Cost of Living in Adams County, Colorado
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Adams County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Adams County ranks #3,046 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 3%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Adams County, Colorado
Adams rents cost more than most
Adams County renters spend 22.5% of their income on rent, outpacing the nation's typical 22% threshold for affordability. The median household income of $91,387 is 22% higher than the national average of $74,755, yet housing costs still claim a significant share of family budgets.
Above average in Colorado's market
Adams County's 22.5% rent-to-income ratio ranks it above Colorado's state average of 20.2%, placing it among the more expensive counties statewide. While median rents of $1,713 exceed the state average of $1,253 by 37%, median home values of $458,400 reflect the county's suburban growth.
Pricier than eastern plains, cheaper than boulder
Adams County rents run $809 higher than Bent County's $854 monthly median but fall well below Boulder County's $1,893. Homeownership costs are also notably higher here at $1,874/month compared to rural neighbors like Baca County at $608/month.
Housing eats 22.5% of paychecks
An Adams County renter earning the median $91,387 annually pays $1,713 monthly in rent, while a homeowner with the median mortgage expense of $1,874 spends roughly the same. Together, these figures show renters and owners investing similar percentages of income in housing despite vastly different equity outcomes.
Denver's gateway with solid income
If you're relocating to the Denver metro area, Adams County offers above-average household incomes and suburban accessibility without the premium prices of central Denver. Compare your salary expectations here—$91,387 median—against the $1,713 monthly rent before making your move.
Cost of Living Advisory: Adams County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Adams County is affordable. The median rent is $1,713/month against a median household income of $91,387, putting rent at 22.5% of income.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Adams County is $1,713/month, while owner costs run $1,874/month. Renting saves approximately $161/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $68,520/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $80,314/year. With a median household income of $91,387, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 33.0% of renter households in Adams County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Denver County where rent averages $1,770/month, Adams County is approximately 3% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Adams County
Rent Burden
22.5%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$2,132
per month
Owner Cost Burden
24.6%
of gross income
The median home in Adams County may be a stretch
Median home value is $458,400. Estimated monthly cost: $3,660 vs. your max of $2,132.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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