Cost of Living in La Plata County, Colorado
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How La Plata County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
La Plata County ranks #2,050 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 35%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in La Plata County, Colorado
La Plata matches national affordability norms
La Plata County residents spend 19.8% of income on rent, just below Colorado's 20.2% state average and competitive with the national affordability benchmark. With a median household income of $85,296—significantly above the U.S. median of $74,755—the county delivers solid purchasing power for housing.
Mid-tier affordability in Colorado
La Plata's 19.8% rent-to-income ratio places it in Colorado's more affordable half, despite higher home values reflecting southwestern mountain desirability. The county balances moderate income levels with reasonable housing burden compared to state peers.
Southwest Colorado premium pricing
La Plata's median rent of $1,409/month runs $156 above Colorado's state average, reflecting the region's outdoor recreation appeal and limited housing supply. The median home value of $549,100 positions La Plata among Colorado's pricier counties, though still below the front range surge.
Renters and owners face similar burdens
Renters pay $1,409 monthly while owners spend $1,437—nearly identical costs reflecting a balanced market where purchasing and renting are equally expensive. At 19.8% of the $85,296 median income, housing still leaves substantial room for other household needs.
Quality lifestyle, moderate housing burden
La Plata offers southwestern Colorado living with better affordability than front-range counties and income levels to support it. Relocators seeking mountain access without Denver-level prices will find La Plata competitive compared to nearby resort-driven markets.
Cost of Living Advisory: La Plata County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in La Plata County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $1,409/month in gross rent, with 30.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
At $1,409/month rent versus $1,437/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $28/month cheaper — a 2% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $56,360/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $61,586/year. With a median household income of $85,296, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 30.0% of renter households in La Plata County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Weld County where rent averages $1,469/month, La Plata County is approximately 4% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in La Plata County
Rent Burden
19.8%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,990
per month
Owner Cost Burden
20.2%
of gross income
The median home in La Plata County may be a stretch
Median home value is $549,100. Estimated monthly cost: $4,384 vs. your max of $1,990.
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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