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Population
913
Median Income
$68,826
Home Value
$385,100
Area Type
Rural
Verified Data

ZIP Code 81242

Poncha Springs, COChaffee County

Population

Under 1,000

~913 residents

Median Income

$68,826

Household median

Home Value

$385,100

Median price

Area Type

Rural

20.5 sq mi

Location

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Detailed Information

Demographics

Population Range:
Under 1,000
Median Income:
$68,826
Classification:
Rural

Housing Market

Median Value:
$385,100
Price Range:
$300,000 - $450,000
Land Area:
20.5 sq mi

Data Quality: 100%

Excellent

Data from US Census Bureau 2023US Census Bureau

Zillow Home Value Index

Real-time market data powered by Zillow • Updated October 2025

➖ Stable
$558,204

Typical Home Value in 81242

Price Appreciation

1 Month
+0.10%
3 Months
+0.27%
6 Months
+0.63%
1 Year
+1.26%
5 Years
+43.52%

Historical Price Trend

Historical home values show market trends over time. Values are smoothed and seasonally adjusted.

Investment Insight

Stable market: Home values have remained relatively steady with +1.26% change over the past year.

💡 Note: Past performance doesn't guarantee future results. Consider local market factors, job growth, and development plans when evaluating real estate investments.

Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) data provided by Zillow Group. ZHVI represents the typical home value for homes in the 35th to 65th percentile range. Data is updated monthly and reflects market trends as of October 31, 2025.

14.2%

Median Income

$68,826

vs state avg

17.3%

Median Home Value

$385,100

vs state avg

Population

913

Rural

Quality of Life

63/100

Good

📊 Lifestyle Snapshot

What's It Like to Live in Poncha Springs?

Key insights about ZIP 81242 at a glance

Population

Population

913

Rural community

Median Income

Median Income

$69k

8% vs national avg

Household earnings

Median Home Value

Median Home Value

$385k

20% vs national avg

Housing market

Affordability

Affordability

5.6

Price-to-income ratio

Your Day in Poncha Springs

Education in Poncha Springs, CO
Morning: Schools & Learning

Start your day with quality education options in Poncha Springs

Shopping & Dining in Poncha Springs, CO
Midday: Shopping & Dining

Explore local shops and restaurants in Poncha Springs

Parks & Recreation in Poncha Springs, CO
Evening: Parks & Recreation

Unwind in green spaces and community areas in Poncha Springs

Quick Compare

See how this stacks up

Explore Poncha Springs, CO

Visual guide to life in this area

Poncha Springs main street
Downtown
Natural beauty near Poncha Springs
Nature
Outdoor activities in Poncha Springs
Recreation
Schools in Poncha Springs
Education
Healthcare facilities in Poncha Springs
Healthcare

Economy & Employment

Job market and economic indicators

Median Household Income
Annual

Median Household Income

$68,826

Median Home Value
Property

Median Home Value

$385,100

Home-to-Income Ratio
Affordability Metric

Home-to-Income Ratio

5.6x

Education & Schools

Educational opportunities and demographics in 81242

Modern school building

Local Schools

Poncha Springs offers diverse educational opportunities for all ages

Education Level

85%

Estimated graduates

Student Age

201

School-age residents

School Quality

Above Average

Based on area demographics

Healthcare & Wellness

Medical facilities and health resources in your area

Healthcare facility

Quality Healthcare Access

Poncha Springs area has multiple medical facilities serving the community

5-10

Healthcare facilities nearby

< 5mi

Average distance to hospital

Parks & Recreation

Outdoor spaces and recreational activities

Community park

Community Parks

Multiple green spaces and recreational facilities for families

🏞️

Parks

3-5 nearby

Sports

Fields & courts

🏃

Trails

Walking paths

🎪

Events

Community gatherings

Shopping & Dining

Retail, restaurants, and local businesses

Shopping district

Local Shopping

Poncha Springs offers diverse shopping and dining experiences

🍽️

Restaurants

20+ dining options

🛍️

Retail Stores

Major & local shops

Cafes & More

Local favorites

Pros & Cons of Living in ZIP 81242

Advantages

  • Low population density offers peace and quiet
  • Rural character with natural surroundings
  • Small, tight-knit community atmosphere

Considerations

  • Limited access to urban amenities and services
  • Housing affordability challenge with prices at 5.6x median income

Living in Poncha Springs, CO 81242

Poncha Springs offers a unique lifestyle in the heart of CO. This rural community provides residents with a close-knit community feel.

Spacious Living

Large lots, privacy, and connection to nature.

Car-Dependent

Personal vehicle necessary for most daily activities.

Who Lives Here

Working class families, young professionals, and service industry workers.

Lifestyle & Activities

Rural residents who appreciate open spaces, privacy, and connection to nature.

Household Composition

Family households with multi-generational homes and long-term residents.

What's Life Like Here? (AI Insights)

Data & Demographics

Demographic Distribution

Age Distribution

Education Levels

📊 Data Insights

ZIP 81242 by the Numbers

Interactive data visualizations for Rural living

12%

Total Population

0

8%

Median Income

$0

15%

Home Value

$0

0%

Quality Score

0/100

Comparative Metrics

Population Density
913

0.9% of max (100,000)

Income Level
68,826

45.9% of max (150,000)

Housing Market
385,100

48.1% of max (800,000)

0

out of 100

Affordability

Below Average

1.83

out of 100

Community Size

Below Average

45.88

out of 100

Economic Strength

Fair

Transportation & Commute

Average commute time is approximately 35 minutes, typical for rural areas.

Distance to Major Cities

Regional Hub

15-40 miles

25-60 min

drive time

Note: Commute times are estimates and may vary based on traffic conditions, time of day, and specific locations.

Weather & Climate

Climate Type

Varied regional climate

Seasonal Pattern

Four distinct seasons with typical North American weather patterns

Weather Highlights

  • Seasonal variety
  • Regional weather characteristics
  • Diverse outdoor activities
🏘️ Neighborhood Explorer

Discover Poncha Springs Amenities

Everything you need, right in your neighborhood

Schools in Poncha Springs, CO

Schools

12+ locations

Healthcare in Poncha Springs, CO

Healthcare

8+ locations

Shopping in Poncha Springs, CO

Shopping

50+ locations

Parks in Poncha Springs, CO

Parks

15+ locations

📈 Comparative Analysis

How Does Poncha Springs Stack Up?

See how ZIP 81242 compares to state and national averages

Income Comparison

This ZIP$69k
CO Average+8%
National Average+12%

Home Value Comparison

This ZIP$385k
CO Average+10%
National Average+15%

Ready to Explore More?

Compare Poncha Springs with other areas or find your perfect ZIP code match

Living Here: Pros & Cons (AI Analysis)

Who Lives Here?

Community Profile

ZIP code 81242 in Poncha Springs, CO (Chaffee) is a small community with approximately 913 residents. The area is classified as rural, offering a peaceful, rural environment.

Income Demographics

The median household income is $68,826, which is above national average. This suggests a community with diverse economic backgrounds and accessible cost of living.

Fun Fact: Rural communities often appeal to those seeking space, nature, and a slower pace of life.

Housing & Rent

Median Home Value

$385,100

Above Average Market

Est. Monthly Rent

$1,540

Typical 2-3BR

Market Overview

The housing market in ZIP 81242 is competitive market with strong appreciation. With a median home value of $385,100, this area offers attractive opportunities for buyers at various price points.

Rent vs Buy

Renting in this ZIP code typically costs around $1,540/month for a 2-3 bedroom home. The moderate rental prices make this area accessible for both renters and buyers.

Jobs & Income

Median Household Income

$68,826

Per Year

Job Market

Poncha Springs offers a growing job market with opportunities primarily in agriculture, manufacturing, and local services. The local economy supports a mix of traditional and emerging industries.

Commute & Transportation

Average commute times in this area are approximately 15-25 minutes. Personal vehicles are essential, though traffic is generally light.

Schools Overview

School Quality

ZIP code 81242 in Poncha Springs, CO generally features quality schools with diverse offerings. The area's good school ratings make it suitable for families seeking quality education options.

Education Options

Families in this ZIP code typically have access to public schools, private institutions, and charter options. Rural schools typically offer smaller class sizes and tight-knit communities.

Check School Ratings

For detailed school ratings and reviews in ZIP 81242, visit:

GreatSchools.org →

Is ZIP 81242 a Good Place to Live?

Whether ZIP code 81242 in Poncha Springs, CO is right for you depends on your priorities. Here's a balanced look:

Pros

  • Peaceful environment with outdoor space

Cons

  • Limited access to urban amenities

The Bottom Line

ZIP code 81242 is well-suited for individuals and families who value tranquility, nature, and a tight-knit community. Consider visiting the area and exploring nearby neighborhoods to get a true feel for the lifestyle.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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