Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Rio Blanco, CO
Thinking of making Rio Blanco, CO your new home? This peaceful, rural county boasts a small population of around 6,300 and offers affordable living, with median home prices near $220,000 and average rent at $880. Residents enjoy short 17-minute commutes, low violent crime (188 per 100K), and lots of sunshine—about 68% of days are sunny. With friendly schools, a tight-knit community, and easy access to outdoor adventure, Rio Blanco is a great fit for those seeking Colorado’s natural beauty and a relaxed lifestyle.
Demographics - Rio Blanco, CO
Demographics - Rio Blanco, CO
Rio Blanco is a rural county with a small population of 6,333 and a low population density, offering a quiet lifestyle. The community is predominantly White at over 92% and has a median age of 40.1, suggesting a mature, family-friendly environment. A relatively balanced gender ratio and a modest percentage of non-English speakers contribute to the area’s welcoming and stable feel.
Population:
6,333
Density:
2.1 per sq mi
Median Age:
40.1
Gender Ratio:
104 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
5.7%

Ethnic Composition
White:
92.5%
Black:
0.3%
Asian:
0.4%
Others:
6.8%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Rio Blanco, CO?
Living in Rio Blanco is budget-friendly, with a median home value of $220,000 and average rent at $880, both lower than many parts of Colorado. The overall cost of living index is 94.3, making everyday expenses like groceries, utilities, and transportation affordable. State income tax is consistent at 4.4%, adding predictability to your financial planning.
Median House Value:
$220,000
Gross Rent:
$880
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,320
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,220
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$390
State Taxes:
Low:
4.4%
|
High:
4.4%
Cost Of Living Index:
94.3
Grocery:
98.0
Housing:
78.5
Utilities:
93.2
Transportation:
92.1
Health Care:
97.0
Miscellaneous:
94.5
Crime
Is Rio Blanco, CO a safe place to live?
Rio Blanco offers a safe environment, with a low violent crime rate of 188 incidents per 100,000 people and a 1 in 532 chance of experiencing violent crime. Property crime is also below national averages, making it a secure choice for families and individuals alike. Residents report feeling comfortable in their neighborhoods due to these favorable crime statistics.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
188
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,140
Crime Index:
1,328
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 532
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 88
Weather
What is the weather like in Rio Blanco, CO year-round?
Residents of Rio Blanco enjoy four distinct seasons, with warm, sunny summers reaching up to 86°F and cold winters dipping to 7°F. The area receives about 15.4 inches of rainfall annually and boasts sunshine on 68% of days, perfect for those who love the outdoors. Seasonal changes provide opportunities for year-round recreation in Colorado’s scenic landscape.

Winter
Min:
7°F
Max:
34°F

Spring
Min:
25°F
Max:
64°F

Summer
Min:
45°F
Max:
86°F

Fall
Min:
22°F
Max:
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
15.4 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
68%
Neighbors
Rio Blanco households benefit from a median income of $61,300 and a low unemployment rate of 3.8%, reflecting economic stability. Most residents commute just over 17 minutes to work, and the poverty rate remains under 9%. The community is well-educated, with more than 91% holding a high school diploma or higher.
Median Income:
$36,800
Household Income:
$61,300
Family Income:
$71,200
Per Capita Income:
$28,400
Income Male:
$41,500
Income Female:
$32,900
Poverty Rate:
8.9%
Non English Speakers:
5.7%
Rent:
$880
Unemployment Rate:
3.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.3%
Commute Time:
17.4 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
91.5%
Bachelors or More:
18.7%
Education
How are the schools in Rio Blanco, CO?
Education in Rio Blanco is community-oriented, with small public schools like Meeker High School and Rangely Junior/Senior High School offering low student-teacher ratios for personalized learning. The region is also home to Colorado Northwestern Community College, providing higher education opportunities close to home. Families will appreciate the supportive, close-knit academic environment.

Public Schools
Name:
Meeker High School
Street:
550 School St
Phone:
970-878-9070
Students:
230
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.4
Name:
Rangely Junior/Senior High School
Street:
234 S Jones Ave
Phone:
970-675-2253
Students:
175
Student Teacher Ratio:
10.8

Colleges
Name:
Colorado Northwestern Community College
City:
Rangely
State:
CO
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
1,100
Healthcare
Healthcare in Rio Blanco is accessible, with two major hospitals—Pioneers Medical Center and Rangely District Hospital—providing emergency services locally. The area has 1.4 physicians per 1,000 residents and nearly 90% health insurance coverage, ensuring most people have access to care. Overall, healthcare resources are reliable for a small, rural community.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Pioneers Medical Center
Address:
100 Pioneers Medical Center Dr, Meeker, CO 81641
Phone:
(970) 878-5047
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Rangely District Hospital
Address:
225 Eagle Crest Dr, Rangely, CO 81648
Phone:
(970) 675-5011
Type:
Critical Access
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.4
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.3%
Health Care Index:
70.1
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Rio Blanco, CO?
Rio Blanco’s housing market favors buyers and families seeking affordability, with a median home price of $220,000 and an owner-occupied rate of 74.4%. Rental options are available at an average of $880 for a two-bedroom, and the vacancy rate is moderate at 6.8%. Home values have appreciated by 4.2% over the past year, indicating a stable investment.
Median Home Price:
$220,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$880
Owner Occupied Rate:
74.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Residents of Rio Blanco are served by the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in Rangely. The local DMV offers all standard licensing and registration services, and information is available online for added convenience. This makes managing vehicle and licensing needs straightforward for new arrivals.
State:
Colorado
Department:
Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
522 White Ave, Rangely, CO 81648
Phone:
970-878-9460
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.