Overview
Meet Montrose, Colorado
Our community is thriving with over 41,000 people living in more than 2,200 square miles around the Paradox Valleys and Uncompahgre River. Not only are we the Colorado’s Western Slope’s agricultural hub — we are also home to Gunnison Gorge National Recreation and Wilderness Areas, as well as Black Canyon of Gunnison National Park.
The breathtaking views, natural ruggedness, and plethora of recreational options around us make Montrose a perfect tourist stop, and an even better place to live in.
History
Where we came from
Montrose was chartered in 1882 by settlers who arrived in 1871. Originally a mining town, it eventually shifted to agriculture when the mine dried up. In 1890, the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad Co. built its mainline railroad through Montrose as part of its Denver-Salt Lake City route. In 1906, the track through Montrose was updated to standard gauge along with the rest of the Denver-Salt Lake City route. This mainline railroad still serves as an asset today.
In 1909, the Gunnison Tunnel was opened after its construction was complete. Built in order to provide irrigation water to the valley, the opening ceremony was visited by President Taft and it signaled the start of a new era of agriculture for Montrose. Much has changed since the city’s founding in 1882, but Montrose continues to be a gateway to the wonders of Western Colorado.
Climate & Weather
Sunshine rules in Montrose, giving an average of 245 days a year of warm, sunny weather. Montrose has a semi-arid climate with comfortable summers and mild winters. Streams and rivers from the nearby mountain ranges provide water to the drier valleys.
Montrose has a pleasant 78°F average daytime high temperature during the summer. Meanwhile, the winter brings a mild 46°F average daytime high temperature.
| Climate | Montrose | United States |
|---|---|---|
| Rainfall | 11.41 inches | 39.20 inches |
| Snowfall | 29.25 inches | 25.80 inches |
| Precipitation | 33.3 days | 102 days |
| Sunny Days | 245 days | 205 days |
| Average July High | 88.95 °F | 86.10 °F |
| Average January Low | 13.96 °F | 22.60 °F |
Economy & Employment
Montrose houses an exceptional quality of life, creating an attractive community for both individuals and businesses alike. Low tax rates and business costs, and a fair yet accessible regulatory environment help the business climate of Colorado. The state also has low property taxes, and provides a competitive business tax structure to reward innovation and investment.
Colorado’s workforce is both savvy and highly-educated, which contributes to make its position in the advanced tech and service industries even stronger. Colorado ranked second in the nation for tech and science in 2016 according to the Milken Institute. We also rank second in the nation for the residential percentage of highest education attainment degrees.
| Montrose | United States | |
|---|---|---|
| Population (2016) | 19,062 | |
| Median Age | 44.5 | |
| Average Household Size | 2.25 | |
| Unemployment Rate | 5.10% | 5.20% |
| Recent Job Growth | 2.64% | 1.59% |
| Future Job Growth | 40.17% | 37.98% |
| Sales Taxes | 7.95% | 6.00% |
| Income Taxes | 4.63% | 4.60% |
| Household Income | $43,281 | $53,482 |
| Family Median Income | $53,787 | $65,443 |
Housing
Montrose has a thriving real estate market with a minimal 6.3% of its homes being of negative equity and less than 1% of its properties facing foreclosure. Both of these statistics are well below the national average. Montrose’s median home value is is $227,400, and local homes have seen a 6.5% increase in value in the last year alone.
The median price in Montrose as listed per square foot is $161, compared to the lower average of Montrose Metro at $158. The current listed median price of homes in Montrose is $359,900.
| Montrose | United States | |
|---|---|---|
| Median Home Age | 22 | 37 |
| Median Home Cost | $205,100 | $185,800 |
| Home Appreciation (past 12 mo) | 6.98% | 3.74% |
| Property Tax Rate | $4.89 | $11.80 |
| Homes Owned | 58.55% | 56.34% |
| Housing Vacant | 5.56% | 12.45% |
| Homes Rented | 35.89% | 31.21% |
| Average Commute Time | 19 minutes | 26 minutes |
Local Attractions
Every year, Montrose County’s beautiful scenery attracts visitors from across the US. Tourists and environmental enthusiasts alike can go on stunning hikes, take tours of the famous Black Canyon National Park, take part in water sports, embark on breathtaking cycling tours, and much more.
Activities
The city and counties of Montrose are widely known for their diverse recreational opportunities. Both residents and tourists can choose from a plethora of outdoor activities, such as kayaking, hunting, and fishing. Montrose also has challenging and beautiful golf courses, and thrilling adventures for off-roaders.
Schools
The Montrose community offers many educational windows for local residents to learn and develop important skills, from a structured K-12 education to various colleges. On average, Montrose schools spend $8,666 per student. There is also an 18:1 student-teacher ratio, 348:1 child-counselor ratio, and a 565:1 student-librarian ratio in Montrose schools.
Colorado Mesa University
Offers two- and four-year degree programs.
Technical College of the Rockies
Offers various CTE programs approved and accredited by the Colorado Community College System and the Council on Occupational Education.
Montrose County School District
Provides public K-12 schools throughout Montrose County.
| Grades | Type | |
|---|---|---|
| Centennial Middle School | 6-8 | Public |
| Colorado West Christian School | PK-8 | Private |
| Columbine Middle School | 6-8 | Public |
| Cottonwood Elementary School | K-5 | Public |
| Johnson Elementary School | K-5 | Public |
| Montrose Community Christian School | K-9 | Private |
| Montrose High School | 9-12 | Public |
| Northside Elementary School | K-5 | Public |
| Oak Grove Elementary School | K-5 | Public |
| Passage Charter School | 9-12 | Charter |
| Pomona Elementary School | K-5 | Public |
| Rocky Mountain International Academy | 6-12 | Private |
| Spring Creek Adventist School | 2-8 | Private |
| Vista Charter School | 9-12 | Charter |
Online Services
