Everything You Should Know Before Moving to La Jara, CO
Considering a move to La Jara, CO? With a close-knit population of 783, La Jara offers affordable living, with median home prices around $158,000 and average rents near $710. Residents enjoy short 18-minute commutes, low violent crime rates (130 per 100k), and an abundance of sunshine—about 72% of days each year. The town features small class sizes in public schools, access to local healthcare, and a friendly rural atmosphere, making it a relaxing place to call home.
Demographics - La Jara, CO
Demographics - La Jara, CO
La Jara is a small, close-knit community of 783 residents, featuring a median age of 40 and a balanced gender ratio. The town is diverse, with over 44% of the population identifying as non-white and 22% speaking a language other than English at home, contributing to a rich local culture.
Population:
783
Density:
1,500 per sq mi
Median Age:
40.1
Gender Ratio:
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
22.0%

Ethnic Composition
White:
54.7%
Black:
0.3%
Asian:
0.2%
Others:
44.8%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in La Jara, CO?
Living in La Jara is quite affordable, with a median home value of $158,000 and average rents around $710 per month. The cost of living index is notably below the national average, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals and families.
Median House Value:
$158,000
Gross Rent:
$710
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,220
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$920
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$320
State Taxes:
Low:
4.4%
|
High:
4.4%
Cost Of Living Index:
84.3
Grocery:
93.7
Housing:
67.1
Utilities:
94.2
Transportation:
92.5
Health Care:
98.0
Miscellaneous:
88.3
Crime
Is La Jara, CO a safe place to live?
La Jara offers a safe environment with a low violent crime rate of 130 per 100,000 residents and a 1 in 770 chance of experiencing a violent crime. Property crime rates are higher, but the town remains a secure place for families and individuals seeking peace of mind.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
130
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,150
Crime Index:
1,280
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 770
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 87
Weather
What is the weather like in La Jara, CO year-round?
Residents of La Jara experience four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching up to 82°F and cold winters dipping to 3°F. The area enjoys abundant sunshine, with 72% of days being sunny and just 7.6 inches of annual rainfall, perfect for those who appreciate a bright, dry climate.

Winter
Min:
3°F
Max:
37°F

Spring
Min:
25°F
Max:
62°F

Summer
Min:
45°F
Max:
82°F

Fall
Min:
28°F
Max:
66°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
7.6 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
72%
Neighbors
La Jara's community has a median household income of $42,800, though the area faces a higher poverty rate at 22.3%. Most residents enjoy short commutes averaging 18.5 minutes, and a strong sense of connection is evident in this rural setting.
Median Income:
$41,600
Household Income:
$42,800
Family Income:
$50,400
Per Capita Income:
$18,400
Income Male:
$34,000
Income Female:
$26,000
Poverty Rate:
22.3%
Non English Speakers:
22.0%
Rent:
$710
Unemployment Rate:
6.3%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
18.5 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
82.1%
Bachelors or More:
17.1%
Education
How are the schools in La Jara, CO?
La Jara’s public schools offer small class sizes and personalized attention, with the local elementary and middle schools serving the community. For higher education, Adams State University is just 14 miles away, making quality education accessible for all ages.

Public Schools
Name:
La Jara Elementary School
Street:
214 Poplar St
Phone:
719-274-5791
Students:
260
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.9
Name:
Centauri Middle School
Street:
17891 US Hwy 285
Phone:
719-274-4301
Students:
190
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.8

Colleges
Name:
Adams State University
City:
Alamosa
State:
CO
Distance:
14 miles
Students:
3,100
Healthcare
Healthcare in La Jara is supported by local facilities like Conejos County Hospital and access to regional centers in nearby Alamosa. With 1.7 physicians per 1,000 residents and 86.5% health insurance coverage, the town provides reliable medical care for its population.

Major Hospitals
Name:
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:
1.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
86.5%
Health Care Index:
71.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in La Jara, CO?
The housing market in La Jara features affordable options, with a median home price of $158,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate of nearly 74%. Modest home appreciation and low rental vacancy rates make it a stable environment for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$158,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$710
Owner Occupied Rate:
73.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.4%
New Construction Rate:
0.6%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
La Jara residents are served by the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles located in nearby Alamosa, offering convenient access to essential licensing and registration services. The DMV provides up-to-date online resources and in-person assistance for all vehicle needs.
State:
Colorado
Department:
Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
715 6th St, Alamosa, CO 81101
Phone:
719-589-4274
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.