Cortez ZIP Code List — Montezuma County, CO

There is one unique ZIP code in Cortez, Colorado and it is 81321. Area code: 970.

ZIP codes

419.60

sq mi land

0.44

sq mi water

970

area code

Cortez, CO ZIP code map

About Cortez, CO

Cortez, CO, is a charming city located in the picturesque Montezuma County of Colorado. It serves as a gateway to the stunning landscapes and rich cultural history of the area, making it an appealing destination for residents and visitors alike. Known for its warm community spirit, Cortez offers a unique blend of outdoor adventure and historical exploration.

Location & geography

Cortez is strategically situated in the southwestern part of Colorado, roughly 10 miles east of the Four Corners region where Colorado, Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico meet. Nearby cities include Durango, approximately 45 miles to the northwest, and Farmington, New Mexico, about 50 miles to the south. The city encompasses a land area of 419.60 square miles, with a water area of 0.44 square miles, featuring a mix of high desert terrain and lush agricultural land.

Community & economy

The character of Cortez is deeply rooted in its indigenous history and the vibrant cultures that have thrived in the region. The local economy is supported by agriculture, tourism, and services, attracting those interested in outdoor activities, such as hiking and biking. Daily life in Cortez is enriched by community events, farmers' markets, and cultural festivals that celebrate the region's diverse heritage.

Transportation

Cortez is easily accessible via U.S. Highway 491, which connects it to surrounding communities and larger cities. The nearest major airport is Durango–La Plata County Airport, located about 50 miles northwest of Cortez. Public transportation options are limited, but the city is well-connected by local roads.

History

Cortez was founded in the early 1880s and quickly grew as a hub for agriculture and trade, benefiting from the fertile lands in the region. Over the years, it has transformed into a tourist destination, known for its proximity to the ancient ruins of Mesa Verde National Park. Key events in its history include the establishment of the Cortez cultural district, which celebrates local arts and heritage.

Did you know?

One surprising fact about Cortez is that it is home to the Canyons of the Ancients National Monument, which preserves numerous archaeological sites. This rich history stretches back thousands of years, showcasing the area's significance to indigenous peoples.

ZIP codes for Cortez, CO (1)

ZIP code	City	County	Map
81321	Cortez	Montezuma	View map

Demographics & statistics

14,649

Population

42.7

Median age

$59,571

Median household income

$29,889

Per capita income

$248,100

Median home value

$928

Median monthly rent

71.8%

Home ownership

12.1%

Poverty rate

6.3%

Unemployment

4,909

Housing units

28.1%

Bachelor's or higher

Age distribution

Male Female

239

Under 5

251

493

5–9

516

524

10–14

548

399

15–19

418

344

20–24

359

837

25–34

876

908

35–44

949

679

45–54

711

352

55–59

368

683

60–64

714

1,065

65–74

1,114

453

75–84

474

183

85+

192

← Male

Female →

Age summary

Group	Count	%
Under 18	3,118	21.3%
18 and over	11,531	78.7%
65 and over	3,481	23.8%
Median age	42.7 years

Race & ethnicity

White 73.3%

American Indian / Alaska Native 7.8%

Two or more races 7.7%

Hispanic or Latino 6%

Other race 3.1%

Asian 1.2%

Black or African American 1%

Group	Count	%
White	11,419	73.3%
American Indian / Alaska Native	1,212	7.8%
Two or more races	1,205	7.7%
Hispanic or Latino	930	6%
Other race	477	3.1%
Asian	180	1.2%
Black or African American	156	1%

Household income

Under $10k 4.2%

$10k–$15k 2.7%

$15k–$25k 12.8%

$25k–$35k 7.4%

$35k–$50k 15.2%

$50k–$75k 20.5%

$75k–$100k 12.2%

$100k–$150k 16.0%

$150k–$200k 3.2%

$200k+ 5.8%

Range	% of households
Under $10k	4.2%
$10k–$15k	2.7%
$15k–$25k	12.8%
$25k–$35k	7.4%
$35k–$50k	15.2%
$50k–$75k	20.5%
$75k–$100k	12.2%
$100k–$150k	16.0%
$150k–$200k	3.2%
$200k+	5.8%
Median income	$59,571

Housing

Home values

Under $50k 6.8%

$50k–$100k 4.7%

$100k–$150k 13.5%

$150k–$200k 15.1%

$200k–$300k 19.4%

$300k–$500k 31.3%

$500k–$1M 8.3%

$1M+ 0.8%

Housing overview

Metric	Value
Median home value	$248,100
Median rent / month	$928
Owner occupied	71.8%
Renter occupied	28.2%
Vacant	13.0%
Single-family detached	61.4%
Large apartment buildings	2.5%
Mobile homes	22.2%
Median rooms	5.2
Avg household size (owned)	2.63

Year built

Era	%
2020 or later	0.9%
2010–2019	6.9%
2000–2009	11.5%
1990–1999	15.8%
1980–1989	10.5%
1970–1979	19.5%
1960–1969	7.6%
1950–1959	15.4%
1940–1949	6.5%
1939 or earlier	5.4%

Bedrooms

Size	% of units
No bedroom (studio)	1.3%
1 bedroom	7.4%
2 bedrooms	31.9%
3 bedrooms	48.3%
4 bedrooms	9.2%
5+ bedrooms	1.8%

Vehicles per household

Vehicles	% of households
No vehicle	4.2%
1 vehicle	28.4%
2 vehicles	40.4%
3 or more	27.0%

Heating fuel

Fuel type	%
Utility gas	53.9%
Electricity	15.3%
Propane / LP gas	20.3%
Fuel oil	0.6%
Wood	8.4%
No fuel used	0.1%

Households & families

Household type	Count	%
Married-couple family	2,692	47.5%
Cohabiting couple	522	9.2%
Male householder, no spouse	1,011	17.9%
Female householder, no spouse	1,437	25.4%
Households with children under 18	1,607	28.4%
Households with seniors (65+)	2,475	43.7%
Average household size	2.55

Marital status

Status	Male	Female
Never married	30.0%	22.0%
Married	49.9%	50.0%
Separated	0.0%	3.0%
Widowed	2.3%	9.3%
Divorced	17.7%	15.6%

Education

Less than 9th grade 2.4%

Some HS, no diploma 5.4%

HS graduate 34.6%

Some college, no degree 22.8%

Associate's degree 6.7%

Bachelor's degree 16.5%

Graduate / professional 11.6%

Metric	%
HS diploma or higher	92.2%
Bachelor's or higher	28.1%

School enrollment (ages 3–17)

Type	Count	%
Nursery / preschool	83	2.7%
Kindergarten	280	9.2%
Elementary school	1,668	54.6%
High school	812	26.6%
College / grad school	213	7.0%

Employment

Industry of employment

Education & healthcare 25.4%

Retail trade 13.1%

Professional & management 10.5%

Public administration 8.8%

Construction 7.2%

Arts, food & hospitality 7.2%

Transportation & utilities 6.7%

Agriculture & mining 5.6%

Manufacturing 5.3%

Finance & real estate 5.3%

Wholesale trade 2.9%

Other services 2.0%

Occupation

Category	%
Management, business & arts	35.1%
Service	19.3%
Sales & office	22.0%
Natural resources & construction	14.6%
Production & transportation	9.1%

Employment type

Type	%
Private sector	67.7%
Government	27.3%
Self-employed	4.5%
Unpaid family workers	0.5%

Commute

Method	%
Drive alone	80.4%
Carpool	7.4%
Public transit	0.1%
Walk	1.7%
Other means	3.9%
Avg commute (minutes)	19.3

Poverty

All people 12.1%

Under 18 years 7.2%

18 and over 13.4%

Married-couple families 4.4%

Female-led households 8.6%

Income support

Source	% of households
Social Security	45.7%
Retirement income	27.5%
Supplemental Security	6.0%
Cash public assistance	1.7%
Food stamps / SNAP	13.5%

Health indicators

Condition	%
High blood pressure	31.4%
High cholesterol	32.4%
Heart disease	7.3%
Stroke	3.6%
Asthma	10.6%
Arthritis	27.2%
Kidney disease	3.4%
Pulmonary disease	7.9%
Cancer	7.6%

Behavior / access	%
Binge drinking	16.8%
No physical activity	22.0%
Less than 7 hrs sleep	29.2%
Fair or poor health	14.9%
Poor mental health	14.6%
Poor physical health	11.5%
No health insurance	14.7%
Visited doctor (checkup)	67.3%
Visited dentist	57.3%
Cholesterol screening	89.8%
Teeth loss	15.3%

Veterans & disability

Veterans	Count	%
Civilian veterans	1,192	10.3%

Disability	%
Any disability	17.4%
Under 18	0.4%
18–64 years	16.3%
65 and over	35.6%

Health insurance coverage

Type	%
Private insurance	50.1%
Public insurance	52.8%
Uninsured under 19	22.3%

Language & origin

Language spoken at home (age 5+)

Language	Count	%
English only	14,159	96.7%
Spanish	510	3.6%
Other Indo-European	74	0.5%
Asian & Pacific Islander	4	0.0%
Other languages	115	0.8%

Place of birth & citizenship

Origin	Count	%
Native born (US)	14,118	96.4%
Born in same state	13,961	95.3%
Born in different state	6,297	43.0%
Foreign born	157	1.1%
Naturalized citizen	531	3.6%
Not a US citizen	263	49.5%

Ancestry

Ancestry	Count	%
French	1,459	10%
Italian	1,404	9.6%
Arab	953	6.5%
English	315	2.2%

Ancestry	Count	%
Polish	149	1%
Dutch	55	0.4%
Irish	53	0.4%
German	13	0.1%

Technology access

Metric	% of households
Computer access	38.7%
Internet access	90.0%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2025 estimates.

Frequently asked questions

What is the ZIP code for Cortez, CO?

Cortez, CO has one ZIP code: 81321.

What is the main ZIP code for Cortez, CO?

The primary ZIP code for Cortez, CO is 81321. The city uses area code 970 for phone service.

What county is Cortez, CO in?

Cortez is located in Montezuma County, Colorado.

How many ZIP codes are in Cortez, CO?

Cortez, CO has 1 ZIP code.

What ZIP code covers downtown Cortez and the Main Street historic district?

Downtown Cortez and the Main Street historic district are located in ZIP code 81321, which serves as the primary commercial and historic center of the city.

What is the ZIP code for the Cortez Municipal Airport area and surrounding business district?

The Cortez Municipal Airport and its surrounding business district are located in ZIP code 81321, which encompasses most of Cortez's developed areas and municipal facilities.