Pitkin County Hears Updates from STR Impact Study

11/17/2025

Pitkin County, Colo., commissioners received initial findings from a study on short-term rentals (STRs), examining 73 licensed rentals, mostly concentrated in Aspen and along Highway 82, with 15% in the Crystal River Valley. Occupancy averaged around 30%, with nightly rates ranging from a few hundred dollars to $60,000, and median peak costs of $3,500 in winter and $2,200 in summer. The county’s strict licensing rules limited the number of STRs and reduced licenses in 2025. Property managers reported that guests were generally upscale and conscientious, minimizing community impact. Commissioners discussed cautiously expanding STR access but emphasized caps and safeguards to prevent exploitation, with a final report expected this winter.

Aspen Times (11/13/25) Colin Suszynski