Moving to De Beque, Colorado

De Beque, Colorado is located in the western part of the state, just east of Grand Junction and north of the Colorado River. The city is nestled at the foot of the Grand Mesa, providing a stunning backdrop to its quaint downtown area. The climate in De Beque is typically dry and mild with hot summers and cold winters. Snowfall is common during winter months, but temperatures rarely dip below freezing.

The history of De Beque dates back to the 1800s when it was established as a trading post for settlers traveling westward. In 1881, it was officially incorporated as a city and has since grown steadily into its current population of about 1,400 people. Despite its small size, De Beque has become an important agricultural hub with many farms in the surrounding area producing crops such as alfalfa and corn.

Politically, De Beque leans conservatively but is also home to many independent-minded citizens who often vote their own conscience rather than party lines. The economy is largely driven by agriculture but also boasts several small businesses that bring revenue into the city.

De Beque students are served by two schools within the district: DeBeque Elementary School and DeBeque High School which offers college preparatory courses and extracurricular activities such as band, sports teams, and clubs.

The area is also known for its numerous landmarks including the historic Hotel de Paris Museum which houses artifacts from early settlers in town; a replica of an old-fashioned general store; an antique carousel; and several art galleries showcasing local artists’ work. Additionally, outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy fishing or boating at nearby Lake Fork Reservoir or exploring one of many hiking trails throughout the region.

Population: 451. Estimated population in July 2024: 472 (+4.7% change)
Males: 225 (49.9%), Females: 226 (50.1%)

Mesa County

Zip code: 81630

Demographics

Median resident age: 33.9 years
Median household income: $29,632
Median house value: $100,900

Population by Race

Races in De Beque:

• White Non-Hispanic (97.3%)
• Hispanic (2.0%)
• Other race (0.9%)
• American Indian (0.7%)

Ancestries: English (15.7%), German (14.4%), Irish (9.8%), United States (9.3%), Scotch-Irish (4.4%), Dutch (3.1%).

Elevation: 4954 feet

Land area: 0.3 square miles

Population by Education

De Beque, Colorado is a small town with a population of around 800 people. It is located in Mesa County in the western part of the state. The majority of the residents are white, with smaller numbers of Hispanics and African Americans. The median age is around 45 years old and the median household income is slightly above the national average. There is a strong sense of community in De Beque and many residents are involved in local organizations such as Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, church groups, and volunteer fire departments. There are also several businesses located in the area including retail stores, restaurants, gas stations, and service providers. The town has a great sense of pride in its history and culture and celebrates its heritage through events such as parades and festivals throughout the year. Residents enjoy outdoor activities such as camping, fishing, hiking, hunting, skiing/snowboarding during winter months. Additionally there are several parks located within De Beque that provide recreational opportunities for all ages. Overall De Beque is an inviting place to live with a welcoming atmosphere that encourages people to stay for long periods of time or even move permanently to this small town community.

For population 25 years and over in De Beque

• High school or higher: 82.3%
• Bachelor’s degree or higher: 6.5%
• Graduate or professional degree: 2.3%
• Unemployed: 4.3%
• Mean travel time to work: 38.9 minutes

For population 15 years and over in De Beque town

• Never married: 18.4%
• Now married: 64.3%
• Separated: 2.4%
• Widowed: 4.7%
• Divorced: 10.2%

0.0% Foreign born

Population change in the 1990s: +192 (+74.1%).

Hospitals

Hospitals/medical centers near De Beque:

• ST MARYS HOSPITAL AND MEDICAL CENTER (about 29 miles; GRAND JUNCTION, CO)
• CLAGETT MEMORIAL HOSPITAL (about 29 miles; RIFLE, CO)
• COMMUNITY HOSPITAL (about 30 miles; GRAND JUNCTION, CO)

Airports

Airports certified for carrier operations nearest to De Beque:

• WALKER FIELD (about 26 miles; GRAND JUNCTION, CO; Abbreviation: GJT)
• MONTROSE REGIONAL (about 62 miles; MONTROSE, CO; Abbreviation: MTJ)
• EAGLE COUNTY REGIONAL (about 93 miles; EAGLE, CO; Abbreviation: EGE)

Other public-use airports nearest to De Beque:

• GARFIELD COUNTY REGIONAL (about 37 miles; RIFLE, CO; Abbreviation: RIL)
• BLAKE FIELD (about 40 miles; DELTA, CO; Abbreviation: 1V9)
• HAWKINS FIELD (about 41 miles; DELTA, CO; Abbreviation: D17)

Colleges and Universities

Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to De Beque:

• MESA STATE COLLEGE (about 30 miles; GRAND JUNCTION, CO; Full-time enrollment: 4,415)
• COLORADO MOUNTAIN COLLEGE (about 63 miles; GLENWOOD SPRINGS, CO; Full-time enrollment: 3,400)
• WESTERN STATE COLLEGE COLORADO (about 99 miles; GUNNISON, CO; Full-time enrollment: 2,199)
• FORT LEWIS COLLEGE (about 143 miles; DURANGO, CO; Full-time enrollment: 4,051)
• SAN JUAN COLLEGE (about 176 miles; FARMINGTON, NM; Full-time enrollment: 2,837)
• UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO AT BOULDER (about 204 miles; BOULDER, CO; Full-time enrollment: 25,355)
• COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY (about 206 miles; Fort Collins, CO; Full-time enrollment: 22,684)

Schools

Public high school in De Beque:

• DE BEQUE UNDIVIDED HIGH SCHOOL (Students: 91; Location: 730 MINTER AVENUE; Grades: 07 – 12)

Public primary/middle school in De Beque:

• DE BEQUE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (Students: 111; Location: 730 MINTER AVENUE; Grades: PK – 06)