Nathrop ZIP Code List — Chaffee County, CO

There is one unique ZIP code in Nathrop, Colorado and it is 81236. Area code: 719.

ZIP codes

159.84

sq mi land

0.29

sq mi water

719

area code

Nathrop, CO ZIP code map

About Nathrop, CO

Nathrop, located in Chaffee County, Colorado, is a small community surrounded by the breathtaking Rocky Mountains. Nestled near the Arkansas River, Nathrop is known for its beautiful landscapes and outdoor recreational opportunities. This charming town offers a peaceful retreat for those seeking adventure and tranquility away from urban life.

Location & geography

Nathrop is situated approximately 15 miles south of Buena Vista and about 25 miles northwest of Salida. The town covers a land area of 159.84 square miles, with a water area of 0.29 square miles, offering stunning views of both mountains and rivers. The terrain primarily consists of rugged mountains and lush valleys, making it an ideal location for hiking, fishing, and other outdoor activities.

Community & economy

Nathrop has a unique and friendly character, attracting both residents and visitors who appreciate a laid-back lifestyle. The community is influenced by the surrounding natural beauty, with many locals involved in tourism-related industries, such as hospitality and outdoor guiding. Daily life in Nathrop revolves around outdoor activities, festivals, and a strong sense of community spirit.

Transportation

Major highways serving Nathrop include U.S. Route 285, which provides easy access to neighboring towns and cities. The nearest major airport is the Aspen/Pitkin County Airport, located about 50 miles to the west, serving regional flights. Public transportation options are limited, but local services may connect residents to surrounding areas and points of interest.

History

Nathrop was founded in the late 19th century and has historical connections to the nearby mining industry. As Chaffee County developed, hotels and businesses catered to the influx of visitors drawn by the area's natural beauty and recreational possibilities. Notable events in the town's history include the establishment of hot springs that attracted tourists looking for relaxation and healing.

Did you know?

One surprising fact about Nathrop is its proximity to some of Colorado's most celebrated hot springs, which have been known for their therapeutic properties. Additionally, the breathtaking scenery of the surrounding mountains offers a stunning backdrop for a variety of outdoor festivals and events throughout the year.

ZIP codes for Nathrop, CO (1)

ZIP code	City	County	Map
81236	Nathrop	Chaffee	View map

Demographics & statistics

1,738

Population

50.8

Median age

$91,082

Median household income

$42,646

Per capita income

$624,100

Median home value

$221

Median monthly rent

88.1%

Home ownership

2.5%

Poverty rate

5.7%

Unemployment

1,164

Housing units

59.4%

Bachelor's or higher

Age distribution

Male Female

Under 5

5–9

10–14

15–19

20–24

25–34

146

35–44

153

45–54

55–59

60–64

232

65–74

244

75–84

85+

← Male

Female →

Age summary

Group	Count	%
Under 18	373	21.5%
18 and over	1,365	78.5%
65 and over	667	38.4%
Median age	50.8 years

Race & ethnicity

White 90.5%

Hispanic or Latino 4.8%

Two or more races 4.8%

Group	Count	%
White	1,651	90.5%
Hispanic or Latino	87	4.8%
Two or more races	87	4.8%

Household income

Under $10k 0.6%

$10k–$15k 3.6%

$15k–$25k 5.4%

$25k–$35k 11.2%

$35k–$50k 2.5%

$50k–$75k 14.2%

$75k–$100k 23.9%

$100k–$150k 18.3%

$150k–$200k 15.4%

$200k+ 4.9%

Range	% of households
Under $10k	0.6%
$10k–$15k	3.6%
$15k–$25k	5.4%
$25k–$35k	11.2%
$35k–$50k	2.5%
$50k–$75k	14.2%
$75k–$100k	23.9%
$100k–$150k	18.3%
$150k–$200k	15.4%
$200k+	4.9%
Median income	$91,082

Housing

Home values

Under $50k 1.4%

$50k–$100k 2.7%

$200k–$300k 6.0%

$300k–$500k 20.9%

$500k–$1M 59.5%

$1M+ 9.5%

Housing overview

Metric	Value
Median home value	$624,100
Median rent / month	$221
Owner occupied	88.1%
Renter occupied	11.9%
Vacant	36.6%
Single-family detached	81.0%
Large apartment buildings	4.8%
Mobile homes	11.8%
Median rooms	5.4
Avg household size (owned)	2.21

Year built

Era	%
2020 or later	0.0%
2010–2019	19.7%
2000–2009	17.8%
1990–1999	19.5%
1980–1989	8.4%
1970–1979	17.9%
1960–1969	6.7%
1950–1959	7.3%
1940–1949	0.6%
1939 or earlier	2.1%

Bedrooms

Size	% of units
No bedroom (studio)	7.1%
1 bedroom	6.0%
2 bedrooms	24.5%
3 bedrooms	43.1%
4 bedrooms	16.9%
5+ bedrooms	2.3%

Vehicles per household

Vehicles	% of households
No vehicle	7.6%
1 vehicle	8.6%
2 vehicles	53.9%
3 or more	29.8%

Heating fuel

Fuel type	%
Utility gas	26.8%
Electricity	17.7%
Propane / LP gas	43.5%
Wood	8.5%

Households & families

Household type	Count	%
Married-couple family	567	71.1%
Cohabiting couple	12	1.5%
Male householder, no spouse	143	17.9%
Female householder, no spouse	76	9.5%
Households with children under 18	171	21.4%
Households with seniors (65+)	387	48.5%
Average household size	2.18

Marital status

Status	Male	Female
Never married	11.6%	4.5%
Married	74.7%	84.4%
Separated	0.0%	0.0%
Widowed	6.0%	6.1%
Divorced	7.7%	5.0%

Education

Less than 9th grade 0.0%

Some HS, no diploma 0.7%

HS graduate 10.6%

Some college, no degree 20.1%

Associate's degree 9.3%

Bachelor's degree 26.2%

Graduate / professional 33.1%

Metric	%
HS diploma or higher	99.3%
Bachelor's or higher	59.4%

School enrollment (ages 3–17)

Type	Count	%
Nursery / preschool	49	14.0%
Kindergarten	0	0.0%
Elementary school	254	72.6%
High school	30	8.6%
College / grad school	17	4.9%

Employment

Industry of employment

Education & healthcare 27.8%

Professional & management 17.6%

Arts, food & hospitality 14.5%

Construction 11.5%

Wholesale trade 6.8%

Public administration 5.9%

Information 4.8%

Retail trade 3.8%

Manufacturing 2.4%

Transportation & utilities 2.2%

Agriculture & mining 1.5%

Finance & real estate 1.3%

Occupation

Category	%
Management, business & arts	51.8%
Service	21.8%
Sales & office	11.0%
Natural resources & construction	13.0%
Production & transportation	2.4%

Employment type

Type	%
Private sector	67.0%
Government	17.0%
Self-employed	15.9%
Unpaid family workers	0.0%

Commute

Method	%
Drive alone	56.0%
Carpool	13.9%
Public transit	0.0%
Walk	19.2%
Other means	0.0%
Avg commute (minutes)	18.2

Poverty

All people 2.5%

Under 18 years 0.0%

18 and over 3.2%

Married-couple families 0.9%

Female-led households 0.0%

Income support

Source	% of households
Social Security	48.6%
Retirement income	43.6%
Supplemental Security	0.0%
Cash public assistance	1.3%
Food stamps / SNAP	2.8%

Health indicators

Condition	%
High blood pressure	36.7%
High cholesterol	39.6%
Heart disease	8.3%
Stroke	3.7%
Asthma	9.6%
Arthritis	33.6%
Kidney disease	3.6%
Pulmonary disease	7.9%
Cancer	10.1%

Behavior / access	%
Binge drinking	14.1%
No physical activity	17.6%
Less than 7 hrs sleep	26.1%
Fair or poor health	12.6%
Poor mental health	11.5%
Poor physical health	10.8%
No health insurance	9.7%
Visited doctor (checkup)	69.7%
Visited dentist	70.7%
Cholesterol screening	94.7%
Teeth loss	9.7%

Veterans & disability

Veterans	Count	%
Civilian veterans	237	17.4%

Disability	%
Any disability	8.6%
Under 18	0.0%
18–64 years	2.3%
65 and over	19.9%

Health insurance coverage

Type	%
Private insurance	73.1%
Public insurance	53.9%
Uninsured under 19	13.4%

Language & origin

Language spoken at home (age 5+)

Language	Count	%
English only	1,649	94.9%
Spanish	0	0.0%
Other Indo-European	0	0.0%
Asian & Pacific Islander	0	0.0%
Other languages	0	0.0%

Place of birth & citizenship

Origin	Count	%
Native born (US)	1,730	99.5%
Born in same state	1,725	99.3%
Born in different state	661	38.0%
Foreign born	5	0.3%
Naturalized citizen	8	0.5%
Not a US citizen	8	100.0%

Ancestry

Ancestry	Count	%
English	416	23.9%
French	330	19%
Italian	233	13.4%

Ancestry	Count	%
Arab	110	6.3%
Polish	6	0.3%

Technology access

Metric	% of households
Computer access	45.9%
Internet access	96.2%

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

Frequently asked questions

What is the ZIP code for Nathrop, CO?

Nathrop, CO has one ZIP code: 81236.

What is the main ZIP code for Nathrop, CO?

The primary ZIP code for Nathrop, CO is 81236. The city uses area code 719 for phone service.

What county is Nathrop, CO in?

Nathrop is located in Chaffee County, Colorado.

How many ZIP codes are in Nathrop, CO?

Nathrop, CO has 1 ZIP code.

What ZIP code serves the Nathrop area along U.S. Highway 285 in Chaffee County?

Nathrop, Colorado uses the ZIP code 81236 for all mail delivery in this small unincorporated community located in Chaffee County along the major north-south corridor.

If I'm sending mail to a business or residence near the Arkansas River in Nathrop, what ZIP code should I use?

You should use ZIP code 81236, which covers the entire Nathrop area including locations near the Arkansas River in this mountainous region of central Colorado.