| City: | Paradox, Colorado |
| County: | Montrose County |
| Timezone: | Mountain (GMT -07:00) |
| Local Time: | 9:05:03 AM |
| Population: | 108 [See All] |
| Area Code: | 970 |
| Classification: | PO Box |
| Coordinates: | 38.3685, -108.9617 |
| Land Area: | 216.319 sq mi |
| Quick Link: |
Paradox sits in a remote corner of Montrose County, Colorado, where 205 square miles of high desert canyon country hold just 108 residents. This is a PO Box Only Zone. There's no alternative mail delivery across the entire territory. The nearest town, Naturita, is 25 miles north, making Paradox's post office the sole mail access point for this isolated area.
The post office maintains 55 PO Boxes for 48 households, a 1.15 adoption rate that shows light regional service beyond the immediate community. Rural delivery routes serve scattered ranches and homesteads along numbered county roads like 600 Road and U 5 Road, plus a few addresses along Highway 90. Two rural carrier routes cover the vast territory, delivering to properties that can be miles apart.
This is an aging rural community. Median age is 55.6 years, well above Colorado's state median. Just 3 children under 18 live here. All 48 occupied homes are owner-occupied, with zero renters. That ownership pattern, combined with the older population, suggests long-time residents on ranch properties rather than transient workers. Seasonal vacancy accounts for 18 of 80 total housing units (22.5%), indicating some seasonal or occasional-use properties.
Median household income is $58,750, and only 12% of adults hold bachelor's degrees. The economy is sparse. Census data reports zero business establishments and zero employment. Most residents likely commute to Naturita or beyond for work, or are retired. Public transportation use is notably high for such a remote area, with 26 of 37 workers (70%) using public transit, which probably includes employee shuttles to mines or energy facilities in the region.
Paradox has been a recognized post office since before October 2004, when ZIP tracking began. The name comes from Paradox Valley, a geologic oddity where the Dolores River cuts across the valley instead of running along it. Mail addresses use either PO Box format or rural route delivery to properties scattered across the canyon country.
Rural roads use numbered and lettered county road designations typical of remote Western ranch country.
ZIP Code 81429 has 108 residents and 48 households (average 2.25 persons per household). The median age is 55.6 years, significantly older than the state (37.2) and significantly older than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 51.9% male and 48.1% female, which is slightly higher than the national male share (49.1%), making this a male-majority area. Largest groups are White (88.9%, 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: | 108Source: Census DHC |
| 2024 ACS Population Estimate: | 129Source: Census ACS |
| 2026 ZC Population Estimate: | 0Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Population Density: | 0.5 people per sq mile |
| Average Income: | $69,000Source: Census ACS |
| Households: | 48Source: Census DHC |
| Average House Value: | $666,666,666Source: Census ACS |
| Persons Per Household: | 2.25Source: Census DHC |
| Average Family Size: | 3.00Source: Census ACS |
| Group | 2010 | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Census ACS Population Estimate | -- | 79 | 106 | 103 | 88 | 94 | 74 | 46 | 46 | 47 | 130 | 115 | 106 | 115 | 129 |
| Decennial Census | 181 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 108 | -- | -- | -- | -- |
Median Age: 55.6
Male Median Age: 50
Female Median Age: 56.7
| 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 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 5 | 1 | 4 | 3 | 8 | 8 | 1 | 3 | 0 |
| Female | 2 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 8 | 8 | 5 | 1 | 5 | 1 | 3 |
| Total | 5 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 0 | 4 | 2 | 7 | 5 | 6 | 1 | 12 | 11 | 13 | 9 | 6 | 4 | 3 |
| White: | 96 | 90.57% |
| Black: | 0 | 0% |
| Hispanic:* | 6 | 5.66% |
| Asian: | 0 | 0% |
| American Indian: | 1 | 0.94% |
| Hawaiian: | 0 | 0% |
| Other: | 3 | 2.83% |
| Total: | 106 | 100% |
| Gender | Count | % | Median Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Males: | 56 | 51.85% | 50.0 years |
| Females: | 52 | 48.15% | 56.7 years |
| Total: | 108 | 100% | 55.6 years |
| Native, born in the United States: | 124 | 96.12% |
| Native, born in PR, Island Areas, or abroad: | 5 | 3.88% |
| Foreign born, naturalized U.S. citizen: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Foreign born, not a U.S. citizen: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total Population: | 129 | 100% |
| Total Native Population: | 129 | 100.00% |
| Total Foreign-born Population: | 0 | 0.00% |
In 2024, the Median household income is $69,000, which is much lower than the national median ($78,538), is up $35,473 (105.8%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $69,000. Family households earn a median of $61,250 versus $0 for nonfamily households (a difference of $61,250). By gender, male median income is $74,213 and female is $0, which is considerably lower than the national female median ($53,445), with a current gap of $74,213 that has widened from 2011 to 2024. The labor-force participation rate is 37.2%, which is markedly below the national rate (63.5%). The unemployment rate is 10.4%, which is much higher than the national rate (5.2%). The largest occupation group is Natural resources (62.8%).
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 | $33,527 | $33,239 | $35,250 | $37,216 | $0 | $0 | $37,273 | $0 | $0 | $43,125 | $45,769 | $49,327 | $58,750 | $69,000 |
| Median Family Income | $36,250 | $62,188 | $39,250 | $97,656 | $98,750 | $0 | $37,273 | $0 | $0 | $43,125 | $45,769 | $49,327 | $58,750 | $61,250 |
| Median NonFamily Income | $33,259 | $32,841 | $34,375 | $36,023 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Median Male Income | $30,673 | $32,396 | $47,813 | $50,500 | $0 | $91,406 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $68,894 | $71,490 | $74,213 |
| Median Female Income | $0 | $33,250 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Employed: | 43 | 33.33% |
| Unemployed: | 5 | 3.88% |
| Not In Labor Force: | 81 | 62.79% |
| Total: | 129 | 100% |
| Management, business, science, and arts: | 15 | 34.88% |
| Service: | 1 | 2.33% |
| Sales and Office: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Natural resources, construction, and maintenance: | 27 | 62.79% |
| Production, transportation, and material moving: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total Civilian Employed Population: | 43 | 100% |
In 2024, the median home value is $0, which is much lower than the national median ($303,400), is down $164,000 (100.00%) since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $233,300. The median gross rent is $0, which is well under the national median ($1,348), and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $0. Insufficient data for owner/renter mix. Insufficient data for vacancy rate.
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 | $164,000 | $153,400 | $72,500 | $235,000 | $0 | $0 | $233,300 | $235,700 | $233,300 | $216,700 | $214,300 | $212,500 | $0 | $0 |
| Less than $500: | 0 | 0% |
| $500 to $999: | 0 | 0% |
| $1,000 to $1,499: | 0 | 0% |
| $1,500 to $1,999: | 0 | 0% |
| $2,000 to $2,499: | 0 | 0% |
| $2,500 to $2,999: | 0 | 0% |
| $3,000 or more: | 0 | 0% |
| No Rent: | 0 | 0% |
| Total: | 0 | 100% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Rent | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Owner Occupied (with mortgage): | 20 | 45.45% |
| Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage): | 24 | 54.55% |
| Renter Occupied: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total Occupied Housing Units: | 44 | 100% |
| Occupied Housing Units: | 44 | 62.86% |
| Vacant Housing Units (not graphed): | 26 | 37.14% |
| Total Housing Units: | 70 | 100% |
| Single-Family Units: | 37 | 52.86% |
| Multi-Family Units: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Other Units: | 33 | 47.14% |
| Total Housing Units: | 70 | 100% |
In 2024, 12.40% of adults (25+) have a bachelor's degree or higher, which is far lower than the national rate (35.00%). High school or higher is 89.30%, which is comparable to the national rate (89.40%). The uninsured rate is 3.90%, which is comparable to the national rate (8.60%). Private coverage is 31.80%, which is far lower than the national rate (67.30%). Public coverage is 72.10%, which is far higher than the national rate (36.30%). The share of people in poverty is 18.40%, which is comparable to the national rate (8.70%), down 22.50 percentage points since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by 13.90 percentage points. This points to a pronounced improvement in local conditions - rising incomes, firmer consumer demand, and a stronger tax base. Insufficient data for school enrollment.
Explore More:Educational AttainmentHealth InsurancePoverty Over TimeSchool Enrollment
| Less than 9th grade: | 6 | 4.96% |
| 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: | 7 | 5.79% |
| High school graduate (includes equivalency): | 44 | 36.36% |
| Some college, no degree: | 49 | 40.50% |
| Associate's degree: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Bachelor's degree: | 5 | 4.13% |
| Graduate or professional degree: | 10 | 8.26% |
| Total: | 121 | 100% |
| High school or higher: | 108 | 89.26% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher: | 15 | 12.40% |
| Private Insurance: | 41 | 29.50% |
| Public Insurance: | 93 | 66.91% |
| No Insurance: | 5 | 3.60% |
| Total: | 139 | 100% |
| Has Health Insurance: | 134 | 96.40% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| % of People in Poverty | 36.4% | 27.3% | 31.7% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 13.9% | 18.4% |
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% |
| Kindergarten: | 0 | 0% |
| Elementary school (grades 1-8): | 0 | 0% |
| High school (grades 9-12): | 0 | 0% |
| College or graduate school: | 0 | 0% |
| Total: | 0 | 100% |
| Early Childhood: | 0 | 0% |
| K-12 (Primary & Secondary School): | 0 | 0% |
ZIP Code 81429 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: | 87Source: 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 81429 is located in Montrose County, Colorado, within the Montrose, CO Metropolitan Statistical Area (CBSA 33940) and Colorado's 3rd Congressional District. This Micro area has a population of 41,276 people, about 0.26% of whom live in ZIP Code 81429. It covers 216.319 sq mi of land and a water area of 0.17 sq mi.
| CBSA Name: | Montrose, COSource: Census |
| CBSA Number: | 33940Source: Census |
| CBSA Type: | MicroSource: Census |
| CBSA Division: | --Source: Census |
| CBSA Population: | 41,276Source: Census |
| MSA: | Source: Census |
| Land Area: | 216.319 sq miSource: Census |
| Water Area: | 0.17 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: | --Source: Census |
| Place Name: | --Source: Census |
ZIP Code 81429 is in the West End School District RE-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.