Carbondale 63 Average
Carbondale Livability #196 ranked city in Colorado#15,682 ranked city in the USARanks better than 46% of areas
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Pros and Cons of Living in Carbondale

PROS
  • Crime Crime

    With a lower than average crime rate per 100,000 people, this area could be considered a very safe place to live. Crime rates are based on both violent and property crimes.

  • Employment Employment

    The combination of higher than average median home income, income per capita and low unemployment rates results in a score that is well above average in the employment category.

CONS
  • Amenities Amenities

    A majority of amenities are not ideally situated within a reasonable walking distance, which may lead residents to rely on a vehicle or public transportation.

  • Commute Commute

    Public transportation is not readily available in this area and the average commute time to work could also be longer than the national average.

  • Cost Of Living Cost Of Living

    Based on the most recent cost of living data, this area is more expensive to live in. You can expect to pay more for everyday goods and services, housing, groceries and utilities.

  • Ratings Ratings

    AreaVibes conducted surveys and polls with locals who live in the area. The results were not favorable for walkability of amenities, parks, public transit and the overall sense of community in the area.

What's it like Living in Carbondale?

Carbondale is a small-sized city located in the state of Colorado. The city has a population of 6,913 residents. With a population density of 3,330 people per square mile, Carbondale is well above the nation's average density level. The majority of Carbondale residents report their race to be White; this is followed by Black and American Indian and Alaskan. Additionally, more than a quarter of the population of Carbondale are of Hispanic or Latino origin, and 26% of the population also speak Spanish. Long travel times to work can be one of the most frustrating things in the world - right behind housework! If you decide that living in Carbondale is the right fit for you, your one way commute time will average 28 minutes, which is about average when compared to the national commute time of 26 minutes.

Without the right tools, moving to any new city can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Carbondale, Colorado could be a positive experience for anyone who puts in the time to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. To help you find the best places to live in and around Carbondale, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like amenities, cost of living, commute, employment, housing and more.

The livability score in Carbondale is 63/100 and the city is ranked in the 50th percentile of all cities across America. Based on the scores for each individual category, Carbondale has been rewarded with high marks for crime (A), employment (A+) and housing (B). On a more negative note, Carbondale does not have favorable scores for the following: amenities (F) and cost of living (F). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.

Crime rates play a pivotal role in the decision-making process for anyone considering a move, as they directly influence the overall sense of safety, security and quality of life in a given location. Carbondale shines in this regard, earning exemplary ratings for its exceptionally low violent crime rates, standing at 132 crimes per 100,000 residents. These rates are notably below the national average, underscoring the community's commitment to safety and contributing to an enhanced quality of life.

Finding affordable real estate and housing in Carbondale can be tricky. Having said that, this area might be the place to get the best of both worlds. Based on factors like home/rental affordability and appreciation rates, this area has received an above average score in the housing category. A healthy real estate market can lead to wealth appreciation for property owners, as rising property values can contribute to homeowners' equity, financial stability and the ability to build long-term wealth.

There are many factors that go into deciding if an area is the right fit for your lifestyle. Certain “must haves” like low crime, great schools and nearby amenities are all at the top of most people's lists. But before even considering if those options are attainable, we'll need to know if the real estate in Carbondale is actually affordable. The median home price for Carbondale homes is $1,136,967, which is 137.9% higher than the Colorado average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Carbondale, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 9.1, which is 78.4% higher than the Colorado average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Carbondale

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Compare Carbondale, CO Livability

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      Carbondale transportation information

      Statistic Carbondale Colorado National
      Average one way commute28min25min26min
      Workers who drive to work45.9%75.2%76.4%
      Workers who carpool18.7%9.3%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit5.8%3.1%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle7.3%1.3%0.6%
      Workers who walk5.7%3.0%2.8%
      Working from home15.8%7.0%4.6%
      Source: The Carbondale, CO data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) and include 2026 modeled data developed using proprietary methodologies.