You may not know at first glance, but Eagle County represents one of Colorado’s most diverse and dynamic regions.
But beneath the postcard-perfect mountain vistas and resort activity lives a quickly changing demographic reality – one that reveals Eagle County as a microcosm of America’s aging story.
With a population of 55,738, Eagle County is experiencing one of the most significant demographic shifts in our region.
Currently, 23.3% of residents are aged 60 and older, but the real story lies in the trajectory: the 65+ population has more than doubled in just over a decade, growing from 6% in 2010 to 14.3% in 2025.
By 2030, projections indicate that over 17,000 Eagle County residents will be 60 or older, fundamentally reshaping community needs and opportunities.
Eagle County by the Numbers
Today’s Eagle County age distribution reveals a community in transition.
With 20.8% of residents under 18, 64.9% between 18-64, and 14.3% over 65, the county still has a relatively young median age of 39.3 years.
But these numbers mask the velocity of change occurring in Eagle County’s older adult population.
Eagle County’s senior population (65+) represents approximately 7,912 individuals today, but demographers project this will reach 17% of the total population by 2035.
This growth stems from two primary sources:
- Long-time residents who have chosen to stay in the area and age in place
- Newcomers drawn to the valley by family connections and the appeal of mountain retirement life
Within Vintage’s six-county service region, Eagle County’s 23.3% of residents aged 60+ places it in the middle range, below Jackson County’s 34% but above Summit County’s 21.7%.
However, Eagle County’s growth rate surpasses most regional neighbors, making it one of the fastest-aging counties in northwest Colorado.
Economic Contributions and Community Impact
Eagle County’s older adults are economic powerhouses rather than burdens.
The county mirrors other counties where residents 60+ contribute millions annually to local economies through spending, property taxes, and volunteer activities.
The presence of facilities like Castle Peak Senior Life and Rehabilitation in Eagle shows both the existing need and economic impact of aging services. Leadership reports solid occupancy since the center opened eight years ago – and they’re always fielding new referrals and monitoring an ever-growing waiting list.
Planning for Tomorrow: Eagle County’s Proactive Approach
The Aging Well Roadmap Initiative
Recognizing the demographic tsunami approaching, Eagle County officials launched an ambitious Aging Well Roadmap process in 2025. This planning effort aims to complete a county-wide aging strategy by year’s end.
The roadmap addresses Colorado’s position as the third-fastest-aging state in the nation and Eagle County’s specific challenges.
And rather than simply reacting to demographic change, county officials are proactively planning infrastructure and policies to support successful aging in the county. This includes services that are aimed at helping older adults stay healthy and independent, as well as building a strong social support network.
Community Health Assessment Insights
Eagle County’s 2023 community health assessment revealed some key insights into older adult needs and priorities. Through conversations with residents at senior centers in El Jebel, Eagle, and Minturn, several themes emerged consistently.
Housing topped the priority list, reflecting the broader challenge of living in a resort economy where median home prices create affordability pressures for people on fixed incomes.
Participants discussed the need for downsizing options and age-friendly housing configurations that support independence while providing security.
Transportation emerged as another critical need, particularly given Eagle County’s geography and winter weather conditions.
The valley’s linear layout – stretching from Minturn through Vail, Avon, Eagle, and into the Roaring Fork Valley – is beautiful to see and visit, but creates transportation challenges that affect everything from medical appointments to social connections.
How Eagle County Is Meeting the Unique Challenges of Mountain Aging
Healthcare Access and Altitude Considerations
Living between 6,600 and 12,000 feet affects the cardiovascular and respiratory systems differently than sea-level environments.
This means everyone – including older adults – needs access to specialized medical knowledge. Those who may have chronic conditions are at even greater risk, requiring careful monitoring and access to specialists.
A major challenge? The recent loss of home health services in the valley exemplifies the healthcare access challenges facing mountain communities. County Public Health leadership is working closely with Eagle County Paramedic Services to revive some home health capabilities, recognizing that bringing care to people’s homes could reduce transportation needs and improve health outcomes.
Housing and Economic Pressures
The intersection of resort economics and aging creates particularly acute housing challenges.
Long-time residents who purchased homes decades ago now face property tax assessments based on current market values. Those needing to downsize are finding limited age-appropriate options in a market dominated by luxury second homes and short-term rentals.
The Aging Well Roadmap planning process is exploring creative solutions, such as home-sharing programs where older residents could open their homes to younger residents – a chance to create intergenerational support while addressing housing affordability.
Diverse Communities, Shared Solutions
Eagle County’s diversity requires flexible approaches to aging services. The county’s senior centers are a great example of this at work – with each serving its immediate community while maintaining connections to county-wide resources.
Spanish-speaking residents receive particular attention in the planning process, with outreach including weekly lunches for Spanish-speaking grandparents. This inclusive approach means that aging services reach all community members, no matter their language or cultural background.
Looking Forward: Investment and Opportunity in Eagle County
Eagle County’s proactive planning positions it well for the coming transition. While counties like Jackson (34% aged 60+) and Pitkin (28.1%) have higher current percentages, Eagle County’s growth trajectory and planning efforts create opportunities to develop age-friendly infrastructure before crisis points emerge.
At $77 per month per older adult, community-based aging services deliver extraordinary value compared to institutional care alternatives. With 96% of Vintage clients reporting that services help them maintain independence, investments in aging infrastructure prevent costlier interventions down the road.
The county stands at a demographic crossroads, with the choices made today determining whether the next decade brings crisis or opportunity. The Aging Well Roadmap represents an investment in community resilience that will benefit residents of all ages.
Live in Eagle County? Want to Make A Difference? Join Vintage!
Whether you’re a long-time Eagle County resident planning for your own aging journey or a newcomer wanting to contribute to age-friendly community development, there are plenty of great ways to get involved – you just need to find the right team to help!
At Vintage, we’re proud to be one of the region’s leading resource teams helping older adults and their families find the support and direction they need for better aging.
We work together with our community partners to provide education, advocacy, and resources that promote healthy aging for all.
Visit us online or call 970-455-1067 to discover how Vintage can help you navigate aging well in one of Colorado’s most spectacular mountain regions!
Data sources: 2024 State Unit on Aging Database, Colorado State Demographers Office, Eagle County community health assessments, and Vintage service records.