Cost of Living in Rocky Ford, CO
Population 3,843 · Colorado · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Rocky Ford's median household income of $35,658 is a meaningful share below the national figure, which shapes most of the downstream economic indicators — from housing affordability to the share of residents living below the poverty line (40% here). At 7.4%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Geographically, Rocky Ford is about 50 miles east of Pueblo, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 45% lower than Pueblo's $231,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Rocky Ford
The median home value in Rocky Ford is $126,100 — 59% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $756/month, 42% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $35,658/year is 52% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 7.4%, 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%. Overall, Rocky Ford has a cost of living index of 48 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 52% less expensive.
Rocky Ford has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Rocky Ford, CO?
Rocky Ford has a cost index of 48 (100 = national average). It is 52% below the national average.
What is average rent in Rocky Ford, CO?
The median gross rent in Rocky Ford is $756 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Rocky Ford?
The median home value in Rocky Ford is $126,100 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Rocky Ford?
The median household income in Rocky Ford is $35,658 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Rocky Ford, CO?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Rocky Ford is 7.8%. The Colorado state income tax top rate is 4.4%.
Is Rocky Ford, CO affordable?
Yes, Rocky Ford is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 48 — about 52% below the US national average of 100.
Rocky Ford at a Glance
- Population
- 3,843
- Median Income
- $35,658
- Home Value
- $126,100
- Median Rent
- $756/mo
- Unemployment
- 7.4%
- Sales Tax
- 7.8%
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Colorado Rankings
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