Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Parachute, CO
Considering a move to Parachute, CO? This small town of about 1,250 offers a relaxed lifestyle with affordable housing—median home prices are around $265,000 and average 2-bedroom rents near $1,050. Residents enjoy a low cost of living, short 24-minute commutes, and lots of sunny days (73% annually). While the town is safe and community-focused, educational opportunities are more limited, and the area boasts a beautiful mountain climate with mild summers. Explore the details below to see if Parachute is your next home base!
Demographics - Parachute, CO
Demographics - Parachute, CO
Parachute, Colorado is a small, close-knit community of approximately 1,250 residents with a median age of 37.2 years. The population is predominantly White, with a significant Hispanic or Latino presence, and about 13% of residents speak a language other than English at home. The town offers a balanced gender ratio and moderate population density, fostering a welcoming, small-town atmosphere.
Population:
1,250
Density:
1,050 per sq mi
Median Age:
37.2
Gender Ratio:
104 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
13.1%

Ethnic Composition
White:
80.0%
Black:
0.5%
Asian:
0.5%
Others:
17.9%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Parachute, CO?
Parachute boasts a cost of living index of 92.1, making it more affordable than many areas in Colorado. Median home values are around $265,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are $1,050, offering accessible housing options. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs remain below national averages, contributing to the town’s overall affordability.
Median House Value:
$265,000
Gross Rent:
$1,050
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,340
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,410
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$395
State Taxes:
Low:
4.4%
|
High:
4.4%
Cost Of Living Index:
92.1
Grocery:
96.0
Housing:
74.0
Utilities:
95.8
Transportation:
94.0
Health Care:
106.0
Miscellaneous:
98.0
Crime
Is Parachute, CO a safe place to live?
Parachute maintains a generally safe environment, with a violent crime rate of 251 per 100,000 and a property crime rate of 1,400 per 100,000. Residents have a relatively low 1 in 398 chance of experiencing violent crime. The community benefits from a small-town feel with attentive local safety measures.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
251
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,400
Crime Index:
1,651
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 398
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 71
Weather
What is the weather like in Parachute, CO year-round?
Residents of Parachute enjoy a classic Rocky Mountain climate, with warm, sunny summers reaching up to 89°F and cold winters dipping to 10°F. The area receives about 10.6 inches of rainfall annually and boasts 73% sunny days, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Spring and fall bring mild, pleasant temperatures ideal for exploring the surrounding landscape.

Winter
Min:
10°F
Max:
36°F

Spring
Min:
27°F
Max:
65°F

Summer
Min:
52°F
Max:
89°F

Fall
Min:
28°F
Max:
67°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
10.6 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
73%
Neighbors
Parachute's households have a median income of $62,500 and a family income of $68,400, while the poverty rate stands at 13.1%. Most residents commute about 24 minutes to work, with minimal reliance on public transportation. The majority of adults have at least a high school diploma, reflecting a community that values education and hard work.
Median Income:
$38,000
Household Income:
$62,500
Family Income:
$68,400
Per Capita Income:
$25,350
Income Male:
$41,800
Income Female:
$32,000
Poverty Rate:
13.1%
Non English Speakers:
13.1%
Rent:
$1,050
Unemployment Rate:
3.6%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
23.8 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
88.3%
Bachelors or More:
14.5%
Education
How are the schools in Parachute, CO?
Parachute is served by local public schools, such as Grand Valley High School and Bea Underwood Elementary, offering small class sizes and a personalized learning environment. While there are no private schools in town, Colorado Mountain College is located just 17 miles away in Rifle, providing higher education options. The community supports educational achievement, with most adults holding at least a high school diploma.

Public Schools
Name:
Grand Valley High School
Street:
800 Cardinal Way
Phone:
970-285-5705
Students:
250
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.6
Name:
Bea Underwood Elementary School
Street:
0741 Tamarisk Trail
Phone:
970-285-5703
Students:
315
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.8

Colleges
Name:
Colorado Mountain College
City:
Rifle
State:
CO
Distance:
17 miles
Students:
5,800
Healthcare
Residents have access to quality healthcare, including Grand River Health in nearby Rifle, which provides general and emergency services. Health insurance coverage is high at 90.6%, and there are about 1.4 physicians per 1,000 residents. The area’s healthcare index of 65.2 suggests accessible and affordable care for locals.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Grand River Health
Address:
501 Airport Rd, Rifle, CO 81650
Phone:
(970) 625-1510
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.4
Health Insurance Coverage:
90.6%
Health Care Index:
65.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Parachute, CO?
Parachute offers an appealing housing market with a median home price of $265,000 and an owner-occupancy rate of 68%. Rental vacancies are moderate at 7.5%, and home values have appreciated by 3.2% over the past year. The town provides a stable and affordable environment for both homeowners and renters.
Median Home Price:
$265,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,050
Owner Occupied Rate:
68.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.5%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Parachute residents are served by the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles, with the nearest office located in Grand Junction. The DMV provides comprehensive services, including licensing and vehicle registration, and information is available online. Access to state motor vehicle services is convenient for local drivers.
State:
Colorado
Department:
Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
510 29 1/4 Rd, Grand Junction, CO 81504
Phone:
1-303-205-5600
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.