Cost of Living in Clear Creek County, Colorado
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Clear Creek County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Clear Creek County ranks #1,608 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 49%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Clear Creek County, Colorado
Clear Creek: high income, balanced costs
Clear Creek County's median household income of $96,667 is 29% above the national average, and its rent-to-income ratio of 15.3% beats most American markets. This mountain county balances premium lifestyle with reasonable housing cost burden.
Affordable mountain living with strong earnings
Clear Creek's 15.3% rent-to-income ratio ties it as one of Colorado's most affordable counties despite mountain location, while its $96,667 median income ranks among the state's highest. This combination of strong wages and moderate housing costs is rare.
Rent cheaper than Chaffee, higher than Custer
Clear Creek's $1,230 median rent falls between Chaffee County's $1,514 and Custer County's $1,021, offering middle-ground pricing for the mountain West. Yet homeownership costs ($1,794 monthly) exceed neighboring counties, reflecting premium mountain property values.
High earners keep housing burden low
Despite $572,800 median home values, Clear Creek renters spend only 15.3% of their $96,667 income on rent, thanks to relatively strong local earnings. Homeowners pay 22.3% of income toward monthly costs—higher than renters but manageable for this high-earning county.
Move to Clear Creek for mountain life
If you earn above-average income and value mountain amenities, Clear Creek delivers—your strong salary cushions the premium home prices. This county rewards higher earners with urban-quality housing affordability in a stunning natural setting.
Cost of Living Advisory: Clear Creek County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Clear Creek County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $1,230/month in gross rent, with 32.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
At $1,230/month rent versus $1,794/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $564/month cheaper — a 31% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $49,200/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $76,886/year. With a median household income of $96,667, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 32.0% of renter households in Clear Creek County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Clear Creek County sits 5% more expensive than San Miguel County ($1,173/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Clear Creek County
Rent Burden
15.3%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$2,256
per month
Owner Cost Burden
22.3%
of gross income
The median home in Clear Creek County may be a stretch
Median home value is $572,800. Estimated monthly cost: $4,573 vs. your max of $2,256.
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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