Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in La Plata County, Colorado
La Plata County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,821 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,504 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $35.02 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,821
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 5% less than in Colorado
- Typical rent
- $1,504
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 15% less than in Colorado
- Wage needed
- $35.02
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $72,840 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 53%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- About the same as in Colorado
Only here
Renting in La Plata County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
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La Plata County has the highest typical rent in its area: $1,504, more than any of its 5 neighboring counties; next is Archuleta County ($1,432).
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau (Average 2020–2024).
Fair market rent
What HUD sets for each size
Every year HUD (the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) publishes a Fair Market Rent (FMR) for each home size in La Plata County. It is used to work out how much a Section 8 voucher covers. The table shows what you need to earn to pay it without spending more than 30% of income.
The fair market rent covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone. HUD generally sets it at the 40th percentile: 4 in 10 standard-quality homes rented recently cost less. 24 CFR §888.113(a)
According to Zillow (ZORI), the typical asking rent in La Plata County was $1,979 a month in September 2026: 1.1% more than 12 months ago. It is an index of market listings, not a HUD limit. Zillow data
| Size | Fair rent per month | Hourly wage | Income needed per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,338 | $25.73 | $53,520 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,392 | $26.77 | $55,680 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,821 | $35.02 | $72,840 |
| 3 bedrooms | $2,209 | $42.48 | $88,360 |
| 4 bedrooms | $2,393 | $46.02 | $95,720 |
HUD area: La Plata County, CO. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2027
By ZIP code
The fair market rent for your ZIP code
HUD also publishes fair market rents by ZIP code (Small Area FMRs) for 9 ZIP codes in La Plata County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,440 in 81137 to $1,880 in 81122. 4 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,821).
Where HUD designates these areas, or where the housing agency chooses to use them, the voucher is figured on the ZIP code's rent instead of the county's. Ask your agency which one it uses. 24 CFR §982.503(a)(1)
| 81122 | Archuleta County, CO | $1,390 | $1,440 | $1,880 | $2,290 | $2,490 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 81122 | La Plata County, CO | $1,390 | $1,440 | $1,880 | $2,290 | $2,490 |
| 81137 | Archuleta County, CO | $1,070 | $1,090 | $1,440 | $1,750 | $2,070 |
| 81137 | Farmington, NM | $1,070 | $1,090 | $1,440 | $1,750 | $2,070 |
| 81137 | La Plata County, CO | $1,070 | $1,090 | $1,440 | $1,750 | $2,070 |
| 81301 | La Plata County, CO | $1,370 | $1,430 | $1,870 | $2,270 | $2,460 |
| 81301 | San Juan County, CO | $1,370 | $1,430 | $1,870 | $2,270 | $2,460 |
| 81303 | La Plata County, CO | $1,310 | $1,360 | $1,780 | $2,160 | $2,340 |
| 81326 | La Plata County, CO | $1,070 | $1,090 | $1,440 | $1,750 | $2,070 |
- 81122 · Archuleta County, CO $1,880$2,290
- 81122 · La Plata County, CO $1,880$2,290
- 81137 · Archuleta County, CO $1,440$1,750
- 81137 · Farmington, NM $1,440$1,750
- 81137 · La Plata County, CO $1,440$1,750
- 81301 · La Plata County, CO $1,870$2,270
- 81301 · San Juan County, CO $1,870$2,270
- 81303 · La Plata County, CO $1,780$2,160
- 81326 · La Plata County, CO $1,440$1,750
Source: Small Area Fair Market Rents (HUD) Fiscal year 2027 Small Area Fair Market Rents (HUD) (external site)
Rent burden
How many households spend too much
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In La Plata County, 53% of renter households are in that position; in Colorado, 53%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).
Paying too much rent leaves little for food, transportation and savings. If that is you, the agencies below can guide you for free.
53%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
7,086 households rent in La Plata County
- Spend half or more of their income 26%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 27%
- Spend less than 30% 47%
Compared with the state and the country
- La Plata 53%
- Colorado 53%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in La Plata County
HUD lists 16 properties with homes for low-income households in La Plata County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC) and HUD-assisted buildings. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest.
- with tax credits (LIHTC)
- 13
- HUD-assisted
- 4
795 homes in all; 749 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Durango Housing HUD-assisted 240 E 4th Ave, Durango 81301 97 low-income homes · For families · (970) 247-2788
- Durango Housing Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 650 Valentine Dr, Durango 81301 97 low-income homes · Studio: 6 · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 23 · 3 bd: 52 · 4 bd: 8 · In service since 2006 · For families
- Tamarin Square Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 1401 E 3rd Ave, Durango 81301 68 low-income homes · 1 bd: 67 · 2 bd: 1 · In service since 2003 · For older adults, families · (970) 247-8622
- Pinon Terrace Tax credit (LIHTC) 20 Primrose Cir, Durango 81301 66 homes, 63 low-income · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 38 · 3 bd: 12 · In service since 2008 · For families
- Southwest Horizon Ranch Tax credit (LIHTC) 44 Twin Pines Ln, Durango 81303 61 low-income homes · 2 bd: 15 · 3 bd: 46 · In service since 2000
- Miremonte Tax credit (LIHTC) 584 Wilson Gulch Dr, Durango 81301 53 low-income homes · 1 bd: 49 · 2 bd: 4 · In service since 2020 · For older adults
- Lumien Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 3190 E Animas Village Dr, Durango 81301 50 low-income homes · 1 bd: 25 · 2 bd: 25 · In service since 2015 · For families
- Merced de las Animas Tax credit (LIHTC) 3509 W 2nd Ave, Durango 81301 50 homes, 49 low-income · 1 bd: 5 · 2 bd: 25 · 3 bd: 20 · In service since 1998
- Valle de Merced Tax credit (LIHTC) 800 Goeglein Gulch Rd, Durango 81301 46 low-income homes · 1 bd: 17 · 2 bd: 23 · 3 bd: 6 · In service since 2004 · For families
- Lumien Apartments II Tax credit (LIHTC) 3190 E Animas Village Dr, Durango 81301 36 low-income homes · 1 bd: 21 · 2 bd: 15 · In service since 2019 · For families, people experiencing homelessness
- Cedar View I HUD-assisted 3160 E Animas Village Dr, Durango 81301 30 homes, 29 low-income · For older adults · (970) 247-9620
- Springtree Village Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 950 E 32nd St, Durango 81301 28 homes, 27 low-income · 1 bd: 27 · 2 bd: 1 · In service since 2003 · For older adults
- Cedar View II HUD-assisted 3150 E Animas Village Dr, Durango 81301 25 homes, 24 low-income · For older adults · (970) 259-7600
- Heritage Village Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1920 Florida Rd, Durango 81301 24 homes, 21 low-income · 1 bd: 24 · In service since 1991
- Pine River Valley Tax credit (LIHTC) 251 S Clover Dr, Bayfield 81122 16 low-income homes · 1 bd: 16 · In service since 1994
- Westwood Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 60 Westwood Pl, Durango 81301 48 homes, 12 low-income · 2 bd: 48 · In service since 1998
One property has two programs at the same address and appears once. Search HUD's map
Source: HUD, retrieved November 6, 2026. LIHTC database, updated May 14, 2025; Assisted multifamily properties, updated October 23, 2026; Public housing developments, updated October 23, 2026.
Section 8
The Section 8 voucher in La Plata County
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. A public housing agency runs it. HUD lists none with an office in La Plata County; the state's agencies can help you. Here is what the rules say:
The rules, with their source
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You apply at the public housing agency. If you qualify, your name usually goes on a waiting list. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or noncitizens with eligible status as HUD defines it. Source: HUD
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Generally, your family must have very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income, by family size (the middle column of the table). Source: 24 CFR §5.603, §982.201(b)
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Each year, at least 75% of the families an agency admits from its list must have extremely low income (the 30% column). Source: 24 CFR §982.201(b)(2)
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If the rent is below the payment standard, the family generally pays 30% of its adjusted monthly income. If it is above, the family pays more. Source: 24 CFR §982.1(a)(3)
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When you move in, if the rent is above the payment standard, your share cannot go over 40% of your adjusted monthly income. Source: 24 CFR §982.508
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Each agency sets a payment standard for each size. Without asking HUD, it can go from 90% to 110% of the fair market rent. Source: 24 CFR §982.503(b), (c)
| People | Extremely low (30%) | Very low (50%) | Low |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $24,100 | $40,150 | $64,250 |
| 2 people | $27,550 | $45,900 | $73,400 |
| 3 people | $31,000 | $51,650 | $82,600 |
| 4 people | $34,400 | $57,350 | $91,750 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $61,950 | $99,100 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $66,550 | $106,450 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $71,150 | $113,800 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $75,750 | $121,150 |
Area median income: $114,700. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: La Plata County, CO. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $1,204 – $1,472
- 1 bedroom $1,253 – $1,531
- 2 bedrooms $1,639 – $2,003
- 3 bedrooms $1,988 – $2,430
- 4 bedrooms $2,154 – $2,632
The range the rule allows: 90% to 110% of the county's fair market rent. Your agency publishes its own.
Housing agencies that serve this place
HUD lists no housing agency with an office in La Plata County. You can apply at another agency in your state: you do not have to live where you apply. Source: HUD
Your rights as a tenant in Colorado
What Colorado law says about deposits, notices and eviction, with the citation for each rule.
See your rights, rule by ruleCompare these rules with other states →
A summary of state law, not legal advice. Cities may have additional rules.
- How much can they charge for a deposit?
- Up to 2 months of rent
- C.R.S. §38-12-102.5
- If I fall behind on rent, what notice must I get?
- 10 days
- C.R.S. §13-40-104(1)(d)
- How much notice ends a month-to-month rental?
- 21 days
- C.R.S. §13-40-107(2)
- How much notice before a rent increase?
- 60 days
- C.R.S. §38-12-701(2)(a)
- Only a court order can remove youC.R.S. §38-12-510(1)
- Protection from retaliationC.R.S. §38-12-509(1)(a)
- Protection related to immigration statusC.R.S. §38-12-1203(1)
Help
Where to get help with rent in La Plata County
These HUD-approved agencies have offices in La Plata County. They counsel for free or at low cost.
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Community Economic Defense Project -Cedp-Durango, CO
1911 Main Ave, Durango · Spanish
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Mortgage delinquency workshops
- and 6 more
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Housing Solutions for the Southwest
295 Girard St, Durango
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 3 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in La Plata County. Change the rent, the deposit and the fees to yours: the numbers stay in your browser.
Count power on top of the rent: in Colorado, the average home bill was $101 a month in 2024 (EIA). See electricity and gas costs
Your move
We use the place's fair market rent and the state's deposit rule.
Adjust advanced details
Let's do the math
Cash to move in
$3,642
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,821
- Security deposit
- $1,821
- Total
- $3,642
When you'll have it
Enter what you can set aside each month to see how long it takes.
What helps
- Ask for a receipt for every payment and keep a copy of the lease.
- On move-in day, walk through the home and take dated photos.
- Never send money for a home you haven't seen or a lease you haven't read.
This is a planning estimate, not a price. What you are asked for depends on the landlord, your lease and your state's and city's rules. It is not legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
What is the fair market rent in La Plata County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $1,338; 1 bedroom: $1,392; 2 bedrooms: $1,821; 3 bedrooms: $2,209; 4 bedrooms: $2,393. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in La Plata County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,821) without spending more than 30% of income takes $35.02 an hour full time, or $72,840 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in La Plata County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $57,350 a year (Fiscal year 2026). The family usually pays 30% of its adjusted monthly income. You apply at the housing agency.
How much does Section 8 pay in La Plata County?
The voucher pays up to your housing agency's payment standard, minus your share. The rule lets the agency set it between 90% and 110% of the fair market rent: for 2 bedrooms here, between $1,639 and $2,003 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in La Plata County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,440 in 81137 to $1,880 in 81122. Where HUD designates these areas, or where the housing agency chooses to use them, the voucher is figured on the ZIP code's rent instead of the county's. Ask your agency which one it uses.
How many low-income apartments are there in La Plata County?
HUD lists 16 properties with homes for low-income households in La Plata County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC) and HUD-assisted buildings. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest. For tax-credit apartments and HUD-assisted buildings, you apply directly at the building's management office. They tell you whether units are open and how to apply; HUD does not have that information.
How many households spend too much on rent in La Plata County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In La Plata County, 53% of renter households are in that position; in Colorado, 53%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).