Baca County, Colorado

Income Data

U.S. Census Bureau ACS

-46% vs. Colorado average

$40,380

Median Household Income

$28,598

Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income

$40,380

-46% vs. state avg

Per Capita Income

$28,598

-28% vs. national

Income-to-Housing Ratio

33.1%

income as % of home value

Rank in Colorado

#63 / 64

by median household income

Economic Indicators

Unemployment Rate

N/A

Labor Force Participation

N/A

How Baca County Compares

Baca County$40,380

Colorado Average$74,792

National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$40,380

Median Household Income

$28,598

Per Capita Income

$122,000

Median Home Value

33.1%

Income-to-Housing Ratio

Income Advisory: Baca County

Income Verdict

Baca County has a median household income of $40,380 and per capita income of $28,598 — a gap of $11,782, suggesting a higher share of single-earner or non-family households.

Housing Affordability

With median gross rent at $490/month and a median household income of $40,380, rent consumes approximately 14.6% of monthly income — well within affordable thresholds.

Economic Context

A median household income of $40,380 indicates below-average earnings, which may limit discretionary spending and make households sensitive to cost-of-living increases. Per capita income of $28,598 suggests below-average individual earnings, which may reflect local employment mix or industrial composition.

Neighbor Context

Baca County earns approximately 46% below the Colorado state median household income of $74,792.

Data Story

About Household Income in Baca County, Colorado

Baca County faces severe income gap

Baca County's median household income of $40,380 is 46% below the national median of $74,755, placing it among America's lowest-income rural counties. This significant shortfall reflects the challenges of agricultural-dependent, sparsely populated communities in eastern Colorado.

Lowest-income county in Colorado

Baca County ranks dead last among Colorado's 64 counties with a median household income of just $40,380, less than 54% of the state average of $74,792. The county's economy relies almost entirely on ranching and agriculture, limiting income diversity and growth prospects.

Poorest of the rural southeast

Baca's $40,380 median household income is lower than nearly all neighboring rural counties, though slightly above the severe poverty of some Panhandle regions. Bent County ($49,194) offers one of few higher-income comparisons in the immediate area.

Low costs offset low income

Baca County's 14.6% rent-to-income ratio is the state's lowest, meaning housing consumes remarkably little of earnings despite low incomes. The median home value of just $122,000 makes homeownership highly affordable, providing financial stability in an otherwise challenging economic environment.

Affordable housing enables savings

Despite Baca County's low median income of $40,380, the exceptionally low cost of living—especially housing at $122,000—creates opportunities for even modest-income households to save. Prioritize building any emergency fund possible, explore low-cost retirement savings options, and consider skill-building investments to improve long-term earning potential.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Baca County, Colorado?

The median household income in Baca County, Colorado is $40,380, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. This represents the midpoint of all household incomes in the county.

How much do people earn in Baca County?

The per capita income in Baca County is $28,598, which represents the average income per person across the entire county population. The median household income — which accounts for all earners in a household — is $40,380.

How does Baca County compare to the Colorado average?

Baca County's median household income of $40,380 is lower than the Colorado state average of $74,792. The per capita income is $28,598, compared to the state average of $43,584.

What is the per capita income in Baca County, Colorado?

The per capita income in Baca County, Colorado is $28,598, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. Per capita income is calculated by dividing total personal income by total population, providing an average income figure per resident.

Is Baca County a low-income area in Colorado?

Baca County's median household income of $40,380 is below the Colorado average of $74,792. The per capita income of $28,598 is also lower than the state average of $43,584. Lower incomes can reflect the local economic base, rural vs. urban location, and employment opportunities available in the area.

How does Baca County rank for income in Colorado?

Baca County ranks #63 out of 64 counties in Colorado by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $40,380 and per capita income of $28,598, it falls in the bottom third of counties statewide.