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Colombia Basics

What Are Estratos in Colombia?

Last verified Oct 19, 2026 1 min read Living in Colombia

Not legal advice.

Short answer: An estrato is a number from 1 to 6 that the city gives a home. It is used to set utility bills: strata 1–3 receive subsidies, stratum 4 pays the reference cost, and strata 5–6 pay a surcharge. Source: DANE, Estratificación socioeconómica.

What does the "estrato" number on a listing mean?

Colombian homes are classified into six socioeconomic strata (estratos 1–6) by the city, using DANE methodology. The classification exists to set utility bills: strata 1–3 receive subsidies, stratum 4 pays the reference cost, and strata 5–6 pay a surcharge. It is based on the physical characteristics of the dwelling and its surroundings, not on income.1 Listings often show the estrato. Expect higher utility bills in estratos 5–6.

Who holds the estrato for a given address?

Each city does. DANE says estrato data is "privativa de las alcaldías", so check with the local Alcaldía.

Sources

Sources

  1. DANE, Estratificación socioeconómicawww.dane.gov.co/index.php/servicios-al-ciudadano/servicios-informacion/estratificacion-socioeconomica