Cost of Living in Kit Carson County, Colorado
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Kit Carson County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Kit Carson County ranks #1,423 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 45%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Kit Carson County, Colorado
Kit Carson: Better than national baseline
Kit Carson County residents spend 18.4% of household income on rent, beating the national average and Colorado's 20.2% state average. With a median household income of $59,810—below the U.S. median of $74,755—the county still manages strong housing affordability compared to most of America.
A most affordable Colorado county
Kit Carson ranks among Colorado's most affordable counties for renters, with housing costs consuming a smaller share of income than the state typical. At 18.4%, the rent-to-income ratio positions the county well relative to peers struggling with 20%+ burdens statewide.
Southeast Plains affordability advantage
Kit Carson's median rent of $916/month runs $337 below the state average of $1,253, matching the affordable profile of neighboring rural counties. The median home value of $221,400 reflects the lower-cost character of Colorado's eastern plains region.
Rent and ownership both accessible here
Renters pay $916 monthly while owners pay $852—a rare reversal showing that buying is slightly cheaper than renting in Kit Carson. With median income at $59,810, both housing options consume under 18% of household earnings, leaving room for other necessities.
Affordable plains living awaits
If Colorado's mountain-county rents feel out of reach, Kit Carson offers a genuine alternative with sub-$1,000 monthly rent and solid homeownership paths. The county's affordability advantage over state and national averages makes it worth considering for budget-conscious relocators.
Cost of Living Advisory: Kit Carson County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Kit Carson County is affordable. The median rent is $916/month against a median household income of $59,810, putting rent at 18.4% of income.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Kit Carson County pay $916/month on average, compared to $852/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 7%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $36,640/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $36,514/year. With a median household income of $59,810, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 28.0% of renter households in Kit Carson County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Cheyenne County where rent averages $862/month, Kit Carson County is approximately 6% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Kit Carson County
Rent Burden
18.4%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,396
per month
Owner Cost Burden
17.1%
of gross income
The median home in Kit Carson County may be a stretch
Median home value is $221,400. Estimated monthly cost: $1,768 vs. your max of $1,396.
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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