81131 Crestone, CO - A Mountain Spiritual Community

ZIP Code 81131, Crestone

Retirement

LocationSaguache County, CO

Area239.0 sq mi

Population1,510

Households804

PO Boxes1,011 Regional Hub (126%)

Median Age56.6 years (Senior)

Seasonal Housing16%

ZIP CreatedBefore Oct 2004

Key Facts

This is a PO Box Only Zone with no street delivery available across 239 square miles of mountain terrain in southern Colorado
The post office maintains 1,011 PO Boxes for 804 households, serving both local residents and surrounding rural areas in the San Luis Valley
With a median age of 56.6 years and household size of just 1.9 people, Crestone attracts educated retirees and solitude-seekers
Half the adult population holds a bachelor's degree or higher, and 21.6% work from home, suggesting artists, writers, and remote professionals
Per capita income of $85,780 exceeds median household income of $60,625, a pattern typical of retirees living on investment income
Street names like Enchanted Way, Jubilant Terrace, Starshine Overlook, and Moonlight Way reflect the community's spiritual and New Age character

Community Overview

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.

Postal Services

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.

An Educated, Older Population

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.

Housing 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 Delivery Patterns

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.

Mailing to Crestone

All mail must be addressed to PO Boxes. Use this format:

[Recipient Name]
PO Box [Number]
Crestone, CO 81131

No street delivery exists. Rural carrier routes serve only a small number of addresses via highway contract delivery.

Street Name Patterns

Spiritual Names Nature References Spanish Names

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.

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Population & Demographics

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 Time By Age & Gender By Race By Gender Nativity & Citizenship

Source: U.S. Census 2020 Demographics & Housing Characteristics (DHC) and U.S. Census 2011-2024 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates.

2020 Population:	1,510Source: Census DHC
2024 ACS Population Estimate:	1,059Source: Census ACS
2026 ZC Population Estimate:	0Source: ZIP-Codes.com
Population Density:	4.0 people per sq mile
Average Income:	$60,625Source: Census ACS

Households:	804Source: Census DHC
Average House Value:	$345,500Source: Census ACS
Persons Per Household:	1.86Source: Census DHC
Average Family Size:	3.59Source: Census ACS

Population Over Time (with 2010 & 2020 Census Benchmarks)

Line chart of ZIP 81131 population estimates from 2011-2024, with markers for the 2010 and 2020 Decennial Census counts to show growth or decline over time. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Group	2010	2011	2102	2013	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023
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
Decennial Census	1,189	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	1,510	--	--	--

Source: U.S. Census 2011-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP05. DEMOGRAPHIC AND HOUSING ESTIMATES

Population by Age & Gender (Total, Male, Female)

Median Age: 56.6

Male Median Age: 55.5

Female Median Age: 57.6

Line chart for ZIP 81131 showing total, male, and female population by age group. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

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

Source: U.S. Census Bureau (2020) Demographics & Housing Characteristics (DHC)

Pie Chart & Table Comparison Chart

Population by Race

Pie chart of the racial and ethnic makeup of ZIP 81131. Table below includes counts and percentages. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

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%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau (2020) Demographics & Housing Characteristics (DHC)

* NOTE: Hispanic or Latino is an ethnicity, not a race. This means individuals who identify as Hispanic will also be included in one of the race categories (such as White or Black). As a result, the totals shown here may exceed 100% when Hispanic is displayed alongside racial groups.

Pie Chart & Table Comparison Chart

Gender Breakdown

Simple chart showing male vs female share of the population in ZIP Code 81131. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

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

Source: U.S. Census Bureau (2020) Demographics & Housing Characteristics (DHC)

Nativity & Citizenship

Pie chart showing nativity in ZIP 81131. Categories include native residents (born in the United States, Puerto Rico, U.S. Island Areas, or abroad to American parents) and foreign-born residents. A table below lists counts and percentages. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Native, born in the United States:	944	89.14%
Native, born in PR, Island Areas, or abroad:	67	6.33%
Foreign born, naturalized U.S. citizen:	43	4.06%
Foreign born, not a U.S. citizen:	5	4.53%
Total Population:	1,059	100%
Total Native Population:	1,011	95.47%
Total Foreign-born Population:	48	4.53%

Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP02. SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS

Note: Nativity and Citizenship derived from American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. Total Population listed here will not match official ZIP Code population totals, which are based on the Decennial Census.

Income & Employment

In 2023, the Median household income is $60,625, which is far less than the state median ($92,470), is up $24,236 (66.6%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $36,130. Family households earn a median of $78,403 versus $35,777 for nonfamily households (a difference of $42,626). By gender, male median income is $53,342 and female is $0, which is well under the state female median ($59,731), with a current gap of $53,342 that has widened from 2011 to 2023. The labor-force participation rate is 42.6%, which is considerably lower than the state rate (68.6%). The unemployment rate is 1.4%, which is considerably lower than the national rate (5.2%). The largest occupation group is Management (61.2%).

Explore More:Income Over Time Household Income Employment Status By Occupation

Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Using data from Tables DP02, DP03, DP04 and DP05.

Median Income Over Time (Household, Family, Nonfamily, Male, Female)

Line chart showing median income in ZIP 81131 from 2011-2024 for five series: household, family, nonfamily, male, and female. The table below lists the yearly values. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Income Type	2011	2012	2013	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023
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
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
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
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
Median Female Income	$41,750	$39,107	$36,250	$37,105	$0	$37,045	$40,234	$45,917	$0	$0	$28,214	$0	$0

Source: U.S. Census 2011-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

Average Household Income

Bar chart showing average household income comparing ZIP 81131, city of Crestone, Saguache County, state of Colorado, and United States national values. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

Pie Chart & Table Comparison Chart

Employment Status

Pie chart of employment status for ZIP 81131, showing the shares who are employed, unemployed, and not in the labor force. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Employed:	420	42.00%
Unemployed:	6	0.60%
Not In Labor Force:	574	57.40%
Total:	1,000	100%

Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

Employment by Occupation (Civilian Employed Population, 16 and Over)

Donut Chart showing the distribution of employed civilians aged 16 and over by occupation category: management, service, sales and office, natural resources and construction, and production and transportation. A table with the same data and percentages is provided as well.Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Management, business, science, and arts:	257	61.19%
Service:	2	0.48%
Sales and Office:	34	8.10%
Natural resources, construction, and maintenance:	58	13.81%
Production, transportation, and material moving:	69	16.43%
Total Civilian Employed Population:	420	100%

Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS.

Housing & Affordability

In 2023, the median home value is $345,500, which is considerably lower than the state median ($502,200), is up $81,300 (30.77%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $147,500. The median gross rent is $1,259, which is much lower than the state median ($1,693), is up $459 (57.38%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $488. Of occupied housing, owners make up 83.78% (50.90% with a mortgage, 49.10% free-and-clear) and renters 16.22% - making this ZIP Code more home ownership than the state and under national rental averages. The vacancy rate is 16.12%, which is considerably higher than the state rate (8.63%).

Explore More:Compare Home Value Home Value Over Time Rent & Over Time Housing Occupancy

Source: U.S. Census 2011-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Using data from Table DP03, SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS.

Median Home Value (Comparison)

Bar chart showing the median home value for ZIP 81131, compared with Crestone, Saguache County, state of Colorado, and the U.S. National Average. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Median Home Value Over Time

Line chart showing median home values for ZIP 81131 across years 2011-2024 using ACS 5-year estimates. The chart displays the typical dollar value of owner-occupied housing units. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Group	2011	2102	2013	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023
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

Source: U.S. Census 2011-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Gross Rent Paid

Pie chart of gross rent for renter-occupied homes in ZIP 81131, showing monthly rent brackets and the share of units in each range. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Less than $500:	0	0.00%
$500 to $999:	33	30.56%
$1,000 to $1,499:	75	69.44%
$1,500 to $1,999:	0	0.00%
$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:	108	100%

Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Median Gross Rent Over Time

Line chart displaying median gross rent for ZIP 81131 over the years 2011-2024 using ACS 5-year estimates. The chart represents typical monthly housing costs for renter households. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Group	2011	2102	2013	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023
Median Rent	$800	$796	$794	$818	$810	$818	$826	$802	$771	$786	$959	$1,245	$1,259

Source: U.S. Census 2011-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Housing Occupancy

Pie chart showing housing occupancy for ZIP 81131. Categories include owner-occupied units with a mortgage, owner-occupied units free and clear, and renter-occupied units. A table below lists counts and percentages. Vacant housing units are shown separately in the Vacancy chart. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Owner Occupied (with mortgage):	284	42.64%
Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage):	274	41.14%
Renter Occupied:	108	16.22%
Total Occupied Housing Units:	666	100%

Occupied Housing Units:	666	83.88%
Vacant Housing Units (not graphed):	128	16.12%
Total Housing Units:	794	100%

Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Housing Type (Single-Family, Multi-Family, Other)

Pie chart showing housing type distribution for ZIP 81131. Categories include single-family units (detached or attached), multi-family units (from 2 units up to 50 or more units), and other structures such as mobile homes or boats/RVs. A table below lists counts and percentages for each group.Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Single-Family Units:	723	91.06%
Multi-Family Units:	15	1.89%
Other Units:	56	7.05%
Total Housing Units:	794	100%

Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Education, Health & Community

In 2023, 50.90% of adults (25+) have a bachelor's degree or higher, which is far higher than the national rate (35.00%). High school or higher is 95.20%, which is far higher than the national rate (89.40%). The uninsured rate is 8.00%, which is comparable to the national rate (8.60%). Public coverage is 65.30%, which is markedly above the state rate (32.80%). The share of people in poverty is 14.50%, which is on par with the state rate (5.90%), 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 (54.39%). College enrollment is 54.39%, which is comparable to the national rate (26.70%), meaning the community mirrors broader higher-education participation.

Explore More:Educational Attainment Health Insurance Poverty Over Time School Enrollment

Source: U.S. Census 2011-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Using data from Tables DP02 and DP03.

Educational Attainment of Adults (25 and Older)

Pie chart of educational attainment for adults (25+) in ZIP 81131, including each level from less than 9th grade to graduate/professional. Summary rows show high school or higher and bachelor's or higher. A table lists counts and percentages.Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Less than 9th grade:	31	3.10%
9th to 12th grade, no diploma:	17	1.70%
High school graduate (includes equivalency):	190	19.02%
Some college, no degree:	215	21.52%
Associate's degree:	38	3.80%
Bachelor's degree:	209	20.92%
Graduate or professional degree:	299	29.93%
Total:	999	100%
High school or higher:	951	95.20%
Bachelor's degree or higher:	508	50.85%

Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP02. SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS

Pie Chart & Table Comparison Chart

Health Insurance Coverage by Type (Private, Public, Uninsured)

Pie chart illustrating health insurance coverage by type for ZIP Code 81131. Categories include private insurance, public coverage such as Medicare and Medicaid, and individuals with no health insurance. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Private Insurance:	623	44.53%
Public Insurance:	691	49.39%
No Insurance:	85	6.08%
Total:	1,399	100%
Has Health Insurance:	1,314	93.92%

Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

Percentage of People in Poverty Over Time (2011-2024)

Line chart displaying the share of families and people in ZIP 81131 whose income falls below the federal poverty threshold, using ACS 5-year estimates from 2011 through 2024. The chart shows year-to-year changes in the percentage of people in poverty. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Group	2011	2102	2013	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023
% 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%

Source: U.S. Census 2011-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

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.

School Enrollment by Education Level (Ages 3 and Older)

Pie Chart showing enrollment of residents ages 3 and older in Nursery School or Preschool, Kindergarten, Elementary (grades 1-8), High School (grades 9-12), and College or Graduate School. A table with the same data and percentages is provided as well.Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Nursery School, Preschool:	0	0.00%
Kindergarten:	0	0.00%
Elementary school (grades 1-8):	26	45.61%
High school (grades 9-12):	0	0.00%
College or graduate school:	31	54.39%
Total:	57	100%
Early Childhood:	0	0.00%
K-12 (Primary & Secondary School):	26	45.61%

Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP02. SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS

City:	Crestone, Colorado
County:	Saguache County
Timezone:	Mountain (GMT -07:00)
Local Time:	9:20:04 PM
Population:	1,510 [See All]
Area Code:	719
Classification:	PO Box
Coordinates:	37.9489, -105.6664
Land Area:	373.02 sq mi
Quick Link:	https://www.zip-codes.com/zip-code/81131/zip-code-81131.asp

# Residential Mailboxes:	0Source: USPS
# Business Mailboxes:	0Source: USPS
Total Delivery Receptacles:	1,501Source: 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

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 in Crestone, CO

81131 Crestone, CO - A Mountain Spiritual Community

ZIP Code 81131, Crestone

Key Facts

Community Overview

Postal Services

An Educated, Older Population

Housing Character

Mail Delivery Patterns

Mailing to Crestone

Street Name Patterns

Population & Demographics

Population Over Time (with 2010 & 2020 Census Benchmarks)

Population by Age & Gender (Total, Male, Female)

Population by Race

Gender Breakdown

Nativity & Citizenship

Income & Employment

Median Income Over Time (Household, Family, Nonfamily, Male, Female)

Average Household Income

Employment Status

Employment by Occupation (Civilian Employed Population, 16 and Over)

Housing & Affordability

Median Home Value (Comparison)

Median Home Value Over Time

Gross Rent Paid

Median Gross Rent Over Time

Housing Occupancy

Housing Type (Single-Family, Multi-Family, Other)

Education, Health & Community

Educational Attainment of Adults (25 and Older)

Health Insurance Coverage by Type (Private, Public, Uninsured)

Percentage of People in Poverty Over Time (2011-2024)

School Enrollment by Education Level (Ages 3 and Older)

Business & Employment Statistics

Geography, Land Area, & Statistical Classifications

Adjacent & Nearby ZIP Codes

Schools in ZIP Code 81131

Colleges & Post Secondary Schools near ZIP Code 81131

Sources & References