Colorado
Bent County
FIPS: 08011
5,524
population
⚠ Weather Alerts
🔶 FEMA Declarations
Unemployment in Bent County crossed 5.3% in August 2026—the first time the county has breached the 5% threshold—marking a sharp reversal from the 3.7% low recorded just four months earlier. The jobless rate has risen in four consecutive monthly releases, representing a 43.2% increase from trough to current level. This sustained upward trend follows a period of relative stability and signals potential structural softening in the county's labor market.
The timing coincides with volatility in the local housing market. Median home values in Bent County—the lowest in Colorado at $120,610—peaked at $125,778 in August before declining to $120,610 by September. While home prices remain substantially below the state average, the recent downward movement warrants monitoring alongside the employment deterioration. With a labor force of 1,681 residents, the county remains small and potentially vulnerable to localized economic shocks.
The concentration of rising joblessness signals across multiple data releases suggests this is not noise. Local economic development officials and journalists should investigate whether specific employers have announced layoffs or facility closures, and whether the housing price volatility reflects declining buyer confidence tied to employment concerns.
🔍 Data Signals
View all signals →Bent County, Colorado unemployment crossed above 5% for the first time
Bent County, Colorado's unemployment rate rose from 4.7% to 5.3% in 2026-08, crossing the significant 5% threshold. Economists often watch the 5% level as an indicator of labor market stress.
Bent County, Colorado unemployment rising for 4 straight data releases
Bent County, Colorado's unemployment rate has moved up in each of the last 4 data releases, from 4.1% to 5.3% — a total change of 23.3%. Sustained directional movement over multiple releases often signals structural shift.
Bent County, Colorado has 3 active data signals across 2 sources
Bent County, Colorado is flagged across 3 separate data signals spanning employment, housing data. Pattern types include: trend, milestone, comparison. This concentration of signals may warrant closer local news coverage.
Bent County, Colorado unemployment rising again — up 43.2% from its low
After bottoming at 3.7% (2026-04), unemployment in Bent County, Colorado has risen for 4 straight data releases to 5.3% — a 43.2% increase from its low. This reversal may signal renewed labor market softening.
Unemployment in Bent County, Colorado has been rising for 4 months
Bent County, Colorado's unemployment rate has moved up consecutively for 4 months, from 4.1% in 2026-05 to 5.3% in 2026-08. A persistent upward trend warrants attention from local economic development officials.
Bent County, Colorado has CO's most affordable homes at $120,610
Typical home values in Bent County, Colorado sit at just $120,610, the lowest in CO. For comparison, the state's most expensive county (Pitkin County, Colorado) is at $2,620,251.