| ZIP Code | 81211 |
|---|---|
| City | Buena Vista |
| State | Colorado (CO) |
| County | Chaffee County |
| Area Code | 719 |
| Elevation | 10,350 ft |
| Latitude | 38.972891 |
|---|---|
| Longitude | -106.380522 |
| Timezone | Denver (DST) |
| FIPS | 08015 |
| ZIP Type | Standard |
| Status | Active |
Race & Ethnicity
Age Breakdown
Key Indicators
| Median Age | 47.0 yrs ↑ 2% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Avg Household Size | 1.99 |
| Below Poverty | 6.7% ▼ 33% below avg |
| College Grads | 41.1% ≈ Avg |
| Unemployment | 10.8% ▲ 120% above avg |
| No HS Diploma | 33 (0.6%) |
| HS Graduate | 1,267 (21.1%) |
| Some College | 1,363 (22.7%) |
| Associates | 871 (14.5%) |
| Bachelors | 241 (4%) |
| Graduate Degree | 2,220 (37%) |
Education
Housing Tenure
Home Value Distribution
Financials
| Median HH Income | $62,132 ▼ 19% below avg ↑ 18% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $566,200 ▲ 103% above avg ↑ 65% since 2019 |
| Home/Income Ratio | 9.1x (nat avg ~3.5x) |
| Median Rent | $1,413/mo ↑ 57% since 2019 |
| Total Units | 4,154 |
| Vacant Units | 695 |
| Avg HH Size | 1.99 |
Income Distribution
How People Get to Work
Commute Time
Year Built
Summary
| Total Units | 4,154 |
|---|---|
| Vacant | 695 |
| Owner Occupied | 72.3% |
| Renter Occupied | 27.7% |
| Avg HH Size | 1.99 |
ZIP code 81211 is located in Buena Vista, Colorado, within Chaffee County. With a population of 8,191, this is a lightly populated ZIP code with a mature community — the median age is 47 years. Economically, 81211 is a solidly middle-class ZIP code: the median household income of $62,132 is below the national average.
Real estate in ZIP code 81211 represents a premium housing market. The median home value of $566,200 is more than double the national average. Renters can expect to pay around $1,413 per month in median rent. Homeownership is strong here — 72.3% of occupied units are owner-occupied, suggesting an established, stable residential community. Median home values have increased by 65% since 2019.
The population of 81211 is primarily White (84.69%). Residents are well-educated — 41.1% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is near the national average. Poverty affects a relatively small share of residents at 6.7%. Household income has grown by 18% since 2019.
The unemployment rate in 81211 stands at 10.8%, which is more than double the national average. About 17% of workers are remote. As in most parts of the country, driving alone is the dominant commute mode at 70%.
Overall, ZIP code 81211 in Buena Vista, CO is characterized as solidly middle-class, well-educated, a mature community, and predominantly owner-occupied. With 8,191 residents, a median household income of $62,132, and a median home value of $566,200, it offers a clear picture of life in this part of Colorado.