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Affordable & Income-Based Housing in Denver

Denver has 293 income-based rental properties with more than 23,500 units spread across the city, giving renters a substantial range of affordable options. With a median market rent of $1,831 per month (Census ACS 5-Year), income-based housing can make a real difference here. The majority of scored properties rank excellent or good, reflecting a generally well-maintained affordable housing stock.

293
Properties
23,529
Total units
90/100
Avg HUD score

At a glance

🏠 Affordability
$1,831/mo

Affordability

Denver's median monthly rent is $1,831 and median household income is $94,718, with 51% of residents renting their homes, according to Census ACS 5-Year data (2024). These figures reflect a competitive rental market where income-based and HUD-assisted housing can make a meaningful difference for cost-burdened renters.

Census ACS 5-Year
🛡️ Safety
999 / 100k · 2024

Safety

According to the Denver Police Department's data reported to the FBI Crime Data Explorer, Denver had a violent crime rate of 999 per 100,000 residents in 2024. Keep in mind that crime rates are not directly comparable across cities due to differences in reporting practices and local definitions.

FBI Crime Data Explorer
🚶 Getting around
Walk Score 96 · Walker's Paradise

Getting Around Denver

The following scores reflect walkability, transit, and bikeability in the areas around Denver's assisted properties, according to Walk Score.

  • Walk Score: 96 - Walker's Paradise. Most errands can be accomplished on foot.
  • Transit Score: 51 - Good Transit. Many trips are possible by public transit.
  • Bike Score: 91. Biking is a top-notch option for most trips.
Walk Score
🎓 Schools
230 schools · 11 districts

Schools

Denver is served by 230 schools across 11 districts, including 133 elementary, 32 middle, and 65 high schools, according to NCES Common Core of Data. Ratings vary by school and district, so renters should check the assigned schools for a specific address.

NCES Common Core of Data
📊 Cost of living
$94,718 median income

Cost of Living in Denver

The median household income in Denver is $94,718 per year, according to Census ACS 5-Year data. Affordable and income-based housing programs are designed to serve renters whose incomes fall well below that threshold.

The median asking rent across all Denver rentals is $1,831 per month, according to Census ACS 5-Year data. Rents at HUD-assisted and income-restricted properties are set based on program rules, not market rates, which can mean significant savings for eligible renters.

  • Median household income: $94,718/year (Census ACS 5-Year)
  • Median market rent: $1,831/month (Census ACS 5-Year)
  • Renter households: 51% of Denver residents rent their homes (Census ACS 5-Year)
  • Affordable units available: 7,453 across 100 HUD-assisted or income-restricted properties in the city
Census ACS 5-Year
🌊 Environment & risk

Flood and Environmental Exposure

Flood risk is very low among Denver's HUD-assisted properties. All 100 mapped properties were assessed, and only 1 falls within a high-risk flood zone.

FEMA · EPA AirNow
HUD Inspection Scoresavg 90/100(92 of 293 scored)
90+ (59)70–89 (29)60–69 (1)<60 (3)No score (201)

293 properties on the map

Top-rated properties

Browse all 293 affordable apartments in Denver→

Other cities in CO

› Affordable housing in Arvada› Aurora income-based apartments› Income-restricted rentals in Boulder› Brush affordable apartments› HUD & Section 8 housing in Carbondale› Affordable housing in Colorado Springs› Commerce City income-based apartments› Income-restricted rentals in Fort Collins› Grand Junction affordable apartments› HUD & Section 8 housing in Greeley› Affordable housing in La Junta› Lakewood income-based apartments

Your rights & resources

› How HUD & Section 8 housing works› Tenant rights in CO› Housing assistance & waitlists› Free legal aid (LawHelp)› Energy bill help (LIHEAP)

Read more

About Affordable Housing in Denver

Denver is a majority-renter city, with 51 percent of households renting according to Census ACS 5-Year data. The median market rent sits at $1,831 per month (Census ACS 5-Year), making the 7,453 income-restricted units across 100 HUD-assisted and LIHTC properties a meaningful resource for renters watching their budget.

Of the 92 properties with inspection scores on file, 59 earned an Excellent rating and 29 earned a Good rating, based on HUD inspection data. Only 1 of the 100 mapped properties falls in a high-risk flood zone.

Getting around without a car is practical here. According to Walk Score, Denver earns a 96 ("Walker's Paradise") for walkability, a 91 for bikeability, and a 51 ("Good Transit") for public transit access.

Denver reported a violent crime rate of 999 per 100,000 residents in 2024, according to the FBI Crime Data Explorer (Denver Police Department, annual period).

The city is served by 11 school districts operating 230 public schools -- including 133 elementary, 32 middle, and 65 high schools -- according to NCES Common Core of Data.

Eligibility & how to apply

Colorado income limits (2026)Colorado public housing authoritiesSection 8 waitlists in Colorado

Helpful guides

How Section 8 Vouchers WorkWhat Is Income-Based Housing?How to Apply for Affordable HousingSection 8 vs. LIHTCUnderstanding HUD Inspection ScoresHow Affordable Housing Waitlists Work
Research: what 22,600 HUD inspection scores reveal →