| City: | Towaoc, Colorado |
| Names to Avoid: | Ute Mountain Indian Reservat |
| County: | Montezuma County |
| Timezone: | Mountain (GMT -07:00) |
| Local Time: | 9:24:19 PM |
| Population: | 1,461 [See All] |
| Area Code: | 970 |
| Classification: | PO Box |
| Coordinates: | 37.1666, -108.6681 |
| Land Area: | 212.638 sq mi |
| Quick Link: |
Towaoc sits on the Ute Mountain Ute Reservation in southwest Colorado, where 1,409 of the 1,461 residents (96%) are Native American. This is the administrative and population center of the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, whose territory spans 393.6 square miles across Montezuma County. Street names honor tribal heritage: Chief Ignacio Street, Chief Green Street, Chief House Street, Weeminuche Drive, and Chipeta Circle all reference Ute leaders and history.
PO Boxes are the only mail option across the entire reservation territory. This is officially designated a PO Box Only Zone, meaning there's no alternative delivery system. The Towaoc post office maintains 482 PO Boxes for 461 households (a 1.05 adoption rate), with limited rural route delivery to scattered tribal offices and facilities. USPS recognizes "Ute Mountain Indian Reservat" as an alias, though it isn't valid for mailing addresses.
With 3.17 people per household, families here are notably larger than the national average of 2.5. This pattern is common in tribal communities where extended families often live together. The median age is 28.5 years, younger than most Colorado communities. The population includes only 65 residents under 18 but 48 residents over 65, suggesting a working-age community.
Median household income is $26,513, well below Colorado averages. Only 5% of adults hold bachelor's degrees. The workforce shows distinctive patterns: 228 workers in transportation and warehousing (the largest sector), 90 in public administration (likely tribal government), and 74 in education and healthcare. Many residents commute, with 109 carpooling and only 29 driving alone. Public transit serves 22 workers despite the rural setting.
The reservation's housing stock is modest: 494 total units, with 461 occupied and 33 vacant. There are no seasonal vacation properties. Split almost evenly, 230 units are owner-occupied and 231 are renter-occupied. Median rent is $349 per month. The area includes 53 mobile homes and 412 older structures, many predating modern development.
All mail must be addressed to a PO Box in Towaoc, CO 81334. Street addresses don't work for mail delivery, though rural routes serve some tribal facilities along roads like U.S. 491 and Highway 160.
Streets honor Ute tribal leaders (Chief Ignacio, Chief Green, Chief House) and bands (Weeminuche, Chipeta) alongside natural features (Dry Creek, Mountain Sage).
ZIP Code 81334 has 1,461 residents and 461 households (average 3.13 persons per household). The median age is 28.5 years, significantly younger than the state (37.2) and significantly younger than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 45.6% male and 54.4% female, which is lower than the state male share (50.2%), making this a female-majority area. Largest groups are American Indian & Alaska Native (96.4%, much higher than the state average of 1.3% and well above the national average of 1.1%) and Hispanic or Latino (2.3%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 2.3%, which is much lower than the state average (21.9%), and American Indian & Alaska Native share is much higher than both the state (1.3%) and national averages (1.1%).
Explore More:Population Over TimeBy Age & GenderBy RaceBy GenderNativity & Citizenship
| 2020 Population: | 1,461Source: Census DHC |
| 2024 ACS Population Estimate: | 1,411Source: Census ACS |
| 2026 ZC Population Estimate: | 0Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Population Density: | 6.9 people per sq mile |
| Average Income: | $26,513Source: Census ACS |
| Households: | 461Source: Census DHC |
| Average House Value: | $0Source: Census ACS |
| Persons Per Household: | 3.13Source: Census DHC |
| Average Family Size: | 4.65Source: Census ACS |
| Group | 2010 | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Census ACS Population Estimate | -- | 1,231 | 1,270 | 1,298 | 1,242 | 1,038 | 1,246 | 1,288 | 1,422 | 1,525 | 1,476 | 1,633 | 1,691 | 1,411 |
| Decennial Census | 1,493 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 1,461 | -- | -- | -- |
Median Age: 28.5
Male Median Age: 26.5
Female Median Age: 32.1
| 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 | 65 | 69 | 48 | 61 | 61 | 73 | 62 | 34 | 26 | 36 | 43 | 28 | 39 | 4 | 5 | 10 | 1 | 1 |
| Female | 72 | 79 | 81 | 46 | 44 | 59 | 49 | 48 | 41 | 47 | 61 | 55 | 52 | 23 | 11 | 8 | 11 | 8 |
| Total | 137 | 148 | 129 | 107 | 105 | 132 | 111 | 82 | 67 | 83 | 104 | 83 | 91 | 27 | 16 | 18 | 12 | 9 |
| White: | 10 | 0.68% |
| Black: | 4 | 0.27% |
| Hispanic:* | 34 | 2.32% |
| Asian: | 0 | 0% |
| American Indian: | 1,409 | 96.18% |
| Hawaiian: | 4 | 0.27% |
| Other: | 4 | 0.27% |
| Total: | 1,465 | 100% |
| Gender | Count | % | Median Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Males: | 666 | 45.59% | 26.5 years |
| Females: | 795 | 54.41% | 32.1 years |
| Total: | 1,461 | 100% | 28.5 years |
| Native, born in the United States: | 1,358 | 96.24% |
| Native, born in PR, Island Areas, or abroad: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Foreign born, naturalized U.S. citizen: | 31 | 2.20% |
| Foreign born, not a U.S. citizen: | 22 | 3.76% |
| Total Population: | 1,411 | 100% |
| Total Native Population: | 1,358 | 96.24% |
| Total Foreign-born Population: | 53 | 3.76% |
In 2023, the Median household income is $26,513, which is well under the state median ($92,470), is down $2,105 (7.4%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $749. Family households earn a median of $37,813 versus $0 for nonfamily households (a difference of $37,813). By gender, male median income is $0 and female is $45,784, which is far less than the state female median ($59,731), with a current gap of $45,784 that has narrowed from 2011 to 2023. The labor-force participation rate is 49.0%, which is considerably lower than the state rate (68.6%). The unemployment rate is 10.9%, which is far worse than the state rate (4.4%). The largest occupation group is Sales (39.9%).
Explore More:Income Over TimeHousehold IncomeEmployment StatusBy Occupation
| Income Type | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $28,618 | $29,744 | $29,593 | $32,083 | $28,203 | $25,435 | $22,969 | $27,391 | $25,764 | $27,095 | $28,571 | $37,898 | $26,513 |
| Median Family Income | $27,273 | $29,714 | $29,706 | $31,917 | $30,208 | $29,688 | $28,026 | $28,750 | $28,333 | $30,652 | $32,917 | $45,917 | $37,813 |
| Median NonFamily Income | $21,750 | $20,833 | $23,750 | $26,500 | $19,531 | $18,625 | $17,784 | $18,688 | $18,152 | $20,543 | $20,875 | $23,793 | $0 |
| Median Male Income | $30,852 | $31,384 | $31,172 | $31,307 | $35,357 | $36,111 | $32,500 | $31,250 | $45,357 | $30,250 | $31,544 | $0 | $0 |
| Median Female Income | $26,204 | $26,116 | $27,045 | $27,292 | $31,938 | $30,197 | $28,813 | $28,813 | $27,826 | $26,458 | $21,696 | $40,560 | $45,784 |
| Employed: | 318 | 43.68% |
| Unemployed: | 39 | 5.36% |
| Not In Labor Force: | 371 | 50.96% |
| Total: | 728 | 100% |
| Management, business, science, and arts: | 29 | 9.12% |
| Service: | 109 | 34.28% |
| Sales and Office: | 127 | 39.94% |
| Natural resources, construction, and maintenance: | 22 | 6.92% |
| Production, transportation, and material moving: | 31 | 9.75% |
| Total Civilian Employed Population: | 318 | 100% |
In 2023, the median home value is $0, which is considerably lower than the state median ($502,200), is down $92,200 (100.00%) since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $152,300. The median gross rent is $349, which is much lower than the state median ($1,693), is up $59 (20.34%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $7. Of occupied housing, owners make up 44.03% (12.43% with a mortgage, 87.57% free-and-clear) and renters 55.97% - making this ZIP Code less home ownership than the state and higher than national rental averages. The vacancy rate is 2.43%, which is markedly below 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $92,200 | $76,800 | $104,300 | $84,100 | $105,000 | $123,500 | $145,800 | $155,100 | $152,300 | $178,100 | $160,600 | $0 | $0 |
| Less than $500: | 159 | 70.67% |
| $500 to $999: | 66 | 29.33% |
| $1,000 to $1,499: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $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: | 225 | 100% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Rent | $290 | $433 | $278 | $283 | $281 | $278 | $296 | $360 | $342 | $383 | $515 | $549 | $349 |
| Owner Occupied (with mortgage): | 22 | 5.47% |
| Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage): | 155 | 38.56% |
| Renter Occupied: | 225 | 55.97% |
| Total Occupied Housing Units: | 402 | 100% |
| Occupied Housing Units: | 402 | 97.57% |
| Vacant Housing Units (not graphed): | 10 | 2.43% |
| Total Housing Units: | 412 | 100% |
| Single-Family Units: | 294 | 71.36% |
| Multi-Family Units: | 65 | 15.78% |
| Other Units: | 53 | 12.86% |
| Total Housing Units: | 412 | 100% |
In 2023, 5.00% of adults (25+) have a bachelor's degree or higher, which is markedly below the state rate (44.70%). High school or higher is 83.50%, which is on par with the state rate (92.80%). The uninsured rate is 11.60%, which is on par with the state rate (7.70%). Private coverage is 6.40%, which is markedly below the state rate (70.50%). Public coverage is 85.80%, which is markedly above the state rate (32.80%). The share of people in poverty is 35.90%, which is markedly above the state rate (5.90%), down 1.00 percentage points since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by 5.70 percentage points. This suggests a positive shift in the local economic and social landscape - higher incomes, steadier consumer demand, and a strengthening tax base. Among residents ages 3+, the largest enrollment group is elementary (47.79%). College enrollment is 12.37%, which is markedly below the state rate (27.40%), indicating the community may be more oriented toward vocational/trade or direct-to-workforce opportunities.
Explore More:Educational AttainmentHealth InsurancePoverty Over TimeSchool Enrollment
| Less than 9th grade: | 41 | 6.46% |
| 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: | 64 | 10.08% |
| High school graduate (includes equivalency): | 181 | 28.50% |
| Some college, no degree: | 253 | 39.84% |
| Associate's degree: | 64 | 10.08% |
| Bachelor's degree: | 32 | 5.04% |
| Graduate or professional degree: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total: | 635 | 100% |
| High school or higher: | 530 | 83.46% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher: | 32 | 5.04% |
| Private Insurance: | 88 | 6.16% |
| Public Insurance: | 1,180 | 82.63% |
| No Insurance: | 160 | 11.20% |
| Total: | 1,428 | 100% |
| Has Health Insurance: | 1,268 | 88.80% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| % of People in Poverty | 36.9% | 32.5% | 33.1% | 33.6% | 38.2% | 36.3% | 37.1% | 31.8% | 30.2% | 24.6% | 37.5% | 21.5% | 35.9% |
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: | 64 | 9.77% |
| Kindergarten: | 63 | 9.62% |
| Elementary school (grades 1-8): | 313 | 47.79% |
| High school (grades 9-12): | 134 | 20.46% |
| College or graduate school: | 81 | 12.37% |
| Total: | 655 | 100% |
| Early Childhood: | 127 | 19.39% |
| K-12 (Primary & Secondary School): | 510 | 77.86% |
ZIP Code 81334 is designated for PO Box delivery only; business establishment and employment data are not available.
| # Residential Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| # Business Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| Total Delivery Receptacles: | 508Source: USPS |
| Single Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| Multi Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| # of Businesses: | 0Source: CBP |
| 1st Quarter Payroll: | $0Source: CBP |
| Annual Payroll: | $0Source: CBP |
| # of Employees: | 0Source: CBP |
ZIP Code 81334 is located in Montezuma 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 81334. It covers 212.638 sq mi of land and a water area of 0.006 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: | 212.638 sq miSource: Census |
| Water Area: | 0.006 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: | 0878280Source: Census |
| Place Name: | Towaoc CDP; ColoradoSource: Census |
We could not locate which school district 81334 belongs to, but we will update this once new district data is released. 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 January 1, 2026.