Cost of Living in Dolores County, Colorado
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Dolores County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Dolores County ranks #517 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 16%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Dolores County, Colorado
Dolores renters struggle most here
Dolores County residents dedicate 28.7% of income to rent—well above the national benchmark and among the most burdened in Colorado. With a median household income of just $70,490 (below the national average of $74,755) and median rent at $1,688, housing squeeze is real.
Least affordable county in Colorado
Dolores County's 28.7% rent-to-income ratio is the highest in the state, far exceeding Colorado's 20.2% average. The county represents a cautionary tale: lower incomes combined with relatively high rents create severe affordability strain.
Rentals expensive relative to income
Dolores County's $1,688 median rent rivals Denver ($1,770) and Garfield County ($1,515), but residents earn substantially less—only $70,490 versus Denver's $91,681. This income-to-rent mismatch makes Dolores the most strained housing market among its peers.
Nearly 30% of income goes to rent
The typical Dolores County renter pays $1,688 monthly on a $70,490 annual income, consuming 28.7% of household earnings before taxes. Homeowners fare better at $466 monthly, but renters represent the county's housing crisis.
Reconsider unless you own outright
Renters relocating to Dolores County face the state's steepest affordability challenge; the county is best suited for homeowners or those with substantially higher incomes. If you're renting, nearly every other Colorado county offers better housing affordability.
Cost of Living Advisory: Dolores County
Affordability Verdict
Dolores County offers moderately affordable rental housing at a median of $1,688/month — about 28.7% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Dolores County is $1,688/month, while owner costs run $466/month. Owning saves approximately $1,222/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $67,520/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $19,971/year. With a median household income of $70,490, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 16.0% of renter households in Dolores County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Teller County where rent averages $1,746/month, Dolores County is approximately 3% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Dolores County
Rent Burden
28.7%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,645
per month
Owner Cost Burden
7.9%
of gross income
The median home in Dolores County may be a stretch
Median home value is $231,900. Estimated monthly cost: $1,851 vs. your max of $1,645.
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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