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

Nov 9
>Carbondale Christmas Boutique
Carbondale Christmas Boutique

The 48th Annual Carbondale Christmas Boutique at the Carbondale Firehouse located off HWY 133. Shop a variety of handmade ...

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Nov 14
>Deck The Walls Holiday Market
Deck The Walls Holiday Market

November 14 through December 24
Every holiday season, Carbondale Arts transforms its gallery space into a shop fille...

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Nov 28
>Carbondale Turkey Trot
Carbondale Turkey Trot

Join us for the Carbondale Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot 5K Walk/Run and 1 Mile Fun Run on Thursday, November 28th. This fa...

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Dec 5
>Winterfaire Shopping Evening (Adults Only)
Winterfaire Shopping Evening (Adults Only)

An adult only holiday shopping event with live music, food & beautiful handmade gifts from over a dozen local vendors & t...

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Dec 6
>December First Friday – “Light Up Carbondale”
December First Friday – “Light Up Carbondale”

Join Santa at Weant Blvd & Main Street at 5:30pm to Light Up the Forest Service tree and Main Street tree lights. Holiday ...

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Dec 7
>Redstone Holiday Market
Redstone Holiday Market

Join Redstone Art Foundation for the 5th annual Redstone Holiday Market, a European-style outdoor market, where you can fi...

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