| ZIP Code | 81521 |
|---|---|
| City | Fruita |
| State | Colorado (CO) |
| County | Mesa County |
| Area Code | 970 |
| Elevation | 4,913 ft |
| Latitude | 39.156637 |
|---|---|
| Longitude | -108.878833 |
| Timezone | Denver (DST) |
| FIPS | 08077 |
| ZIP Type | Standard |
| Status | Active |
Race & Ethnicity
Age Breakdown
Key Indicators
| Median Age | 42.4 yrs ↑ 4% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Avg Household Size | 2.64 |
| Below Poverty | 3.3% ▼ 67% below avg |
| College Grads | 39.3% ≈ Avg |
| Unemployment | 3.2% ▼ 35% below avg |
| No HS Diploma | 34 (0.3%) |
| HS Graduate | 3,230 (29.4%) |
| Some College | 1,275 (11.6%) |
| Associates | 2,126 (19.3%) |
| Bachelors | 716 (6.5%) |
| Graduate Degree | 3,607 (32.8%) |
Education
Housing Tenure
Home Value Distribution
Financials
| Median HH Income | $82,632 ▲ 8% above avg ↑ 36% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $385,300 ▲ 38% above avg ↑ 62% since 2019 |
| Home/Income Ratio | 4.7x (nat avg ~3.5x) |
| Median Rent | $1,249/mo ↑ 7% since 2019 |
| Total Units | 6,531 |
| Vacant Units | 185 |
| Avg HH Size | 2.64 |
Income Distribution
How People Get to Work
Commute Time
Year Built
Summary
| Total Units | 6,531 |
|---|---|
| Vacant | 185 |
| Owner Occupied | 83.2% |
| Renter Occupied | 16.8% |
| Avg HH Size | 2.64 |
ZIP code 81521 is located in Fruita, Colorado, within Mesa County. With a population of 16,861, this is a moderately populated ZIP code with a middle-aged community — the median age is 42.4 years. Economically, 81521 is a middle-income ZIP code: the median household income of $82,632 is near the national average.
Real estate in ZIP code 81521 represents a mid-range housing market. The median home value of $385,300 is above the national average. Renters can expect to pay around $1,249 per month in median rent. Homeownership is strong here — 83.2% of occupied units are owner-occupied, suggesting an established, stable residential community. Median home values have increased by 62% since 2019.
The population of 81521 is primarily White (84.30%). Residents are moderately educated — 39.3% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is near the national average. Poverty affects a relatively small share of residents at 3.3%. Household income has grown by 36% since 2019.
The unemployment rate in 81521 stands at 3.2%, which is below the national average. As in most parts of the country, driving alone is the dominant commute mode at 78%.
Overall, ZIP code 81521 in Fruita, CO is characterized as middle-income, moderately educated, a middle-aged community, and predominantly owner-occupied. With 16,861 residents, a median household income of $82,632, and a median home value of $385,300, it offers a clear picture of life in this part of Colorado.