The means test in Colorado: median income

Check your income against the Colorado median, and see what the second step and Chapter 13 involve.

Checked against official sources: October 25, 2026.

Short answer

The U.S. Trustee Program publishes these medians for Colorado. Income below the median for your household size passes the first step.

1 person
$87,940
2 people
$109,497
3 people
$130,850
4 people
$153,501
Each extra person
+$11,100
Medians apply to cases filed on or after
April 1, 2026

Colorado median income check

Official Form 122A-1 compares your household's yearly income with the median income in Colorado. Here are the official medians:

  • 1 person$87,940
  • 2 people$109,497
  • 3 people$130,850
  • 4 people$153,501
  • Each extra person+$11,100

Applies to cases filed on or after April 1, 2026. 1 = one earner; 2, 3, 4 = people in the household; add = amount added for each person over 4

The numbers are worked out in your browser. Nothing you enter here is saved or sent.

Before taxes. Add up all income for the last 6 months and divide by 6.

Enter your household size and income

Which court you file in, in Colorado

You file in the federal bankruptcy district where you lived (your domicile) for most of the 180 days before filing. Colorado is one district with one court in Denver: https://www.cob.uscourts.gov/locations/denver.

Law: 28 U.S.C. 1408

U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Colorado

Divisions: Denver (one location)

Clerk's phone: 720-904-7300

Court's self-help page

What you can keep in Colorado

In Colorado you use state exemptions only (exemptions are the property the law lets you keep).

Home (homestead): $250,000 of equity in your home; $350,000 if the home is occupied by an owner, owner's spouse, or owner's dependent who is elderly or disabled.

Car or other vehicle: Up to two motor vehicles or bicycles, $15,000 total; $25,000 total if you, your spouse or your dependent is elderly or disabled. Does not cover snowmobiles, ATVs, boats, travel trailers or motor homes.

Exemptions in Colorado

In nearby states

  • Wyoming: 1 person $71,745 · 2 people $91,502 · 3 people $98,476 · 4 people $110,297
  • New Mexico: 1 person $66,235 · 2 people $79,574 · 3 people $88,041 · 4 people $98,602
  • Utah: 1 person $87,898 · 2 people $95,757 · 3 people $112,751 · 4 people $131,741
  • Nebraska: 1 person $66,922 · 2 people $90,728 · 3 people $103,405 · 4 people $125,074
  • Kansas: 1 person $69,197 · 2 people $87,441 · 3 people $103,852 · 4 people $125,971
  • South Dakota: 1 person $69,190 · 2 people $89,809 · 3 people $100,883 · 4 people $130,738

What to do now in Colorado

  1. Gather your income

    Use pay stubs and benefit letters for the 6 full months before you file.

  2. Fill in the first form

    The court uses Official Form 122A-1.

  3. If you are above the median

    Next comes the expense calculation on Official Form 122A-2.

  4. Find your court

    You file the forms in U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Colorado.

Free help in Colorado

Questions about the means test in Colorado

How much home equity can I keep in Colorado?

$250,000 of equity in your home; $350,000 if the home is occupied by an owner, owner's spouse, or owner's dependent who is elderly (60 or older) or disabled.

Which bankruptcy court do I use in Colorado?

You file in the federal bankruptcy district where you lived (your domicile) for most of the 180 days before filing. Colorado is one district with one court in Denver: https://www.cob.uscourts.gov/locations/denver.

What are the Colorado means test numbers?

For cases filed on or after April 1, 2026: 1 person: $87,940; 2 people: $109,497; 3 people: $130,850; 4 people: $153,501; Each extra person: +$11,100.

Where can I get free help with bankruptcy in Colorado?

Colorado Bar Association Pro Se Bankruptcy Clinic (free help with Chapter 7), Colorado Legal Services and Metro Volunteer Lawyers (Denver Bar).

Related Colorado pages