Cost of Living in Dolores County, Colorado

$1,688/mo

Median Monthly Rent

$231,900

Median Home Value

35% above state averageUnaffordable

At a Glance

Median Monthly Rent

$1,688/mo

35% above state average

Median Home Value

$231,900

18% below national

Rent-to-Income Ratio

16.0%

% of income spent on rent

Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)

Affordability Rating

Unaffordable

Rent over 50% of income

How Dolores County Compares

Median monthly rent comparison

Dolores County$1,688/mo

Colorado Average$1,253/mo

National Median$1,163/mo

Detailed Housing Stats

$1,688/mo

Median Gross Rent

$231,900

Median Home Value

$466/mo

Monthly Owner Cost

16.0%

Rent-to-Income Ratio

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.

Affordability Calculator

See how your income compares to housing costs in Dolores County

Your Annual Household Income

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

Your rent-to-income ratio28.7%

Recommended max30.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Dolores County, Colorado?

Dolores County, Colorado has a median monthly rent of $1,688/mo and a median home value of $231,900. The affordability rating is Unaffordable, with rent making up approximately 16.0% of median household income.

What is the median rent in Dolores County?

The median gross rent in Dolores County is $1,688/mo. This is 35% above state average for Colorado.

Is Dolores County affordable?

Dolores County is rated Unaffordable based on rent-to-income ratio of 16.0%. Spending over 50% of income on rent is generally considered unaffordable.

How does Dolores County's rent compare to the state average?

Dolores County's median rent of $1,688/mo is 35% above state average of $1,253/mo for Colorado.

What is the median home value in Dolores County?

The median home value in Dolores County, Colorado is $231,900. This is 18% below the national median home value of $281,900.