Cost of Living in Saguache County, Colorado
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Saguache County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Saguache County ranks #773 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 25%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Saguache County, Colorado
Saguache County Offers Exceptional Value
Saguache County residents spend just 16.5% of income on rent—well below both the state average (20.2%) and national norms—with monthly costs of $746. Despite having Colorado's lowest median household income at $54,283, families here enjoy one of the state's most affordable housing markets.
Rural Colorado at Its Most Affordable
Saguache County ranks third statewide for affordability, delivering genuine housing relief to residents earning the least. The $746 rent and $200,000 median home value reflect a true rural community where housing costs remain proportional to local incomes.
Saguache Beats Rio Grande Slightly
Saguache's $746 rent matches Rio Grande County's affordability level, though with slightly lower home values ($200K vs. $215K). Both counties compete as the region's budget champions, with Saguache appealing to those seeking maximum cost reduction in the San Luis Valley.
Housing Takes Just 16.5% of Income
With a median household income of $54,283, Saguache residents allocate 16.5% to rent and 14.9% to ownership—exceptionally low ratios. The remarkable gap between rent ($746) and ownership ($675) means homeownership is actually cheaper, making the county accessible for first-time buyers.
Saguache: Lowest-Cost Colorado Living
Saguache County delivers Colorado's most affordable housing combined with authentic mountain-valley living—rents under $750 and ownership under $700 monthly. Retirees, remote workers, and those priced out of mainstream markets should seriously compare Saguache's exceptional value proposition.
Cost of Living Advisory: Saguache County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Saguache County is affordable. The median rent is $746/month against a median household income of $54,283, putting rent at 16.5% of income.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Saguache County is $746/month, while owner costs run $675/month. Owning saves approximately $71/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $29,840/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $28,929/year. With a median household income of $54,283, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 27.0% of renter households in Saguache County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Bent County where rent averages $854/month, Saguache County is approximately 13% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Saguache County
Rent Burden
16.5%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,267
per month
Owner Cost Burden
14.9%
of gross income
The median home in Saguache County may be a stretch
Median home value is $200,000. Estimated monthly cost: $1,597 vs. your max of $1,267.
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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