IncomeBy County

Chaffee County, Colorado

Income Data

-5% vs. Colorado average
$70,909
Median Household Income
$43,357
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$70,909
-5% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$43,357
+10% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
11.8%
income as % of home value
Rank in Colorado
#34 / 64
by median household income

How Chaffee County Compares

Chaffee County$70,909
Colorado Average$74,792
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$70,909
Median Household Income
$43,357
Per Capita Income
$598,500
Median Home Value
11.8%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Chaffee County, Colorado

Chaffee trails national income slightly

Chaffee County's median household income of $70,909 falls about $3,846 below the U.S. median of $74,755. While the county doesn't rank among the wealthiest nationally, its income level places it solidly in the middle-upper range for rural Colorado communities.

Mid-pack in Colorado's income ladder

At $70,909, Chaffee's median household income runs slightly below Colorado's state average of $74,792. The county ranks in the middle tier among Colorado's 64 counties, reflecting its mix of tourism, outdoor recreation, and skilled trades employment.

Clear Creek and Custer outpace Chaffee

Neighboring Clear Creek County significantly outearns Chaffee at $96,667 median household income, while nearby Custer County edges ahead at $72,700. Chaffee's income sits between these mountain neighbors, likely reflecting differences in mining heritage and current economic diversification.

Housing costs bite into Chaffee budgets

Chaffee residents spend 25.6% of median household income on rent—well above the 20% affordability threshold and higher than most Colorado counties. With a median home value of $598,500, homeownership requires substantial income, making housing one of the county's chief affordability challenges.

Strategic saving bridges Chaffee's income gap

Chaffee households earning $70,909 can maximize retirement contributions and build emergency savings to weather Colorado's high housing costs. Even modest investments in diversified funds or employer 401(k) matching can compound significantly over time, helping families reach wealth stability.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Chaffee County, Colorado?
The median household income in Chaffee County, Colorado is $70,909, 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 Chaffee County?
The per capita income in Chaffee County is $43,357, 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 $70,909.
How does Chaffee County compare to the Colorado average?
Chaffee County's median household income of $70,909 is lower than the Colorado state average of $74,792. The per capita income is $43,357, compared to the state average of $43,584.
What is the per capita income in Chaffee County, Colorado?
The per capita income in Chaffee County, Colorado is $43,357, 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 Chaffee County a low-income area in Colorado?
Chaffee County's median household income of $70,909 is below the Colorado average of $74,792. The per capita income of $43,357 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 Chaffee County rank for income in Colorado?
Chaffee County ranks #34 out of 64 counties in Colorado by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $70,909 and per capita income of $43,357, it falls in the middle third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Chaffee County

$
1.00x

Your income is above the Chaffee County median

County median: $70,909 per year

vs. County Median

+0%

vs. State Average

-5%

vs. National Median

-5%

vs. Chaffee County MedianAbout equal
vs. Colorado Average▼ 5% below
vs. National Median▼ 5% below

Income Adequacy

Monthly income covers median rent3.9x

Your monthly income ($5,909) vs. median rent ($1,514/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.

Sponsored

Grow Your Wealth

See how your income stacks up in Chaffee County, Colorado? Start investing smarter with a robo-advisor that builds a diversified portfolio for you.

WealthfrontBetterment
Start Investing

Counties with Similar Income Levels

Noble County
Indiana
$70,908
+0%
Otter Tail County
Minnesota
$70,912
+0%
Spencer County
Indiana
$70,890
+0%
Millard County
Utah
$70,877
+0%
Dawson County
Montana
$70,953
+0%
Sheridan County
Wyoming
$70,855
+0%
Sponsored

Compare Financial Products in Colorado

Compare savings accounts, CDs, and money market rates from top banks to make the most of your earnings.

Compare Rates

Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.

Explore more data for this county

Property TaxCost of LivingCrime RateHealthSchoolsRiskWaterWeatherCounty Score