See why people are excited about Montrose.

Unbeatable access to the outdoors, affordability, business-friendly, and a wealth of lifestyle opportunities: just a few perks you get when you live and work in Montrose.

Lifestyle & recreational opportunities

Outdoor Adventures

Montrose is surrounded by over 2 million acres of public land. Situated in close proximity to canyons, rivers, and alpine peaks, Montrose is a hub for awe-inspiring outdoor adventure. 

Trails and Parks in Close Proximity to Downtown Montrose

  • Montrose Water Sports Park: 5 min

  • Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park: 15 min

  • Ridgway State Park: 20 min

  • Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area: 35 min

  • Blue Mesa Reservoir: 50 min

  • Colorado National Monument: 1 hr 15 min

  • Silver Jack Reservoir: 1 hr 15 min

  • Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests: Varies

  • BLM Colorado’s Southwest District (900,000 acres of public land): Varies

Skiing

Montrose’s unique “Circle of Bliss,” which includes six areas accessible within roughly 2 hours or less from downtown, offers skiers and snowboarders virtually limitless opportunities to have some fun on the hill. 

Ski Areas in Close Proximity to Downtown Montrose

  • Telluride Ski Resort: 1 hr 15 min (south)
  • Powderhorn Mountain Resort: 1 hr 15 min (north)

  • Crested Butte Mountain Resort: 1 hr 30 min (east)
  • Silverton Mountain: 1 hr 45 min (south)

  • Purgatory Resort: 2 hr (south)
  • Monarch Mountain: 2 hr 5 min (east)

Fly Fishing

From deep canyon pools and gently braided runs, to high country lakes and magnificent reservoirs, Montrose offers anglers of all ages and ability levels a chance to participate in some of Colorado’s finest angling opportunities. Rainbow, Brown, Cutthroat, Brook Trout as well as the Kokanee Salmon, can all be found within a short drive from Montrose. Throughout the summer, excellent access to the high country offers anglers unparalleled beauty and incredible insect hatches. 

Mountain Biking

The vast expanses of public lands surrounding Montrose offer seemingly endless mountain bike trails and road cycling routes for two-wheelers of all experience levels. Varying topography in the area makes it possible to enjoy biking almost year round, with trails in the canyon/mesa country perfect for spring and fall riding, and high country alpine trails that open up in the summer. 

Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ)

Flying is a breeze in Montrose! Montrose Regional Airport was the most-traveled airport on the Western Slope in 2022, yet locals talk about getting through security in 20 minutes or less. Located less than 2 miles from Colorado Outdoors, the airport continues to set itself up for success by actively updating facilities and pursuing expansion. 

Photo courtesy of Montrose Regional Airport

Key Facts: Montrose Regional Airport

460,000+

passengers served in 2022

$37 million

terminal expansion and remodel project to be completed early fall 2023

75,000

sq. ft. terminal once expansion is complete

2.1

miles from downtown Montrose

Non-Stop Flight Schedule

Swipe to see more data in the table.
AirportAirlineFrequencyDates
Atlanta (ATL > MTJ)DailyDec 17 – Apr 2
Austin (AUS > MTJ)SaturdaysJan 5 – Apr 2
Chicago (ORD > MTJ)DailyDec 15 – Mar 25
Dallas (DFW > MTJ)1-3x dailyYear-Round
Dallas (DAL > MTJ)Daily Holiday; SaturdaysDec 17 – Apr 2
Denver (DEN > MTJ)1-3x dailyYear-Round
Denver (DEN > MTJ)2-5x dailyYear-Round
Houston (IAH > MTJ)DailyDec 15 – Mar 25
Los Angeles (LAX > MTJ)Saturdays & SundaysDec 17 – Mar 25
New York (LGA > MTJ)SaturdaysDec 17 – Apr 2
New York (EWR > MTJ)Daily, Weekends in JanDec 15 – Mar 25
Phoenix (PHX > MTJ)DailyDec 15 – Apr 3
San Francisco (SFO > MTJ)Daily Holiday; 2-3x weeklyDec 15 – Mar 25

Pro Tip: Sign up for Montrose Flight Deals at montroseflyer.com!

City demographics

The City of Montrose is a pro-business, fiscally conservative city, with many millions of dollars in reserve and a AAA Bond Rating. The sales tax catchment area is over 100,000 people while it provides services to just over 40,000 people.

5,794 ft

elevation

300 miles

from Denver and Salt Lake City

42,679

population in Montrose County

3.7%

population growth since 2010
Swipe to see more data in the table.
DEMOGRAPHIC DATACityCounty
Number of households8,11017,140
Owner-occupied housing rate65.1%72.7%
Median home value$211,700$224,400
Median household income$46,250$50,489
Bachelor degree or higher, 25+27.8%25.2%
Total employees12,795
Average commute time15.7 min19.2 min

Cost of living comparison

In this cost of living index, 100 is the U.S. average.
Less than 100 is cheaper
than the U.S. average, while greater than 100 is more expensive than the U.S. average.

Swipe to see more data in the table.
Boulder, CODenver, COSalt Lake City, UTPhoenix, AZPortland, ORSeattle, WASan Francisco, CAMontrose, CO

Overall (Homeowner, no child care, taxes not included) 

167.6127.8122.0108.7132.4167.8244.094.5
Food & groceries106.5101.995.897.3103.7108.7116.6101.9
Housing (Ho