Cost of Living in Ouray County, Colorado
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Ouray County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Ouray County ranks #160 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 5%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Ouray County, Colorado
Ouray commands premium for high earners
Ouray County renters spend 19.8% of income on housing—just below the national average despite rents significantly above the national norm. The median household income of $84,556 is 13% above the U.S. average, reflecting a high-income mountain community where professional wages offset elevated costs.
Mountain premium meets high wages
Ouray County's rent-to-income ratio of 19.8% sits slightly below Colorado's state average of 20.2%, despite median rents of $1,398—12% above the state median. This apparent paradox reflects Ouray's status as a high-earner enclave where incomes substantially outpace state norms.
Highest rents, highest incomes
Ouray's $1,398 monthly rent is the highest in our sample—39% above Montrose ($1,120) and 56% above Mineral ($903)—yet its $84,556 median income also tops all peers except Park County. This premium market attracts affluent professionals willing to pay for mountain living and outdoor amenities.
Steep costs, compensated by wages
Renters pay $1,398/month while homeowners spend $950 on median homes valued at $670,100—revealing a market where ownership dramatically undercuts renting. At $84,556 income, housing represents 16-20% of monthly earnings, sustainable only for high-wage earners or asset-rich buyers.
Premium mountain living for professionals
Ouray County suits high-income remote workers or professionals seeking alpine living with above-average wages to match above-average costs. Compare this against Montrose County (lower rents, similar ownership value) or Park County (higher incomes, even steeper rents) based on your income and lifestyle priorities.
Cost of Living Advisory: Ouray County
Affordability Verdict
Ouray County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $1,398/month — about 19.8% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Ouray County is $1,398/month, while owner costs run $950/month. Owning saves approximately $448/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $55,920/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $40,714/year. With a median household income of $84,556, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 27.0% of renter households in Ouray County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Grand County where rent averages $1,451/month, Ouray County is approximately 4% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Ouray County
Rent Burden
19.8%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,973
per month
Owner Cost Burden
13.5%
of gross income
The median home in Ouray County may be a stretch
Median home value is $670,100. Estimated monthly cost: $5,350 vs. your max of $1,973.
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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