Cost of Living in La Junta, CO

Population 7,211 · Colorado · Data vintage 2023

57
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

La Junta is a smaller Colorado community of around 7000 residents, where median household incomes of $54,253 and housing costs ($181,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape. Around 26% of residents live below the federal poverty line, a rate that tends to correlate with the income and housing figures above.

Geographically, La Junta is about 60 miles east of Pueblo, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 22% lower than Pueblo's $231,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 59
Rent 54

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in La Junta

The median home value in La Junta is $180,700 — 41% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $709/month, 46% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $54,253/year is 27% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.3%, above the national average of 4.8%. Colorado's top state income tax rate is 4.4% and the combined sales tax is 7.8%. The climate averages highs of 70.0°F and lows of 39.6°F. Overall, La Junta has a cost of living index of 57 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 43% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$180,700
41% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$156,866
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$709/mo
46% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
21.2x
Favors renting
Property Tax Rate
0.6%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$884
1 BR
$960
2 BR
$1,251
3 BR
$1,611
4 BR
$2,004
Owner-occupied 65.2%
Renter-occupied 34.9%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$709
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,323/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
19.4 min
28% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
5.5%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
78.4%
Carpooled
12.9%
Walked
1.3%
Work from home
5.5%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax (flat) 4.4%
Total Sales Tax 7.8%
State rate 2.9%
Avg local rate 4.9%
Property Tax 0.6%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$54,253
27% below avg
Per Capita Income
$29,827
Unemployment Rate
5.3%
10% above avg
Poverty Rate
26.0%
Labor Force Participation
59.4%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 9.8%
Graduate degree 8.2%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 39.6
Male median age 38.9
Female median age 40.2

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
70.0°F
Avg Low
39.6°F
Annual Precip
11.3"
10° 33° 55° 78° 100° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 475161697990959284715746
Low °F 182130384858646253392718
Precip" 0.210.250.711.221.591.312.211.430.840.940.370.26

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in La Junta, CO?

La Junta has a cost index of 57 (100 = national average). It is 43% below the national average.

What is average rent in La Junta, CO?

The median gross rent in La Junta is $709 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in La Junta?

The median home value in La Junta is $180,700 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in La Junta?

The median household income in La Junta is $54,253 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in La Junta, CO?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in La Junta is 7.8%. The Colorado state income tax top rate is 4.4%.

Is La Junta, CO affordable?

Yes, La Junta is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 57 — about 43% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in La Junta?

La Junta has average high temperatures of 70.0°F and average lows of 39.6°F. Annual precipitation is 11.3". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

La Junta at a Glance

Population
7,211
Median Income
$54,253
Home Value
$180,700
Median Rent
$709/mo
Unemployment
5.3%
Avg High Temp
70.0°F
Sales Tax
7.8%
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Explore county-level cost of living data

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