Cost of Living in Jefferson County, Colorado

$1,792/mo

Median Monthly Rent

$604,400

Median Home Value

43% above state averageUnaffordable

At a Glance

Median Monthly Rent

$1,792/mo

43% above state average

Median Home Value

$604,400

114% above national

Rent-to-Income Ratio

31.0%

% 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 Jefferson County Compares

Median monthly rent comparison

Jefferson County$1,792/mo

Colorado Average$1,253/mo

National Median$1,163/mo

Detailed Housing Stats

$1,792/mo

Median Gross Rent

$604,400

Median Home Value

$1,937/mo

Monthly Owner Cost

31.0%

Rent-to-Income Ratio

Data Story

About Cost of Living in Jefferson County, Colorado

Jefferson's wealth cushions housing costs

Jefferson County residents enjoy the state's highest median income at $107,800—44% above the national median—allowing them to absorb a rent-to-income ratio of 19.9%. Strong earnings put Jefferson among the nation's most economically resilient housing markets.

Colorado's most affluent county

Jefferson's rent-to-income ratio of 19.9% sits just below Colorado's 20.2% state average, and its $107,800 median income far outpaces every other county examined. This combination of high income and moderate housing burden creates genuine affordability for residents.

Jefferson's income, not cheap rents

Jefferson's median rent ($1,792) is the state's highest, but residents earn enough ($107,800) to absorb it comfortably. Median home values ($604,400) are also highest, reflecting a wealthy county where affordability stems from income, not low costs.

High earners, high costs, solid balance

Renters in Jefferson spend $1,792 monthly (19.9% of $107,800 annual income), while owners pay $1,937 (21.6%)—both within healthy ranges. Strong household incomes ensure residents aren't squeezed by housing, even at premium price points.

Jefferson rewards high earners

Jefferson County offers Colorado's strongest job market and highest incomes, making it ideal if you can command competitive wages. If your income aligns with the county's $107,800 median, you'll find housing genuinely affordable despite higher absolute costs.

Affordability Calculator

See how your income compares to housing costs in Jefferson County

Your Annual Household Income

Rent Burden

19.9%

of gross income

Max Housing (28% Rule)

$2,515

per month

Owner Cost Burden

21.6%

of gross income

The median home in Jefferson County may be a stretch

Median home value is $604,400. Estimated monthly cost: $4,825 vs. your max of $2,515.

Rent Affordability Guide

Your rent-to-income ratio19.9%

Recommended max30.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Jefferson County, Colorado has a median monthly rent of $1,792/mo and a median home value of $604,400. The affordability rating is Unaffordable, with rent making up approximately 31.0% of median household income.

What is the median rent in Jefferson County?

The median gross rent in Jefferson County is $1,792/mo. This is 43% above state average for Colorado.

Is Jefferson County affordable?

Jefferson County is rated Unaffordable based on rent-to-income ratio of 31.0%. Spending over 50% of income on rent is generally considered unaffordable.

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

Jefferson County's median rent of $1,792/mo is 43% above state average of $1,253/mo for Colorado.

What is the median home value in Jefferson County?

The median home value in Jefferson County, Colorado is $604,400. This is 114% above the national median home value of $281,900.