Cost of Living in Washington County, Colorado
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Washington County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Washington County ranks #1,231 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 39%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Washington County, Colorado
Washington County stays below national averages
Washington County's 18.3% rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below both Colorado's 20.2% state average and national affordability norms. Residents earning $65,164 median income pay $991 monthly rent—$262 less than Colorado's state average—securing solid rental affordability.
Well-positioned in Colorado's rankings
Washington County's 18.3% rent-to-income ratio places it well below Colorado's 20.2% average, ranking among the state's more affordable counties despite the eastern plains location. The combination of modest rents ($991) and moderate income ($65,164) delivers above-average housing security.
Plains pricing with balanced incomes
Washington's $991 rent sits between Sedgwick's rock-bottom $728 and Yuma's $897, reflecting its position as a mid-level plains county. With a $65,164 median income higher than Sedgwick ($52,833) but lower than mountain counties, Washington offers steadier economics than its rural neighbors.
Balanced housing cost across tenures
Washington renters and homeowners face nearly identical monthly costs: $991 rent versus $720 ownership, with ownership holding a clear affordability advantage at 13% of income. For a $65,164 household, both paths remain accessible, though homeownership at $218,300 requires down payment capacity renters lack.
Solid affordability for moderate earners
Washington County works well for households earning $65,000-plus seeking rural Colorado living with strong housing affordability—whether $991 rent or $218,300 home purchases. If you value plains proximity to Denver and agricultural heritage over mountain access, Washington delivers reliable economics unavailable in resort counties.
Cost of Living Advisory: Washington County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Washington County is affordable. The median rent is $991/month against a median household income of $65,164, putting rent at 18.2% of income.
Rent vs. Own
At $991/month rent versus $720/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $271/month cheaper — a 27% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $39,640/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $30,857/year. With a median household income of $65,164, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 20.0% of renter households in Washington County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Moffat County where rent averages $1,051/month, Washington County is approximately 6% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Washington County
Rent Burden
18.2%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,520
per month
Owner Cost Burden
13.3%
of gross income
The median home in Washington County may be a stretch
Median home value is $218,300. Estimated monthly cost: $1,743 vs. your max of $1,520.
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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