Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Mesa County, Colorado
Mesa County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,282 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,182 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $24.65 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,282
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 33% less than in Colorado
- Typical rent
- $1,182
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 33% less than in Colorado
- Wage needed
- $24.65
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $51,280 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 49%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 8% less than in Colorado
Only here
Renting in Mesa County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
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Nearby, in Rio Blanco County, the typical rent is $919: 22% less than in Mesa County ($1,182).
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 Mesa 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 Mesa County was $1,730 a month in September 2026: 0.7% 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 | $893 | $17.17 | $35,720 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,017 | $19.56 | $40,680 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,282 | $24.65 | $51,280 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,775 | $34.13 | $71,000 |
| 4 bedrooms | $2,143 | $41.21 | $85,720 |
HUD area: Grand Junction, CO MSA. 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 17 ZIP codes in Mesa County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,140 in 81520 to $1,750 in 81507. 8 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,282).
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)
| 81501 | $880 | $1,000 | $1,260 | $1,740 | $2,110 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 81503 | $830 | $940 | $1,190 | $1,650 | $1,990 |
| 81504 | $1,070 | $1,220 | $1,540 | $2,130 | $2,570 |
| 81505 | $1,110 | $1,260 | $1,590 | $2,200 | $2,660 |
| 81506 | $910 | $1,040 | $1,310 | $1,810 | $2,190 |
| 81507 | $1,220 | $1,390 | $1,750 | $2,420 | $2,930 |
| 81520 | $800 | $900 | $1,140 | $1,580 | $1,910 |
| 81521 | $1,120 | $1,280 | $1,610 | $2,230 | $2,690 |
| 81522 | $890 | $1,020 | $1,280 | $1,770 | $2,140 |
| 81523 | $1,160 | $1,290 | $1,640 | $2,260 | $2,730 |
| 81524 | $1,050 | $1,190 | $1,510 | $2,080 | $2,490 |
| 81525 | $890 | $1,020 | $1,280 | $1,770 | $2,140 |
| 81526 | $880 | $1,010 | $1,270 | $1,760 | $2,120 |
| 81527 | $950 | $1,030 | $1,320 | $1,820 | $2,200 |
| 81624 | $800 | $910 | $1,150 | $1,590 | $1,920 |
| 81643 | $880 | $1,000 | $1,260 | $1,740 | $2,080 |
| 81646 | $890 | $1,020 | $1,280 | $1,770 | $2,140 |
- 81501 $1,260$1,740
- 81503 $1,190$1,650
- 81504 $1,540$2,130
- 81505 $1,590$2,200
- 81506 $1,310$1,810
- 81507 $1,750$2,420
- 81520 $1,140$1,580
- 81521 $1,610$2,230
- 81522 $1,280$1,770
- 81523 $1,640$2,260
- 81524 $1,510$2,080
- 81525 $1,280$1,770
- 81526 $1,270$1,760
- 81527 $1,320$1,820
- 81624 $1,150$1,590
- 81643 $1,260$1,740
- 81646 $1,280$1,770
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 Mesa County, 49% 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.
49%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
18,123 households rent in Mesa County
- Spend half or more of their income 25%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 24%
- Spend less than 30% 51%
Compared with the state and the country
- Mesa 49%
- Colorado 53%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Mesa County
HUD lists 24 properties with homes for low-income households in Mesa County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC) and HUD-assisted buildings. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest.
- with tax credits (LIHTC)
- 14
- HUD-assisted
- 14
1,706 homes in all; 1,646 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Monument Ridge Townhomes Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 2680 B 1/2 Rd, Grand Junction 81503 166 homes, 165 low-income · 1 bd: 24 · 2 bd: 82 · 3 bd: 60 · In service since 2003 · For families · (970) 245-3256
- 29 Mile Apartments HUD-assisted 2915 Orchard Ave, Grand Junction 81504 144 low-income homes · For families · (970) 245-6889
- Clifton Village South Townhomes Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 3206 Mesa Ave, Clifton 81520 119 homes, 114 low-income · 2 bd: 25 · 3 bd: 94 · In service since 2001 · For families · (970) 434-2674
- Grand Manor HUD-assisted 2828 Orchard Ave, Grand Junction 81501 112 low-income homes · For families · (970) 245-8349
- Ratekin Towers HUD-assisted 875 Main St, Grand Junction 81501 108 homes, 107 low-income · For older adults · (970) 245-0466
- Linden Pointe Tax credit (LIHTC) 1975 Barcelona Way, Grand Junction 81503 92 homes, 91 low-income · 1 bd: 20 · 2 bd: 48 · 3 bd: 24 · In service since 2005 · For families
- Garden Village Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 2601 Belford Ave, Grand Junction 81501 91 low-income homes · 1 bd: 20 · 2 bd: 32 · 3 bd: 30 · 4 bd: 9 · In service since 2002 · For families · (303) 242-3262
- Walnut Park Apts HUD-assisted 2236 N 17th St, Grand Junction 81501 90 low-income homes · For older adults · (970) 245-5034
- Independence Village HUD-assisted 225 N Coulson St, Fruita 81521 75 homes, 74 low-income · For older adults · (970) 858-9801
- Arbor Vista Tax credit (LIHTC) 515 Court Rd, Grand Junction 81501 72 low-income homes · 1 bd: 24 · 2 bd: 40 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 2009 · For families
- Highlands 2 Tax credit (LIHTC) 825 Bookcliff Ave, Grand Junction 81501 72 low-income homes · 2 bd: 60 · 3 bd: 12 · In service since 2019 · For older adults
- Village Park Tax credit (LIHTC) 615 28 1/4 Rd, Grand Junction 81506 72 low-income homes · Studio: 1 · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 43 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 2013 · For families
- Highlands Tax credit (LIHTC) 805 Bookcliff Ave, Grand Junction 81501 64 low-income homes · 1 bd: 52 · 2 bd: 12 · In service since 2017 · For older adults
- Grandview Apts HUD-assisted 1501 N 1st St, Grand Junction 81501 60 homes, 59 low-income · For older adults · (970) 256-9904
- Clifton Townhouse Apts Ahpc Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 3222 D 1/2 Rd, Clifton 81520 51 low-income homes · 2 bd: 35 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 2003 · For families · (970) 434-3683
- Grand Valley Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 531 Jay Lee St, Clifton 81520 50 low-income homes · 2 bd: 26 · 3 bd: 24 · In service since 1999
- Nellie Bechtel Apartments HUD-assisted 3032 N 15th St, Grand Junction 81506 96 homes, 47 low-income · For older adults · (970) 245-0388
- Crystal Brook Tax credit (LIHTC) 1741 Laveta St, Grand Junction 81503 40 low-income homes · 1 bd: 20 · 2 bd: 14 · 3 bd: 4 · 4 bd: 2 · In service since 1996
- Pathways Village Tax credit (LIHTC) 564 29 Rd, Grand Junction 81504 40 low-income homes · 1 bd: 20 · 2 bd: 15 · 3 bd: 5 · In service since 2016 · For people experiencing homelessness
- Karis Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 3197 N 12th St, Grand Junction 81506 34 low-income homes · 1 bd: 34 · In service since 2020
- Grand Mesa Apts of Fruita Tax credit (LIHTC) 150 S Sycamore St, Fruita 81521 24 homes, 23 low-income · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 12 · In service since 2007 · For older adults, people experiencing homelessness
- Little Bookcliff Apts HUD-assisted 2656 Little Bookcliff Dr, Grand Junction 81501 19 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (970) 245-0388
- DD Housing HUD-assisted 309 Kava Way, Grand Junction 81503 12 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (970) 256-8604
- Pioneer Housing Project II HUD-assisted 654 Wintergreen St, Grand Junction 81504 3 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (720) 282-9472
4 properties have two programs at the same address and appear 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 Mesa County
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. Your public housing agency runs it. 1 agency serves in Mesa County. 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 | $21,150 | $35,250 | $56,350 |
| 2 people | $24,200 | $40,250 | $64,400 |
| 3 people | $27,320 | $45,300 | $72,450 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $50,300 | $80,500 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $54,350 | $86,950 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $58,350 | $93,400 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $62,400 | $99,850 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $66,400 | $106,300 |
Area median income: $100,600. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Grand Junction, CO MSA. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $804 – $982
- 1 bedroom $915 – $1,119
- 2 bedrooms $1,154 – $1,410
- 3 bedrooms $1,598 – $1,953
- 4 bedrooms $1,929 – $2,357
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
- Grand Junction Housing Authority Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 1,214 vouchers (970) 245-0388 Grand Junction Housing Authority: executive.director@gjha.org
Housing agencies in Colorado Source: HUD, Retrieved November 6, 2026
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 Mesa County
This HUD-approved agency has an office in Mesa County. They counsel for free or at low cost.
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Housing Resources of Western Colorado
524 30 Rd Ste 3, Grand Junction
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 8 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Mesa 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
$2,564
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,282
- Security deposit
- $1,282
- Total
- $2,564
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 Mesa County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $893; 1 bedroom: $1,017; 2 bedrooms: $1,282; 3 bedrooms: $1,775; 4 bedrooms: $2,143. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Mesa County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,282) without spending more than 30% of income takes $24.65 an hour full time, or $51,280 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Mesa County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $50,300 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 Mesa 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 $1,154 and $1,410 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Mesa County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,140 in 81520 to $1,750 in 81507. 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 Mesa County?
HUD lists 24 properties with homes for low-income households in Mesa 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 Mesa County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Mesa County, 49% of renter households are in that position; in Colorado, 53%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).