RentData

Average Rent in Chaffee County, CO Rents falling 8.6% YoY

HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 19,876

Data review: HUD FY2025Sources: HUD, Zillow, Census, BLSMethodologyEditorial standardsReport a correction

Market Overview

Chaffee County, CO has rental prices ranging from $987/month to $2,180/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $994/month — 29% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $70,909/year, spending $994/month on a 1-bedroom represents 17% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Chaffee County Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,304/month, Chaffee County ranks #19 most expensive of the 55 cities tracked in Colorado — pricier than 86% of all US cities in our data.

The Chaffee County Rental Market

The Chaffee County, CO area has a population of about 19,876 and 27% of households renting rather than owning. That renter share runs below the US average of ~34%, a more homeowner-heavy market where rental inventory can be limited.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Chaffee County, CO have fallen by $123/month (8.6%) over the past year, from $1,427 to $1,304. This rate of decrease is significant and reflects softening demand or increased inventory in the local market.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Chaffee County, CO without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $39,760. The local median household income of $70,909 exceeds that threshold by $31,149, making Chaffee County relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Economy & Jobs

Chaffee County, CO has an unemployment rate of 3.4%, 0.5 percentage points below the national average of 3.9%. Strong employment conditions typically sustain rental demand, as workers relocate to the area and local residents maintain stable housing.

Fair Market Rents

HUD FY2025
Studio
$987
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$994
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$1,304
8.6% YoY
Affordable
3 Bedrooms
$1,827
Average
4 Bedrooms
$2,180
Average
🔔
Get Rent Alerts
Be notified when rents change in Chaffee County

Is Chaffee County, CO Affordable?

Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.

Affordability Index(30% income rule)

To rent a 2BR
$52,160/year
Local median income: $70,909
To buy a median home
/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $1,304/month and 20% down on a home at 7% rate.

Nearby Cities in COlargest metros in the state

CityStudio1BR2BR3BRHome Value
Denver$1,639$1,789$2,140$2,794
Colorado Springs$1,219$1,472$1,778$2,491
Fort Collins$1,434$1,442$1,695$2,375
Greeley$1,107$1,203$1,528$2,141
Boulder$1,466$1,702$2,059$2,704
Pueblo$863$959$1,258$1,626

Rent or Buy in Chaffee County?

Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.

Should I Rent or Buy?

Break-even analysis using real Chaffee County data

$
Home Value
$350,000
2BR Rent
$1,304/mo
Mortgage Rate
7%
Monthly P&I
$1,863/mo
🏠 Buy

Buying breaks even after 1 year — worth it if you stay 1+ years.

Total monthly buy cost: $2,577/movs rent: $1,304/mo
Estimates only. Excludes HOA, PMI (if <20% down), closing costs, and tax benefits. Assumes 5% return on invested down payment.

Living in Chaffee County

Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.

Moving Cost Estimator

Estimate your moving costs based on FMCSA public mover data

Select your origin state to see the estimate

Estimates based on FMCSA average mover rates. Get at least 3 binding quotes from licensed movers. Protect your move →

Frequently Asked Questions

Explore More

🏘️Neighborhoods in Chaffee County

Compare rent & home prices by neighborhood

💵Rent Affordability in Chaffee County

Salary needed to afford rent here

🗺️All Cities in CO

See how Chaffee County ranks statewide

⚖️Compare Chaffee County

Side-by-side rent & cost of living with any city

📋CO Tenant Rights

Deposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections