have completed high school and nearly 44% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. The average commute is just 11 minutes, and while the poverty rate is above the national average, the community remains resilient and close-knit.
Median Income:
$33,500
Household Income:
$52,200
Family Income:
$75,800
Per Capita Income:
$24,600
Income Male:
$28,000
Income Female:
$25,300
Poverty Rate:
19.2%
Non English Speakers:
9.5%
Rent:
$1,250
Unemployment Rate:
3.4%
Public Transport Usage:
0.6%
Commute Time:
11.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
93.4%
Bachelors or More:
43.7%
Education
How are the schools in Gunnison, CO?
Gunnison provides quality education across all levels, with public schools featuring small class sizes—student-teacher ratios average around 14:1. Western Colorado University, located in town, brings over 2,600 college students and contributes to the city's youthful and vibrant atmosphere. While there are no private K-12 schools, the public system and university offer strong academic opportunities.
Public Schools
Name:
Gunnison Elementary School
Street:
1099 N. 11th St
Phone:
970-641-7710
Students:
470
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.1
Name:
Gunnison Middle School
Street:
1099 N. 11th St
Phone:
970-641-7716
Students:
340
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.8
Name:
Gunnison High School
Street:
800 W. Ohio Ave
Phone:
970-641-7700
Students:
420
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.3
Colleges
Name:
Western Colorado University
City:
Gunnison
State:
CO
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
2,650
Healthcare
Gunnison is served by Gunnison Valley Health Hospital, providing general and emergency care to residents. The city has a strong ratio of physicians (2.4 per 1,000 residents), and over 91% of locals have health insurance. Healthcare access and affordability are solid, making Gunnison a dependable choice for medical needs.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Gunnison Valley Health Hospital
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:
91.5%
Health Care Index:
72.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Gunnison, CO?
The Gunnison housing market is moderately competitive, with a median home price of $410,000 and strong appreciation (7.1% over the past year). Only about 43% of homes are owner-occupied, reflecting a sizable rental community and the local university’s influence. Rental vacancy rates are healthy at nearly 7%, offering options for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$410,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,250
Owner Occupied Rate:
42.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.1%
New Construction Rate:
2.3%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Gunnison residents are served by the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located on Gunnison Avenue. The local DMV office provides essential services like licensing and registration, and more information is available on the state’s DMV website. Access is straightforward for both newcomers and long-term locals.
State:
Colorado
Department:
Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
800 W. Gunnison Ave, 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.