U.S. Army
Fort Carson — Fort Carson, CO, United States
📍 Fort Carson, CO, United States
⭐ 4.4/5 community rating · Rated by Soldiers and families
About Fort Carson
Fort Carson — home of the 4th Infantry Division and Butts Army Airfield — is one of the Army's premier mountain warfare training installations, located at the foot of Pikes Peak near Colorado Springs. Hosting 23,716 active-duty military (as of January 2025) and aviation assets, Fort Carson combines a world-class outdoor recreation environment with a growing Front Range metropolitan area. Colorado Springs is consistently ranked among America's best cities for military families and quality of life. The city sits at 6,000 feet elevation against the dramatic backdrop of Pikes Peak and the Rampart Range, offering skiing (Breckenridge, Vail, Telluride within 2-3 hours), hiking in Garden of the Gods and Pike National Forest, and year-round outdoor activities. The cost of living is moderate for a major metro area, and housing availability near Fort Carson is generally good. BAH rates for Fort Carson/Colorado Springs provide solid purchasing power in communities including Fountain, Security-Widefield, Pueblo West, and Colorado Springs' southside neighborhoods closest to the base. The northern Colorado Springs and Monument areas offer higher-rated schools but longer commutes. The climate is semi-arid with 300+ sunny days annually, hot but not humid summers, cold winters with significant snowfall at elevation, and beautiful spring and fall weather. Colorado Springs' low humidity makes temperature extremes more manageable. Employment in Colorado Springs is robust, driven by the military (multiple installations), defense contractors, aerospace (Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman), healthcare, and technology. The city's economy has diversified significantly beyond defense. BaseNeed connects Fort Carson families with Colorado Springs housing, current BAH rates, and the Colorado Front Range military community.
Fort Carson at a Glance
Location: Fort Carson, CO 80913, United States.
Branch & command: U.S. Army, FORSCOM.
Active-duty military: 23,716 (as of January 2025).
On-base housing: Moderate, typical wait 3-6 months.
Cost-of-living index: 106.80 (100 = U.S. average).
Climate: Semi-arid, mountain climate.
Nearby cities: Colorado Springs, Fountain, Security-Widefield, Manitou Springs.
Base operator: (719) 526-1210.
2026 BAH Rates for Fort Carson
The figures below are the 2026 Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) rates for the military housing area covering Fort Carson, published by the DoD (DTMO) and effective 1 January 2026. Amounts are monthly and tax-free, shown with and without dependents.
| Pay grade | With dependents | Without dependents |
|---|---|---|
| E-1 to E-4 | $2,160 | $1,689 |
| E-5 | $2,358 | $1,860 |
| E-6 | $2,433 | $1,980 |
| E-7 | $2,487 | $2,166 |
| E-8 | $2,553 | $2,379 |
| E-9 | $2,646 | $2,388 |
| W-1 | $2,448 | $2,103 |
| W-2 | $2,514 | $2,376 |
| W-3 | $2,598 | $2,394 |
| W-4 | $2,664 | $2,436 |
| W-5 | $2,754 | $2,502 |
| O-1 | $2,376 | $1,959 |
| O-2 | $2,430 | $2,295 |
| O-3 | $2,595 | $2,397 |
| O-4 | $2,778 | $2,484 |
| O-5 | $2,913 | $2,517 |
| O-6 | $2,934 | $2,574 |
| O-7 | $2,955 | $2,616 |
Confirm your exact entitlement with the official DTMO BAH calculator before signing a lease.
Quick Facts about Fort Carson
- Branch & location
- U.S. Army · Fort Carson, CO, United States
- 2026 BAH (E-5)
- $2,358/mo with deps · $1,860 without
- Cost of living
- Index 106.8 — near average
- Climate
- Semi-arid, mountain climate
- Off-base housing
- moderate
- Nearest VA facility
- Evans VA Clinic (~4 mi)
PCS to Fort Carson — Complete 2026 Guide
Permanent Change of Station (PCS) to Fort Carson requires planning that most Soldiers start 90–120 days before their report date. The key areas to tackle first are housing (on-base vs. off-base), BAH calculation, school enrollment for children, and spouse employment. This guide walks you through each step.
Step 1: Understand Your Orders and Timeline
Your PCS orders to Fort Carson will specify your Report No Later Than (RNLTD) date — your primary planning anchor. From this date work backwards: HHG shipment scheduling (DPS at move.mil) should happen at least 30–45 days out; housing research should begin immediately. Contact your losing unit S1 or PSD to initiate your out-processing checklist as soon as orders are in hand. Request a sponsor from your gaining unit — most U.S. Army units assign one who can answer installation-specific questions and help your family settle in before you arrive.
Step 2: Calculate Your 2026 BAH and Set a Housing Budget
Your 2026 BAH for Fort Carson, CO is your housing budget ceiling. E-5 with dependents: $2,358/month. E-5 without dependents: $1,860/month. E-7 with dependents: $2,487/month. O-3 with dependents: $2,595/month. BAH is fully tax-free and determined by your pay grade and dependency status. In this near average area, Fort Carson, BAH rates are calibrated to cover the 80th percentile of local rental costs, leaving most service members with practical options within their allowance. Use the BaseNeed BAH Calculator to compare rates across all pay grades.
Step 3: On-Base vs. Off-Base Housing Decision
Start your housing search 60-90 days before your report date. The off-base rental market is active, and the best properties at BAH rates are claimed quickly. Current on-base wait: approximately 3-6 months. Apply for on-base housing immediately after receiving orders — even if you lean toward off-base, maintaining a waitlist position keeps all options open. Browse verified housing listings near Fort Carson on BaseNeed, filtered to your BAH rate and preferred communities.
Step 4: Schools, Childcare, and Family Resources
Contact the School Liaison Officer (SLO) at Fort Carson early — they specialize in school enrollment, record transfers, and finding the right educational fit for military-connected students at every grade level. DoDEA schools (if available on-base) offer curriculum continuity across PCS moves. For childcare, the Child Development Center (CDC) on base provides subsidized, high-quality care — waitlists can be 6–12 months, so register immediately after receiving orders. The Family Support Center offers free spouse employment assistance, financial counseling, and PCS transition workshops for the whole family.
Step 5: Schedule Your HHG Shipment and Travel
Book your Household Goods (HHG) shipment through DPS (move.mil) as early as possible — peak PCS season (May–August) fills carrier capacity quickly. Options include a full government move, a Personally Procured Move (PPM/DITY), or a combination. Pack a "first-night box" with essentials — documents, medications, toiletries, and a change of clothes per family member — separately from your main shipment. Photograph all valuables before the move and file claims promptly for any damage discovered at delivery. Carriers are required to honor claims within the timeframe specified in your Bill of Lading.
Step 6: In-Process at Fort Carson
Upon arrival, complete garrison in-processing at the welcome center. Required stops typically include finance (to activate BAH and other allowances), medical and dental records transfer, vehicle registration, ID card office, and your unit S1 or PSD. Bring multiple copies of your orders, all ID cards, medical records, vehicle title, and signed housing paperwork. Most installations complete full in-processing in 2–5 business days. Your unit sponsor can walk you through installation-specific requirements and help your family get oriented faster.
Housing & Cost of Living — Fort Carson
The 2026 Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) for Fort Carson, CO ranges from $1,860/month for junior enlisted without dependents to $2,595/month for mid-grade officers with dependents. All BAH is 100% tax-free income. Good availability — start your search 30-60 days early. On-base wait: ~3-6 months.
Open BAH Calculator → Browse Housing Near Fort Carson →
More useful BaseNeed resources
Use these quick links to continue your PCS planning, compare BAH, and explore local military community support.
2026 BAH Rate Table — Fort Carson (Fort Carson, CO)
E-5 with dependents: $2,358/mo | Without dependents: $1,860/mo
| Pay Grade | With Dependents | Without Dependents |
|---|---|---|
| E-1 | $2,160/mo | $1,689/mo |
| E-2 | $2,160/mo | $1,689/mo |
| E-3 | $2,160/mo | $1,689/mo |
| E-4 | $2,160/mo | $1,689/mo |
| E-5 | $2,358/mo | $1,860/mo |
| E-6 | $2,433/mo | $1,980/mo |
| E-7 | $2,487/mo | $2,166/mo |
| E-8 | $2,553/mo | $2,379/mo |
| E-9 | $2,646/mo | $2,388/mo |
| W-1 | $2,448/mo | $2,103/mo |
| W-2 | $2,514/mo | $2,376/mo |
| W-3 | $2,598/mo | $2,394/mo |
| W-4 | $2,664/mo | $2,436/mo |
| W-5 | $2,754/mo | $2,502/mo |
| O-1 | $2,376/mo | $1,959/mo |
| O-1E | $2,496/mo | $2,355/mo |
| O-2 | $2,430/mo | $2,295/mo |
| O-2E | $2,583/mo | $2,385/mo |
| O-3 | $2,595/mo | $2,397/mo |
| O-3E | $2,679/mo | $2,418/mo |
| O-4 | $2,778/mo | $2,484/mo |
| O-5 | $2,913/mo | $2,517/mo |
| O-6 | $2,934/mo | $2,574/mo |
| O-7 | $2,955/mo | $2,616/mo |
Source: DFAS 2026 BAH rates for Fort Carson, CO. Rates are 100% tax-free and updated each January 1st. BAH is designed to cover the 80th percentile of local housing costs.
Cost of Living at Fort Carson
The cost of living index near Fort Carson is 106.8 — 7% above the U.S. national average (100 = national average). This places Fort Carson, CO in the near average category. Cost of living is 7% above the U.S. national average.
At 106.8, the area is broadly average for U.S. living costs. Military compensation (base pay + BAH + BAS) is typically competitive with local civilian salaries for comparable work.
Climate & Lifestyle near Fort Carson
The climate near Fort Carson is Semi-arid, mountain climate. Factor seasonal weather patterns into your PCS timing and housing search. Extreme summer heat makes air conditioning essential — budget for higher electric bills June through September. Water quality and conservation are community-wide priorities.
Outdoor recreation and quality-of-life activities vary significantly by season at this installation. Connect with Soldiers already stationed at Fort Carson on BaseNeed's community to get first-hand lifestyle insights.
On-Base Amenities at Fort Carson
As a U.S. Army installation, Fort Carson provides comprehensive on-base facilities for Soldiers, retirees, and eligible family members. These subsidized services significantly reduce cost of living compared to civilian alternatives — one of the major financial benefits of military service.
🍽️ Dining & Clubs
- • Food Court
- • Officers Club
- • NCO Club
- • Coffee Shop
💪 Fitness & Recreation
- • Physical Fitness Center
- • Indoor Pool
- • Outdoor Track
- • CrossFit Box
🏨 On-Base Lodging
- • IHG Army Hotels
- • Guest House
- • Distinguished Visitor Quarters
🤝 Support Services
- • Army Community Service (ACS)
- • Chapel
- • Legal Assistance
- • Military OneSource
🛒 Shopping & Commissary
- • Commissary
- • Post Exchange (PX)
- • Shoppette
- • Class Six
🏥 Healthcare
- • Army Health Clinic
- • Dental Clinic
- • Pharmacy
- • Optometry
🎳 Recreation & Library
- • Post Library
- • Outdoor Recreation
- • Auto Skills Shop
- • Bowling Center
- • Arts & Crafts Center
👨👩👧 Family Services
- • Child Development Center
- • Youth Center
- • School Liaison Office
- • Teen Center
Military Community & Spouse Employment at Fort Carson
The military community around Fort Carson is one of the installation's greatest assets. Connecting with other Soldiers and families before your PCS move smooths the transition — especially for spouses and children adjusting to a new duty station. Use BaseNeed's community features to connect with families currently at Fort Carson, ask questions about local schools and neighborhoods, and find PCS buddies going through the same process.
Military spouse employment near Fort Carson is supported by the Spouse Employment Assistance Program (SEAP) at the installation Family Support Center. Resources include resume workshops, job search tools, licensing and certification support, and connections to military-friendly employers in Fort Carson. Federal employment via USAJOBS offers Military Spouse Hiring Preference (Executive Order 13473), and many contractors on and near the installation actively recruit military spouses. Remote and hybrid work has also become a popular solution for location-flexible employment across PCS moves.
→ Browse jobs near Fort Carson · → Join the Fort Carson community on BaseNeed
Nearby Communities & Off-Base Living
Service members at Fort Carson live in a range of communities surrounding the installation. Each neighborhood offers different commute times, school districts, and housing prices. Explore housing options in these areas:
Why Fort Carson Stands Out
- Mountain Views
- Outdoor Recreation
- Skiing
- High Altitude
Other Military Bases in CO
Comparing duty stations in CO? Browse other installations:
- → Peterson SFB (Colorado Springs)
- → Schriever SFB (Colorado Springs)
- → Buckley SFB (Aurora)
Other U.S. Army Installations
Exploring other U.S. Army duty stations? Compare BAH rates and housing conditions:
- → Joint Base Lewis-McChord (Tacoma, WA)
- → Felker Army Airfield (Fort Eustis, VA)
- → Allen Army Airfield (Fort Greely, AK)
- → Cairns Army Airfield (Fort Rucker, AL)
- → Wheeler Army Airfield (Schofield Barracks, HI)
- → Fort Bliss (El Paso, TX)
VA Facilities Near Fort Carson
Veterans, retirees, and eligible family members stationed at or transitioning near Fort Carson have 5 Department of Veterans Affairs facilities within reach — for VA healthcare enrollment (Form 10-10EZ), disability claims, education benefits, and counseling. Distances are from the installation.
| VA Facility | Type | Location | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Evans VA Clinic 719-526-7000 | Other Outpatient Services (OOS) | Fort Carson, CO | 4 mi |
| Space Center VA Clinic 719-638-5000 | Primary Care CBOC | Colorado Springs, CO | 5 mi |
| Pikes Peak National Cemetery 719-391-6920 | National Cemetery | Colorado Springs, CO | 7 mi |
| Colorado Springs Vet Center 719-471-9992 | vet_center | Colorado Springs, CO | 8 mi |
| Union Boulevard VA Clinic 719-327-5660 | Primary Care CBOC | Colorado Springs, CO | 8 mi |
Source: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA.gov) facilities directory, synced monthly. Verify hours and services with the facility before visiting.
Frequently Asked Questions — Fort Carson
What is the 2026 BAH rate at Fort Carson?
For 2026, monthly BAH at Fort Carson ranges from $2,160 with dependents ($1,689 without) for junior enlisted (E-1 to E-4) up to $2,646 for an E-9 with dependents. For example, an E-5 with dependents receives $2,358, an E-7 with dependents $2,487, and an O-3 with dependents $2,595. Rates are tax-free and effective 1 January 2026 — confirm your exact figure with the DTMO BAH calculator.
Does Fort Carson get BAH or OHA?
Fort Carson is a stateside (CONUS) installation, so you receive Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) based on your pay grade and dependency status — not the Overseas Housing Allowance (OHA) used at bases abroad.
How long is the wait for on-base housing at Fort Carson?
On-base family housing at Fort Carson is currently moderate, with typical wait times around 3-6 months. Apply through homes.mil as soon as your orders are cut, and keep an off-base backup plan ready since demand is often high.
Is it expensive to live near Fort Carson?
The local cost-of-living index near Fort Carson is about 106.80 (100 = national average). Build your housing budget around your BAH and compare on-base versus off-base options before committing.
What is the climate like at Fort Carson?
Expect a semi-arid, mountain climate climate at Fort Carson. Factor seasonal weather into your PCS timing and your housing search.
What cities are near Fort Carson?
Fort Carson is close to Colorado Springs, Fountain, Security-Widefield, Manitou Springs, where many families look for off-base housing, schools, and amenities.
PCSing to Fort Carson?
BaseNeed is the military community platform built for U.S. Army families. Find verified housing listings, current 2026 BAH rates, local jobs, and connect with Soldiers already stationed at Fort Carson.
Explore Fort Carson on BaseNeed → Browse Housing →Join the Fort Carson community to ask PCS questions, share local tips, and connect with families stationed here.