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City Report · CO

Steamboat Springs

Pop. 13,433·3rd most expensive in Colorado·Steamboat Springs rents are up 51.9% over the past year
Median rent (all units)
$3,713/mo
Year-over-Year
+51.9%
Month-over-Month
+4.4%
vs US Median
+$1,751
Rising (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Steamboat Springs · $3,713
More expensive than 97% of US cities · National median $1,962/mo
Affordability
42% of income
STRETCHED
0%30% benchmark60%+

At $3,713/mo, rent takes about 42% of the local median household income, well above the 30% benchmark.

Income to afford
$149,000/yr
Local median income
$104,964/yr
Based on the 30%-of-income rule using Steamboat Springs's median rent and household income. See the full affordability breakdown →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,660
1 BR
$1,740
2 BR
$2,030
3 BR
$2,450
4 BR+
$3,250
Fair Market Rent (HUD)
$2,030/mo

These are HUD Fair Market Rents, the payment standard for a Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8). They often differ from the $3,713 market median above, and that is expected: FMR is the 40th percentile of standard-quality units and counts gross rent, so it includes essential utilities such as electricity, water, gas, sewer, and trash. The market median is asking rent, which usually excludes utilities. HUD sets FMR once a year; market rent here updates monthly.

Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents. Read the methodology →

Rent trends

12-month history

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Last updated: August 17, 2026

Annual cost
$44,556/yr
At $3,713/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Strong Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are up 51.9% year-over-year. Expect competition, and move quickly to lock in terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (+51.9% YoY, +4.4% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Steamboat Springs, CO is majority owner-occupied, has a median income above the national average, 62.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
13,433
Median income
$104,964
Median age
43.9
Renters
32.8%
Age distribution
15.2%
21.4%
30.9%
14.4%
18%
Under 1815.2%
18–3421.4%
35–5430.9%
55–6414.4%
65+18%
Gender
51.5%
48.5%
Male51.5%
Female48.5%
Race & ethnicity
78.4%
White78.4%
Hispanic10%
Asian0.9%
Other10.5%
Education (25+)
12.5%
22.7%
62.2%
No HS diploma2.6%
HS diploma12.5%
Some college22.7%
Bachelor's+62.2%
Housing tenure
67.2%
32.8%
Owner67.2%
Renter32.8%

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

2021 vs 2026

How Steamboat Springs, CO has changed in 5 years

Income
$80,660 → $104,964
up 30.1%
Population
13,193 → 13,433
up 1.8%
Renter share
28.6% → 32.8%
+4.2 pts
Bachelor's+
55.6% → 62.2%
+6.6 pts
Median age
39.8 → 43.9
+4.1 yrs

On the earnings side, the typical household in Steamboat Springs, CO now reports about $104,964, up from $80,660 in 2021. Headcount in the area went from 13,193 to 13,433 between 2021 and 2024, a 1.8% change. About 32.8% of households rent today, against 28.6% in 2021. Educational attainment has shifted as well, with the share of adults holding a bachelor's degree or higher climbed from 55.6% to 62.2%.

Community

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View Steamboat Springs rent history (2015–2026) →
Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in Steamboat Springs on your salary?

At $3,713/mo, how Steamboat Springs rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Steamboat Springs rent by bedroom count

Median rent for each apartment size in Steamboat Springs. Click any size for full breakdown.

Local insights

Tips for renters in Steamboat Springs

About renting in Steamboat Springs, CO

Last updated: August 17, 2026

The median rent in Steamboat Springs is $3,713/mo as of August 2026. A studio apartment averages $1,660/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $2,030/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $1,740/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $2,450/mo.

At 42% of local median household income ($104,964/yr), Steamboat Springs ranks as moderate compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 51.9% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Steamboat Springs an affordable city for renters?

Steamboat Springs is considered stretched for renters. At $3,713/mo, rent takes approximately 42% of the local median household income ($104,964/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Steamboat Springs significantly exceeds that threshold, making it challenging for many renters.

How much income do you need to rent in Steamboat Springs?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $149,000/year (~$72/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $3,713/mo in Steamboat Springs. The local median household income is $104,964/yr, meaning the typical Steamboat Springs household falls short of that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Steamboat Springs?

Rent in Steamboat Springs has increased 51.9% over the past year as of August 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

How does Steamboat Springs rent compare to other cities in Colorado?

Steamboat Springs is one of the pricier cities in Colorado for rent, ranking #3 out of 67 tracked cities at $3,713/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Steamboat Springs?

Several nearby cities have lower median rents than Steamboat Springs ($3,713/mo): Glenwood Springs ($2,429/mo), Eagle ($2,752/mo), Granby ($3,125/mo).

What percentage of Steamboat Springs residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 32.8% of Steamboat Springs households are renters, while 67.2% are owner-occupied. Steamboat Springs leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does Steamboat Springs rent compare to the national average?

Steamboat Springs's median rent of $3,713/mo is $1,751 (89%) above the US national median of $1,962/mo. Within Colorado, it ranks #3 out of 67 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
42%
STRETCHED

At $3,713/mo, rent takes ~42% of Steamboat Springs's median household income ($104,964/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Steamboat Springs 42%Benchmark 30%
State income tax4.4%
Run the Steamboat Springs affordability calculator →
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Neighborhoods

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Public schools near Steamboat Springs, CO

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