Costilla County, Colorado

Income Data

-51% vs. Colorado average
$36,519
Median Household Income
$27,976
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$36,519
-51% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$27,976
-29% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
21.3%
income as % of home value
Rank in Colorado
#64 / 64
by median household income

How Costilla County Compares

Costilla County$36,519
Colorado Average$74,792
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$36,519
Median Household Income
$27,976
Per Capita Income
$171,300
Median Home Value
21.3%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Costilla County, Colorado

Costilla faces Colorado's deepest income crisis

Costilla County's median household income of $36,519 represents a devastating $38,236 shortfall from the national median of $74,755—more than 50% below average. This ranks among the poorest counties in Colorado and signals severe economic distress.

Colorado's lowest household income county

At $36,519, Costilla County's median household income ranks at or near the absolute bottom among Colorado's 64 counties, trailing the state average of $74,792 by $38,273. Population decline, limited employment, and agricultural dependence define the county's dire economic situation.

Costilla isolated in poverty among peers

Costilla's $36,519 income falls sharply below Conejos ($47,209) and Crowley ($47,563), marking it as the poorest in this trio of struggling southern Colorado counties. Without regional economic anchors or workforce diversification, the county faces mounting challenges.

Housing burden crushes Costilla households

Costilla residents dedicate 28.2% of their already-lean $36,519 income to rent—the highest rent burden among these eight counties and well above healthy affordability. This leaves families with minimal resources for food, healthcare, or savings.

Costilla needs economic renewal, not just savings

With median household income at $36,519, Costilla households face structural economic challenges beyond individual financial planning. Community investment in job creation, workforce training, and economic diversification must precede wealth-building for most residents.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Costilla County, Colorado?
The median household income in Costilla County, Colorado is $36,519, 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 Costilla County?
The per capita income in Costilla County is $27,976, 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 $36,519.
How does Costilla County compare to the Colorado average?
Costilla County's median household income of $36,519 is lower than the Colorado state average of $74,792. The per capita income is $27,976, compared to the state average of $43,584.
What is the per capita income in Costilla County, Colorado?
The per capita income in Costilla County, Colorado is $27,976, 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 Costilla County a low-income area in Colorado?
Costilla County's median household income of $36,519 is below the Colorado average of $74,792. The per capita income of $27,976 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 Costilla County rank for income in Colorado?
Costilla County ranks #64 out of 64 counties in Colorado by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $36,519 and per capita income of $27,976, it falls in the bottom third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Costilla County

$
1.00x

Your income is above the Costilla County median

County median: $36,519 per year

vs. County Median

+0%

vs. State Average

-51%

vs. National Median

-51%

vs. Costilla County MedianAbout equal
vs. Colorado Average51% below
vs. National Median51% below

Income Adequacy

Monthly income covers median rent3.6x

Your monthly income ($3,043) vs. median rent ($857/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 Costilla County, Colorado? Start investing smarter with a robo-advisor that builds a diversified portfolio for you.

Start Investing

Counties with Similar Income Levels

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.