government
Pitkin County vacancy rates exceed Garfield
By Anthony Prochaska Follow at Aspen Times
· June 27, 2026
· 4 min read
A report on the Regional Housing Needs Assessment for the Roaring Fork and Colorado River valleys was presented during a joint meeting between Aspen City Council and the Pitkin County Board of County Commissioners last week, the first step in a process to identify current affordable housing needs...
Key takeaway The assessment is the result of bill SB 24-174, passed by the Colorado legislature in 2024 and requiring local governments to have an assessment completed by the end of 2026.
Why this matters in Aspen News
The stark contrast in vacancy rates between Pitkin and Garfield counties has significant implications for Aspen's affordable housing landscape. With 41% of homes in Pitkin County sitting vacant, compared to just 8% in Garfield County, it's clear that the proliferation of second and third homes in Pitkin County is exacerbating the housing crunch. This trend is particularly concerning in a town like Aspen, where the high cost of living already makes it difficult for workers and families to find affordable housing. As the city and county move forward with their regional housing assessment, they will need to grapple with the consequences of these vacancy rates and explore strategies to incentivize the use of these homes as primary residences, rather than leaving them empty for most of the year. The fact that mid- and downvalley towns have a larger proportion of family households suggests that Aspen may need to look to its neighbors for inspiration on how to address its own housing needs.
About this story
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Category: government ·
Published: June 27, 2026 ·
Source: Aspen Times ·
Reading time: 4 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? A report on the Regional Housing Needs Assessment for the Roaring Fork and Colorado River valleys was presented during a joint meeting between Aspen City Council and the Pitkin County Board of County Commissioners last week, the first step in a process to identify current affordable housing needs...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 27, 2026 by Aspen Times and curated for Aspen News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Anthony Prochaska Follow at Aspen Times. To learn more about how Aspen News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more government coverage from Aspen News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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