Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Pagosa Springs, CO
Thinking of moving to Pagosa Springs, CO? With a close-knit population of 1,629 and median home values around $432,000, this scenic mountain town offers affordable rents, a moderate cost of living, and quick 15-minute commutes. Residents enjoy over 66% sunny days, crisp winters, and access to outdoor recreation year-round. Local schools provide small class sizes, and the town boasts low violent crime and a welcoming, laid-back lifestyle—ideal for those seeking small-town charm in Colorado.
Demographics - Pagosa Springs, CO
Demographics - Pagosa Springs, CO
Pagosa Springs is a small, close-knit community of 1,629 residents, with a median age of 44.3 and a balanced gender ratio. The town is predominantly White, with a notable Hispanic or Latino presence, and about 11% of the population speaks a language other than English at home. Its moderate population density and diverse backgrounds contribute to a friendly, welcoming atmosphere.
Population:
1,629
Density:
478 per sq mi
Median Age:
44.3
Gender Ratio:
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
11.2%
Ethnic Composition
White:
84.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Pagosa Springs, CO?
The cost of living in Pagosa Springs is slightly above the national average, with a cost of living index of 106.4. Median home values stand at $432,000 and average rents are affordable at $1,180 per month, making it an attractive option for both homeowners and renters. Utilities and groceries are reasonably priced, and state taxes are a flat 4.4%.
Median House Value:
$432,000
Gross Rent:
$1,180
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,420
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,670
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$545
State Taxes:
Low:
4.4%
|
High:
4.4%
Cost Of Living Index:
106.4
Grocery:
103.5
Housing:
114.2
Utilities:
98.7
Transportation:
106.0
Health Care:
104.3
Miscellaneous:
101.5
Crime
Is Pagosa Springs, CO a safe place to live?
Pagosa Springs offers a relatively safe living environment, with a low violent crime rate of 196 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime rate of 1,921 per 100,000. The chance of being a victim of violent crime is about 1 in 510, ensuring peace of mind for families and retirees. The overall crime index suggests crime rates remain manageable for a town of its size.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
196
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,921
Crime Index:
2,117
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 510
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 52
Weather
What is the weather like in Pagosa Springs, CO year-round?
Residents experience four distinct seasons, with crisp winters averaging lows of 6°F and warm summers reaching up to 82°F. The area enjoys 66% sunny days annually and receives about 24 inches of rainfall, perfect for those who appreciate both sunshine and occasional precipitation. Pagosa Springs' mountain climate supports year-round outdoor activities.
Winter
Min:
6°F
Max:
38°F
Spring
Min:
20°F
Max:
60°F
Summer
Min:
40°F
Max:
82°F
Fall
Min:
18°F
Max:
63°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
23.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
66%
Neighbors
Households in Pagosa Springs enjoy a median income of $52,600, with a family income of $62,200 and a relatively low unemployment rate of 3.6%. Most residents have at least a high school education, and the average commute is a quick 15 minutes. The town maintains a friendly, community-oriented feel, with a poverty rate of 13.5%.
Median Income:
$32,800
Household Income:
$52,600
Family Income:
$62,200
Per Capita Income:
$28,400
Income Male:
$35,100
Income Female:
$31,500
Poverty Rate:
13.5%
Non English Speakers:
11.2%
Rent:
$1,180
Unemployment Rate:
3.6%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
15.3 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
92.3%
Bachelors or More:
31.8%
Education
How are the schools in Pagosa Springs, CO?
Pagosa Springs offers quality education through its public schools, with small class sizes and student-teacher ratios around 14:1. Options include both public and private schools, and higher education opportunities are available nearby at Fort Lewis College in Durango, just 60 miles away. The community values education, with over 92% of adults holding at least a high school diploma.
Public Schools
Name:
Pagosa Springs High School
Street:
800 S 8th St
Phone:
970-264-2231
Students:
400
Student Teacher Ratio:
15:1
Name:
Pagosa Springs Middle School
Street:
309 Lewis St
Phone:
970-264-2794
Students:
350
Student Teacher Ratio:
14:1
Private Schools
Name:
Pagosa Valor Academy
Street:
301 N Pagosa Blvd
Phone:
970-398-0644
Students:
80
Colleges
Name:
Fort Lewis College
City:
Durango
State:
CO
Distance:
60 miles
Students:
3,300
Healthcare
Pagosa Springs Medical Center provides general and emergency care, and there are 1.8 physicians per 1,000 people. Nearly 90% of residents have health insurance, contributing to a strong sense of local well-being. Access to healthcare is convenient for a town of this size.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Pagosa Springs Medical Center
Address:
95 S Pagosa Blvd, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
Phone:
(970) 731-3700
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.8
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.7%
Health Care Index:
68.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Pagosa Springs, CO?
The housing market features a median home price of $432,000 and a strong owner-occupancy rate of over 63%. Average rent for a two-bedroom apartment is $1,180, and the market has seen a healthy home appreciation rate of 7.2% in the past year. With low foreclosure and vacancy rates, Pagosa Springs presents a stable and growing real estate market.
Median Home Price:
$432,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,180
Owner Occupied Rate:
63.1%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.7%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.2%
New Construction Rate:
2.3%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Pagosa Springs residents are served locally by the Colorado Department of Revenue – Division of Motor Vehicles at 1035 W. U.S. Hwy 160. DMV services are accessible by phone or online, making vehicle registration and licensing straightforward. The office provides essential state DMV functions for the town and surrounding areas.
State:
Colorado
Department:
Colorado Department of Revenue – Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
1035 W. U.S. Hwy 160, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
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.