RANK #645 / 996 · POP 55,983 · CO
PROJECTED GROWTH: +0.2%
The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, a National Historic Landmark, is a prominent feature of La Plata County, Colorado, drawing visitors with its historic steam locomotives and scenic route through the San Juan Mountains. Located in Southwest Colorado, La Plata County's largest town, Durango, is approximately 330 miles southwest of Denver. The community offers a blend of historic charm and outdoor adventure, with the Animas River flowing through Durango and the La Plata Mountains providing a backdrop. Commuting within the county is primarily by car, though Durango offers local bus services and a trolley along Main Avenue. The county is a hub for outdoor recreation, boasting over 300 miles of trails for hiking and mountain biking, gold medal trout fishing, and access to the San Juan National Forest and Purgatory Resort for skiing.
Life in La Plata County is characterized by a focus on outdoor living and a strong sense of community. The area attracts a mix of families, remote workers, and retirees drawn to the lifestyle and natural amenities. The economy is diversified, with key sectors including outdoor recreation, healthcare, education, energy, and professional services. Fort Lewis College, recognized for affordability and small class sizes, is a notable educational institution. Recent economic developments include the allocation of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds towards housing initiatives, broadband expansion, and addressing social impacts. The La Plata Economic Development Alliance actively works to promote economic well-being and quality of life in the community.
Overvalued relative to economy
Below national median
Below national median
Prices detached from rents
Housing looks overvalued at 8.5x — home prices are high relative to local economic output. Climate and geography support a structural premium. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
La Plata County has a Boom Town Index score of 35/100, ranking #645 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +0.8% and a median household income of $81,936, it faces some economic headwinds compared to faster-growing counties.
The median home value in La Plata County is $497,800 with median rent at $1,344/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.1646, which is less affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +0.6% year-over-year. Job growth: +0.8%. Home values changed +1.2% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 2.41% of La Plata County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.