Cost of Living in Gilpin County, Colorado
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Gilpin County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Gilpin County ranks #1,799 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 43%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Gilpin County, Colorado
Gilpin beats national affordability
Gilpin County renters spend just 18.1% of their income on rent, well below the national norm of roughly 28-30% for affordability. With a median household income of $88,654—18% above the national median of $74,755—Gilpin residents enjoy stronger purchasing power than most Americans.
Among Colorado's most affordable
Gilpin's rent-to-income ratio of 18.1% ranks it below Colorado's state average of 20.2%, placing it in the better half of the state's counties. This advantage stems from solid local incomes that outpace the state's median.
Gilpin vs. mountain neighbors
Gilpin's median rent of $1,340 sits between Grand County ($1,451) and Gunnison County ($1,191), while its median home value of $512,600 undercuts both neighbors. Gilpin's superior income-to-housing ratio makes it the most affordable among these three high-altitude counties.
Income vs. housing: the real math
Renters in Gilpin spend about $1,340 monthly, while homeowners face $1,808 in mortgage costs against a $88,654 annual income. Housing consumes roughly 18% of gross income for renters and 24% for owners—well within healthy ranges.
Considering Gilpin? Strong case.
If you're relocating to Colorado's mountains, Gilpin offers solid affordability with above-average incomes. Compare your current rent-to-income ratio to Gilpin's 18.1% to see if a move makes financial sense.
Cost of Living Advisory: Gilpin County
Affordability Verdict
Gilpin County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $1,340/month — about 18.1% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Gilpin County pay $1,340/month on average, compared to $1,808/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 26%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $53,600/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $77,486/year. With a median household income of $88,654, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 40.0% of renter households in Gilpin County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Gilpin County sits 4% less expensive than Ouray County ($1,398/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Gilpin County
Rent Burden
18.1%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$2,069
per month
Owner Cost Burden
24.5%
of gross income
The median home in Gilpin County may be a stretch
Median home value is $512,600. Estimated monthly cost: $4,092 vs. your max of $2,069.
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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