City Report · CO

Grand Junction

Pop. 68,142·53rd most expensive in Colorado·Rental market data updated monthly for Grand Junction, CO
Median rent (all units)
$1,768/mo
Year-over-Year
+3.6%
Month-over-Month
-1.7%
vs US Median
-$197
Falling (Monthly)
Be the first to discuss Grand Junction rents
Most AffordableMost Expensive
Grand Junction · $1,768
More affordable than 56% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo
Rent Reality Score
62/100
Good value
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are 6% below what Grand Junction's 10-year trend predicts — a better deal than its own history suggests.

Actual rent
$1,768/mo
Expected by trend
$1,881/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Grand Junction's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,008
1 BR
$1,110
2 BR
$1,436
3 BR
$2,010
4 BR+
$2,412
Research median
$1,436/mo

Bedroom estimates are gross rents that include essential utilities (electricity, water, gas, sewer, trash).

Rent trends

12-month history

Loading…

Last updated: July 20, 2026

Annual cost
$21,216/yr
At $1,768/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Balanced Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are roughly steady, with neither renters nor landlords holding a strong edge right now.
Based on rent-price momentum (+3.6% YoY, -1.7% MoM), not inventory.
Rent check

Is your rent fair?

Compare your rent to the local median.

Demographics

Who lives here

Grand Junction, CO is majority owner-occupied, has a large retiree population, 38.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
68,142
Median income
$70,080
Median age
40.4
Renters
36.5%
Age distribution
17.3%
25.6%
24%
12.1%
21%
Under 1817.3%
18–3425.6%
35–5424%
55–6412.1%
65+21%
Gender
50.2%
49.8%
Male50.2%
Female49.8%
Race & ethnicity
81.3%
17%
White81.3%
Black0.8%
Hispanic17%
Asian1.1%
Education (25+)
23.7%
31.9%
38.1%
No HS diploma6.3%
HS diploma23.7%
Some college31.9%
Bachelor's+38.1%
Housing tenure
63.5%
36.5%
Owner63.5%
Renter36.5%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates

2021 vs 2026

How Grand Junction, CO has changed in 5 years

Rent
$1,290 → $1,768
up 37.1%
Income
$58,892 → $70,080
up 19.0%
Population
65,067 → 68,142
up 4.7%
Renter share
38.2% → 36.5%
-1.7 pts
Bachelor's+
34.4% → 38.1%
+3.7 pts
Median age
39.4 → 40.4
+1.0 yrs

Since 2021, the typical rent in Grand Junction, CO has climbed from $1,290 to $1,768, a 37.1% change over five years. On the earnings side, the typical household in Grand Junction, CO now reports about $70,080, up from $58,892 in 2021. That spread, with rent up faster than earnings, points to a tougher affordability environment than five years ago. The population has grown by 4.7% since 2021, moving from about 65,067 residents to roughly 68,142. Renters now make up 36.5% of households, compared with 38.2% five years ago. College-educated residents now make up 38.1% of adults here, versus 34.4% in 2021. For context, the 2021 to 2026 window covers an unusually volatile run for US rents nationally, and Grand Junction, CO reflects that arc in its own way.

Community

Discussions about Grand Junction

No discussions yet. Start the conversation.

View Grand Junction rent history (2015–2026) →
Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in Grand Junction on your salary?

At $1,768/mo, how Grand Junction rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Grand Junction rent by bedroom count

Median rent for each apartment size in Grand Junction. Click any size for full breakdown.

Local insights

Tips for renters in Grand Junction

About renting in Grand Junction, CO

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in Grand Junction is $1,768/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $1,008/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $1,436/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $1,110/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $2,010/mo.

At 30% of local median household income ($70,080/yr), Grand Junction ranks as moderate compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 3.6% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Grand Junction an affordable city for renters?

Grand Junction is considered moderate for renters. At $1,768/mo, rent takes approximately 30% of the local median household income ($70,080/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Grand Junction slightly exceeds that threshold, so budgeting carefully matters here.

How much income do you need to rent in Grand Junction?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $71,000/year (~$34/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $1,768/mo in Grand Junction. The local median household income is $70,080/yr, meaning the typical Grand Junction household falls short of that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Grand Junction?

Rent in Grand Junction has increased 3.6% over the past year as of July 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

Which Grand Junction neighborhoods have the lowest rent?

The most affordable ZIP codes in Grand Junction are 81501 ($1,602/mo), 81506 ($1,823/mo), and 81505 ($1,938/mo). Citywide, the median rent in Grand Junction is $1,768/mo.

How does Grand Junction rent compare to other cities in Colorado?

Grand Junction is one of the more affordable cities in Colorado for rent, ranking #53 out of 66 tracked cities at $1,768/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Grand Junction?

Clifton is nearby and more affordable at $1,371/mo, which is $397 less than Grand Junction.

What percentage of Grand Junction residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 36.5% of Grand Junction households are renters, while 63.5% are owner-occupied. Grand Junction leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does Grand Junction rent compare to the national average?

Grand Junction's median rent of $1,768/mo is $197 (10%) below the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within Colorado, it ranks #53 out of 66 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
30%
MODERATE

At $1,768/mo, rent takes ~30% of Grand Junction's median household income ($70,080/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Grand Junction 30%Benchmark 30%
State income tax4.4%
Run the Grand Junction affordability calculator →
Lowest-rent ZIP codes in Grand Junction
Compare

How does this area stack up?

Pick another city or ZIP to compare.

Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Grand Junction, CO

Recent submissions

Be the first to submit your rent for Grand Junction.

Recent discussions

No discussions yet.