Cost of Living in Archuleta County, Colorado
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Archuleta County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Archuleta County ranks #825 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 26%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Archuleta County, Colorado
San Juan mountain gateway
Archuleta County households earn $76,524, just above the national average, yet spend 22.1% of income on rent—marking it as slightly less affordable than the national norm. The median rent of $1,409/month reflects this mountain region's growing appeal to relocating remote workers and retirees.
Mid-tier affordability in Colorado
Archuleta County's 22.1% rent-to-income ratio sits above Colorado's 20.2% state average, placing it in the pricier half of the eight counties analyzed. At $1,409/month, median rents run 12% above the state average, a consequence of the county's scenic mountain location and limited housing supply.
Pricier mountain living
Archuleta's $1,409 rent exceeds Alamosa County's $904 by 56% and Bent County's $854 by 65%, but trails Adams County's $1,713 by 18%. Home values of $451,400 position it between affordable Alamosa and pricey Boulder, reflecting its middle status as an emerging mountain destination.
Renters pay more than buyers
Archuleta County renters pay $1,409/month while homeowners spend $1,137/month—a rare inversion where ownership costs $272 less than renting. For a household earning the median $76,524, this $272 monthly difference could mean the distinction between financial strain and stability.
Mountain retreat for remote workers
Moving to Archuleta County? The $76,524 median income paired with $1,409 rents suggests this San Juan region appeals most to remote workers or early retirees seeking mountain living. Factor in the $1,137 mortgage—16% lower than rent—if you're ready to buy.
Cost of Living Advisory: Archuleta County
Affordability Verdict
Archuleta County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $1,409/month — about 22.1% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Archuleta County pay $1,409/month on average, compared to $1,137/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 19%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $56,360/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $48,729/year. With a median household income of $76,524, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 28.0% of renter households in Archuleta County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Weld County where rent averages $1,469/month, Archuleta County is approximately 4% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Archuleta County
Rent Burden
22.1%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,786
per month
Owner Cost Burden
17.8%
of gross income
The median home in Archuleta County may be a stretch
Median home value is $451,400. Estimated monthly cost: $3,604 vs. your max of $1,786.
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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