Cost of Living in Lake County, Colorado
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Lake County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Lake County ranks #561 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 18%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Lake County, Colorado
Lake County: High income, stable affordability
Lake County residents spend 20.5% of household income on rent—just marginally above Colorado's 20.2% state average despite having the highest median income ($93,655) among comparable counties. The county's strong earnings power effectively offsets mountain-region housing premiums.
Upper-middle Colorado affordability tier
Lake County's 20.5% rent-to-income ratio places it solidly within Colorado's acceptable range, aided by the county's exceptionally high median income of $93,655. The strong earning potential enables residents to absorb mountain-community housing costs more comfortably.
Mountain resort pricing, mountain wages
Lake County's median rent of $1,599/month runs $346 above the state average, but the county's $93,655 median income is among Colorado's highest. The pairing of premium rents with premium incomes creates relative affordability despite nominal prices.
Ownership favors buyers over renters
Renters spend $1,599 monthly while owners pay only $1,096—a $503 gap that makes buying substantially cheaper in Lake County's mountain market. At 20.5% of the $93,655 median income, rent is manageable, and ownership becomes an excellent long-term value.
Premium living for premium incomes
Lake County suits remote workers, professionals, and relocators with above-average earnings seeking mountain living without the affordability crisis. If your income matches or exceeds the $93,655 median, Lake County's Leadville region delivers mountain access at rational housing burden.
Cost of Living Advisory: Lake County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Lake County is affordable. The median rent is $1,599/month against a median household income of $93,655, putting rent at 20.5% of income.
Rent vs. Own
At $1,599/month rent versus $1,096/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $503/month cheaper — a 31% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $63,960/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $46,971/year. With a median household income of $93,655, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 33.0% of renter households in Lake County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Larimer County where rent averages $1,677/month, Lake County is approximately 5% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Lake County
Rent Burden
20.5%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$2,185
per month
Owner Cost Burden
14.0%
of gross income
The median home in Lake County may be a stretch
Median home value is $401,300. Estimated monthly cost: $3,204 vs. your max of $2,185.
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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