Colorado
Costilla County
FIPS: 08023
3,571
population
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Unemployment in Costilla County has hit 8.0%—the highest rate among Colorado counties and nearly double the state average of 4.5%. The county's labor market has deteriorated sharply over the past four months, with joblessness rising consecutively from 6.3% in May to 8.0% in August, a 31.1% increase from its April low of 6.1%. This sustained upward trend across four straight data releases suggests structural labor market softening rather than seasonal variation.
The employment reversal arrives alongside early warning signs in the housing market. Home values peaked at $184,317 in mid-July before declining for two consecutive readings to $181,121 as of late September—a 1.7% drop that follows months of volatility. The combination of rising joblessness and falling property values in a county of just 3,571 residents suggests coordinated economic pressure.
Local reporters should investigate whether specific employers have cut workforce or scaled back operations in recent months, and whether residents are being forced to sell homes due to job loss. County economic development officials should be asked what supports exist for displaced workers and whether they've detected early signs of broader business contraction.
🔍 Data Signals
View all signals →Costilla County, Colorado has CO's highest unemployment at 8.0%
With an unemployment rate of 8.0%, Costilla County, Colorado leads CO counties — well above the state average of 4.5%. This county has struggled with higher-than-average unemployment compared to its peers.
Costilla County, Colorado unemployment rising again — up 31.1% from its low
After bottoming at 6.1% (2026-04), unemployment in Costilla County, Colorado has risen for 4 straight data releases to 8.0% — a 31.1% increase from its low. This reversal may signal renewed labor market softening.
Costilla County, Colorado unemployment rising for 4 straight data releases
Costilla County, Colorado's unemployment rate has moved up in each of the last 4 data releases, from 6.3% to 8.0% — a total change of 12.7%. Sustained directional movement over multiple releases often signals structural shift.
Unemployment in Costilla County, Colorado has been rising for 4 months
Costilla County, Colorado's unemployment rate has moved up consecutively for 4 months, from 6.3% in 2026-05 to 8.0% in 2026-08. A persistent upward trend warrants attention from local economic development officials.
Costilla County, Colorado home values fell 1.7% from their recent peak
Costilla County, Colorado home values peaked at $184,317 (2026-07-19) and have since declined for 2 consecutive readings to $181,121 — a 1.7% drop. Consecutive declines from a recent high often precede broader market correction.