Special Interest
Housing in La Plata County
Both Census and HUD figures represent gross rent — contract rent plus estimated utility costs for electricity, heat, water, and sewer.
Rent in La Plata County averages $1,504/month for a 2‑bedroom in 2024, compared to the Colorado median of $1,761 and the national median of $1,413. Local renters spend approximately 36% of household income on rent, above the national average of 32%.
HUD 2026 50th Percentile Rent Estimates for La Plata County FMR Area are $1,326 for a studio, $1,360 for 1‑bedroom, $1,784 for 2‑bedroom, $2,181 for 3‑bedroom, and $2,362 for 4‑bedroom.
HUD 2026 Rent Estimates reflect market movement since 2024 Census data — a $280 increase for a 2-bedroom in La Plata County shows a 19% rise over that period.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics annual unemployment rate for La Plata County was 4.1% in 2024, compared to Colorado at 4.3% and the national rate of 4.0%.
