Cost of Living in Elbert County, Colorado
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Elbert County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Elbert County ranks #560 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 18%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Elbert County, Colorado
Elbert County's wealthy face lowest burden
Elbert County residents spend just 13.3% of income on rent—the lowest ratio among all counties studied and far better than national benchmarks. With a median household income of $129,477 (73% above the national average of $74,755), the county offers exceptional housing affordability.
Second-best affordability in Colorado
Elbert County's 13.3% rent-to-income ratio is second only to Douglas County (17.3%), placing it in Colorado's most affordable tier. The county's high-income households and moderate median rent of $1,436 create substantial financial flexibility.
High incomes offset modest rent premium
Elbert County's median rent of $1,436 rivals Fremont County ($1,036) and trails Garfield County ($1,515), but the $129,477 median income dwarfs all peer counties. This income advantage makes Elbert's housing costs negligible by comparison.
Affluent households carry minimal burden
Renters allocate just $1,436 monthly (13.3%) of the $129,477 income, while homeowners spend $2,214 (20.6%) on a $664,600 median home value. Elbert County offers the most housing comfort of any county analyzed.
Prime market for high-net-worth relocators
If you're moving to Colorado and earning $120,000+, Elbert County combines exceptional affordability with exurban charm and proximity to Denver. The county suits affluent professionals and remote workers seeking space without urban price tags.
Cost of Living Advisory: Elbert County
Affordability Verdict
Elbert County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $1,436/month representing approximately 13.3% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 29.0%.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Elbert County pay $1,436/month on average, compared to $2,214/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 35%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $57,440/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $94,886/year. With a median household income of $129,477, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 29.0% of renter households in Elbert County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Colorado, Elbert County is less affordable than Chaffee County by roughly 5% ($1,436/mo vs $1,514/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Elbert County
Rent Burden
13.3%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$3,021
per month
Owner Cost Burden
20.5%
of gross income
The median home in Elbert County may be a stretch
Median home value is $664,600. Estimated monthly cost: $5,306 vs. your max of $3,021.
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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