Community Profile

Education

In Carbondale you are surrounded by epic adventures and great jobs, but what you may not know is we also have great schools perfect for a career in the green industries and beyond. From private to public education, Carbondale offers a variety of primary and secondary education opportunities. Click here to view a complete list.

With “mountain” in the name, it’s no surprise you will find a Colorado Mountain College campus right in the heart of downtown Carbondale. There is no better place to learn in the Colorado mountains than CMC. Visit CMC’s website for more information on available classes.

Government & Demographics (By the Numbers)

Garfield County covers an area of 2,952 square miles, 68% of which is publicly owned. The County is governed by a three-member board of commissioners. Carbondale is a home-rule town with a council-manager government whose general philosophy incorporates substantial input from citizens through advisory boards and commissions. In addition to maintaining parks and streets, the Town operates its own water treatment and sanitation plants. The Police Department has 10 full-time officers and the Carbondale and Rural Fire Protection District operates fire stations in Carbondale, Redstone, and Marble with 15 paid staff and over 70 volunteers. The stations are equipped with new, modern fire-fighting equipment, and a volunteer ambulance service operating throughout the Crystal and Roaring Fork Valleys.

Sales Tax

Effective January 1, 2015, the sales tax rate in Carbondale is 8.4% [2.9% State of Colorado; 3.5% Town of Carbondale (including 0.5% for recreation); 1% RFTA; and 1% for Garfield County]. Click here for a list of Shopping & Retail Chamber Members.

Lodging Tax

In the general election held in November 2003, voters passed an ordinance placing a 2% tax on rooms rented within the town limits of Carbondale. The tax is designated to fund the marketing of the Town and is administered by the Carbondale Chamber. Click here to contact the Town of Carbondale.

Valley Population 2014** 2010 2009 2008
Carbondale 6,574 5,196 7,026 6,699
Glenwood Springs 9,840 7,736 9,250 9,182
Basalt 3,857 2,681 3,339 3,259
Aspen 6,805 5,914 6,846 6,664
Garfield County 57,461 56,389 57,646 56,183
Pitkin County 17,626 17,148 17,489 17,053
Eagle County 52,921 52,197 54,721 53,090

* Sources: Colorado Department of Local Affairs and City-Data.com
**2014 Population Estimate, https://www.census.gov/

Climate

Elevation…………………………….. 6,181 feet
Mean January Temperature………. 30.0 degrees F
Mean July Temperature……………. 70.0 degrees F
Mean Annual Temperature………… 46.9 degrees F
Average Annual Precipitation……… 17.0 inches
Average Annual Snowfall…………… 45.0 inches
Number of Sunshine Days…………. 295
The growing season averages 98 days with the last spring frost about June 1st and the first killing frost about September 15th.

Churches

Churches in Carbondale include Roman Catholic, United Methodist, Baptist, Full Gospel, Lutheran, Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses, and non-denominational. Redstone and Marble each have a non-denominational church.

Clubs and Organizations

Local groups include Lion’s Club, Rotary Club of Carbondale, Mt. Sopris Rotary Club of Carbondale, American Legion, 4-H Club, Rebekah’s/Past Noble Grand Club, Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Historical Society, Archaeological Society, and many more.

Financial Institutions

Alpine Bank, ANB Bank, and Wells Fargo are full-service commercial banks with offices in Carbondale.

Historic Downtown

Located on Main Street, off Highway 133, Main Street boasts great restaurants, unique, multicultural and fine gifts, galleries, antiques, a cinema, a brew pub, and a saloon or two! Many businesses are located downtown, from non-profits to the National Forest Service!

Historical Society

The Mt. Sopris Historical Society is housed in the 1891 Holland-Thompson cabin. The archives hold historical maps, pictures, and memorabilia. The Carbondale Chamber, originally located in this cabin, relocated in 2014 to its new location at 520 S. Third Street, Suite 3, which is located in the Third Street Center in Carbondale.

Library

The Carbondale Branch Library is part of the Garfield County Library system and an inter-library loan program. Children’s reading and storytelling programs are offered, along with educational programs for adults. Public Internet access, an expanding video and audio library, and a conference room for use by non-profit groups are also available.

Take it all in.

Explore arts & culture

Cruise on a scenic drive

Where to chill out

Events & Activities

Mar 30
>“Where My Peeps At?” Scavenger Hunt
“Where My Peeps At?” Scavenger Hunt

7th Annual Where My Peeps At? Scavenger hunt.
Race: Where My Peeps At?
Teams: 2-6 people (Kids welcome but clu...

Click to Learn More
Apr 5
>First Friday — Spring into Wellness & Healing Hoof It 5K
First Friday — Spring into Wellness & Healing Hoof It 5K

Stroll Main Street in the heart of Carbondale’s Creative District and take in a wide range of local arts and galleries, ...

Click to Learn More
Apr 24
>5 Point Film Festival
5 Point Film Festival

April 24-28 (Wed-Sun)

Every year, we come together as an outdoor-loving family to get inspired and motivated. Intim...

Click to Learn More
May 3
>Fireball Drop — Carbondale Rotary Club
Fireball Drop — Carbondale Rotary Club

Imagine 1,000 ping pong balls being dropped from a Fire Ladder truck onto targets at Sopris Park in downtown Carbondale! I...

Click to Learn More
May 3
>First Friday “Family Block Party” & Pride Parade
First Friday “Family Block Party” & Pride Parade

Come celebrate First Friday on May 3rd, 5-9pm. Stroll Main Street in the heart of Carbondale’s Creative District and enj...

Click to Learn More
May 11
>Dandelion Day
Dandelion Day

Annual Dandelion Day festival was started by Carbondale’s Environmental Board. Dandelion Day is a celebration of spring,...

Click to Learn More