Cost of living is the No. 1 concern in Colorado, today and tomorrow.
A new survey from Colorado Health Foundation, the annual Pulse poll, shows 9 in 10 people are worried about housing, healthcare, homelessness and everyday expenses. That is overwhelmingly higher than crime, illegal immigration, mental health and the economy.
Colorado’s worries go far beyond the cost of living right now:
- 7 in 10 are nervous about future finances
- 9 in 10 do not believe their children can afford to live here
Western Slope locals are feeling more secure than urban dwellers: 65% worry about living here into the future, compared to 72% and up in the Denver Metro area, Colorado Springs, Fort Collins and Greeley.
More highlights from the 2024 Pulse poll:
- For the first time in recent years more than half of renters (55%) are leasing from a company, instead of a private landlord.
- More than 1 in 3 statewide are working multiple jobs to make ends meet.
- 1 in 3 say they are skipping meals to make ends meet, up from 1 in 5 four years ago.
- 40% want lawmakers to address cost-of-living issues through affordable housing, rent protection, tax law and inflation remedies
Colorado Health Foundation surveyed 2,404 residents statewide between May 20 and June 24 of this year. This is the fifth year of the poll.