What to know when moving to Gunnison, CO
Gunnison at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A community with a 53.5% bachelor's degree attainment and 38.8% of residents renting.
- The Major Draw:
- The median household income is $71,263, providing a solid financial foundation.
- The Reality Check:
- The poverty rate is 17.9%, indicating some economic challenges.
- Commute:
- 8.3% use public transit for commuting.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for a median rent of $1,114 per month.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Gunnison attracts a mix of residents, with over half of the population holding a bachelor's degree. With a significant portion of the community renting, housing affordability remains a key factor for many. The area experiences about 100 rainy days each year, so investing in good rain gear could be wise. Outdoor enthusiasts will also appreciate the proximity to various recreational parks.
Probably not your spot if: You prefer urban amenities and nightlife, as the economic indicators suggest a quieter lifestyle.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median rent is $1,114, while median home values sit at $495,200, reflecting the area's desirability.
- With 53.5% of residents holding a bachelor's degree and a poverty rate of 17.9%, the community has a mix of educational attainment and economic challenges.
- Only 8.3% of commuters use public transit, indicating a car-dependent lifestyle.
- The renter percentage is 38.8%, showing a significant number of residents own their homes.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
In Colorado, the property crime rate stands at 2,168.8 per 100,000 people, which is 40.2% higher than the national average. Meanwhile, the violent crime rate is 420.3 per 100,000, about 29.2% lower than the national rate. Notably, the homicide rate has decreased by 46.8% since 2022.
- Violent crime: 420.3 per 100,000 vs. 325.3 national
- Property crime: 2,168.8 per 100,000 vs. 1,546.9 national
- Notable trend: Homicide rate down 46.8% since 2022
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Colorado).
Schools & Higher Ed
Residents have access to local educational opportunities, including:
- 1 postsecondary institution: Western Colorado University in Gunnison, CO.
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations, NCES College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
Gunnison County experiences approximately 22.9 inches of precipitation annually, with about 100 rainy days. During winter, the area sees an average snowfall of 16.6 inches over 57 snow days. Local parks provide excellent outdoor options for residents.
- Jorgensen Park - Rating: 4.7 (543 reviews)
- I.O.O.F. Park - Rating: 4.5 (83 reviews)
- Wilson's Landing - Rating: 4.8 (64 reviews)
- Neversink Trail - Rating: 4.5 (57 reviews)
Source: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.
Jobs & the Local Economy
In Gunnison County, the job market shows promise with:
- Unemployment rate: 2.9% as of December 2025
- Employment: 11,034 individuals
- Labor force: 11,358 individuals
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.