| City: | Ouray, Colorado |
| Names to Avoid: | Red Mountain |
| County: | Ouray County |
| Timezone: | Mountain (GMT -07:00) |
| Local Time: | 9:05:02 AM |
| Population: | 1,099 [See All] |
| Area Code: | 970 |
| Classification: | PO Box |
| Coordinates: | 37.9678, -107.6741 |
| Land Area: | 74.722 sq mi |
| Quick Link: |
Ouray sits in a box canyon in Colorado's San Juan Mountains, where 1,099 residents live across 60 square miles of alpine terrain. This is a PO Box Only Zone. No street delivery exists across the entire territory. The Ouray post office maintains 782 PO Boxes for 522 households, a 1.5x adoption rate that shows the post office serves surrounding mountain areas beyond the town itself.
The town's numbered grid (Main Street, 2nd through 10th Avenues) occupies the valley floor, with just two rural carrier routes handling mail delivery to outlying areas. Street names like Camp Bird Road and Ski Hill Lane point to Ouray's dual identity as a former silver mining town turned outdoor recreation hub. Red Mountain, recognized by USPS as an alias, refers to the mining district but isn't valid for mailing addresses.
Seasonal vacancy runs at 27%, with 238 of 897 homes used seasonally. That's typical for a Colorado mountain town where second homeowners and vacation rentals mix with year-round residents. Median home values of $562,200 and a median age of 49.8 years indicate a mix of retirees, seasonal residents, and outdoor recreation enthusiasts.
Education levels stand out. Among adults, 61% hold bachelor's degrees or higher. That's well above typical small-town averages. Remote work is common too: 15% of workers work from home. The local economy leans on tourism, with 113 businesses employing 851 people in a town of just 1,099 residents. Many of those jobs serve visitors rather than locals.
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Ouray, CO 81427Numbered grid (2nd-10th) follows classic small-town layout, with Camp Bird Road and Ski Hill Lane reflecting mining and recreation history.
ZIP Code 81427 has 1,099 residents and 522 households (average 2.11 persons per household). The median age is 49.8 years, significantly older than the state (37.2) and significantly older than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 50.5% male and 49.5% female, which is slightly higher than the national male share (49.1%), making this a male-majority area. Largest groups are White (89.2%, much higher than the state average of 70.7% and well above the national average of 61.6%) and Hispanic or Latino (7.4%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 7.4%, which is much lower than the state average (21.9%).
Explore More:Population Over TimeBy Age & GenderBy RaceBy GenderNativity & Citizenship
| 2020 Population: | 1,099Source: Census DHC |
| 2024 ACS Population Estimate: | 1,218Source: Census ACS |
| 2026 ZC Population Estimate: | 0Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Population Density: | 14.7 people per sq mile |
| Average Income: | $84,167Source: Census ACS |
| Households: | 522Source: Census DHC |
| Average House Value: | $604,200Source: Census ACS |
| Persons Per Household: | 2.11Source: Census DHC |
| Average Family Size: | 2.92Source: Census ACS |
| Group | 2010 | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Census ACS Population Estimate | -- | 943 | 1,025 | 852 | 902 | 966 | 999 | 934 | 1,039 | 1,117 | 1,233 | 1,247 | 1,227 | 1,251 | 1,218 |
| Decennial Census | 1,124 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 1,099 | -- | -- | -- | -- |
Median Age: 49.8
Male Median Age: 49.4
Female Median Age: 50.5
| 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 | 17 | 38 | 19 | 22 | 19 | 20 | 39 | 29 | 42 | 40 | 37 | 45 | 64 | 33 | 42 | 20 | 17 | 12 |
| Female | 18 | 17 | 23 | 19 | 19 | 29 | 35 | 37 | 35 | 37 | 39 | 55 | 40 | 45 | 43 | 38 | 9 | 6 |
| Total | 35 | 55 | 42 | 41 | 38 | 49 | 74 | 66 | 77 | 77 | 76 | 100 | 104 | 78 | 85 | 58 | 26 | 18 |
| White: | 980 | 88.85% |
| Black: | 7 | 0.63% |
| Hispanic:* | 81 | 7.34% |
| Asian: | 9 | 0.82% |
| American Indian: | 5 | 0.45% |
| Hawaiian: | 2 | 0.18% |
| Other: | 19 | 1.72% |
| Total: | 1,103 | 100% |
| Gender | Count | % | Median Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Males: | 555 | 50.50% | 49.4 years |
| Females: | 544 | 49.50% | 50.5 years |
| Total: | 1,099 | 100% | 49.8 years |
| Native, born in the United States: | 1,138 | 93.43% |
| Native, born in PR, Island Areas, or abroad: | 12 | 0.99% |
| Foreign born, naturalized U.S. citizen: | 39 | 3.20% |
| Foreign born, not a U.S. citizen: | 29 | 5.58% |
| Total Population: | 1,218 | 100% |
| Total Native Population: | 1,150 | 94.42% |
| Total Foreign-born Population: | 68 | 5.58% |
In 2024, the Median household income is $84,167, which is markedly greater than the national median ($78,538), is up $15,932 (23.3%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $16,077. Family households earn a median of $99,097 versus $0 for nonfamily households (a difference of $99,097). By gender, male median income is $67,333 and female is $63,125, which is considerably higher than the national female median ($53,445), with a current gap of $4,208 that has stayed about the same from 2011 to 2024. The labor-force participation rate is 51.8%, which is markedly below the national rate (63.5%). The unemployment rate is 4.2%, which is lower than the national rate (5.2%). The largest occupation group is Management (63.0%).
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 | $68,235 | $66,146 | $64,000 | $61,875 | $66,063 | $68,056 | $63,906 | $61,413 | $68,090 | $68,295 | $66,552 | $71,488 | $82,851 | $84,167 |
| Median Family Income | $72,500 | $76,875 | $77,396 | $76,705 | $93,750 | $80,417 | $70,417 | $73,063 | $74,514 | $77,237 | $77,841 | $90,250 | $94,792 | $99,097 |
| Median NonFamily Income | $36,250 | $39,167 | $41,058 | $42,708 | $42,500 | $40,833 | $50,139 | $39,821 | $53,571 | $54,875 | $57,102 | $45,294 | $0 | $0 |
| Median Male Income | $45,625 | $43,281 | $41,442 | $43,125 | $49,444 | $36,719 | $42,344 | $59,028 | $54,053 | $54,321 | $56,587 | $59,464 | $52,930 | $67,333 |
| Median Female Income | $41,806 | $49,904 | $52,708 | $51,563 | $44,844 | $51,250 | $40,568 | $40,481 | $42,000 | $53,750 | $55,000 | $57,727 | $45,000 | $63,125 |
| Employed: | 551 | 49.68% |
| Unemployed: | 24 | 2.16% |
| Not In Labor Force: | 534 | 48.15% |
| Total: | 1,109 | 100% |
| Management, business, science, and arts: | 347 | 62.98% |
| Service: | 68 | 12.34% |
| Sales and Office: | 108 | 19.60% |
| Natural resources, construction, and maintenance: | 27 | 4.90% |
| Production, transportation, and material moving: | 1 | 0.18% |
| Total Civilian Employed Population: | 551 | 100% |
In 2024, the median home value is $604,200, which is considerably higher than the national median ($303,400), is up $154,200 (34.27%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $224,200. The median gross rent is $1,269, which is lower than the national median ($1,348), is up $359 (39.45%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $382. Of occupied housing, owners make up 73.83% (32.05% with a mortgage, 67.95% free-and-clear) and renters 26.17% - making this ZIP Code under national rental averages. The vacancy rate is 39.02%, which is much 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 | $450,000 | $404,000 | $377,000 | $362,500 | $360,000 | $360,400 | $358,700 | $356,300 | $380,000 | $436,400 | $476,700 | $506,500 | $562,200 | $604,200 |
| Less than $500: | 15 | 9.55% |
| $500 to $999: | 48 | 30.57% |
| $1,000 to $1,499: | 13 | 8.28% |
| $1,500 to $1,999: | 7 | 4.46% |
| $2,000 to $2,499: | 45 | 28.66% |
| $2,500 to $2,999: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $3,000 or more: | 0 | 0.00% |
| No Rent: | 29 | 18.47% |
| Total: | 157 | 100% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Rent | $910 | $988 | $715 | $962 | $998 | $998 | $1,043 | $1,075 | $887 | $883 | $832 | $940 | $954 | $1,269 |
| Owner Occupied (with mortgage): | 142 | 23.67% |
| Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage): | 301 | 50.17% |
| Renter Occupied: | 157 | 26.17% |
| Total Occupied Housing Units: | 600 | 100% |
| Occupied Housing Units: | 600 | 60.98% |
| Vacant Housing Units (not graphed): | 384 | 39.02% |
| Total Housing Units: | 984 | 100% |
| Single-Family Units: | 621 | 63.11% |
| Multi-Family Units: | 323 | 32.83% |
| Other Units: | 40 | 4.07% |
| Total Housing Units: | 984 | 100% |
In 2024, 60.50% 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 95.80%, which is far higher than the national rate (89.40%). The uninsured rate is 18.90%, which is far higher than the national rate (8.60%). The share of people in poverty is 0.50%, which is far lower than the national rate (8.70%), down 7.10 percentage points since 2011. This points to a pronounced improvement in local conditions - rising incomes, firmer consumer demand, and a stronger tax base. Among residents ages 3+, the largest enrollment group is elementary (52.70%). College enrollment is 14.19%, which is comparable to the national rate (26.70%), meaning the community mirrors broader higher-education participation.
Explore More:Educational AttainmentHealth InsurancePoverty Over TimeSchool Enrollment
| Less than 9th grade: | 15 | 1.46% |
| 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: | 28 | 2.73% |
| High school graduate (includes equivalency): | 115 | 11.21% |
| Some college, no degree: | 182 | 17.74% |
| Associate's degree: | 65 | 6.34% |
| Bachelor's degree: | 398 | 38.79% |
| Graduate or professional degree: | 223 | 21.73% |
| Total: | 1,026 | 100% |
| High school or higher: | 983 | 95.81% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher: | 621 | 60.53% |
| Private Insurance: | 657 | 47.96% |
| Public Insurance: | 483 | 35.26% |
| No Insurance: | 230 | 16.79% |
| Total: | 1,370 | 100% |
| Has Health Insurance: | 1,140 | 83.21% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| % of People in Poverty | 7.1% | 3.3% | 2.4% | 13.6% | 12.2% | 10.1% | 11.9% | 13.7% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.5% |
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: | 7 | 4.73% |
| Kindergarten: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Elementary school (grades 1-8): | 78 | 52.70% |
| High school (grades 9-12): | 42 | 28.38% |
| College or graduate school: | 21 | 14.19% |
| Total: | 148 | 100% |
| Early Childhood: | 7 | 4.73% |
| K-12 (Primary & Secondary School): | 120 | 81.08% |
ZIP Code 81427 supports both business and residential activity. According to the Business Census (2024), there are 114 business establishments, employing about 658 people with an annual payroll of $26,786,000.
| # Residential Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| # Business Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| Total Delivery Receptacles: | 927Source: USPS |
| Single Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| Multi Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| # of Businesses: | 114Source: CBP |
| 1st Quarter Payroll: | $6,071,000Source: CBP |
| Annual Payroll: | $26,786,000Source: CBP |
| # of Employees: | 658Source: CBP |
ZIP Code 81427 is located in Ouray 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 81427. It covers 74.722 sq mi of land and a water area of 0.053 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: | 74.722 sq miSource: Census |
| Water Area: | 0.053 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: | 0856420Source: Census |
| Place Name: | Ouray city; ColoradoSource: Census |
ZIP Code 81427 is in the Ouray School District R-1, which serves grades Pre-Kindergarten thru 12th. There are 3 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.