Cost of Living in Baca County, Colorado
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Baca County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Baca County ranks #333 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 11%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Baca County, Colorado
Colorado's most affordable county
Baca County residents spend just 14.6% of income on rent—the lowest ratio among all eight counties and well below the national affordability threshold of 22%. Despite a median household income of only $40,380, residents enjoy genuine housing affordability on the southeastern plains.
Lowest cost in Colorado sample
Baca County's 14.6% rent-to-income ratio decisively beats Colorado's 20.2% state average, while median rents of $490/month run 61% below the state average of $1,253. This rural county offers the most breathing room in housing budgets across the state's sample.
Plains affordability champion
Baca's $490 median rent costs $364 less than Bent County's $854 and nearly $1,400 less than Adams County's $1,713. Even home values of $122,000 remain the lowest analyzed, making Baca the entire region's affordability leader.
Housing is genuinely affordable
A Baca County household earning the median $40,380 annually spends just $490/month on rent, consuming only 14.6% of income—leaving substantial resources for other needs. Homeowners fare similarly well at $608/month, meaning housing costs barely strain family budgets here.
Stretch your paycheck furthest
Relocating to Baca County means your income goes furthest; $490 rent on a $40,380 salary leaves room to save and invest. If you value affordability and rural plains living over urban amenities, Baca offers unbeatable housing costs.
Cost of Living Advisory: Baca County
Affordability Verdict
Baca County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $490/month representing approximately 14.6% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 21.0%.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Baca County is $490/month, while owner costs run $608/month. Renting saves approximately $118/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $19,600/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $26,057/year. With a median household income of $40,380, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 21.0% of renter households in Baca County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Colorado, Baca County is less affordable than Conejos County by roughly 32% ($490/mo vs $724/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Baca County
Rent Burden
14.6%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$942
per month
Owner Cost Burden
18.1%
of gross income
The median home in Baca County may be a stretch
Median home value is $122,000. Estimated monthly cost: $974 vs. your max of $942.
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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