Cost of Living in Montezuma County, Colorado
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Montezuma County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Montezuma County ranks #2,335 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 26%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Montezuma County, Colorado
Montezuma County: rural affordability wins
Montezuma County renters spend 18.6% of income on housing, well below the national burden and comfortably below the 30% affordability ceiling. Though median household income of $63,005 trails the U.S. average by $11,750, the county's lower rents mean residents maintain healthier housing ratios than many American peers.
Better than state average, solid ranking
Montezuma County's rent-to-income ratio of 18.6% sits below Colorado's state average of 20.2%, positioning it among the state's more affordable counties. A median rent of $974/month—22% cheaper than the state median—makes this Southwest Colorado market attractive for cost-conscious renters.
Competitive with peers, unique homeowner advantage
Montezuma County's rent of $974 falls between Mineral's $903 and Montrose's $1,120, but its median owner cost of $907 is notably lower than both neighbors, favoring buyers. The $63,005 median income offers middle-ground opportunity for families seeking balance between rural living and economic viability.
Renters and buyers nearly aligned
Monthly rent averages $974 while homeowners spend $907—unusually compressed, suggesting strong value in ownership relative to renting in this market. At $63,005 median income, housing costs represent about 17-19% of monthly earnings, a sustainable balance for most households.
Buyers thrive, renters get fair deals
Montezuma County's low ownership costs ($907/month) and affordable rents ($974/month) make it ideal for families ready to buy or seeking long-term stability. Compare against Montrose County if you prioritize rental flexibility, or Ouray County if you're targeting higher incomes with premium mountain amenities.
Cost of Living Advisory: Montezuma County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Montezuma County is affordable. The median rent is $974/month against a median household income of $63,005, putting rent at 18.6% of income.
Rent vs. Own
At $974/month rent versus $907/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $67/month cheaper — a 7% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $38,960/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $38,871/year. With a median household income of $63,005, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 32.0% of renter households in Montezuma County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Colorado, Montezuma County is less affordable than Logan County by roughly 5% ($974/mo vs $1,027/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Montezuma County
Rent Burden
18.6%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,470
per month
Owner Cost Burden
17.3%
of gross income
The median home in Montezuma County may be a stretch
Median home value is $308,100. Estimated monthly cost: $2,460 vs. your max of $1,470.
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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