Cost of Living in Routt County, Colorado
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Routt County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Routt County ranks #1,135 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 36%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Routt County, Colorado
Routt County Demands Premium Paychecks
Routt County's 21.1% rent-to-income ratio exceeds both state (20.2%) and national averages, with renters paying $1,845 monthly. However, the county's median household income of $104,803—40% above the national average—helps offset these premium costs.
Colorado's Second-Most Expensive Market
Routt County ranks second only to Pitkin for cost, with a $756,200 median home value and $1,845 monthly rent reflecting its status as a premier mountain resort destination. The county attracts high earners who can absorb these costs as a trade-off for ski access and lifestyle amenities.
Steeper Than Rio Blanco by Far
Routt's $1,845 rent dwarfs neighboring Rio Blanco County's $924—a 99% premium for ski-town living. Even ownership costs nearly double ($1,837 vs. $1,043), making Routt Colorado's costliest option outside of Aspen's Pitkin County.
Housing Takes 21% of Premium Incomes
Despite Colorado's highest-earning median income at $104,803, Routt residents dedicate 21.1% to rent and 21.0% to ownership—both above the healthy 30% threshold. The gap between rental ($1,845) and ownership ($1,837) is negligible, reflecting a luxury resort market where costs are consistently steep.
Routt Works for High-Income Ski Enthusiasts
If household income exceeds $120,000 and world-class skiing is non-negotiable, Routt County's premium lifestyle justifies the costs. Budget-conscious relocators should explore Rio Blanco instead—you'll find similar mountain access at less than half the price.
Cost of Living Advisory: Routt County
Affordability Verdict
Routt County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $1,845/month representing approximately 21.1% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 31.0%.
Rent vs. Own
At $1,845/month rent versus $1,837/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $8/month cheaper — a 0% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $73,800/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $78,729/year. With a median household income of $104,803, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 31.0% of renter households in Routt County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Colorado, Routt County is more affordable than Jefferson County by roughly 3% ($1,845/mo vs $1,792/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Routt County
Rent Burden
21.1%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$2,445
per month
Owner Cost Burden
21.0%
of gross income
The median home in Routt County may be a stretch
Median home value is $756,200. Estimated monthly cost: $6,037 vs. your max of $2,445.
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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