Everything You Should Know Before Moving to La Junta, CO
Considering a move to La Junta, CO? With a welcoming population of about 6,700, La Junta offers affordable living—median home prices are around $120,000 and average rent is just $780. Enjoy short commutes (about 15 minutes), a sunny climate with 71% sunny days, and convenient local healthcare. While crime rates are above national averages, the small-town atmosphere, low cost of living, and local college make La Junta a practical choice for families and individuals seeking value and community.
Demographics - La Junta, CO
Demographics - La Junta, CO
La Junta is home to around 6,700 residents with a median age of 37.7, offering a balanced mix of families and working adults. The city is predominantly White (73.5%), with a significant Hispanic and multicultural presence, and about 16% of residents speak a language other than English at home. Its moderate population density creates a close-knit yet comfortable community feel.
Population:
6,700
Density:
1,560 per sq mi
Median Age:
37.7
Gender Ratio:
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
15.6%
Ethnic Composition
White:
73.5%
Black:
1.2%
Asian:
1.0%
Others:
24.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in La Junta, CO?
Living in La Junta is highly affordable, with a median house value of $120,000 and average rent around $780, making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious families and individuals. The overall cost of living index is well below the national average at 87.5, and residents benefit from low state income taxes and reasonable utility and transportation expenses. This affordability allows for a higher quality of life on modest incomes.
Median House Value:
$120,000
Gross Rent:
$780
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,050
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,020
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$340
State Taxes:
Low:
4.4%
|
High:
4.4%
Cost Of Living Index:
87.5
Grocery:
94.1
Housing:
47.2
Utilities:
93.5
Transportation:
92.6
Health Care:
94.2
Miscellaneous:
97.0
Crime
Is La Junta, CO a safe place to live?
La Junta experiences higher-than-average crime rates compared to national figures, with about 3,700 total crimes per 100,000 people annually. The chance of being a victim of property crime is 1 in 30, while violent crime risk is lower at 1 in 265. Prospective residents should consider local safety resources and neighborhood selection when moving to the area.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
377
Property Crimes Per 100k:
3,326
Crime Index:
3,703
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 265
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 30
Weather
What is the weather like in La Junta, CO year-round?
La Junta enjoys a sunny climate, boasting 71% sunny days each year and low annual rainfall at 12.9 inches. Winters are chilly but manageable, with lows around 15°F, while summers are warm and dry, reaching highs near 94°F. The city’s four distinct seasons allow for a variety of outdoor activities year-round.
Winter
Min:
15°F
Max:
47°F
Spring
Min:
37°F
Max:
71°F
Summer
Min:
60°F
Max:
94°F
Fall
Min:
38°F
Max:
74°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
12.9 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
71%
Neighbors
The community in La Junta has a median household income of about $39,600 and a poverty rate of 21.3%, reflecting a modest local economy. Most adults have completed high school, with about 15% holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. Residents enjoy short commutes—averaging just over 15 minutes—and a welcoming, diverse neighborhood atmosphere.
Median Income:
$30,300
Household Income:
$39,600
Family Income:
$49,400
Per Capita Income:
$19,100
Income Male:
$33,500
Income Female:
$25,200
Poverty Rate:
21.3%
Non English Speakers:
15.6%
Rent:
$780
Unemployment Rate:
5.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.4%
Commute Time:
15.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
80.5%
Bachelors or More:
15.3%
Education
How are the schools in La Junta, CO?
La Junta supports education with several public schools offering favorable student-teacher ratios, as well as private early childhood options. The city is home to Otero College, providing higher education and workforce training to around 1,300 students. Families can expect accessible schooling and a commitment to educational growth at every level.
Public Schools
Name:
La Junta Primary School
Street:
1111 W 10th St
Phone:
719-384-2991
Students:
400
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.0
Name:
La Junta Intermediate School
Street:
1915 Smithland Ave
Phone:
719-384-9121
Students:
350
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.4
Name:
La Junta Junior/Senior High School
Street:
1817 Smithland Ave
Phone:
719-384-4467
Students:
540
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.9
Private Schools
Name:
Otero Junior College Child Development Services
Street:
1802 Colorado Ave
Phone:
719-384-3100
Students:
60
Colleges
Name:
Otero College
City:
La Junta
State:
CO
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
1,300
Healthcare
La Junta offers accessible healthcare, anchored by Arkansas Valley Regional Medical Center, a full-service hospital with emergency care. The area has 1.6 physicians per 1,000 residents, and nearly 89% of the population has health insurance coverage. Healthcare costs are generally affordable, contributing to residents’ overall well-being.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Arkansas Valley Regional Medical Center
Address:
1100 Carson Ave, La Junta, CO 81050
Phone:
(719) 384-5412
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
88.7%
Health Care Index:
71.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in La Junta, CO?
La Junta’s housing market is highly affordable, with a median home price of $120,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $800. Over half of the homes are owner-occupied, and vacancy rates remain moderate, offering options for both buyers and renters. Home values are appreciating steadily, making it an appealing market for first-time homeowners.
Median Home Price:
$120,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$800
Owner Occupied Rate:
57.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.9%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.4%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Local DMV services are provided by the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles at 215 Raton Ave, making it convenient for residents to handle licensing and vehicle registration needs. The office offers standard DMV services with helpful staff, and additional resources are available online through the Colorado DMV website.
State:
Colorado
Department:
Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
215 Raton Ave, La Junta, CO 81050
Phone:
719-384-4951
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.