RentData

Average Rent in Summit County, CO Rents rising 3.2% YoY🔺 Most expensive in CO

HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 30,857

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

Market Overview

Summit County, CO has rental prices ranging from $1,571/month to $3,354/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $1,746/month — 25% above the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $106,255/year, spending $1,746/month on a 1-bedroom represents 20% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Summit County Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $2,291/month, Summit County ranks #1 most expensive of the 55 cities tracked in Colorado — pricier than 99% of all US cities in our data.

The Summit County Rental Market

The Summit County, CO area has a population of about 30,857 and 31% of households renting rather than owning. That is close to the US average renter share of ~34%.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Summit County, CO have risen by $71/month (3.2%) over the past year, from $2,220 to $2,291. This modest growth is consistent with broader inflationary trends seen across US rental markets.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Summit County, CO without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $69,840. The local median household income of $106,255 exceeds that threshold by $36,415, making Summit County relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Economy & Jobs

Summit County, CO has an unemployment rate of 3.5%, 0.4 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.

Neighborhoods

Home values — and by extension rent levels — vary significantly across Summit County's neighborhoods. Among the highest-value areas are Copper Mountain ($876,699 median home value), Blue River ($1,422,745 median home value). Renters on a tighter budget may find better value in less central neighborhoods or in adjacent metros with lower overall rent levels.

Fair Market Rents

HUD FY2025
Studio
$1,571
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$1,746
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$2,291
3.2% YoY
Affordable
3 Bedrooms
$3,126
Average
4 Bedrooms
$3,354
Average
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Is Summit 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
$91,640/year
Local median income: $106,255
To buy a median home
/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $2,291/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 Summit County?

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

Should I Rent or Buy?

Break-even analysis using real Summit County data

$
Home Value
$350,000
2BR Rent
$2,291/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: $2,291/mo
Estimates only. Excludes HOA, PMI (if <20% down), closing costs, and tax benefits. Assumes 5% return on invested down payment.

Living in Summit County

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

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🏘️Neighborhoods in Summit County

Compare rent & home prices by neighborhood

💵Rent Affordability in Summit County

Salary needed to afford rent here

🗺️All Cities in CO

See how Summit County ranks statewide

⚖️Compare Summit County

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

📋CO Tenant Rights

Deposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections