Cost of Living in Rio Grande County, Colorado
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Rio Grande County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Rio Grande County ranks #2,501 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 20%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Rio Grande County, Colorado
Rio Grande County Delivers Rare Affordability
Rio Grande County's 15.1% rent-to-income ratio ranks among Colorado's lowest, with residents spending just $782 monthly on rent—38% below the state median. Despite income roughly 17% below the national average, families here enjoy housing costs that don't consume their paychecks.
Colorado's Secret Affordability Champion
Rio Grande County ranks second only to Prowers for statewide affordability, with rents and ownership costs that undercut most Colorado markets. The $215,400 median home value and $782 monthly rent position it as a true budget alternative in a high-cost state.
Outvalues Most Regional Peers
Rio Grande's $782 rent costs $177 less than Pueblo and $142 less than Phillips County, making it the San Luis Valley's affordability leader. Homeownership at $875 monthly also beats nearby options, delivering consistent value across all housing types.
Housing Takes Just 15% of Budgets
Rio Grande residents allocate only 15.1% of their $62,166 median income to rent and 16.9% to ownership—both exceptionally low. The $93 gap between rent and ownership costs gives households genuine flexibility without financial compromise.
Rio Grande: True Mountain Affordability
Rio Grande County combines San Luis Valley beauty with some of Colorado's lowest housing costs—renters save $471 monthly versus state average. Consider Rio Grande if you're priced out of Front Range markets and want authentic rural Colorado living without the financial strain.
Cost of Living Advisory: Rio Grande County
Affordability Verdict
Rio Grande County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $782/month — about 15.1% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Rio Grande County is $782/month, while owner costs run $875/month. Renting saves approximately $93/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $31,280/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $37,500/year. With a median household income of $62,166, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 25.0% of renter households in Rio Grande County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Rio Grande County sits 7% more expensive than Sedgwick County ($728/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Rio Grande County
Rent Burden
15.1%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,451
per month
Owner Cost Burden
16.9%
of gross income
The median home in Rio Grande County may be a stretch
Median home value is $215,400. Estimated monthly cost: $1,720 vs. your max of $1,451.
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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