Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Lay, CO
Considering a move to Lay, CO? This quiet rural community has a population of just 150, offering affordable living with a median home price of $230,000 and average rent around $900. Residents enjoy a low crime rate (violent crime: 90 per 100K), sunny days 68% of the year, and relaxed commutes averaging 25 minutes. Local schools in nearby Craig serve families well, and the area offers wide-open spaces and a peaceful Colorado lifestyle while remaining close to essential amenities.
Demographics - Lay, CO
Lay, CO is a small, close-knit rural community with approximately 150 residents and a low population density of 3 people per square mile. The median age is 43, with a predominantly White population and a slightly higher number of males than females. Most residents speak English at home, contributing to the area's traditional and welcoming atmosphere.
Population:
150
Density:
3 per sq mi
Median Age:
43.2
Gender Ratio:
105 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
91.0%
Black:
0.5%
Asian:
0.5%
Others:
8.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Lay, CO?
Lay offers an affordable cost of living, with a median home value of $230,000 and average rent around $900. Residents benefit from low housing costs, a cost of living index below the national average, and reasonable utility rates. State taxes are modest at 4.4%, making it attractive for newcomers seeking value.
Median House Value:
$230,000
Gross Rent:
$900
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$130
Auto Insurance:
$1,350
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,200
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$420
State Taxes:
Low:
4.4%
|
High:
4.4%
Cost Of Living Index:
94.0
Grocery:
95.2
Housing:
75.0
Utilities:
98.0
Transportation:
93.0
Health Care:
91.0
Miscellaneous:
92.0
Crime
Is Lay, CO a safe place to live?
Lay is a safe place to live, with violent crime rates well below the national average at 90 incidents per 100,000 people and a property crime rate of 520 per 100,000. Residents enjoy peace of mind thanks to the low overall crime index and favorable odds against both violent and property crimes. The community's small size contributes to its sense of security.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
90
Property Crimes Per 100k:
520
Crime Index:
610
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,100
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 190
Weather
What is the weather like in Lay, CO year-round?
Lay experiences four distinct seasons, with chilly winters that average as low as 3°F and warm summers reaching up to 85°F. The area enjoys 68% sunny days each year and about 16.5 inches of annual rainfall. The climate supports outdoor activities throughout much of the year while offering a true Colorado experience.
Winter
Min:
3°F
Max:
33°F
Spring
Min:
23°F
Max:
60°F
Summer
Min:
42°F
Max:
85°F
Fall
Min:
25°F
Max:
65°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
16.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
68%
Neighbors
Lay residents typically enjoy household incomes around $54,000 and a low poverty rate of 8.7%. Most neighbors have completed high school, and some hold college degrees. With an average commute of 25 minutes and no public transit use, the area is car-dependent yet maintains a relaxed, rural feel.
Median Income:
$36,500
Household Income:
$54,000
Family Income:
$60,000
Per Capita Income:
$29,000
Income Male:
$38,000
Income Female:
$30,000
Poverty Rate:
8.7%
Non English Speakers:
3.5%
Rent:
$900
Unemployment Rate:
4.9%
Public Transport Usage:
0.0%
Commute Time:
25.6 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
89.0%
Bachelors or More:
20.0%
Education
How are the schools in Lay, CO?
Families in Lay benefit from public schools in nearby Craig, including Sunset Elementary and Moffat County High School, which offer manageable class sizes and supportive learning environments. Higher education is accessible at the Colorado Northwestern Community College, just eight miles away. While there are no private schools in Lay, the educational options available serve local students well.
Public Schools
Name:
Sunset Elementary School
Street:
800 W 7th St, Craig, CO 81625
Phone:
970-824-5762
Students:
320
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.1
Name:
Moffat County High School
Street:
900 Finley Lane, Craig, CO 81625
Phone:
970-824-7036
Students:
600
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.2
Colleges
Name:
Colorado Northwestern Community College
City:
Craig
State:
CO
Distance:
8 miles
Students:
1,100
Healthcare
Residents of Lay have access to quality healthcare nearby, including Memorial Regional Health in Craig and UCHealth Yampa Valley Medical Center in Steamboat Springs. The area offers a solid physician-to-population ratio of 1.3 per 1,000 and a high health insurance coverage rate at 91%. Emergency services are readily accessible for peace of mind.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Memorial Regional Health
Address:
750 Hospital Loop, Craig, CO 81625
Phone:
(970) 824-9411
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
UCHealth Yampa Valley Medical Center
Address:
1024 Central Park Dr, Steamboat Springs, CO 80487
Phone:
(970) 879-1322
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.0%
Health Care Index:
68.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Lay, CO?
Lay's housing market is affordable and stable, with a median home price of $230,000 and owner-occupancy at 73%. Rent for a two-bedroom averages $900, and the area sees steady appreciation with low foreclosure and vacancy rates. New construction is limited, preserving the small-town character.
Median Home Price:
$230,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$900
Owner Occupied Rate:
73.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.5%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
DMV services for Lay residents are provided by the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles, with the nearest office in Grand Junction. The DMV offers standard licensing, registration, and title services, and residents can access information and forms online. For assistance, the office can be reached by phone or through the official website.
State:
Colorado
Department:
Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
222 S. 6th Street, Suite 409, Grand Junction, CO 81501
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.