76% of Coloradans Fear Affording State Life as 72% Fault Leaders' Economic Response
Updated
Updated · The Colorado Sun · Jul 17
76% of Coloradans Fear Affording State Life as 72% Fault Leaders' Economic Response
3 articles · Updated · The Colorado Sun · Jul 17
Summary
76% of Coloradans said they are worried about being able to afford living in the state in the future, up from 70% a year earlier, according to the Colorado Health Foundation's latest Pulse Poll.
More than 80% called the cost of living, housing affordability and healthcare affordability very or extremely serious statewide problems, with at least 70% in every region saying the same.
72% said they were dissatisfied with the state's response to economic concerns, while 68% faulted spending of taxpayer dollars, 63% transparency and 57% support for residents' health and well-being.
Only 25% said they are living comfortably and increasing savings, versus 38% who are just getting by or struggling; 37% said they are worse off than last year and nearly half postponed needed medical or dental care.
The March-April survey of 2,240 adults also found sharper strain in communities of color, with half of Black respondents worried about affording food and nearly half of Latino respondents fearing they could lose their home.
With residents fleeing high costs for the first time in 20 years, is the Colorado dream over?
Is Colorado's tech boom making the state unlivable for the very workers who support it?
New housing laws promise relief, but will it arrive before more Coloradans are priced out?
Record High Affordability Concerns in Colorado: Housing Shortages, Rising Costs, and the 2026 Crisis
Overview
In mid-2026, Colorado faces a severe affordability crisis that is deeply affecting residents’ daily lives. This crisis is widespread, impacting people across all regions and backgrounds, and is forcing many to make tough choices and live with constant financial stress. Housing instability is at the heart of the problem, with high rents and financial fragility making it easy for even small setbacks to push families into insecurity. As a result, most Coloradans are alarmed by these challenges, which are changing how they live, care for their families, and plan for the future.