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Updated livable wage report shows local basic-wage shortfalls; childcare costs exceed housing in parts of region
Summary
Region 9 presented its updated livable wage report, localized by county. The report shows basic-expenditure hourly wages required in communities across the region, highlights childcare as a major cost, and illustrates pressures on housing, workforce and public assistance usage.
Region 9 staff presented an updated livable wage report, prepared every two years and localized using county-level housing and childcare costs and the Colorado consumer price index.
Region 9 staff summarized the methodology: the report uses a self-sufficiency budget to estimate what a household needs to cover basic expenses including housing, health insurance, food, clothing and childcare. Staff said some small communities that cannot obtain goods locally (Rico, Dove Creek, Silverton) receive a mileage allowance to cover travel to buy essentials.
The presenter highlighted community examples: "Somebody needs to make at least $17.22 in order to make it in Mancos," Region 9 staff said, describing that figure as the basic-expenditure hourly wage for a single adult in Mancos. Staff also cited a regional example for Montezuma County: for a two-adult household with two children, the report calculates a livable annual income of roughly $91,000 to meet basic needs without subsidies.
The report breaks down cost components and shows that in some places child care costs exceed housing costs. The presentation noted that in Cortez the chart lists child care at $16.27 and housing at roughly $13 (median figures used in the report). Staff said the findings are used by local organizations for grant-writing and planning and that the report is posted on Region 9's website.
Commissioners and staff discussed local workforce and demographic effects. The transcript records concerns about declining school enrollment in nearby Durango and migration of families to outlying towns; a commissioner commented that limited affordability is a factor in population and workforce trends. Region 9 staff said licensed childcare supply is limited, increasing costs and creating work–family tradeoffs.
The report was provided for information; staff had no formal ask tied to the presentation other than to share the data that local agencies and organizations commonly use.
Why this matters: The livable wage figures are used by human services and local organizations to estimate public assistance need, plan workforce development, and support grant applications.
