| ZIP Code | 81242 |
|---|---|
| City | Poncha Springs |
| State | Colorado (CO) |
| County | Chaffee County |
| Area Code | 719 |
| Elevation | 7,468 ft |
| Latitude | 38.471844 |
|---|---|
| Longitude | -106.072904 |
| Timezone | Denver (DST) |
| FIPS | 08015 |
| ZIP Type | PO Box |
| Status | Active |
Race & Ethnicity
Age Breakdown
Key Indicators
| Median Age | 52.4 yrs ↓ 2% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Avg Household Size | 1.82 |
| Below Poverty | 2.0% ▼ 80% below avg |
| College Grads | 54.1% ▲ 40% above avg |
| Unemployment | 0.0% ▼ 100% below avg |
| HS Graduate | 85 (10.8%) |
| Some College | 105 (13.3%) |
| Associates | 172 (21.8%) |
| Bachelors | 153 (19.4%) |
| Graduate Degree | 273 (34.6%) |
Education
Housing Tenure
Home Value Distribution
Financials
| Median HH Income | $93,889 ▲ 23% above avg ↑ 93% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $479,000 ▲ 72% above avg ↑ 71% since 2019 |
| Home/Income Ratio | 5.1x (nat avg ~3.5x) |
| Median Rent | $1,569/mo ↑ 92% since 2019 |
| Total Units | 536 |
| Vacant Units | 46 |
| Avg HH Size | 1.82 |
Income Distribution
How People Get to Work
Commute Time
Year Built
Summary
| Total Units | 536 |
|---|---|
| Vacant | 46 |
| Owner Occupied | 89.2% |
| Renter Occupied | 10.8% |
| Avg HH Size | 1.82 |
ZIP code 81242 is located in Poncha Springs, Colorado, within Chaffee County. With a population of 890, this is a sparsely populated ZIP code with a mature community — the median age is 52.4 years. Economically, 81242 is a middle-income ZIP code: the median household income of $93,889 is above the national average.
Real estate in ZIP code 81242 represents a premium housing market. The median home value of $479,000 is significantly above the national average. Renters can expect to pay around $1,569 per month in median rent. Homeownership is strong here — 89.2% of occupied units are owner-occupied, suggesting an established, stable residential community. Median home values have increased by 71% since 2019.
The population of 81242 is primarily White (81.69%). Residents are well-educated — 54.1% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is above the national average. Poverty affects a relatively small share of residents at 2.0%. Household income has grown by 93% since 2019.
About 16% of workers are remote. As in most parts of the country, driving alone is the dominant commute mode at 75%.
Overall, ZIP code 81242 in Poncha Springs, CO is characterized as middle-income, well-educated, a mature community, and predominantly owner-occupied. With 890 residents, a median household income of $93,889, and a median home value of $479,000, it offers a clear picture of life in this part of Colorado.