Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Rifle, CO
Considering a move to Rifle, CO? This friendly western Colorado city of 10,437 offers affordable living, with median homes around $399,000 and average rents at $1,250. Residents enjoy a sunny climate (67% sunny days), short commutes averaging 22.7 minutes, and a strong sense of community. Crime rates are moderate for the region, and families appreciate access to local schools and Colorado Mountain College. With its outdoor lifestyle, lower-than-average utility costs, and welcoming atmosphere, Rifle is a great pick for those seeking small-town charm and Colorado adventure.
Demographics - Rifle, CO
Rifle, Colorado, is home to just over 10,400 residents, with a median age of 34.2 and a slightly higher number of males than females. The community is predominantly White (70.5%), with a significant Hispanic or Latino presence at 27.6%, and nearly one in five residents speak a language other than English at home. This youthful, diverse population gives Rifle a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere.
Population:
10,437
Density:
1,330 per sq mi
Median Age:
34.2
Gender Ratio:
105 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
18.2%
Ethnic Composition
White:
70.5%
Black:
0.5%
Asian:
0.7%
Others:
0.7%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Rifle, CO?
Rifle offers a cost of living slightly above the national average, with a median home value of $399,000 and average rent around $1,250 per month. Utilities and everyday expenses remain affordable, and Colorado’s flat 4.4% income tax rate helps keep overall costs manageable. Residents benefit from competitive grocery, health care, and utility costs compared to many other Colorado towns.
Median House Value:
$399,000
Gross Rent:
$1,250
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,320
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,890
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$540
State Taxes:
Low:
4.4%
|
High:
4.4%
Cost Of Living Index:
102.4
Grocery:
99.8
Housing:
105.2
Utilities:
96.7
Transportation:
102.1
Health Care:
98.4
Miscellaneous:
99.0
Crime
Is Rifle, CO a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Rifle are moderate for the region, with about 252 violent crimes and 1,674 property crimes per 100,000 people annually. Residents have a 1 in 397 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime and a 1 in 60 chance of property crime. These statistics indicate that while Rifle is generally safe, it’s important to stay vigilant, especially regarding property security.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
252
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,674
Crime Index:
1,926
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 397
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 60
Weather
What is the weather like in Rifle, CO year-round?
Rifle experiences classic Western Colorado weather, featuring cold winters with lows around 12°F and warm summers reaching up to 89°F. The city enjoys 67% sunny days each year and receives about 16 inches of rainfall annually, supporting an active outdoor lifestyle. Residents can expect distinct seasons and plenty of sunshine throughout the year.
Winter
Min:
12°F
Max:
38°F
Spring
Min:
28°F
Max:
65°F
Summer
Min:
50°F
Max:
89°F
Fall
Min:
31°F
Max:
67°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
16.3 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
67%
Neighbors
The median household income in Rifle is $65,180, with a poverty rate of 12.3% and a low unemployment rate of 3.6%. Most residents commute about 23 minutes to work, and the community is predominantly owner-occupied, reflecting a stable and settled population. Education levels are solid, with over 84% holding a high school diploma or higher.
Median Income:
$37,200
Household Income:
$65,180
Family Income:
$72,900
Per Capita Income:
$24,500
Income Male:
$41,600
Income Female:
$34,200
Poverty Rate:
12.3%
Non English Speakers:
18.2%
Rent:
$1,250
Unemployment Rate:
3.6%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
22.7 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
84.1%
Bachelors or More:
16.3%
Education
How are the schools in Rifle, CO?
Rifle features a range of educational options, including local public schools like Rifle High School and Graham Mesa Elementary, as well as a private school and the Colorado Mountain College campus. Class sizes are reasonable, with student-to-teacher ratios around 16 to 17, supporting personalized learning. The presence of a college campus right in town offers residents convenient higher education opportunities.
Public Schools
Name:
Rifle High School
Street:
1350 Prefontaine Ave
Phone:
970-665-7700
Students:
720
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.1
Name:
Graham Mesa Elementary School
Street:
609 21st St
Phone:
970-665-7540
Students:
340
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.5
Private Schools
Name:
Rifle Christian School
Street:
701 E 5th St
Phone:
970-625-1094
Students:
60
Colleges
Name:
Colorado Mountain College - Rifle
City:
Rifle
State:
CO
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
800
Healthcare
Rifle is served by Grand River Health, offering general and surgical care with emergency services right in town. The city has 1.5 physicians per 1,000 residents, and over 92% of the population has health insurance coverage. Access to quality healthcare is reliable, making it a reassuring place for families and retirees.
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:
1.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.4%
Health Care Index:
70.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Rifle, CO?
The housing market in Rifle is stable, with a median home price of $399,000 and an average rent for a two-bedroom apartment at $1,250. About 66% of homes are owner-occupied, and the area has seen a 4.7% home appreciation rate over the past year. Low foreclosure and vacancy rates suggest a healthy real estate environment for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$399,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,250
Owner Occupied Rate:
65.9%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.6%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.7%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Residents of Rifle can access motor vehicle services through the Colorado Department of Revenue’s Division of Motor Vehicles, located in nearby Grand Junction. The DMV offers full licensing and registration services, and more information is available on their official website. This regional location ensures convenient access for Rifle residents.
State:
Colorado
Department:
Colorado Department of Revenue – Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
510 29 1/2 Rd, Grand Junction, CO 81504
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.