Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Montrose, CO
Considering a move to Montrose, CO? With a population around 20,000, Montrose offers affordable living—median home prices at $357,000 and average rents near $1,150. Residents enjoy sunny weather, short 18-minute commutes, and abundant outdoor opportunities. The city provides good public schools, a low overall cost of living, and a community-oriented feel, though property crime is higher than national averages. If you’re looking for small-city charm with access to Colorado’s outdoor lifestyle, Montrose could be a perfect fit.
Demographics - Montrose, CO
Demographics - Montrose, CO
Montrose, Colorado is home to about 20,291 residents, with a median age of 42.6 years and a population density of 1,400 people per square mile. The community has a predominantly White population (83%), with a significant Hispanic presence and a balanced gender ratio. Around 10% of residents speak a language other than English at home, reflecting some cultural diversity.
Population:
20,291
Density:
1,400 per sq mi
Median Age:
42.6
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
10.1%
Ethnic Composition
White:
83.2%
Black:
0.5%
Asian:
0.7%
Others:
15.6%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Montrose, CO?
Living in Montrose is relatively affordable compared to national averages, with a median home value of $357,000 and average rent at $1,150 per month. The cost of living index sits just above the U.S. average, driven mainly by housing costs, while utilities and healthcare remain moderate. Residents also benefit from steady state tax rates and manageable monthly household expenses.
Median House Value:
$357,000
Gross Rent:
$1,150
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,360
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,780
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$450
State Taxes:
Low:
4.4%
|
High:
4.4%
Cost Of Living Index:
107.3
Grocery:
102.1
Housing:
113.8
Utilities:
96.2
Transportation:
104.6
Health Care:
98.7
Miscellaneous:
101.5
Crime
Is Montrose, CO a safe place to live?
Montrose experiences a property crime rate higher than the national average, with about 2,385 property crimes per 100,000 people and a 1 in 42 chance annually. Violent crime is less common, with a chance of 1 in 350, offering residents a generally safe environment despite the elevated property crime numbers. Community vigilance and neighborhood programs are recommended for added peace of mind.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
286
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,385
Crime Index:
2,671
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 350
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 42
Weather
What is the weather like in Montrose, CO year-round?
Montrose enjoys a sunny climate with approximately 71% of days filled with sunshine and an average annual rainfall of just over 10 inches. Winters are cold with lows around 16°F, while summers are warm, reaching highs of 89°F, making the city ideal for outdoor activities year-round. The distinct seasons bring a comfortable balance for those who appreciate both snowy winters and dry, pleasant summers.
Winter
Min:
16°F
Max:
40°F
Spring
Min:
31°F
Max:
64°F
Summer
Min:
53°F
Max:
89°F
Fall
Min:
34°F
Max:
66°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
10.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
71%
Neighbors
Typical households in Montrose earn a median income of $57,200, with a poverty rate of 12.5% and an unemployment rate of 3.7%. Most residents commute about 18 minutes to work and rely primarily on personal vehicles, as public transport usage is very low. Educational attainment is strong, with over 91% having finished high school and about one-fifth holding a bachelor's degree or higher.
Median Income:
$30,100
Household Income:
$57,200
Family Income:
$72,300
Per Capita Income:
$30,100
Income Male:
$41,500
Income Female:
$30,600
Poverty Rate:
12.5%
Non English Speakers:
10.1%
Rent:
$1,150
Unemployment Rate:
3.7%
Public Transport Usage:
0.8%
Commute Time:
17.6 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
91.4%
Bachelors or More:
21.2%
Education
How are the schools in Montrose, CO?
Montrose provides a range of educational options, including reputable public schools like Montrose High School, private institutions, and a local campus of Colorado Mesa University. Class sizes are reasonable, and families have access to both K-12 and higher education opportunities within the city. These resources support lifelong learning and workforce development in the community.
Public Schools
Name:
Montrose High School
Street:
600 S Selig Ave
Phone:
970-249-6636
Students:
1,250
Student Teacher Ratio:
19.5
Name:
Pomona Elementary School
Street:
1045 Pomona Dr
Phone:
970-249-2514
Students:
400
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.2
Private Schools
Name:
Montrose Christian School
Street:
2351 Sunnyside Rd
Phone:
970-249-5432
Students:
220
Colleges
Name:
Colorado Mesa University – Montrose Campus
City:
Montrose
State:
CO
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
300
Name:
Colorado Mesa University – Main Campus
City:
Grand Junction
State:
CO
Distance:
60 miles
Students:
11,000
Healthcare
Montrose offers quality healthcare services, anchored by Montrose Regional Health, a full-service hospital with emergency care. The city has 1.8 physicians per 1,000 residents, and nearly 90% of locals have health insurance. Overall, healthcare access and coverage in Montrose are reliable for individuals and families.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Montrose Regional Health
Address:
800 S 3rd St, Montrose, CO 81401
Phone:
(970) 249-2211
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.8
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.2%
Health Care Index:
72.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Montrose, CO?
The housing market in Montrose is characterized by a median home price of $357,000 and steady rent averaging $1,150 for a two-bedroom unit. Approximately two-thirds of residents own their homes, and the area has seen a healthy home appreciation rate of 6.4% over the past year. Rental vacancies are moderate, indicating a stable and accessible real estate market for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$357,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,150
Owner Occupied Rate:
66.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
5.9%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.4%
New Construction Rate:
1.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Residents of Montrose can access vehicle registration, licensing, and other services at the local Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles office on LaSalle Road. The office offers a full range of DMV services with convenient hours and online resources through the state’s DMV website. For questions or appointments, locals can call the Montrose DMV directly.
State:
Colorado
Department:
Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
63160 LaSalle Rd, Montrose, CO 81401
Phone:
970-249-3362
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.