RentDataNowRentDataNow
ZIP Code · CO

ZIP 81520

Part of Clifton, CO
Pop. 12,892·Mesa County·157th most expensive ZIP in Colorado
Median rent (all units)
$1,371/mo
Year-over-Year
+14.8%
Month-over-Month
-0.4%
vs US Median
-$594
Stable (Monthly)
Be the first to discuss 81520 rents ↓
Most AffordableMost Expensive
ZIP 81520 · $1,371
More affordable than 82% of US ZIP codes · National median $1,965/mo
Rent check

Is your rent fair?

Compare your rent to the local median.

Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$830
1 BR
$920
2 BR
$1,170
3 BR
$1,630
4 BR+
$1,960
Research median
$1,170/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
$16,452/yr
At $1,371/mo median
Location
StateCO
CountyMesa County
Rent Market Meter
Strong Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are up 14.8% year-over-year. Expect competition, and move quickly to lock in terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (+14.8% YoY, -0.4% MoM), not inventory.
Demographics

Who lives here

ZIP 81520 (Clifton, CO) is majority owner-occupied, has a median income below the national average, 14% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
12,892
Median income
$50,283
Median age
38.4
Renters
32.7%
Age distribution
21.9%
20.9%
27%
13%
17.1%
Under 1821.9%
18–3420.9%
35–5427%
55–6413%
65+17.1%
Gender
49%
51%
Male49%
Female51%
Race & ethnicity
80.5%
21.2%
White80.5%
Black0.7%
Hispanic21.2%
Asian0.7%
Education (25+)
17.3%
34%
34.7%
14%
No HS diploma17.3%
HS diploma34%
Some college34.7%
Bachelor's+14%
Housing tenure
67.3%
32.7%
Owner67.3%
Renter32.7%

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

2021 vs 2026

How ZIP 81520 in Clifton, CO has changed in 5 years

Income
$49,677 → $50,283
up 1.2%
Population
14,023 → 12,892
down 8.1%
Renter share
37.8% → 32.7%
-5.1 pts
Bachelor's+
12.8% → 14%
+1.2 pts
Median age
33.2 → 38.4
+5.2 yrs

Census figures show median household income at $50,283 today, compared with $49,677 five years earlier. Census counts show ZIP 81520 in Clifton, CO losing about 1,131 residents over the five-year window, down 8.1% on net. The renter share has eased from 37.8% to 32.7%, with owner-occupied housing accounting for the remainder.

Community

Discussions about ZIP 81520

No discussions yet. Start the conversation.

Local insights

Tips for renters in ZIP 81520

About renting in ZIP 81520

Last updated: July 20, 2026

ZIP code 81520 covers Clifton, CO. The median rent here is $1,371/mo as of July 2026. A 1-bedroom rents for a median of $920/mo. A 2-bedroom rents for a median of $1,170/mo.

At 33% of local median household income ($50,283/yr), ZIP 81520 ranks as moderate compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 14.8% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How much is rent in ZIP code 81520?

As of July 20, 2026, the median monthly rent in ZIP 81520 (Clifton, CO) is $1,371. This is based on aggregated data from public sources and community submissions.

How does ZIP 81520 rent compare to the US average?

ZIP 81520's median rent of $1,371/mo is $594 (30%) below the US national median of $1,965/mo.

How does ZIP 81520 compare to other ZIPs in Colorado?

ZIP 81520 is among the more affordable ZIP codes in Colorado, ranking #157 out of 166 ZIPs at $1,371/mo.

How much income do you need to rent in ZIP 81520?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $55,000/year (~$26/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $1,371/mo in ZIP 81520. The local median household income is $50,283/yr, meaning the typical household falls short of that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in ZIP 81520?

Rent in ZIP 81520 has increased 14.8% over the past year as of July 20, 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

Is ZIP 81520 an affordable place to rent?

ZIP 81520 is considered moderate for renters. At $1,371/mo, rent takes approximately 33% of the local median household income ($50,283/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. ZIP 81520 slightly exceeds that threshold, so budgeting carefully matters here.

What percentage of ZIP 81520 residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 32.7% of ZIP 81520 households are renters, while 67.3% are owner-occupied. ZIP 81520 leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does ZIP 81520 compare to the rest of Clifton?

ZIP 81520 sits right at the Clifton citywide median of $1,371/mo.

When was rent data for ZIP 81520 last updated?

Rent data for ZIP 81520 reflects July 20, 2026. RentDataNow refreshes all data monthly using public and private datasets.
Income Affordability
33%
MODERATE

At $1,371/mo, rent takes ~33% of ZIP 81520's median household income ($50,283/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

ZIP 81520 33%Benchmark 30%
State income tax4.4%
Compare

How does this area stack up?

Pick another city or ZIP to compare.

Schools nearby

Public schools near ZIP 81520 (Clifton, CO)

Recent submissions

Be the first to submit your rent for this ZIP.

Recent discussions

No discussions yet.