Cost of Living in San Juan County, Colorado
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How San Juan County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
San Juan County ranks #88 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 3%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in San Juan County, Colorado
San Juan rents are below the national norm
San Juan County residents spend just 17.5% of household income on rent, beating the national average and signaling strong affordability. At $1,076 per month, median rent here runs $177 below Colorado's state average of $1,253, giving renters real breathing room in their budgets.
Among Colorado's most affordable counties
With a rent-to-income ratio of 17.5%, San Juan County ranks among the state's most housing-friendly markets compared to Colorado's 20.2% average. This advantage reflects both modest rental costs and a median household income of $73,889 that aligns closely with national benchmarks.
Competitive with mountain county peers
San Juan's $1,076 rent undercuts neighboring San Miguel County's $1,173 and significantly undercuts Summit County's $1,851, making it an affordable gateway to Colorado's high country. Home values tell a similar story: San Juan's median of $406,900 sits between Sedgwick County's $142,700 and San Miguel's $613,100.
Rent eats less than owners pay
San Juan renters dedicate $1,076 monthly while homeowners pay $772—a rare reversal where renting costs more than mortgage payments. With median income at $73,889 annually, housing (whether rent or mortgage) consumes a healthy 12-18% of household earnings, leaving room for other necessities.
Thinking of mountain living? Start here.
If you're relocating to Colorado's mountains, San Juan County delivers outdoor access without the cost shock of Summit County. Compare your $73,889 median income benchmark against your household earnings, then explore whether San Juan's $406,900 median home value or $1,076 rent fits your budget.
Cost of Living Advisory: San Juan County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in San Juan County is affordable. The median rent is $1,076/month against a median household income of $73,889, putting rent at 17.5% of income.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in San Juan County pay $1,076/month on average, compared to $772/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 28%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $43,040/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $33,086/year. With a median household income of $73,889, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 22.0% of renter households in San Juan County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Colorado, San Juan County is more affordable than Custer County by roughly 5% ($1,076/mo vs $1,021/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in San Juan County
Rent Burden
17.5%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,724
per month
Owner Cost Burden
12.5%
of gross income
The median home in San Juan County may be a stretch
Median home value is $406,900. Estimated monthly cost: $3,248 vs. your max of $1,724.
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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