Cost of Living in Lincoln County, Colorado
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Lincoln County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Lincoln County ranks #590 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 19%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Lincoln County, Colorado
Lincoln: Eastern plains affordability champ
Lincoln County residents spend 18.9% of household income on rent, beating both Colorado's 20.2% state average and the national norm by a meaningful margin. At $54,257 median income, the county achieves rare affordability by pairing low housing costs with realistic earnings.
Colorado's most affordable county option
Lincoln's 18.9% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the state's best affordability outcomes, with housing consuming the smallest share of income among comparable Colorado counties. The combination of low rent and reasonable income creates exceptional household financial breathing room.
Eastern plains leader in value
Lincoln's median rent of $854/month runs $399 below Colorado's state average, making it the cheapest renting option in this county set. The median home value of $232,100 similarly anchors Lincoln as the region's most accessible market for buyers.
Both renters and owners find value
Renters pay just $854 monthly while owners spend $815—both well below state norms and reflecting genuine rural affordability. With 18.9% of income going to housing, Lincoln residents enjoy the largest affordability cushion in this county comparison.
Maximum affordability, no compromise
Lincoln County is Colorado's best bet for households with modest incomes seeking stable housing without compromise or stretch—no high-tech income requirements or sacrifice of quality of life. Remote workers earning $50,000+ will find Lincoln dramatically cheaper than any front-range alternative.
Cost of Living Advisory: Lincoln County
Affordability Verdict
Lincoln County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $854/month representing approximately 18.9% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 26.0%.
Rent vs. Own
At $854/month rent versus $815/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $39/month cheaper — a 5% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $34,160/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $34,929/year. With a median household income of $54,257, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 26.0% of renter households in Lincoln County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Lincoln County sits 7% more expensive than Otero County ($796/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Lincoln County
Rent Burden
18.9%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,266
per month
Owner Cost Burden
18.0%
of gross income
The median home in Lincoln County may be a stretch
Median home value is $232,100. Estimated monthly cost: $1,853 vs. your max of $1,266.
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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