Area Median Income (AMI) is a measure used to determine the median, or middle, income of a specific area. It is a crucial metric in the housing industry, used to assess the affordability of housing and to set eligibility criteria for various housing programs.

The current annual AMI is published every Spring by the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA) and is based on the latest data provided by HUD. Here are facts and a breakdown chart of the AMI for different household sizes in Routt County:

–AMI has significantly increased, at almost 50% (actual: 48.9%), since 2020. By contrast, earned (W2 income) wages have increased 17% for the same time period.

— In 2023, the median income for Routt County was $75,900 (100% AMI), an almost 6% increase

from 2022.

–In 2024, the median income for Routt County was $83,400 (100% AMI), creating an almost 16%

increase in 2 years.

–In 2025, the median income for Routt County is $91,000 (100% AMI), seeing a 9.1% increase

from 2024.

Effective Date: May 1, 2026 (2027 AMIs will come from Colorado Housing and Financial Authority in Spring of 2027, stay tuned)

YVHA-developed properties have income restrictions/eligibility requirements that must be met in order to submit an application.

We encourage you to use our Interactive Housing Guide which will guide you through the eligibility process.  Alternatively you can look at the Area Median Income (AMI) chart to determine your eligibility.  For more information contact us.

Be prepared to Rent: Typical Information needed for a rental application.

1. Previous Employers: Prior work history business name & address, hire date, rate of pay, termination date, pay frequency, phone number for your last 2 employers.
2. Current Employment: Bring 6 paystubs, the most recent consecutive for each employer – also the first paystub of the year due to needing the hire date and or year to date earnings start date.
3. Bank Statements for checking: Bring 6 consecutive, most recent full bank statements for each checking account. You must clarify all deposits outside of payroll.
4. Bank statement for savings: Bring 1 most recent full savings statement for each savings account.
5. Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF): Do you receive TANF? What is the name and email address for your case manager.
6. Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT): Do you have an EBT card? You will need to complete a form about these benefits.
7. Do you have a housing voucher? What Is the name and email address for your case manager? What is the cap for your bedroom size and voucher amount?
8. Do you have a 401K or IRA or other retirement account? If yes, share the most recent full statement.
9. Do you have a Venmo, Cash App, Robin Hood, etc.? If yes, you will need to complete a Pre-Paid Card Asset Declaration form.
10. Photo IDs: Bring photo Id’s for each adult household member.
11. Birth certificates for minors: Provide birth certificates for each minor.
12. Social Security numbers: Provide all social security numbers for all household members.
13. Contact information for current employers: Provide fax number or email address for employment verification, HR or your immediate supervisor.
14. Additional income: Do you receive monthly income from a family member or friend? You must disclose all income for every member of the household.

The responsibilities of renters include paying rent on time, keeping the place safe and clean, and not damaging the property.

Paying rent on time is important for maintaining a good relationship with the landlord and ensuring that the landlord can cover expenses related to the property.

Be sure to review your lease agreement for more details on pets, parking, trash and recycling and more.

2026 Pre Application Submission Dates: May 20-22, 2026

The Housing Choice Voucher Program (also known as Section 8) helps low-income families, elderly persons, veterans and disabled individuals afford housing in the private market. Program participants can choose any eligible housing unit, including single-family homes, townhouses, and apartments, with rent partially covered by a subsidy paid directly to the landlord.

• What you need to know when applying: Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program

• • Section 8 meetings are by appointment only, by calling the Grand County Office at 970-725-3070 to schedule.
• Grand County Housing Authority administers the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program for the following counties:
  • Clear Creek, Grand, Jackson, Gilpin, Routt and Summit
• Click HERE for the list of categories for which you qualify and can verify.
• 2026 Preapplication Section 8 Form (Submit May 20-22, ONLY)
  • The pre-application is what you submit when the application window opens May 20th to May 22nd. When you come to the top of the list and there is a voucher to offer, you will be sent a letter inviting you to a briefing where you will go over the program and determine final eligibility. At that time you will be asked to complete any paperwork still needed, which includes the full application.
• Pre Applications/Applications can be returned via email, fax, in person at our Grand County office, or by mail. If sending Preapplications in by mail, it needs to be postmarked between May 20th and May 22nd, 2026.
  • ATTN: Michelle Romero, Housing Assistance Coordinator
  • 612 Hemlock Street/PO Box 264 Hot Sulphur Springs, CO 80451
  • Email: mromero@co.grand.co.us
  • Phone: 970-725-3070
  • Fax: 970-725-3072
• Click HERE for full program details.