Ward ZIP Code List — Boulder County, CO

There is one unique ZIP code in Ward, Colorado and it is 80481. Area code: 720.

ZIP codes

43.66

sq mi land

0.55

sq mi water

720

area code

Ward, CO ZIP code map

About Ward, CO

Ward, Colorado, is a small and picturesque mountain town located in Boulder County. Nestled at an elevation of 9,450 feet, it offers stunning views of the surrounding Rockies, making it a perfect getaway for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. With its rich history and serene atmosphere, Ward is a unique gem in the heart of Colorado.

Location & geography

Ward is situated approximately 16 miles northwest of Boulder and about 40 miles from Denver. The town covers a total land area of 43.66 square miles, complemented by a small water area of 0.55 square miles. The landscape is characterized by mountainous terrain, providing a habitat for diverse wildlife and numerous recreational opportunities.

Community & economy

The character of Ward is defined by its tight-knit community and a strong appreciation for the natural environment. Many residents engage in industries such as tourism, small-scale farming, and artisan crafts, promoting a sustainable lifestyle that harmonizes with the surroundings. Daily life in Ward often involves outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and exploration of the beautiful local landscape.

Transportation

Ward is accessible via a network of local roads, with the Peak-to-Peak Scenic Byway (Highway 119) providing the closest major route to the town. The nearest airports for commercial travel are Denver International Airport, located about 50 miles to the southeast, and Boulder Municipal Airport, which serves general aviation. Public transportation options are limited, but residents and visitors often rely on personal vehicles to navigate the scenic roads.

History

Ward was founded during the late 19th century as a mining town amid the gold rush in Colorado. While mining was the primary industry during its early years, the town has since transitioned to embrace tourism and outdoor recreation, drawing visitors to its beautiful landscapes. Notable events in Ward's history include the establishment of the community as a popular destination for nature lovers and artists alike.

Did you know?

A surprising fact about Ward is that it serves as one of the highest incorporated towns in the United States. Additionally, its charming atmosphere and stunning views have made it a favorite spot for artists and nature enthusiasts seeking inspiration.

ZIP codes for Ward, CO (1)

ZIP code	City	County	Map
80481	Ward	Boulder	View map

Demographics & statistics

532

Population

47.3

Median age

$102,857

Median household income

$53,506

Per capita income

$480,100

Median home value

$1,893

Median monthly rent

93.0%

Home ownership

10.9%

Poverty rate

9.3%

Unemployment

448

Housing units

58.9%

Bachelor's or higher

Age distribution

Male Female

Under 5

5–9

10–14

15–19

20–24

25–34

35–44

45–54

55–59

60–64

65–74

75–84

85+

← Male

Female →

Age summary

Group	Count	%
Under 18	41	7.7%
18 and over	491	92.3%
65 and over	111	20.9%
Median age	47.3 years

Race & ethnicity

White 71.5%

American Indian / Alaska Native 22.5%

Two or more races 4.3%

Asian 0.9%

Hispanic or Latino 0.4%

Other race 0.4%

Group	Count	%
White	382	71.5%
American Indian / Alaska Native	120	22.5%
Two or more races	23	4.3%
Asian	5	0.9%
Hispanic or Latino	2	0.4%
Other race	2	0.4%

Household income

Under $10k 2.8%

$10k–$15k 1.4%

$15k–$25k 21.5%

$25k–$35k 9.8%

$35k–$50k 3.3%

$50k–$75k 4.2%

$75k–$100k 6.5%

$100k–$150k 21.0%

$150k–$200k 3.7%

$200k+ 25.7%

Range	% of households
Under $10k	2.8%
$10k–$15k	1.4%
$15k–$25k	21.5%
$25k–$35k	9.8%
$35k–$50k	3.3%
$50k–$75k	4.2%
$75k–$100k	6.5%
$100k–$150k	21.0%
$150k–$200k	3.7%
$200k+	25.7%
Median income	$102,857

Housing

Home values

Under $50k 3.5%

$50k–$100k 1.5%

$100k–$150k 1.0%

$150k–$200k 1.5%

$200k–$300k 13.1%

$300k–$500k 36.7%

$500k–$1M 41.2%

$1M+ 1.5%

Housing overview

Metric	Value
Median home value	$480,100
Median rent / month	$1,893
Owner occupied	93.0%
Renter occupied	7.0%
Vacant	53.8%
Single-family detached	70.0%
Large apartment buildings	0.0%
Mobile homes	23.1%
Median rooms	5.0
Avg household size (owned)	2.49

Year built

Era	%
2020 or later	0.0%
2010–2019	1.7%
2000–2009	6.5%
1990–1999	22.9%
1980–1989	12.1%
1970–1979	24.2%
1960–1969	15.1%
1950–1959	11.7%
1940–1949	0.0%
1939 or earlier	5.8%

Bedrooms

Size	% of units
No bedroom (studio)	11.9%
1 bedroom	16.0%
2 bedrooms	25.9%
3 bedrooms	40.6%
4 bedrooms	3.7%
5+ bedrooms	1.9%

Vehicles per household

Vehicles	% of households
No vehicle	0.9%
1 vehicle	24.3%
2 vehicles	33.2%
3 or more	41.6%

Heating fuel

Fuel type	%
Electricity	23.4%
Propane / LP gas	42.5%
Wood	34.1%

Households & families

Household type	Count	%
Married-couple family	106	49.5%
Cohabiting couple	17	7.9%
Male householder, no spouse	61	28.5%
Female householder, no spouse	30	14.0%
Households with children under 18	23	10.7%
Households with seniors (65+)	84	39.3%
Average household size	2.49

Marital status

Status	Male	Female
Never married	50.5%	27.1%
Married	37.1%	54.2%
Separated	0.0%	0.0%
Widowed	0.0%	7.9%
Divorced	12.4%	10.8%

Education

Less than 9th grade 0.0%

Some HS, no diploma 0.0%

HS graduate 23.3%

Some college, no degree 16.9%

Associate's degree 0.8%

Bachelor's degree 40.5%

Graduate / professional 18.4%

Metric	%
HS diploma or higher	100.0%
Bachelor's or higher	58.9%

School enrollment (ages 3–17)

Type	Count	%
Nursery / preschool	0	0.0%
Kindergarten	0	0.0%
Elementary school	5	11.6%
High school	11	25.6%
College / grad school	27	62.8%

Employment

Industry of employment

Professional & management 31.8%

Education & healthcare 27.9%

Other services 18.0%

Arts, food & hospitality 9.9%

Construction 3.9%

Manufacturing 3.0%

Retail trade 3.0%

Transportation & utilities 1.3%

Wholesale trade 0.9%

Agriculture & mining 0.4%

Occupation

Category	%
Management, business & arts	74.7%
Service	5.6%
Sales & office	9.0%
Natural resources & construction	6.0%
Production & transportation	4.7%

Employment type

Type	%
Private sector	81.1%
Government	6.9%
Self-employed	12.0%
Unpaid family workers	0.0%

Commute

Method	%
Drive alone	76.4%
Carpool	9.6%
Public transit	0.0%
Walk	0.0%
Other means	3.1%
Avg commute (minutes)	40.7

Poverty

All people 10.9%

Under 18 years 4.9%

18 and over 11.4%

Married-couple families 18.9%

Female-led households 8.3%

Income support

Source	% of households
Social Security	36.9%
Retirement income	45.3%
Supplemental Security	10.3%
Cash public assistance	1.9%
Food stamps / SNAP	4.2%

Health indicators

Condition	%
High blood pressure	22.0%
High cholesterol	29.6%
Heart disease	4.3%
Stroke	1.9%
Asthma	9.3%
Arthritis	18.5%
Kidney disease	2.0%
Pulmonary disease	4.1%
Cancer	6.2%

Behavior / access	%
Binge drinking	19.9%
No physical activity	10.5%
Less than 7 hrs sleep	24.2%
Fair or poor health	7.3%
Poor mental health	11.8%
Poor physical health	7.1%
No health insurance	7.0%
Visited doctor (checkup)	65.7%
Visited dentist	76.1%
Cholesterol screening	93.3%
Teeth loss	5.3%

Veterans & disability

Veterans	Count	%
Civilian veterans	18	3.7%

Disability	%
Any disability	7.1%
Under 18	4.9%
18–64 years	1.8%
65 and over	26.1%

Health insurance coverage

Type	%
Private insurance	81.0%
Public insurance	27.1%
Uninsured under 19	0.0%

Language & origin

Language spoken at home (age 5+)

Language	Count	%
English only	512	96.2%
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)	522	98.1%
Born in same state	522	98.1%
Born in different state	90	16.9%
Foreign born	0	0.0%
Naturalized citizen	10	1.9%
Not a US citizen	1	10.0%

Ancestry

Ancestry	Count	%
French	35	6.6%
Arab	29	5.5%
Italian	20	3.8%
English	10	1.9%

Ancestry	Count	%
Norwegian	7	1.3%
German	3	0.6%
Dutch	1	0.2%

Technology access

Metric	% of households
Computer access	40.2%
Internet access	94.9%

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

Frequently asked questions

What is the ZIP code for Ward, CO?

Ward, CO has one ZIP code: 80481.

What is the main ZIP code for Ward, CO?

The primary ZIP code for Ward, CO is 80481. The city uses area code 720 for phone service.

What county is Ward, CO in?

Ward is located in Boulder County, Colorado.

How many ZIP codes are in Ward, CO?

Ward, CO has 1 ZIP code.

What is the ZIP code for Ward, Colorado located in Boulder County?

Ward, Colorado is located in ZIP code 80481, a small mountain community in Boulder County.

If I'm mailing a package to a resident in Ward near the old mining areas, what ZIP code should I use?

You should use ZIP code 80481, as this is the only ZIP code serving Ward and its surrounding historic mining regions in Boulder County.