2023 La Plata County, Colorado Demographics | Comprehensive Overview
Data and insights for La Plata County, Colorado, including population, age & gender distribution, race & ethnicity, median & household income distribution, property value distribution, educational attainment, health insurance coverage, nativity & citizenship, commuting & transportation, employment, veteran service, poverty & income and SNAP/food stamp recipients. Based on 2023 American Community Survey Estimates.
La Plata County, Colorado Key Demographic Statistics (2023 Estimates)
Key demographic statistics summarized from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates
La Plata County, Colorado Demographics: Age & Gender Distribution (2023)
Key Demographic Indicators for La Plata County, Colorado
The following statistics highlight La Plata County, Colorado population and median age, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Total Population
- 56,088
- Median Age (Total)
- 42.3 years
- Median Age (Male)
- 41.8 years
- Median Age (Female)
- 42.9 years
La Plata County, Colorado Age Distribution Comparison with Colorado 2023
Compare La Plata County, Colorado age demographics with Colorado to understand regional demographic patterns.
| Metric | La Plata County, Colorado | Colorado | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Age | 42.3 yrs | 38.0 yrs | +4.3 yrs |
| Under 5 years | 4.20% | 5.14% | -0.9pp |
| Children (5–17 years) | 13.72% | 15.11% | -1.4pp |
| Young Adults (18–24) | 9.24% | 9.16% | +0.1pp |
| Middle-aged (35–54) | 26.46% | 27.04% | -0.6pp |
| Seniors (65+) | 19.95% | 16.46% | +3.5pp |
| Total Dependency Ratio | 60.98 | 58.01 | +3.0 |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. "yrs" indicates years. The dependency ratio measures the burden on working-age population (18-64) to support dependents (under 18 and 65+).
Dependency Ratios Analysis
- Total Dependency Ratio
- 60.98
- Youth Dependency Ratio
- 28.86 Population under 18 relative to working age (18-64).
- Old-Age Dependency Ratio
- 32.12 Population 65+ relative to working age (18-64).
A higher ratio indicates a greater financial and social burden on the working population to support non-working age groups.
La Plata County, Colorado Demographics: Racial and Ethnic Composition (2023)
Diversity & Cultural Composition of La Plata County, Colorado
The racial makeup and ethnic composition of La Plata County, Colorado are detailed below, drawing from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Diversity Index Score
- 39.35
- Diversity Tier
- low
- Definition
- The probability that two individuals chosen at random will be from different racial or ethnic groups.
Diversity Comparison with Colorado
Compare La Plata County, Colorado racial and ethnic demographics with Colorado to understand regional diversity patterns.
La Plata County, Colorado Diversity
39.35
lowColorado Diversity
53.65
moderateRacial and Ethnic Composition Comparison
| Racial/Ethnic Group | La Plata County, Colorado | Colorado | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| White Alone (Non-Hispanic) | 76.56% | 63.61% | +13.0pp |
| Hispanic or Latino (Any Race) | 12.75% | 23.21% | -10.5pp |
| American Indian and Alaska Native Alone | 5.39% | 0.38% | +5.0pp |
| Two or More Races | 3.28% | 4.77% | -1.5pp |
| Some Other Race Alone | 1.09% | 0.53% | +0.6pp |
| Asian Alone | 0.79% | 3.41% | -2.6pp |
| Black/African American Alone | 0.16% | 3.95% | -3.8pp |
| Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander Alone | 0.00% | 0.14% | -0.1pp |
| Diversity Index Score | 39.35 | 53.65 | -14.3 |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher Diversity Index Scores (green) indicate greater racial/ethnic diversity.
La Plata County, Colorado Economic Demographics: Household Income Statistics (2023)
Economic Snapshot for La Plata County, Colorado
The following data illustrates the financial landscape of La Plata County, Colorado, based on the latest U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Median Household Income
- $85,296 (Adjusted for inflation)
- Total Households Analyzed
- 23,200
Income Comparison with Colorado
Compare La Plata County, Colorado household income with Colorado to understand regional economic patterns.
La Plata County, Colorado
$85,296
Colorado
$97,113
Income Distribution Comparison
| Income Bracket | La Plata County, Colorado | Colorado | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than $20,000 | 9.27% | 8.78% | +0.5pp |
| $20,000 to $34,999 | 11.94% | 7.30% | +4.6pp |
| $35,000 to $49,999 | 9.13% | 7.76% | +1.4pp |
| $50,000 to $74,999 | 14.16% | 14.66% | -0.5pp |
| $75,000 to $149,999 | 32.97% | 31.86% | +1.1pp |
| $150,000 or more | 22.55% | 29.64% | -7.1pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher percentages in high-income brackets (green) indicate greater affluence compared to Colorado.
La Plata County, Colorado Real Estate Demographics: Property Values (2023)
Real Estate Market Snapshot for La Plata County, Colorado
The following data highlights the distribution of owner-occupied housing values in La Plata County, Colorado, based on the latest U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Median Property Value
- $549,100
- Total Properties Analyzed
- 16,462 (Owner-occupied units)
Property Value Comparison with Colorado
Compare La Plata County, Colorado property values with Colorado to understand regional real estate market patterns.
La Plata County, Colorado
$549,100
Colorado
$574,600
Property Value Distribution Comparison
| Value Bracket | La Plata County, Colorado | Colorado | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than $25,000 | 3.23% | 1.59% | +1.6pp |
| $25,000 to $49,999 | 1.91% | 0.99% | +0.9pp |
| $50,000 to $99,999 | 3.07% | 1.88% | +1.2pp |
| $100,000 to $199,999 | 4.20% | 2.95% | +1.2pp |
| $200,000 to $499,999 | 31.73% | 32.96% | -1.2pp |
| $500,000 to $999,999 | 52.58% | 54.17% | -1.6pp |
| $1,000,000 or more | 3.29% | 5.46% | -2.2pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher percentages in high-value brackets (green) indicate more expensive real estate compared to Colorado.
La Plata County, Colorado Educational Attainment Statistics (2023)
Education Snapshot for La Plata County, Colorado
The following statistics represent the educational background of residents aged 25 and older in La Plata County, Colorado, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- High School Graduate or Higher
- 96.40%
- Bachelor's Degree or Higher
- 47.26%
- Total Population Analyzed (25+)
- 40,853
Education Level Comparison with Colorado
Compare La Plata County, Colorado educational attainment with Colorado to understand regional education patterns.
Bachelor's+ in La Plata County, Colorado
47.26%
Bachelor's+ in Colorado
47.77%
Detailed Education Level Comparison
| Education Level | La Plata County, Colorado | Colorado | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than HS | 3.60% | 6.84% | -3.2pp |
| HS Graduate | 21.01% | 19.02% | +2.0pp |
| Some College/Associate's | 28.13% | 26.38% | +1.8pp |
| Bachelor's Degree | 29.61% | 29.04% | +0.6pp |
| Graduate/Professional | 17.65% | 18.73% | -1.1pp |
| HS Graduate or Higher | 96.40% | 93.16% | +3.2pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher percentages in advanced education levels (green badges) indicate higher educational attainment compared to Colorado.
La Plata County, Colorado Health Insurance Coverage Statistics (2023)
Healthcare Coverage Snapshot for La Plata County, Colorado
The following data illustrates the health coverage landscape of La Plata County, Colorado, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Overall Uninsured Rate
- 9.5%
- Total Uninsured Population
- 5,307
- Total Civilian Population
- 55,708
The uninsured rates vary significantly by demographic group. Children under 18 and seniors aged 65+ generally have higher coverage rates due to public programs like Medicaid/CHIP and Medicare.
Health Insurance Coverage Comparison with Colorado
Compare La Plata County, Colorado health insurance coverage with Colorado to understand regional healthcare access patterns.
Uninsured in La Plata County, Colorado
9.5%
Uninsured in Colorado
7.9%
Uninsured Rates by Age and Sex
| Age Group | La Plata County, Colorado | Colorado | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male | Female | Male | Female | |
| Under 18 | 8.3% | 6.3% | 6.1% | 5.9% |
| 18-34 years | 21.5% | 12.6% | 14.3% | 10.9% |
| 35-64 years | 13.8% | 9.0% | 9.9% | 8.3% |
| 65+ years | 0.2% | 0.4% | 1.1% | 0.8% |
Note: Lower uninsured rates indicate better health insurance coverage. The 18-34 age group typically has the highest uninsured rates, while seniors 65+ have near-universal coverage through Medicare.
La Plata County, Colorado Nativity & Citizenship Statistics (2023)
Citizenship Snapshot for La Plata County, Colorado
The following data details the citizenship status and nativity of the population in La Plata County, Colorado, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- U.S. Citizenship Rate
- 98.8% (Native-born + Naturalized)
- Naturalized Citizens
- 776 (Foreign-born individuals who acquired citizenship)
- Non-Citizen Residents
- 649
Citizenship Comparison with Colorado
Compare La Plata County, Colorado citizenship and nativity with Colorado to understand regional immigration and naturalization patterns.
Citizenship in La Plata County, Colorado
98.8%
Citizenship in Colorado
94.4%
Nativity and Citizenship Comparison
| Nativity/Citizenship Status | La Plata County, Colorado | Colorado | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Born in the United States | 96.2% | 87.8% | +8.4pp |
| Born in PR or U.S. Territories | 0.1% | 0.2% | -0.1pp |
| Born abroad of American parent(s) | 1.2% | 1.4% | -0.2pp |
| U.S. citizen by naturalization | 1.4% | 5.0% | -3.6pp |
| Not a U.S. citizen | 1.2% | 5.6% | -4.4pp |
| Total U.S. Citizens | 98.8% | 94.4% | +4.4pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher naturalization rates (green) indicate greater immigrant integration compared to Colorado.
La Plata County, Colorado Commuting & Transportation Statistics (2023)
Commuter Snapshot for La Plata County, Colorado
The following data details the commuting habits of the workforce in La Plata County, Colorado, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Drove to Work (Car/Truck/Van)
- 74.2%
- Public Transportation Usage
- 0.4%
- Work From Home Rate
- 17.9%
- Total Workers Analyzed
- 28,636
Transportation Comparison with Colorado
Compare La Plata County, Colorado commuting patterns with Colorado to understand regional transportation preferences.
Drove in La Plata County, Colorado
74.2%
Drove in Colorado
73.5%
Commute Mode Comparison
| Transportation Method | La Plata County, Colorado | Colorado | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Car, truck, or van | 74.2% | 73.5% | +0.7pp |
| Public transportation | 0.4% | 1.7% | -1.3pp |
| Bicycle | 2.2% | 1.0% | +1.2pp |
| Walked | 4.4% | 2.7% | +1.7pp |
| Taxicab, motorcycle, or other | 0.8% | 1.3% | -0.5pp |
| Worked from home | 17.9% | 19.9% | -2.0pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher public transit or work-from-home rates (green) indicate more diverse commuting options compared to Colorado.
La Plata County, Colorado Employment by Class of Worker (2023)
Workforce Snapshot for La Plata County, Colorado
The following statistics categorize the civilian employed population aged 16 and over in La Plata County, Colorado by their employment sector, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Total Employed Civilian Population
- 29,059
- Private Sector (Profit & Non-Profit)
- Includes For-Profit and Non-Profit organizations
- Government Workers
- Includes Local, State, and Federal employees
- Self-Employed Workers
- Includes own not incorporated business workers
Employment Sector Comparison with Colorado
Compare La Plata County, Colorado employment patterns with Colorado to understand regional workforce composition differences.
Government Employment in La Plata County, Colorado
7.6% (M) / 9.8% (F)
Government Employment in Colorado
6.9% (M) / 8.7% (F)
Employment Sector Comparison
| Employment Sector | La Plata County, Colorado | Colorado | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private For-Profit (Combined) | M: 34.8% F: 27.2% | M: 40.2% F: 29.7% | M: -5.4pp F: -2.5pp |
| Private Non-Profit | M: 3.8% F: 5.0% | M: 3.0% F: 5.3% | M: +0.8pp F: -0.3pp |
| Government (All Levels) | M: 7.6% F: 9.8% | M: 6.9% F: 8.7% | M: +0.7pp F: +1.1pp |
| Self-Employed | M: 6.8% F: 5.0% | M: 3.4% F: 2.7% | M: +3.4pp F: +2.3pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. M = Male, F = Female. Green badges indicate higher government employment compared to Colorado.
Definitions: "Private sector" includes employees of for-profit and non-profit companies. "Government" includes all local, state, and federal employees. "Self-employed" refers to those operating their own unincorporated businesses.
La Plata County, Colorado Veteran Population & Service Statistics (2023)
Veteran Community Snapshot for La Plata County, Colorado
The following data details the civilian veteran population aged 18 and over in La Plata County, Colorado, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Total Civilian Veterans
- 3,250
- Primary Service Era
- Vietnam Era Only
1,066 veterans (32.8%)
Veteran Population Comparison with Colorado
Compare La Plata County, Colorado veteran demographics with Colorado to understand regional veteran service patterns.
Total Veterans in La Plata County, Colorado
3,250
Total Veterans in Colorado
348,913
- La Plata County, Colorado: Vietnam Era Only (32.8%)
- Colorado: Vietnam Era Only (28.1%)
Service Period Distribution Comparison
| Service Period | La Plata County, Colorado | Colorado | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vietnam Era Only | 32.8% (1,066) | 28.1% (98,217) | +4.7pp |
| Post-9/11 Only | 18.1% (587) | 20.7% (72,357) | -2.6pp |
| Between Gulf War & Vietnam | 17.7% (575) | 13.3% (46,303) | +4.4pp |
| Gulf War Only | 14.9% (483) | 15.0% (52,191) | -0.1pp |
| Post-9/11 + Gulf War | 5.1% (166) | 10.6% (37,117) | -5.5pp |
| Korean War Only | 4.8% (156) | 3.7% (12,941) | +1.1pp |
| Between Vietnam & Korean | 4.1% (132) | 4.7% (16,447) | -0.6pp |
| Gulf War + Vietnam | 1.7% (55) | 1.8% (6,300) | -0.1pp |
| Post-9/11 + Gulf War + Vietnam | 0.5% (16) | 0.4% (1,256) | +0.1pp |
| WWII Only | 0.4% (12) | 0.8% (2,679) | -0.4pp |
| Vietnam + Korean | 0.1% (2) | 0.6% (2,057) | -0.5pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Comparisons show relative proportions of veteran populations by service era.
Note: Periods of service include World War II (Dec 1941–Dec 1946), Korean War (Jul 1950–Jan 1955), Vietnam Era (Aug 1964–Apr 1975), Gulf War (Aug 1990–Aug 2001), and Post-9/11 (Sept 2001 or later). Veterans may have served in multiple eras.
La Plata County, Colorado Family Poverty & Income Statistics (2023)
Family Economic Security Snapshot for La Plata County, Colorado
The following data categorizes families in La Plata County, Colorado by their income relative to the federal poverty threshold, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Families Below Poverty Line (<100%)
- 8.0% (1,144 families)
- Families Near Poverty (100-199%)
- 21.6% (3,091 families)
- Families with Secure Income (200%+)
- 70.4% (10,049 families)
Poverty Rate Comparison with Colorado
Compare La Plata County, Colorado poverty levels with Colorado to understand regional economic disparities.
Poverty Rate in La Plata County, Colorado
8.0%
Below poverty linePoverty Rate in Colorado
6.2%
Below poverty lineIncome-to-Poverty Ratio Distribution Comparison
| Income Category | La Plata County, Colorado | Colorado | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below Poverty (<100%) | 8.0% (1,144) | 6.2% (94,885) | +1.8pp |
| Near Poverty (100-199%) | 21.6% (3,091) | 21.0% (321,019) | +0.6pp |
| Economic Security (200%+) | 70.4% (10,049) | 72.8% (1,112,417) | -2.4pp |
| Detailed Breakdown | |||
| Below 50% of Poverty | 2.6% | 3.3% | -0.7pp |
| 50-74% of Poverty | 2.1% | 1.4% | +0.7pp |
| 75-99% of Poverty | 3.4% | 1.5% | +1.9pp |
| 100-124% of Poverty | 3.0% | 2.0% | +1.0pp |
| 125-149% of Poverty | 2.9% | 2.4% | +0.5pp |
| 150-174% of Poverty | 2.1% | 2.1% | 0.0pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Red badges indicate higher poverty; green badges indicate lower poverty compared to Colorado.
Definition: The "Income-to-Poverty Ratio" measures a family's income against the federal poverty threshold. A ratio below 1.00 means the family is in poverty. Ratios between 1.00 and 1.99 indicate low income ("near poverty"), while ratios of 2.00 or higher suggest greater economic security.
La Plata County, Colorado SNAP/Food Stamps Statistics (2023)
SNAP Participation Snapshot for La Plata County, Colorado
The following data details household participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in La Plata County, Colorado, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Total Households Receiving SNAP
- 1,689 (7.28% of all households)
- Recipient Households with Children
- 878 (51.98% of recipients)
- Total Households Analyzed
- 23,200
SNAP Participation Comparison with Colorado
Compare La Plata County, Colorado SNAP participation with Colorado to understand regional food assistance needs.
SNAP Participation in La Plata County, Colorado
7.28%
1,689 householdsSNAP Participation in Colorado
8.95%
221,900 householdsSNAP Household Composition Comparison
| Household Type | La Plata County, Colorado | Colorado | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| With Children | No Children | With Children | No Children | |
| Married-Couple Family | 29.37% (496) | 6.93% (117) | 16.25% (36,065) | 8.69% (19,273) |
| Male Householder, No Spouse | 1.01% (17) | 1.84% (31) | 5.23% (11,615) | 3.66% (8,118) |
| Female Householder, No Spouse | 21.49% (363) | 4.68% (79) | 18.83% (41,774) | 6.75% (14,989) |
| Nonfamily Households | 0.12% (2) | 34.58% (584) | 0.85% (1,890) | 39.74% (88,176) |
| Total SNAP Recipients | 1,689 (7.28% of households) | 221,900 (8.95% of households) | ||
Note: Percentages represent the share of SNAP-receiving households in each category. Higher percentages in households with children often indicate targeting of families with greater nutritional needs.
About this data: The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides food assistance to low-income families. Households with children often face higher participation rates due to eligibility guidelines prioritizing child nutrition. "Nonfamily households" typically refer to individuals living alone or with unrelated roommates.