San Juan County, CO - not to be confused with San Juan County, NM - borders the north side of La Plata County. It is the smallest county in Colorado by population and the fifth smallest by square miles, and is best known for its remote location and stunning mountain scenery.
Towns in San Juan County, CO
Silverton, Colorado
Silverton is the only incorporated town within the 388-square mile county, and is the San Juan County seat. This no-stop light town exudes rural mountain town charm. The tight-knit community offers a wide variety of locally owned and operated businesses, including shops, restaurants, lodging, and adventure tours. Silverton Public Schools serves grades K-12 for all of San Juan County. Their innovative Expeditionary Learning Program emphasizes hands-on learning, collaboration, and critical thinking, paired with character development, reflection, and challenging oneself.
Notably, the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad arrives here after trekking through the Animas River valley beginning in Durango. The Iron Horse Bicycle Classic hosts thousands of athletes riding over Coal Bank & Molas Pass in this annual Memorial Day event. Many other annual events - such as skijoring, local artisans markets, live music, and the 4th of July parade and celebration - are popular with locals and attract numerous visitors.
Living in San Juan County
Life in San Juan County is centered around the mountains and the adventures they offer, including hiking, biking, skiing, and overlanding. Living here means you’re sharing space with the wildlife that thrives at high altitudes and through all four seasons. Kendall Mountain welcomes you into Silverton, reaching nearly 14,000 ft., and Handies (a true 14er) is also accessible nearby. The Animas River originates in the northern part of the county before flowing south through Durango, Farmington, and beyond. While the San Juan National Forest is the primary national forest surrounding Silverton, the Rio Grande, Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests also extend into the county, offering extensive public lands to explore.
Everyday amenities are limited to a single grocery store and one gas station - residents often choose to live here for that simplicity. Highway 550 runs north and south providing the only highway access to Silverton. Ouray, CO is the next stop along the infamous Million Dollar Highway to the north while Durango, CO is less than 50 miles south and offers a full range of amenities, stores, and services.
San Juan County County Real Estate
Unlike the landscapes found in other Southwest Colorado counties, San Juan County does not have agricultural land due to the steep inclines, harsh weather, and rocky ground. Instead, the area offers rustic mountain living with quaint Colorado cabins, and historic Silverton homes.
Within Silverton proper, 11 residential sales closed in 2024, with an average sales price of $593,335 and a median of $615,000. From January - August 2025, there have been six sales, averaging $551,133 with a median of $480,000. Inventory in Silverton ranges between 5–20 active listings each month over the past three years. Across San Juan County as a whole, there were 29 residential sales in 2024 at slightly lower price points, with countywide active listings generally fluctuating between 20 - 45 homes each month since 2022.
Vacant land represents a larger portion of the market, with 70 active listings in San Juan County as of September 18, 2025—41 of those within Silverton. Many of these are historic mining claims, which may or may not offer year-round access. Considering the county’s small size, this level of activity is notable.
Cascade Village which, while geographically in San Juan County, is considered part of the Durango Resort Area in La Plata County by the local MLS due to its location just two miles north of Purgatory Ski Resort.
Because the San Juan County real estate market is so small, trends tend to fluctuate more dramatically month to month and year to year. Still, the area presents unique and exceptional opportunities, often offering one-of-a-kind mountain living.
The Durango Team would love to assist with San Juan County real estate and we work closely with Silverton, CO Realtors for up to date information and local insight. If you’re visiting, buying, selling in San Juan County, please don’t hesitate to contact us for more area information.
Start your San Juan County property search here.
