| City: | Woody Creek, Colorado |
| County: | Pitkin County |
| Timezone: | Mountain (GMT -07:00) |
| Local Time: | 9:29:09 PM |
| Population: | 422 [See All] |
| Area Code: | 970 |
| Classification: | PO Box |
| Coordinates: | 39.3016, -106.8226 |
| Land Area: | 59.235 sq mi |
| Quick Link: |
Woody Creek sits in a rural valley northwest of Aspen, spanning 96 square miles of Pitkin County, Colorado. This isn't a typical small town. It's a high-end rural enclave where 422 residents live in 211 households across ranches and estates with names like Running Mare Road, Upper River Road, and Aspen Valley Ranch Road. Median home values reach $2,000,000, and per capita income stands at $121,626.
The Woody Creek post office is the only option for mail delivery across this territory. This is a PO Box Only Zone, meaning there's no alternative delivery anywhere in the area. The post office maintains 257 PO Boxes for 211 local households, a 1.22x adoption rate that indicates some boxes serve second homes, businesses, or residents from surrounding areas. Rural carriers deliver to 86 addresses along two routes that wind through the valley's ranch roads.
This is a highly educated community. Among residents 25 and older, 57.5% hold bachelor's degrees or higher. The median age is 46.8 years. About 20% of housing units (54 of 272) sit vacant for seasonal use, typical of second-home country near resort towns. Some 17.5% of workers work from home, likely writers, consultants, and professionals who chose this location for privacy and access to Aspen.
The street network tells the story of rural Colorado. Roads follow creeks and valleys: Woody Creek Road, Little Woody Creek Road, Upper River Road, and Lower River Road. Others carry ranch names: Pearl Ranch Road, McLain Flats Road, Twining Flats Road. A few have whimsical names like Bullwinkle Place and Left Bank Lane. The only named building in postal records is simply "POSTMASTER."
All mail to Woody Creek requires a PO Box address:
[Recipient Name]
PO Box [Number]
Woody Creek, CO 81656Rural route delivery serves some properties along established routes, but PO Box remains the primary mail access method for this remote valley community.
Roads follow natural features (creeks, rivers) and historical ranch boundaries, with occasional whimsical names.
ZIP Code 81656 has 422 residents and 211 households (average 2.00 persons per household). The median age is 46.8 years, significantly older than the state (37.2) and significantly older than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 44.1% male and 55.9% female, which is lower than the state male share (50.2%), making this a female-majority area. Largest groups are White (83.9%, much higher than the state average of 70.7% and well above the national average of 61.6%) and Hispanic or Latino (7.3%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 7.3%, which is much lower than the state average (21.9%).
Explore More:Population Over TimeBy Age & GenderBy RaceBy GenderNativity & Citizenship
| 2020 Population: | 422Source: Census DHC |
| 2024 ACS Population Estimate: | 508Source: Census ACS |
| 2026 ZC Population Estimate: | 0Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Population Density: | 7.1 people per sq mile |
| Average Income: | $0Source: Census ACS |
| Households: | 211Source: Census DHC |
| Average House Value: | $2,000,000Source: Census ACS |
| Persons Per Household: | 2.00Source: Census DHC |
| Average Family Size: | 2.85Source: Census ACS |
| Group | 2010 | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Census ACS Population Estimate | -- | 267 | 332 | 413 | 385 | 265 | 255 | 209 | 175 | 223 | 316 | 299 | 605 | 508 |
| Decennial Census | 242 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 422 | -- | -- | -- |
Median Age: 46.8
Male Median Age: 46
Female Median Age: 47
| 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 | 7 | 5 | 22 | 8 | 1 | 7 | 14 | 18 | 10 | 9 | 19 | 21 | 8 | 18 | 5 | 12 | 2 | 0 |
| Female | 10 | 3 | 20 | 8 | 20 | 10 | 8 | 19 | 15 | 10 | 11 | 17 | 26 | 24 | 20 | 14 | 1 | 0 |
| Total | 17 | 8 | 42 | 16 | 21 | 17 | 22 | 37 | 25 | 19 | 30 | 38 | 34 | 42 | 25 | 26 | 3 | 0 |
| White: | 354 | 85.30% |
| Black: | 0 | 0% |
| Hispanic:* | 31 | 7.47% |
| Asian: | 10 | 2.41% |
| American Indian: | 2 | 0.48% |
| Hawaiian: | 0 | 0% |
| Other: | 18 | 4.34% |
| Total: | 415 | 100% |
| Gender | Count | % | Median Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Males: | 186 | 44.08% | 46.0 years |
| Females: | 236 | 55.92% | 47.0 years |
| Total: | 422 | 100% | 46.8 years |
| Native, born in the United States: | 424 | 83.46% |
| Native, born in PR, Island Areas, or abroad: | 25 | 4.92% |
| Foreign born, naturalized U.S. citizen: | 17 | 3.35% |
| Foreign born, not a U.S. citizen: | 42 | 11.61% |
| Total Population: | 508 | 100% |
| Total Native Population: | 449 | 88.39% |
| Total Foreign-born Population: | 59 | 11.61% |
In 2023, the Median household income is $0, which is far less than the state median ($92,470), is down $78,750 (100.0%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $0. Family households earn a median of $250,001 versus $0 for nonfamily households (a difference of $250,001). By gender, male median income is $0 and female is $0, which is well under the state female median ($59,731), with a current gap of $0 that has narrowed from 2011 to 2023. The labor-force participation rate is 39.8%, which is much lower than the state rate (68.6%). The unemployment rate is 0.0%, which is markedly below the national rate (5.2%). The largest occupation group is Management (69.5%).
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 | $78,750 | $68,636 | $66,250 | $66,563 | $61,429 | $56,645 | $47,065 | $0 | $0 | $34,085 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Median Family Income | $114,830 | $117,426 | $117,891 | $81,635 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $33,326 | $0 | $0 | $250,001 |
| Median NonFamily Income | $58,289 | $58,669 | $61,106 | $61,509 | $46,447 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $48,618 | $0 | $58,750 | $0 | $0 |
| Median Male Income | $65,455 | $67,614 | $57,604 | $57,885 | $0 | $54,107 | $0 | $19,844 | $0 | $17,299 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Median Female Income | $26,993 | $26,378 | $26,281 | $27,609 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Employed: | 174 | 39.82% |
| Unemployed: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Not In Labor Force: | 263 | 60.18% |
| Total: | 437 | 100% |
| Management, business, science, and arts: | 121 | 69.54% |
| Service: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Sales and Office: | 42 | 24.14% |
| Natural resources, construction, and maintenance: | 11 | 6.32% |
| Production, transportation, and material moving: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total Civilian Employed Population: | 174 | 100% |
In 2023, the median home value is $2,000,001, which is much higher than the national median ($303,400), is up $1,663,601 (494.53%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $2,000,001. The median gross rent is $0, which is far less than the state median ($1,693), and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $0. Of occupied housing, owners make up 100.00% (29.30% with a mortgage, 70.70% free-and-clear) and renters 0.00% - making this ZIP Code more home ownership than the state and under national rental averages. The vacancy rate is 20.41%, which is markedly above the state rate (8.63%).
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 | $336,400 | $1,000,001 | $1,000,001 | $1,000,001 | $2,000,001 | $1,355,000 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $2,000,001 |
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Rent | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Owner Occupied (with mortgage): | 80 | 29.30% |
| Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage): | 193 | 70.70% |
| Renter Occupied: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total Occupied Housing Units: | 273 | 100% |
| Occupied Housing Units: | 273 | 79.59% |
| Vacant Housing Units (not graphed): | 70 | 20.41% |
| Total Housing Units: | 343 | 100% |
| Single-Family Units: | 281 | 81.92% |
| Multi-Family Units: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Other Units: | 62 | 18.08% |
| Total Housing Units: | 343 | 100% |
In 2023, 57.50% 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 comparable to the national rate (89.40%). The uninsured rate is 0.00%, which is far lower than the national rate (8.60%). Private coverage is 93.70%, which is well above the national rate (67.30%). The share of people in poverty is 0.00%, which is comparable to the national rate (8.70%). Poverty has been broadly stable, which may reflect structural barriers or offsetting gains and setbacks. Among residents ages 3+, the largest enrollment group is high school (66.98%). College enrollment is 0.00%, which is on par with the state rate (27.40%), meaning the community mirrors broader higher-education participation.
Explore More:Educational AttainmentHealth InsurancePoverty Over TimeSchool Enrollment
| Less than 9th grade: | 0 | 0.00% |
| 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: | 17 | 4.23% |
| High school graduate (includes equivalency): | 11 | 2.74% |
| Some college, no degree: | 73 | 18.16% |
| Associate's degree: | 70 | 17.41% |
| Bachelor's degree: | 119 | 29.60% |
| Graduate or professional degree: | 112 | 27.86% |
| Total: | 402 | 100% |
| High school or higher: | 385 | 95.77% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher: | 231 | 57.46% |
| Private Insurance: | 476 | 68.10% |
| Public Insurance: | 223 | 31.90% |
| No Insurance: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total: | 699 | 100% |
| Has Health Insurance: | 699 | 100.00% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| % of People in Poverty | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% |
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): | 35 | 33.02% |
| High school (grades 9-12): | 71 | 66.98% |
| College or graduate school: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total: | 106 | 100% |
| Early Childhood: | 0 | 0.00% |
| K-12 (Primary & Secondary School): | 106 | 100.00% |
ZIP Code 81656 supports both business and residential activity. According to the Business Census (2024), there are 21 business establishments, employing about 165 people with an annual payroll of $10,975,000.
| # Residential Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| # Business Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| Total Delivery Receptacles: | 303Source: USPS |
| Single Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| Multi Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| # of Businesses: | 21Source: CBP |
| 1st Quarter Payroll: | $2,738,000Source: CBP |
| Annual Payroll: | $10,975,000Source: CBP |
| # of Employees: | 165Source: CBP |
ZIP Code 81656 is located in Pitkin County, Colorado, within the Rifle, CO Metropolitan Statistical Area (CBSA 40090) and Colorado's 3rd Congressional District. This Micro area has a population of 79,153 people, about 0.53% of whom live in ZIP Code 81656. It covers 59.235 sq mi of land and a water area of 0 sq mi.
| CBSA Name: | Rifle, COSource: Census |
| CBSA Number: | 40090Source: Census |
| CBSA Type: | MicroSource: Census |
| CBSA Division: | --Source: Census |
| CBSA Population: | 79,153Source: Census |
| MSA: | Source: Census |
| Land Area: | 59.235 sq miSource: Census |
| Water Area: | --Source: 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: | 0886200Source: Census |
| Place Name: | Woody Creek CDP; ColoradoSource: Census |
ZIP Code 81656 is in the Aspen School District 1, 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.