The Durango Area Association of REALTORSⓇ tracks the La Plata County residential real estate market throughout the year, publishing quarterly reports like the one below. We use this data to assist our buyers and sellers in navigating the market. By comparing sales and median prices quarter-over-quarter (QoQ) and year-over-year (YoY) we can identify both ongoing trends and current market conditions.
La Plata County Overall
Overall, the numbers show that 2026 has been a busy year so far in La Plata County real estate. Just halfway through the year, we’ve seen a nearly 25% increase in the number of sales during the first six months compared to last year. With 421 sales so far and the typically busy third quarter ahead, we’re on track to meet or exceed 2025’s total of 850. So far this year, the median sold price has increased to $733,000, up 3.5% QoQ and 8% YoY. This is despite a slower than normal start to the summer in both showings and pending sales. Last week, however, we saw showing activity begin to return to the levels we expect to see during the summer months.
Durango
In-town Durango properties are consistently in high demand, and with the continued limited supply, sales remained steady YoY, with 52 sales this past quarter. However, the median sold price increased 12.8% to $901,500, reflecting strong demand and activity within Durango’s luxury market. This is a $102,500 increase, despite only one additional sale. By contrast, rural homes saw a significant increase in the number of sales, with a 55.3% jump representing 57 additional sales. The median sold price for Durango rural homes rose only slightly YoY, but decreased $17,500 from Q1 2026.
The Durango condo and townhome market remains strong, with these properties remaining highly coveted among first-time homebuyers, second-home buyers, and investors. The median sold price increased $50,000 YoY and $25,000 since last quarter.
Looking farther north toward Purgatory Ski Resort, nine of the 11 total sales were above the luxury market benchmark of $1,500,000. This is reflected in the median sold price of $2,650,000, a 20.5% YoY increase. Mountain area condos have also seen an increase in activity, with a healthy 2.2% increase in the median sold price and a 9.7% increase in sales YoY.
Bayfield
In-town Bayfield has maintained a steady pace, with a moderate increase in the number of sales YoY and a $7,000 increase in the median sold price. Q1 saw a significant 25% increase in the median sold price YoY, which was the most notable change in our area’s statistics. This trend continued in Q2, with a 27.7% YoY increase and a 5.5% QoQ increase. Although these percentages can sound intimidating, the median price now sits at $699,000, more than $200,000 below the median for Durango homes, making Bayfield a more affordable place to buy in La Plata County.
As we move into the second half of the year, we look forward to seeing how these trends continue into the fall. La Plata County real estate remains in high demand, and we would be honored to assist you with your buying and selling journey in our area. For more market information, a personalized property analysis, or answers to any other questions, please don’t hesitate to contact The Durango Team at The Wells Group.
