Durango
RANK #648 / 996 NAT · #4 / 15 CO · POP 55,983
1YR FORECAST: -0.1%
5YR OUTLOOK: +20%
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.
Estimated local headcount ranges. Larger employers shown as floor + "+"; smaller employers show exact counts where reported.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Source: CDC/NCHS vital statistics via County Health Rankings (2020–2022 avg). Rates per 100,000 population. Grade based on homicide rate relative to national average (~6.3). Learn more →
Source: EPA Air Quality System (2021–2023). Grade based on 3-year average median AQI. Learn about AQI →
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
At 34/100, La Plata County faces headwinds that place it in the lower third of the 996 counties we track. Median income of $81,936 combined with job growth of +0.8% suggests the local economy is struggling to keep pace with national trends.
La Plata County leans toward the expensive side. A median home value of $497,800 against an income-to-home-value ratio of 0.16 means housing eats a bigger share of local earnings than the national norm. Renters face $1,344/month on average.
La Plata County's population is growing — up +0.6% YoY — while the job market is roughly flat (employment change of +0.8%). Home values shifted +1.2% over the past year. In-migration is outpacing local hiring, which often points to remote workers or retirees driving the headcount.
There's a moderate stream of newcomers. About 2.41% of residents moved from another state, which is above average and suggests La Plata County has appeal as a relocation destination — though it's not among the highest-inflow counties nationally.