Cost of Living in Otero County, Colorado
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Otero County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Otero County ranks #2,519 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 20%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Otero County, Colorado
Otero County: Colorado's most affordable haven
Otero County renters spend just 17.4% of income on housing—among the lowest ratios in the nation and well below affordability concerns. At $54,897, median household income is 27% below the U.S. average, but rock-bottom rents of $796/month make housing genuinely accessible here.
Colorado's bargain-basement rents
Otero County's $796 median rent is the lowest in our sample and 37% below Colorado's state median of $1,253, creating extraordinary affordability. The 17.4% rent-to-income ratio matches top performers statewide despite wages significantly below state averages.
Dramatically cheaper than mountain counties
Otero's $796 rent undercuts every neighboring county in our sample by wide margins—Mineral ($903), Montezuma ($974), and Montrose ($1,120) all charge 12-40% more. Its median home value of $160,700 is also the lowest, reflecting Otero's position as Southeast Colorado's most economical market.
Minimal housing burden, low wages
Renters pay just $796/month and owners spend $831, among the nation's lowest absolute costs for housing. At $54,897 median income, housing represents roughly 17-18% of monthly earnings—leaving tight but sustainable budgets for residents with limited local wage growth.
Maximum affordability, limited opportunity
Otero County is ideal for retirees, remote workers, or those prioritizing bare-bones cost of living, with rents 36% below state average. Consider this against Mineral County for slightly better wages, or Montezuma County if seeking better income potential without major rent increases.
Cost of Living Advisory: Otero County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Otero County is affordable. The median rent is $796/month against a median household income of $54,897, putting rent at 17.4% of income.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Otero County is $796/month, while owner costs run $831/month. Renting saves approximately $35/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $31,840/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $35,614/year. With a median household income of $54,897, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 29.0% of renter households in Otero County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Otero County sits 7% more expensive than Prowers County ($741/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Otero County
Rent Burden
17.4%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,281
per month
Owner Cost Burden
18.2%
of gross income
The median home in Otero County may be a stretch
Median home value is $160,700. Estimated monthly cost: $1,283 vs. your max of $1,281.
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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