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ZIP Code · CO

ZIP 81521

Part of Fruita, CO
Pop. 16,613·Mesa County·96th most expensive ZIP in Colorado
Median rent (all units)
$1,910/mo
Year-over-Year
+9.1%
Month-over-Month
+9.0%
vs US Median
-$41
Rising (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
ZIP 81521 · $1,910
More expensive than 56% of US ZIP codes · National median $1,951/mo
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Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,110
1 BR
$1,240
2 BR
$1,570
3 BR
$2,180
4 BR+
$2,630
Research median
$1,570/mo

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

Rent trends

12-month history

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Last updated: June 22, 2026

Annual cost
$22,920/yr
At $1,910/mo median
Location
CityFruita
StateCO
CountyMesa County
Rent Market Meter
Strong Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are up 9.1% year-over-year. Expect competition, and move quickly to lock in terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (+9.1% YoY, +9.0% MoM), not inventory.
Demographics

Who lives here

ZIP 81521 (Fruita, CO) is majority owner-occupied, has a large retiree population, 34% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
16,613
Median income
$88,458
Median age
43.2
Renters
17.8%
Age distribution
25.9%
14.1%
26.8%
13%
20.2%
Under 1825.9%
18–3414.1%
35–5426.8%
55–6413%
65+20.2%
Gender
47.2%
52.8%
Male47.2%
Female52.8%
Race & ethnicity
87.5%
White87.5%
Black1%
Hispanic9.8%
Other1.4%
Education (25+)
29.7%
32.6%
34%
No HS diploma3.7%
HS diploma29.7%
Some college32.6%
Bachelor's+34%
Housing tenure
82.2%
17.8%
Owner82.2%
Renter17.8%

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

2021 vs 2026

How ZIP 81521 in Fruita, CO has changed in 5 years

Income
$65,823 → $88,458
up 34.4%
Population
15,859 → 16,613
up 4.8%
Renter share
22.8% → 17.8%
-5.0 pts
Bachelor's+
29.7% → 34%
+4.3 pts
Median age
41.6 → 43.2
+1.6 yrs

Household income in the area moved from $65,823 to $88,458 across the same window, up 34.4% versus 2021. Headcount in the area went from 15,859 to 16,613 between 2021 and 2024, a 4.8% change. About 17.8% of households rent today, against 22.8% in 2021. Educational attainment has shifted as well, with the share of adults holding a bachelor's degree or higher climbed from 29.7% to 34%.

Community

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Local insights

Tips for renters in ZIP 81521

About renting in ZIP 81521

Last updated: June 22, 2026

ZIP code 81521 covers Fruita, CO. The median rent here is $1,910/mo as of June 2026. A 1-bedroom rents for a median of $1,240/mo. A 2-bedroom rents for a median of $1,570/mo.

At 26% of local median household income ($88,458/yr), ZIP 81521 ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 9.1% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How much is rent in ZIP code 81521?

As of June 22, 2026, the median monthly rent in ZIP 81521 (Fruita, CO) is $1,910. This is based on aggregated data from public sources and community submissions.

How does ZIP 81521 rent compare to the US average?

ZIP 81521's median rent of $1,910/mo is $41 (2%) below the US national median of $1,951/mo.

How does ZIP 81521 compare to other ZIPs in Colorado?

ZIP 81521 falls in the middle range for Colorado, ranking #96 out of 166 ZIPs at $1,910/mo.

How much income do you need to rent in ZIP 81521?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $76,000/year (~$37/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $1,910/mo in ZIP 81521. The local median household income is $88,458/yr, meaning the typical household meets that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in ZIP 81521?

Rent in ZIP 81521 has increased 9.1% over the past year as of June 22, 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

Is ZIP 81521 an affordable place to rent?

ZIP 81521 is considered affordable for renters. At $1,910/mo, rent takes approximately 26% of the local median household income ($88,458/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. ZIP 81521 falls comfortably within that range.

What percentage of ZIP 81521 residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 17.8% of ZIP 81521 households are renters, while 82.2% are owner-occupied. ZIP 81521 leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does ZIP 81521 compare to the rest of Fruita?

ZIP 81521 sits right at the Fruita citywide median of $1,910/mo.

When was rent data for ZIP 81521 last updated?

Rent data for ZIP 81521 reflects June 22, 2026. RentDataNow refreshes all data monthly using public and private datasets.
Income Affordability
26%
AFFORDABLE

At $1,910/mo, rent takes ~26% of ZIP 81521's median household income ($88,458/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

ZIP 81521 26%Benchmark 30%
State income tax4.4%
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Schools nearby

Public schools near ZIP 81521 (Fruita, CO)

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