Renting in Otero County, Colorado: fair rents and Section 8

Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms: $1,059; a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027; 45% less than in Colorado
Typical rent: $839; a month, Census, Average 2020–2024; 52% less than in Colorado
Wage needed: $20.37; an hour, 2 bedrooms; Or $42,360 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
Rent-burdened households: 46%; spend 30% or more of income on rent; 12% less than in Colorado

Source: Fair Market Rents (HUD) Fiscal year 2027 Fair Market Rents (HUD) (external site) Source: American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates Average 2020–2024 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates (external site)

Only here

Renting in Otero County: what sets it apart

What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.

11% of households in Otero County have no internet at home, against 4% in Colorado.

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 Otero 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)

Fair market rent and wage needed To pay the fair market rent without spending more than 30% of income, working full time (40 hours a week).

Fair market rent and wage needed. To pay the fair market rent without spending more than 30% of income, working full time (40 hours a week).
Size	Fair rent per month	Hourly wage	Income needed per year
Studio	$787	$15.13	$31,480
1 bedroom	$810	$15.58	$32,400
2 bedrooms	$1,059	$20.37	$42,360
3 bedrooms	$1,359	$26.13	$54,360
4 bedrooms	$1,770	$34.04	$70,800

HUD area: Otero 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 7 ZIP codes in Otero County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.

For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,020 in 81050 to $1,230 in 81030. 5 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,059).

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)

Fair market rent by ZIP code, HUD area and size, Fiscal year 2027. A ZIP code that crosses a HUD area line appears once per area.

81030	Otero County, CO	$910	$940	$1,230	$1,580	$2,060
81050	Bent County, CO	$760	$780	$1,020	$1,310	$1,700
81050	Otero County, CO	$760	$780	$1,020	$1,310	$1,700
81058	Crowley County, CO	$880	$890	$1,170	$1,400	$1,820
81058	Otero County, CO	$880	$890	$1,170	$1,400	$1,820
81067	Otero County, CO	$860	$890	$1,160	$1,490	$1,940
81077	Otero County, CO	$800	$830	$1,080	$1,390	$1,800

ZIP code 2 bd3 bd
81030 · Otero County, CO $1,230$1,580
81050 · Bent County, CO $1,020$1,310
81050 · Otero County, CO $1,020$1,310
81058 · Crowley County, CO $1,170$1,400
81058 · Otero County, CO $1,170$1,400
81067 · Otero County, CO $1,160$1,490
81077 · Otero County, CO $1,080$1,390

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 Otero County, 46% 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.

46%

of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.

2,355 households rent in Otero County

Spend half or more of their income 20%
Spend 30% or more, but less than half 26%
Spend less than 30% 54%

Compared with the state and the country

Otero 46%
Colorado 53%
United States 51%

Low-income apartments

Low-income apartments in Otero County

HUD lists 14 properties with homes for low-income households in Otero County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC), HUD-assisted buildings and public housing. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest.

with tax credits (LIHTC): 2
HUD-assisted: 12
public housing: 1

511 homes in all; 384 of them low-income, according to HUD.

La Junta Public housing 315 E 5th St, La Junta 81050 86 low-income homes · Run by La Junta Housing Authority · Average payment: $481 a month · Average wait: 10 months · Homes at several sites · (719) 384-9055
Morningside Heights Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 1516 E 6th St, La Junta 81050 50 low-income homes · For families · (719) 384-7478
Lilac Circle HUD-assisted 634 Lilac Cir, Fowler 81039 32 low-income homes · For older adults · (719) 384-9055
Mckittrick Manor HUD-assisted 806 Catalpa Ave, Rocky Ford 81067 30 low-income homes · For older adults · (719) 254-6902
Nava Manor HUD-assisted 965 Swink Ave, Rocky Ford 81067 30 low-income homes · For older adults · (719) 384-9055
Santa Fe Village HUD-assisted 401 E 5th St, La Junta 81050 30 low-income homes · For older adults · (719) 384-9055
Townhouse Park HUD-assisted 801 Santa Fe Ave, La Junta 81050 27 low-income homes · For families · (719) 384-9055
Plaza Nueva Apartments HUD-assisted 702 Sandia Dr, Rocky Ford 81067 80 homes, 20 low-income · For families · (719) 254-6902
Plaza Nueva Apts HUD-assisted 702 Sandia Dr, Rocky Ford 81067 80 homes, 20 low-income · For families · (719) 254-6902
Golden Maple Villa HUD-assisted 212 Maple Ave, La Junta 81050 20 low-income homes · For older adults · (719) 384-8394
Otero Villas Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1612 Carson Ave, La Junta 81050 16 low-income homes · 1 bd: 16 · In service since 1996
Mountain View Housing HUD-assisted 1702 Lincoln Ave, La Junta 81050 20 homes, 14 low-income · For people with disabilities · (719) 263-5168
Prairieview Housing HUD-assisted 1805 Bradish Ave, La Junta 81050 5 low-income homes · For people with disabilities
Arkva Group Home HUD-assisted 701 Lincoln Ave, La Junta 81050 5 homes, 4 low-income · For people with disabilities · (719) 384-8741

One property has two programs at the same address and appears once. Search HUD's map

How to apply

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. Source: HUD
You apply for public housing at the housing agency that runs it. The agency looks at your yearly income, whether you are a family, an older adult or a person with a disability, and your U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status. If you qualify, your name goes on a waiting list unless they can help you right away. Source: HUD
In tax-credit (LIHTC) apartments, the low-income homes have an income limit, a percentage of the area median income, and a rent cap. Source: 26 U.S.C. §42(g)
In buildings with Section 8 project-based assistance, only low-income households can move in. Source: 24 CFR §5.653(b)
A housing voucher (Section 8) is a separate kind of help: you apply at the public housing agency and use it to rent a home you choose. Source: HUD

This county's income limits Search HUD's map

In public housing, the average payment is what households pay on average for rent and utilities, and the average wait is the time on the list of those who moved in. HUD does not publish those figures where fewer than 11 households reported.

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 Otero County

The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. Your public housing agency runs it. 3 agencies serve in Otero County. Here is what the rules say:

The rules, with their source

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
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)
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)
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)
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
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)

Mixed-status families: how assistance is figured

HUD income limits Yearly income of the whole family, before taxes.

HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Otero County, CO.
People	Extremely low (30%)	Very low (50%)	Low
1 person	$20,450	$34,100	$54,550
2 people	$23,400	$39,000	$62,350
3 people	$27,320	$43,850	$70,150
4 people	$33,000	$48,700	$77,900
5 people	$38,680	$52,600	$84,150
6 people	$44,360	$56,500	$90,400
7 people	$50,040	$60,400	$96,600
8 people	$55,720	$64,300	$102,850

Area median income: $68,500. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Otero County, CO. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026

How much can you earn? Check your case

Possible payment standard

Studio $708 – $866
1 bedroom $729 – $891
2 bedrooms $953 – $1,165
3 bedrooms $1,223 – $1,495
4 bedrooms $1,593 – $1,947

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

La Junta Housing Authority Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 102 vouchers · 86 public housing units (719) 384-9055 La Junta Housing Authority: ljhous@yahoo.com
Rocky Ford Housing Authority Section 8 vouchers · 53 vouchers (719) 254-6902 Rocky Ford Housing Authority: tracylovato@yahoo.com
Otero County Housing Authority Section 8 vouchers · 46 vouchers (719) 384-9055 Otero County Housing Authority: ljhous@yahoo.com

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 rule

Compare 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 Otero County

This is the nearest HUD-approved agency. They counsel for free or at low cost.

NS
Neighborworks Southern Colorado

1241 E Routt Ave, Pueblo · 55 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 5 more
(719) 544-8078

See every agency in Colorado Find legal aid (lsc.gov)

Tool

How much cash do you need to move in?

It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Otero 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

Open the full tool

Your move

State

We use the place's fair market rent and the state's deposit rule.

Monthly rentHUD fair market rent$HUD two-bedroom fair market rent (FMR) in Otero County (FY2027). Enter the rent of the home you want.What you can set aside each month$To see how long it takes to put it together.

Adjust advanced details

Deposit and rent in advance

The deposit, in

Months of rentDollars

Months of rent for the depositThat is $1,059. We start with an example; enter what you are asked for.Pay the first month before moving inThey also ask for the last month

Application fees$What each application charges, for all the ones you'll fill out.Utility deposits and connection$Electricity, gas, water and internet. Ask each company.The move$Planning example, not a price: $100 to $400 to rent a truck for a day for a move within your city. Get quotes.Pet deposit$Other costs$Boxes, locks, basic furniture.

Let's do the math

Cash to move in

$2,118

What you need before you get the keys.

What adds up

First month: $1,059
Security deposit: $1,059
Total: $2,118

The deposit cap

Pick your state to see whether its law caps the deposit.

Compare each state's rules →

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.

Guide: the security deposit Guide: avoiding rental scams Family budget How much rent can I afford?

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.

Guides

Before you sign

Frequently asked questions

What is the fair market rent in Otero County?

According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $787; 1 bedroom: $810; 2 bedrooms: $1,059; 3 bedrooms: $1,359; 4 bedrooms: $1,770. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.

How much do you need to earn to rent in Otero County?

Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,059) without spending more than 30% of income takes $20.37 an hour full time, or $42,360 a year.

Who qualifies for Section 8 in Otero County?

Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $48,700 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 Otero 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 $953 and $1,165 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.

Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Otero County?

For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,020 in 81050 to $1,230 in 81030. 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 Otero County?

HUD lists 14 properties with homes for low-income households in Otero County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC), HUD-assisted buildings and public housing. 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 Otero County?

HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Otero County, 46% of renter households are in that position; in Colorado, 53%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).

Sources and methodology

Fair market rents and income limits come from HUD; typical rent and the burden, from the Census. The wage needed is our calculation: fair market rent × 12 ÷ 30% ÷ full-time hours a year. The voucher rules were read in their official text on the date shown.

Fair Market Rents Fiscal year 2027
Small Area Fair Market Rents Fiscal year 2027
Low-income apartments Retrieved November 6, 2026
American Community Survey Average 2020–2024
Income Limits Fiscal year 2026
Public Housing Agencies Retrieved November 6, 2026
HUD-approved housing counseling agencies Retrieved November 6, 2026

Program rules

24 CFR §888.113, Fair market rents for existing housing: Methodology Verified October 30, 2026
24 CFR §982.503, Payment standard areas, schedule, and amounts Verified October 30, 2026
24 CFR §5.603, Definitions (income) Verified October 30, 2026
24 CFR §982.201, Eligibility and targeting Verified October 30, 2026
24 CFR §982.1, Programs: purpose and structure Verified October 30, 2026
24 CFR §982.508, Maximum family share at initial occupancy Verified October 30, 2026
HUD, Housing Choice Voucher Tenants Verified October 30, 2026

Renting in Otero County, Colorado

Four numbers to start with

Renting in Otero County: what sets it apart

What HUD sets for each size

The fair market rent for your ZIP code

How many households spend too much

Compared with the state and the country

Low-income apartments in Otero County

The Section 8 voucher in Otero County

The rules, with their source

Possible payment standard

Housing agencies that serve this place

Your rights as a tenant in Colorado

Where to get help with rent in Otero County

How much cash do you need to move in?

Your move

Before you sign

Frequently asked questions

What is the fair market rent in Otero County?

How much do you need to earn to rent in Otero County?

Who qualifies for Section 8 in Otero County?

How much does Section 8 pay in Otero County?

Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Otero County?

How many low-income apartments are there in Otero County?

How many households spend too much on rent in Otero County?