Cost of Living in Montrose County, Colorado
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Montrose County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Montrose County ranks #2,282 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 27%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Montrose County, Colorado
Montrose edges out national standards
Montrose County renters spend 20.3% of income on housing—nearly identical to the national average and just above the 20% threshold. With median household income of $66,072 (about 12% below the U.S. average), residents here manage comparable affordability through moderately lower absolute rents.
Right at Colorado's affordability midline
Montrose County's rent-to-income ratio of 20.3% sits effectively at Colorado's state average of 20.2%, making it representative of mid-range county affordability. Its median rent of $1,120 is 11% below the state median, though incomes are slightly lower than the state average.
Premium among the Four Corners peers
Montrose's $1,120 rent ranks higher than Mineral County ($903) and Montezuma County ($974), reflecting its position as a more desirable mountain community. Despite higher rents, Montrose's median income of $66,072 and ownership costs of $881 suggest strong value for buyers versus renters.
Buyers gain clear advantage over renters
Renters pay $1,120/month while homeowners spend just $881—a striking 22% discount favoring ownership on median home values of $357,900. At $66,072 income, monthly housing typically consumes 16-18% of earnings for owners and 20% for renters, encouraging a shift toward purchase.
Mountain living with ownership upside
Montrose County appeals to buyers seeking Colorado mountain charm at reasonable prices, with ownership costs substantially lower than rents. If you're deciding between rural counties, Montrose offers better income-to-housing balance than Mineral, though less stability than Moffat County.
Cost of Living Advisory: Montrose County
Affordability Verdict
Montrose County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $1,120/month representing approximately 20.3% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 29.0%.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Montrose County pay $1,120/month on average, compared to $881/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 21%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $44,800/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $37,757/year. With a median household income of $66,072, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 29.0% of renter households in Montrose County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to San Miguel County where rent averages $1,173/month, Montrose County is approximately 5% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Montrose County
Rent Burden
20.3%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,542
per month
Owner Cost Burden
16.0%
of gross income
The median home in Montrose County may be a stretch
Median home value is $357,900. Estimated monthly cost: $2,857 vs. your max of $1,542.
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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