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Fruita, CO

Frequently asked questions

Fruita, CO

Fruita is a home rule municipality located in western Mesa County, Colorado, United States. The city population was 13,395 at the 2020 United States Census. Fruita is a part of the Grand Junction, CO Metropolitan Statistical Area and lies within the Grand Valley. The geography is identified by the bordering Colorado River (historically known as the Grand River) on the southern edge of the town, the Uncompahgre Plateau known for its pinyon-juniper landscape, and the Book Cliffs range on the northern edge of the Grand Valley. Originally home to the Ute people, farmers settled the town after founder William Pabor in 1884. Ten years later, Fruita was incorporated.

Fruita started as a fruit-producing region. Today it is well known for its outdoor sports such as mountain biking, hiking, disc golfing, and rafting, its proximity to the Colorado National Monument, and its annual festivals, such as Mike the Headless Chicken. Fruita has been the winner of the Governor's Smart Growth and Development Award for four consecutive years. The city motto is "Honor the Past, Envision the Future".

Fruita has had steady population growth for over a century, with descendants of many of the original pioneers still living in the area. The first permanent homesteaders in the Fruita area were possibly Mr. and Mrs. Albert Lapham who settled in late 1882. They resided in a pre-existing cabin with a dirt floor and a blanket door. They were followed by other settlers, nearly all of whom were farmers of one sort or another. The present town was established on May 1, 1884, by William E. Pabor, when he formed the Fruita Town and Land Company. In 1886, for the cost of $500 a farmer could buy five acres, 200 fruit trees, and water. Pabor recognized the great promise of the Grand Valley and penned a 300-page volume, Colorado as an Agricultural State, in which he spoke of the fruit-growing potential of this area. Having worked with the Horace Greeley Union Colony, he similarly founded the town, including the provision that no liquor be sold or manufactured in the town. This provision lasted until it was voted out in the late 1970s.

Fruita is located at 39°9′N 108°43′W (39.156594, −108.724554). It is 4,514 feet (1,376 m) above sea level in the high desert climate zone on the Colorado Plateau. Surrounding the city limits are the Colorado River, the Colorado National Monument, and the Book Cliffs range which extends west into the state of Utah north of Interstate 70.

Health and wellness are integral aspects of life in Fruita, with a focus on promoting healthy lifestyles and access to healthcare services. University of Colorado Hospital in Aurora is known for its comprehensive medical services and research. The Broadmoor Spa is located at the renowned Broadmoor resort; this spa offers luxurious treatments in a beautiful setting. The Spa at St Julien provides a range of services including massages, facials, and body treatments. The Ritz-Carlton Spa is a luxurious spa located in downtown Denver, offering a wide range of treatments and services. The Spa at Vail Athletic Club offers a serene escape with mountain views and a variety of treatments. The Peaks Resort & Spa is situated in Telluride; this spa combines luxury with the natural beauty of the surrounding mountains.

Top sites in Fruita, CO are Dinosaur Journey Museum, Rimrock Adventures, Devil's Canyon Trail System, and Adobe Creek National Golf Course.

Population: 13,816 (2023). Elevation: 4,514′. ZIP code: 81521. Area Code: 970. Area: 5,237 acres (21.193 km2).

FAQs

What is Fruita, CO known for?

Fruita started as a fruit-producing region. Today it is well known for its outdoor sports such as mountain biking, hiking, disc golfing, and rafting, its proximity to the Colorado National Monument, and its annual festivals, such as Mike the Headless Chicken. Fruita has been the winner of the Governor's Smart Growth and Development Award for four consecutive years. The city motto is "Honor the Past, Envision the Future".

What are the demographics of Fruita, CO?

Fruita, CO is home to a population of 13.5k people, of which 99.7% are citizens. As of 2022, 0.468% of Fruita, CO residents were born outside of the country (63 people). In 2022, there were 11.4 times more White (Non-Hispanic) residents (10.9k people) in Fruita, CO than any other race or ethnicity. There were 954 Two+ (Hispanic) and 470 White (Hispanic) residents, the second and third most common ethnic groups.

What is the cost of living in Fruita Colorado?

Fruita is ranked 80 out of 273 cities across the US in terms of cost of living. The cost of living in Fruita is 101.8% of the national average. The median household income in Fruita is $64,029, which is 20% less than that of the state. The median income for an individual is $41,711, which is 1% less than that of the state.

Sources

City of Fruita

Wikipedia

Data USA

Zero Down

University of Colorado Hospital

The Broadmoor Spa

Spa at St Julien

The Ritz-Carlton Spa

The Spa at Vail Athletic Club

The Peaks Resort & Spa 

Dinosaur Journey Museum 

Rimrock Adventures 

Devil's Canyon Trail System 

Adobe Creek National Golf Course

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