Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Telluride, CO
Considering a move to Telluride, CO? With a small-town population of 2,600 and breathtaking mountain surroundings, Telluride offers a unique blend of outdoor adventure and vibrant community life. Housing is costly, with a median home price of $1.1 million and average rents around $2,250, reflecting the area's high desirability. Crime rates are low, commutes are a breeze at just 14 minutes, and local schools boast strong student-teacher ratios and high educational attainment. Enjoy more than 250 sunny days annually, crisp alpine air, and a lifestyle built for outdoor enthusiasts.
Demographics - Telluride, CO
Demographics - Telluride, CO
Telluride is home to about 2,600 residents, with a median age of 38 and a slight male majority. The community is predominantly White, and around 9% of residents speak a non-English language at home, reflecting a modest degree of diversity. Its compact size and relatively high density foster a close-knit, vibrant small-town atmosphere.
Population:
2,607
Density:
1,650 per sq mi
Median Age:
38.2
Gender Ratio:
110 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
9.0%
Ethnic Composition
White:
86.9%
Black:
0.4%
Asian:
1.8%
Others:
10.9%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Telluride, CO?
Living in Telluride comes with a high cost of living, as reflected in its cost of living index of 165 and a median home value of $1.1 million. Renters can expect to pay around $2,250 monthly, and everyday expenses, including groceries and healthcare, run above the national average. These costs reflect Telluride's high desirability and mountain resort appeal.
Median House Value:
$1,100,000
Gross Rent:
$2,250
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$90
Auto Insurance:
$1,550
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$3,900
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$980
State Taxes:
Low:
4.4%
|
High:
4.4%
Cost Of Living Index:
165
Grocery:
120
Housing:
265
Utilities:
98
Transportation:
110
Health Care:
110
Miscellaneous:
115
Crime
Is Telluride, CO a safe place to live?
Telluride enjoys a low crime environment, with violent crime rates significantly below national averages—just 85 incidents per 100,000 people. Property crime is more common but still moderate, offering residents a sense of safety and security. The overall crime index makes it a peaceful place to live for both families and individuals.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
85
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,120
Crime Index:
1,205
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,176
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 89
Weather
What is the weather like in Telluride, CO year-round?
Telluride features a classic alpine climate, with cold, snowy winters and mild summers where highs rarely exceed 74°F. The area receives about 23.5 inches of annual rainfall and enjoys sunshine around 67% of the year, making it ideal for outdoor recreation throughout all seasons. Residents can expect crisp air and dramatic seasonal changes.
Winter
Min:
7°F
Max:
35°F
Spring
Min:
22°F
Max:
56°F
Summer
Min:
37°F
Max:
74°F
Fall
Min:
22°F
Max:
59°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
23.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
67%
Neighbors
The median household income in Telluride is about $77,600, with a per capita income over $53,000 and a poverty rate just above 10%. Most residents have a college degree, and unemployment is low at 3.5%, reflecting a well-educated, active, and engaged community. Commute times are short, and public transit is lightly used, reinforcing the town’s small, accessible feel.
Median Income:
$38,500
Household Income:
$77,639
Family Income:
$101,900
Per Capita Income:
$53,160
Income Male:
$52,400
Income Female:
$49,200
Poverty Rate:
10.8%
Non English Speakers:
9.0%
Rent:
$2,250
Unemployment Rate:
3.5%
Public Transport Usage:
2.8%
Commute Time:
14.3 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
97.0%
Bachelors or More:
62.0%
Education
How are the schools in Telluride, CO?
Telluride offers excellent public education, with small class sizes—such as a student-teacher ratio of 11.5 at Telluride High School—and high rates of high school and college attainment among residents. While there are no private schools in town, higher education is accessible at the Colorado Mesa University Montrose Campus, about an hour away. The local schools are a strong draw for families seeking quality education in a mountain setting.
Public Schools
Name:
Telluride High School
Street:
725 W Colorado Ave
Phone:
970-728-4377
Students:
255
Student Teacher Ratio:
11.5
Name:
Telluride Intermediate School
Street:
725 W Colorado Ave
Phone:
970-728-6617
Students:
230
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.1
Colleges
Name:
Colorado Mesa University – Montrose Campus
City:
Montrose
State:
CO
Distance:
63 miles
Students:
1,200
Healthcare
Telluride benefits from solid healthcare access, with the Telluride Regional Medical Center providing both urgent care and family medicine. Nearly 90% of residents have health insurance, and there are 2.6 physicians per 1,000 people, ensuring quality care close to home. The area's healthcare index supports a high standard of well-being for locals.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Telluride Regional Medical Center
Address:
500 W Pacific Ave, Telluride, CO 81435
Phone:
(970) 728-3848
Type:
Urgent Care & Family Medicine
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.2%
Health Care Index:
78
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Telluride, CO?
Telluride’s housing market is defined by high median home prices at $1.1 million and strong annual appreciation rates. Less than half of homes are owner-occupied, and rental vacancies are low, indicating strong demand and limited inventory. Both buyers and renters should be prepared for a competitive, premium-priced market.
Median Home Price:
$1,100,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,250
Owner Occupied Rate:
45.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
3.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Residents of Telluride handle vehicle services through the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles, with the nearest office in Ridgway. This regional DMV provides standard licensing, registration, and title services, and offers convenient access both in person and online. Colorado’s DMV is known for its straightforward processes and state-wide consistency.
State:
Colorado
Department:
Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
1120 Summit Ridge Dr, Suite 101, Ridgway, CO 81432
Phone:
(970) 626-5396
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.