| City: | Crestone, Colorado |
| County: | Saguache County |
| Timezone: | Mountain (GMT -07:00) |
| Local Time: | 9:03:57 AM |
| Population: | 1,510 [See All] |
| Area Code: | 719 |
| Classification: | PO Box |
| Coordinates: | 37.9489, -105.6664 |
| Land Area: | 373.02 sq mi |
| Quick Link: |
Crestone sits at the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in Colorado's San Luis Valley, spanning 239 square miles of high-altitude terrain. With a median age of 56.6 years and just 1,510 residents, this is one of Colorado's quieter mountain communities. It's also one of the most unusual: street names like Enchanted Way, Jubilant Terrace, and Starshine Overlook hint at Crestone's reputation as a spiritual retreat center.
This is a PO Box Only Zone. There's no street delivery available across the territory. The Crestone post office maintains 1,011 PO Boxes for 804 local households, a 1.26 adoption rate that means the post office also serves surrounding rural areas. With two rural carrier routes covering 239 square miles, mail reaches scattered properties across mountain valleys and high desert.
Crestone isn't a typical retirement town. Yes, the median age is 56.6 and household size is just 1.9 people. But half the adult population holds a bachelor's degree or higher, and per capita income of $85,780 significantly exceeds the median household income of $60,625. This pattern is common in communities of educated retirees living on investment income. Over 21% work from home, likely writers, artists, and remote professionals drawn to the area's isolation and spiritual character.
The housing stock tells an interesting story. Of 1,052 total units, 794 were built before 1939. These aren't all historic structures, but the data suggests either very old construction or data artifacts. About 16% of homes are used seasonally. Median home values reach $345,500, reflecting Crestone's appeal to buyers seeking mountain solitude and the area's concentration of spiritual centers and retreat facilities.
Mail reaches Crestone's spread-out population through rural carrier routes only. The 42 distinct street names include Spanish-influenced roads (Camino Real, Camino del Rey), nature references (Willow Creek Way, Golden Eagle Trail), and uniquely poetic names (Lovers Way, Rarity Court, Rain Dance Trail). General Delivery is available for transient residents and retreat participants.
All mail must be addressed to PO Boxes. Use this format:
[Recipient Name]
PO Box [Number]
Crestone, CO 81131No street delivery exists. Rural carrier routes serve only a small number of addresses via highway contract delivery.
Street names mix Spanish heritage (Camino Real), natural features (Willow Creek, Golden Eagle Trail), and uniquely poetic names (Enchanted Way, Starshine Overlook, Jubilant Terrace) reflecting Crestone's spiritual community character.
ZIP Code 81131 has 1,510 residents and 804 households (average 1.86 persons per household). The median age is 56.6 years, significantly older than the state (37.2) and significantly older than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 51.3% male and 48.7% female, which is slightly higher than the national male share (49.1%), making this a male-majority area. Largest groups are White (86.2%, much higher than the state average of 70.7% and well above the national average of 61.6%) and Hispanic or Latino (5.6%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 5.6%, which is much lower than the state average (21.9%).
Explore More:Population Over TimeBy Age & GenderBy RaceBy GenderNativity & Citizenship
| 2020 Population: | 1,510Source: Census DHC |
| 2024 ACS Population Estimate: | 1,051Source: Census ACS |
| 2026 ZC Population Estimate: | 0Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Population Density: | 4.0 people per sq mile |
| Average Income: | $45,156Source: Census ACS |
| Households: | 804Source: Census DHC |
| Average House Value: | $333,500Source: Census ACS |
| Persons Per Household: | 1.86Source: Census DHC |
| Average Family Size: | 3.59Source: Census ACS |
| Group | 2010 | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Census ACS Population Estimate | -- | 1,019 | 1,082 | 1,215 | 1,173 | 1,180 | 1,212 | 1,219 | 1,125 | 1,344 | 1,290 | 1,042 | 998 | 1,059 | 1,051 |
| Decennial Census | 1,189 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 1,510 | -- | -- | -- | -- |
Median Age: 56.6
Male Median Age: 55.5
Female Median Age: 57.6
| Group | < 5 | 5-9 | 10-14 | 15-19 | 20-24 | 25-29 | 30-34 | 35-39 | 40-44 | 45-49 | 50-54 | 55-59 | 60-64 | 65-69 | 70-74 | 75-79 | 80-84 | 85+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male | 26 | 21 | 30 | 30 | 17 | 22 | 38 | 64 | 47 | 48 | 42 | 51 | 68 | 124 | 78 | 46 | 14 | 9 |
| Female | 31 | 26 | 33 | 19 | 12 | 12 | 43 | 52 | 42 | 33 | 41 | 71 | 81 | 91 | 75 | 50 | 20 | 3 |
| Total | 57 | 47 | 63 | 49 | 29 | 34 | 81 | 116 | 89 | 81 | 83 | 122 | 149 | 215 | 153 | 96 | 34 | 12 |
| White: | 1,301 | 87.79% |
| Black: | 11 | 0.74% |
| Hispanic:* | 84 | 5.67% |
| Asian: | 40 | 2.70% |
| American Indian: | 14 | 0.94% |
| Hawaiian: | 1 | 0.07% |
| Other: | 31 | 2.09% |
| Total: | 1,482 | 100% |
| Gender | Count | % | Median Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Males: | 775 | 51.32% | 55.5 years |
| Females: | 735 | 48.68% | 57.6 years |
| Total: | 1,510 | 100% | 56.6 years |
| Native, born in the United States: | 886 | 84.30% |
| Native, born in PR, Island Areas, or abroad: | 55 | 5.23% |
| Foreign born, naturalized U.S. citizen: | 37 | 3.52% |
| Foreign born, not a U.S. citizen: | 73 | 10.47% |
| Total Population: | 1,051 | 100% |
| Total Native Population: | 941 | 89.53% |
| Total Foreign-born Population: | 110 | 10.47% |
In 2024, the Median household income is $45,156, which is much lower than the national median ($78,538), is up $8,767 (24.1%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $20,661. Family households earn a median of $56,169 versus $36,890 for nonfamily households (a difference of $19,279). By gender, male median income is $36,250 and female is $0, which is considerably lower than the national female median ($53,445), with a current gap of $36,250 that has widened from 2011 to 2024. The labor-force participation rate is 43.0%, which is markedly below the national rate (63.5%). The unemployment rate is 0.9%, which is far lower than the national rate (5.2%). The largest occupation group is Management (65.6%).
Explore More:Income Over TimeHousehold IncomeEmployment StatusBy Occupation
| Income Type | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $36,389 | $32,500 | $38,568 | $39,095 | $33,516 | $29,417 | $32,386 | $24,071 | $24,495 | $0 | $48,611 | $53,152 | $60,625 | $45,156 |
| Median Family Income | $35,787 | $36,532 | $39,909 | $41,522 | $39,313 | $41,500 | $43,203 | $35,543 | $38,790 | $54,840 | $71,538 | $76,304 | $78,403 | $56,169 |
| Median NonFamily Income | $38,393 | $25,536 | $27,500 | $26,150 | $30,341 | $23,867 | $24,052 | $22,008 | $22,929 | $17,045 | $14,151 | $18,875 | $35,777 | $36,890 |
| Median Male Income | $48,750 | $50,446 | $39,138 | $50,234 | $0 | $37,880 | $39,141 | $37,143 | $48,571 | $65,000 | $78,313 | $85,227 | $53,342 | $36,250 |
| Median Female Income | $41,750 | $39,107 | $36,250 | $37,105 | $0 | $37,045 | $40,234 | $45,917 | $0 | $0 | $28,214 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Employed: | 439 | 42.58% |
| Unemployed: | 4 | 0.39% |
| Not In Labor Force: | 588 | 57.03% |
| Total: | 1,031 | 100% |
| Management, business, science, and arts: | 288 | 65.60% |
| Service: | 31 | 7.06% |
| Sales and Office: | 18 | 4.10% |
| Natural resources, construction, and maintenance: | 29 | 6.61% |
| Production, transportation, and material moving: | 73 | 16.63% |
| Total Civilian Employed Population: | 439 | 100% |
In 2024, the median home value is $333,500, which is above the national median ($303,400), is up $69,300 (26.23%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $135,500. The median gross rent is $1,643, which is considerably higher than the national median ($1,348), is up $843 (105.38%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $872. Of occupied housing, owners make up 76.26% (42.13% with a mortgage, 57.87% free-and-clear) and renters 23.74% - making this ZIP Code under national rental averages. The vacancy rate is 10.71%, which is considerably higher than the national rate (10.43%).
Explore More:Compare Home ValueHome Value Over TimeRent & Over TimeHousing Occupancy
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $264,200 | $221,900 | $220,500 | $239,600 | $202,300 | $194,200 | $199,300 | $198,300 | $198,000 | $247,200 | $259,800 | $287,500 | $345,500 | $333,500 |
| Less than $500: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $500 to $999: | 29 | 15.76% |
| $1,000 to $1,499: | 26 | 14.13% |
| $1,500 to $1,999: | 129 | 70.11% |
| $2,000 to $2,499: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $2,500 to $2,999: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $3,000 or more: | 0 | 0.00% |
| No Rent: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total: | 184 | 100% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Rent | $800 | $796 | $794 | $818 | $810 | $818 | $826 | $802 | $771 | $786 | $959 | $1,245 | $1,259 | $1,643 |
| Owner Occupied (with mortgage): | 249 | 32.13% |
| Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage): | 342 | 44.13% |
| Renter Occupied: | 184 | 23.74% |
| Total Occupied Housing Units: | 775 | 100% |
| Occupied Housing Units: | 775 | 89.29% |
| Vacant Housing Units (not graphed): | 93 | 10.71% |
| Total Housing Units: | 868 | 100% |
| Single-Family Units: | 764 | 88.02% |
| Multi-Family Units: | 28 | 3.23% |
| Other Units: | 76 | 8.76% |
| Total Housing Units: | 868 | 100% |
In 2024, 47.50% of adults (25+) have a bachelor's degree or higher, which is comparable to the national rate (35.00%). High school or higher is 95.10%, which is far higher than the national rate (89.40%). The uninsured rate is 16.30%, which is comparable to the national rate (8.60%). Public coverage is 69.80%, which is far higher than the national rate (36.30%). The share of people in poverty is 28.80%, which is far higher than the national rate (8.70%), up 4.40 percentage points since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by 0.40 percentage points. This signals a sharp increase in hardship - a shrinking consumer base, heavy pressure on public services, and job-market contraction risks. Among residents ages 3+, the largest enrollment group is college (95.12%). College enrollment is 95.12%, which is far higher than the national rate (26.70%), indicating the community is likely a college hub with student-driven housing and services.
Explore More:Educational AttainmentHealth InsurancePoverty Over TimeSchool Enrollment
| Less than 9th grade: | 0 | 0.00% |
| 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: | 49 | 4.90% |
| High school graduate (includes equivalency): | 94 | 9.40% |
| Some college, no degree: | 305 | 30.50% |
| Associate's degree: | 77 | 7.70% |
| Bachelor's degree: | 219 | 21.90% |
| Graduate or professional degree: | 256 | 25.60% |
| Total: | 1,000 | 100% |
| High school or higher: | 951 | 95.10% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher: | 475 | 47.50% |
| Private Insurance: | 578 | 38.98% |
| Public Insurance: | 734 | 49.49% |
| No Insurance: | 171 | 11.53% |
| Total: | 1,483 | 100% |
| Has Health Insurance: | 1,312 | 88.47% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| % of People in Poverty | 10.1% | 16.1% | 14.6% | 13.9% | 18.1% | 21.5% | 19.2% | 16.2% | 14.1% | 13.4% | 16.0% | 19.8% | 14.5% | 28.8% |
Note: Counts of Families & People in poverty are not published at the ZIP Code level due to small sample sizes. Percentages shown are survey estimates from the American Community Survey (ACS). They may differ from official poverty statistics. The U.S. Census Bureau defines poverty status by comparing a family's or individual's total income with federal poverty thresholds that vary by family size and composition.
| Nursery School, Preschool: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Kindergarten: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Elementary school (grades 1-8): | 2 | 4.88% |
| High school (grades 9-12): | 0 | 0.00% |
| College or graduate school: | 39 | 95.12% |
| Total: | 41 | 100% |
| Early Childhood: | 0 | 0.00% |
| K-12 (Primary & Secondary School): | 2 | 4.88% |
ZIP Code 81131 supports both business and residential activity. According to the Business Census (2024), there are 50 business establishments, employing about 198 people with an annual payroll of $6,725,000.
| # Residential Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| # Business Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| Total Delivery Receptacles: | 1,505Source: USPS |
| Single Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| Multi Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| # of Businesses: | 50Source: CBP |
| 1st Quarter Payroll: | $1,460,000Source: CBP |
| Annual Payroll: | $6,725,000Source: CBP |
| # of Employees: | 198Source: CBP |
ZIP Code 81131 is located in Saguache County, Colorado, within the Metropolitan Statistical Area (CBSA ) and Colorado's 3rd Congressional District. This area has a population of 0 people, about 0.00% of whom live in ZIP Code 81131. It covers 373.02 sq mi of land and a water area of 0.318 sq mi.
| CBSA Name: | --Source: Census |
| CBSA Number: | --Source: Census |
| CBSA Type: | --Source: Census |
| CBSA Division: | --Source: Census |
| CBSA Population: | 0Source: Census |
| MSA: | Source: Census |
| Land Area: | 373.02 sq miSource: Census |
| Water Area: | 0.318 sq miSource: Census |
| Congressional District: | 03Source: USPS |
| Congressional Land Area: | 49731.77 sq miSource: Census |
| PMSA: | Source: Census |
| Intro Date: | < 2004-10Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Place FIPS Code: | 0818420Source: Census |
| Place Name: | Crestone town; ColoradoSource: Census |
ZIP Code 81131 is in the Moffat School District 2, which serves grades Pre-Kindergarten thru 12th. There are 1 public school(s) in this ZIP Code, and we have located 3 private school(s). It also has 6 colleges, universities or post secondary education institutions nearby which would be a short commute to.
Our sources include trusted federal and licensed data from the United States Postal Service, U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Geological Survey, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and the National Center for Education Statistics, along with proprietary datasets created by ZIP-Codes.com. Data last updated on February 1, 2026.