Washington County, Colorado Eviction Risk: Low

Washington County sits on Colorado's Eastern Plains and, with a total population of just 2,243, is one of the smallest rental markets in the state. The county carries an eviction risk score of 3.7/10 - rated Low - and ranks 62nd out of 64 Colorado counties. That placement means 61 counties statewide carry higher eviction risk, and only 2 rank lower. For landlords operating here, the combination of a thin tenant pool, modest rents, and Colorado's structured legal process makes this one of the quieter eviction environments in the state.

The two incorporated cities tracked in Washington County tell a slightly different story from each other. Akron, the county seat and largest city with a population of 1,722, scores 3.5/10 - the lower and more landlord-favorable end of the county range. Otis, with 521 residents, scores 4.2/10, which is the highest-risk point in the county. Neither city approaches the statewide average for risk, but landlords in Otis should note that its score sits noticeably above Akron's, which may reflect a tighter housing dynamic in that smaller community. Average rent across the county is $1,010 per month, and the average rent burden sits at 26.6% of income - below the threshold commonly associated with housing stress. The renter share of households is 24.5%, and the average poverty rate is 9%, both of which are consistent with a rural, owner-occupied housing stock where eviction proceedings are relatively rare events.

Colorado's eviction framework under C.R.S. § 38-12 (Tenants and Landlords) applies uniformly across Washington County. Landlords must give 10 days' notice for nonpayment of rent under C.R.S. 13-40-104(1)(d), and the same 10 days applies to material lease violations under C.R.S. 13-40-104(1)(e). Substantial violations carry a shorter 3-day notice requirement under C.R.S. 13-40-107.5. A critical change introduced by HB24-1098 now requires a 90-day notice for no-fault terminations such as owner move-in or renovation - a significant obligation landlords must plan around. Colorado also now requires just cause for most terminations, which means lease non-renewals generally cannot be issued without a legitimate business reason. Court filing fees run from $105 to $200, sheriff lockout fees range from $50 to $200, and attorney costs for a contested matter can reach $3,500. Uncontested cases resolve in roughly 21 to 45 days; contested matters extend to 60 to 120 days. Landlords must also provide at least 48 hours' notice before entering a unit, and source-of-income discrimination is prohibited under state law, enforceable through the Colorado Civil Rights Division.

Washington County's low eviction risk score reflects its small, stable rental market on Colorado eviction laws's Eastern Plains, where low renter density and below-average rent burden limit the conditions that typically drive eviction filings.