2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Paonia, CO vs Rifle, CO

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Highlights
Are people in Rifle older or younger than people in Paonia?
- The Median Age in Rifle is 5.8 years younger than in Paonia.

Are housing costs cheaper in Rifle or Paonia?
- Rifle housing costs are 10.4% more expensive than Paonia housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Rifle or Paonia?
- The average commute for residents of Rifle is 3.9 minutes longer than it is for residents of Paonia.

Things to do in Paonia?
Living in Paonia, CO is like living in a picturesque postcard. The small town of just over 1,500 is nestled among the rolling hills of the North Fork Valley with breathtaking views of Mount Lamborn and the grandiose San Juan Mountains looming in the distance. The locals are friendly and welcoming, making it the perfect place to call home. Here you can find a thriving community with unique shops, restaurants and galleries dotting Main Street. There is never a shortage of outdoor activities to explore such as hiking, biking and fishing on the Gunnison River or simply enjoying nature at its finest at any one of several nearby parks and preserves. Whether you are looking for a peaceful getaway or an active lifestyle, Paonia has something for everyone.

Things to do in Rifle?
Rifle, CO is situated along Interstate 70 at the base of Colorado’s Western Slope region close to the borders of both Utah and Wyoming. The small city has an estimated population of just over 10,000 people and features numerous recreational activities outfitted with nearby parks and natural areas to explore.

 Paonia, CORifle, COUnited States
 Population  Unlock10,325329,725,481
 Median Income$53,646  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock31.138.4
 Avg. Home Price$388,800  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock6.0%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time28.06  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Paonia    3 Reviews

Paonia is Colorado’s best kept secret... amazing food, climate and scenery. Close to ski resorts and big city amenities, but isolated and charming. The town is safe and  More

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I have lived just outside of Paonia for 35 years. The area is pretty, but jobs are scarce. Used to be mostly 'down to earth' farmers and ranchers and coal miners  More

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Over 16 years ago

"Mayberry in the Mountains" (Paonia and surrounding 8 mesas) population 6,600; median housing pricing is $164,207 (2007); average commute is less than 10 minutes;  More

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Reviews for Rifle    6 Reviews

I love the Western Slope!! While there are a lot of good things to be said about the Western Slope of Colorado, which Rifle is, there are some concerning things as  More

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Been living in the area for 3 years, Rifle for half of that. The city recently upgraded the water facilities, and the north half of I-70 no longer has the nasty hard  More

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Over 8 years ago

This area has a heroin/meth problem. It doesn't really impact you if you avoid it, but you tend to see a lot of tweakers/beggars/homeless around town. Water is not that  More

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