Cost of Living in Custer County, Colorado
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Custer County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Custer County ranks #366 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 12%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Custer County, Colorado
Custer balances mountain living affordably
Custer County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.9% sits comfortably below the national average, offering reasonable housing costs for a scenic mountain location. With a median household income of $72,700 near the national average, the county delivers balanced affordability.
Among Colorado's most affordable mountain counties
Custer ranks among Colorado's most affordable counties with a 16.9% rent-to-income ratio, beating the state average of 20.2%. The median rent of $1,021 is $232 below Colorado's median, remarkable for a mountain community.
Custer undercuts Chaffee significantly
Custer's $1,021 median rent is $493 cheaper than Chaffee County and $209 less than Clear Creek, making it the most affordable mountain county in this region. Yet home values at $358,800 remain accessible for middle-income households.
Mountain living on moderate budgets
Custer renters spend just 16.9% of their $72,700 income on rent, leaving room for other mountain-lifestyle expenses and savings. Homeowners dedicate 12.8% of income to monthly costs, the best ratio for mountain homebuyers in this comparison.
Custer rewards mountain-town relocators
If you seek mountain scenery without mountain-price premium, Custer delivers—it's the most affordable of these three mountain counties for both renters and homeowners. This sweet spot attracts remote workers and outdoor enthusiasts prioritizing lifestyle over cost.
Cost of Living Advisory: Custer County
Affordability Verdict
Custer County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $1,021/month representing approximately 16.9% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 26.0%.
Rent vs. Own
At $1,021/month rent versus $768/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $253/month cheaper — a 25% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $40,840/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $32,914/year. With a median household income of $72,700, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 26.0% of renter households in Custer County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Colorado, Custer County is less affordable than San Juan County by roughly 5% ($1,021/mo vs $1,076/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Custer County
Rent Burden
16.9%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,696
per month
Owner Cost Burden
12.7%
of gross income
The median home in Custer County may be a stretch
Median home value is $358,800. Estimated monthly cost: $2,864 vs. your max of $1,696.
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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