countyscore
37
County Score
Property Tax 91.2Disaster Risk 59.7Weather & Climate 51.2

County Report Card

About Alamosa County, Colorado

Alamosa below national livability benchmark

Alamosa County scores 37.0 on the livability index, trailing the national median of 50.0 and ranking in the bottom 35th percentile. The score reflects a county in transition, with notable affordability and tax advantages offset by income and health challenges.

Below Colorado state average

Alamosa's score of 37.0 places it notably below Colorado's 51.2 state average, indicating weaker overall livability conditions relative to peer counties. The gap widens particularly in income dimensions, where the county significantly underperforms the state norm.

Exceptional affordability and tax advantage

Alamosa stands out for its exceptional housing affordability with a cost score of 46.7 and median rents of just $904 per month, paired with Colorado's lowest effective tax rate of 0.442% (tax score 91.2). These factors make it one of Colorado's most economically accessible counties for budget-conscious residents.

Income and health concerns dominate

The county's median household income of $51,445 generates an income score of just 17.5, reflecting limited earning potential compared to Colorado peers. Health outcomes are also concerning with a score of 33.6, suggesting access or behavioral health barriers that warrant attention.

Ideal for cost-conscious, independent workers

Alamosa suits retirees, remote workers, and creative professionals seeking low cost of living and minimal tax burden without requiring high local incomes. The county's affordability advantage makes it attractive for those prioritizing financial flexibility over high earning potential.

Score breakdown

Tax91.2Cost46.7Safety1.6Health33.6Schools24Income17.5Risk59.7Water7.2Weather51.2
🏛91.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠46.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼17.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡1.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤33.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓24
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡59.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧7.2
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤51.2
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱32.8
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Deep Dives

Alamosa County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Alamosa County

via TaxByCounty

Alamosa taxes well below national average

Alamosa County's effective rate of 0.442% falls well short of the national median of 0.52%, placing it in the bottom 40% of U.S. counties. The median property tax of $968 is 64% lower than the national median of $2,690.

Below-average burden across Colorado

Alamosa County ranks in the middle-to-lower range statewide with an effective rate of 0.442%, just above Colorado's 0.393% average. At $968, its median property tax is still 38% below the state median of $1,560.

Most affordable in south-central region

Alamosa County's 0.442% rate is the lowest among its south-central neighbors, undercutting Archuleta County (0.341%) in tax burden for the median home. The region's rural, lower-valued homes keep overall obligations manageable.

What your $219k home costs

A median-valued home in Alamosa County at $218,800 generates approximately $968 in annual property taxes. With mortgage tax deductions factored in, your effective cost rises to $1,081 per year.

Still worth appealing your assessment

Even at Alamosa County's lower rates, overassessed homeowners can recover meaningful savings through a property tax appeal. Request your county assessor's recent valuation and compare it to actual market sales.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Alamosa County

via CostByCounty

Mountain town, affordable rents

Alamosa County renters spend 21.1% of their income on housing, staying just below the national affordability line—a relief in a region hosting two universities. The median household income of $51,445 is 31% below the national average, yet rents at $904/month remain remarkably reasonable.

Colorado's most affordable county

Alamosa County's 21.1% rent-to-income ratio beats Colorado's 20.2% state average and represents the most affordable housing among the eight counties analyzed. At $904/month, median rents run 28% below the state average of $1,253, making this south-central mountain county a genuine outlier.

Cheapest rent in the region

Alamosa's $904 median rent undercuts Archuleta County's $1,409 by 36% and towers below Adams County's $1,713 by nearly half. For homebuyers, the $218,800 median value is the lowest among the eight counties, offering genuine affordability for first-time buyers.

Rents and mortgages nearly equal

Alamosa County renters pay $904/month while homeowners shoulder $820/month—an unusual situation where ownership costs dip below rent. This $84 monthly difference means a household earning the median $51,445 can afford either path without overstretching their budget.

College town charm, real affordability

Moving to Alamosa? You're joining a university-driven economy where $51,445 median income stretches further than nearly anywhere in Colorado. Budget $904 for rent and you'll live comfortably in a region where housing doesn't dominate your financial life.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Alamosa County

via IncomeByCounty

Alamosa trails national income benchmark

Alamosa County's median household income of $51,445 falls 31% below the national median of $74,755, reflecting the economic challenges of a rural mountain county. This gap highlights why many Alamosa residents face tighter financial constraints than their national peers.

Ranks in lowest third statewide

Alamosa County's $51,445 median household income places it in Colorado's lower third of counties, well below the state average of $74,792. The county's economy relies on regional agriculture, tourism, and Adams State University rather than high-wage urban sectors.

Among the lower-income regions

Alamosa's $51,445 median household income sits closer to rural and agricultural counties than to Colorado's prosperous front-range communities. Archuleta County ($76,524) and Baca County ($40,380) offer neighboring comparisons, showing wide variation across rural Colorado.

Rent remains affordable on lower wages

Alamosa's 21.1% rent-to-income ratio is remarkably efficient, meaning housing costs take up a small share of the lower median income. The affordable median home value of $218,800 makes homeownership achievable for many households without stretching finances dangerously thin.

Strategic saving boosts long-term security

Even with lower median income, Alamosa's affordable housing provides breathing room to build savings and invest for the future. Prioritize employer retirement plans, consider side income from seasonal work or skills-based gigs, and take advantage of lower-cost-of-living advantages for compound wealth growth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Alamosa County

via CrimeByCounty

Alamosa County Surpasses National Averages

With 5,340.2 crimes per 100,000 people, Alamosa County experiences double the national total crime rate of 2,385.5. Despite these figures, the county maintains a relatively resilient safety score of 91.6.

Ranking Behind the State Average

Alamosa's safety score of 91.6 sits below the Colorado average of 97.1. Three local agencies report data that suggests the San Luis Valley hub faces unique public safety pressures.

Higher Incidents Than Regional Neighbors

The local crime rate is significantly higher than the state average of 1,834.6 per 100,000. While safer than urban centers like Adams County, Alamosa remains an area of concern for the rural region.

Focusing on Property and Violent Crime

The violent crime rate stands at 607.5 per 100,000, while property crime is much higher at 4,732.7. This means theft-related incidents are the most common disruption to community peace.

Hardening Your Home in Alamosa

Active monitoring and neighborhood watch participation can help reduce the risk of property theft. Simple measures like securing garages and outbuildings make a measurable difference in safety.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Alamosa County

via HealthByCounty

Alamosa faces one of Colorado's biggest gaps

At 73.0 years, Alamosa County has the lowest life expectancy among these eight counties—about 6.3 years below the U.S. average of 79.3 years. More than 1 in 5 Alamosa residents (21.2%) report poor or fair health, among the highest rates nationally and well above the 16.7% U.S. average.

Alamosa's health outcomes rank well below state

Alamosa's 73.0-year life expectancy trails Colorado's 78.2-year average by 5.2 years, placing it in Colorado's most health-challenged counties. The county's 10.8% uninsured rate exceeds the state average of 9.7%, adding financial barriers to the health challenges residents already face.

Alamosa lags similar rural Colorado counties

Compared to Archuleta County (79.6 years) just south, Alamosa's 73.0-year life expectancy represents a striking 6.6-year gap despite both being rural mountain regions. Alamosa does have more mental health providers (1,513 per 100K) than nearly any county in the state, though this strength hasn't yet translated into better overall health outcomes.

Rural Alamosa struggles with provider shortages

With 73 primary care providers per 100K, Alamosa has decent primary care density, yet residents still report difficulty accessing timely appointments and specialists. The combination of an aging population, high poverty rates, and limited behavioral health integration likely contributes to the county's poor health ratings and life expectancy crisis.

Alamosa residents: explore coverage now

Nearly 1 in 10 Alamosa residents (10.8%) lacks health insurance, making preventive care even harder to access. Colorado's marketplace offers subsidies for families earning up to 400% of poverty level—visit CoverColorado.com to see if you qualify for Medicaid or plan discounts.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Alamosa County

via SchoolsByCounty

Compact Education in the San Luis Valley

Alamosa County operates 8 public schools, primarily concentrated in three elementary and three high school facilities. These schools serve 2,375 total students within two distinct school districts.

High Graduation Rates Outpace State Benchmarks

The county achieves an 87.3% graduation rate, exceeding both the Colorado state average of 83.1% and the national average. This performance comes despite a per-pupil expenditure of $5,887, which is lower than the $7,447 state average.

The Influence of Alamosa District Re-11J

Alamosa School District No. Re-11J is the county's primary educator, managing 6 schools and 2,116 students. There are currently no charter schools in the county, focusing resources into traditional public institutions.

Community-Centered Town and Rural Schools

Six schools are located in town settings, providing a localized feel with an average school size of 297 students. Alamosa High School is the largest campus, hosting 582 students as the hub of local secondary education.

Small Town Living with Strong Outcomes

Homebuyers in Alamosa often value the high graduation rates found in these close-knit school environments. Exploring properties near Ortega Middle or Alamosa High offers families direct access to the county's academic core.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Alamosa County

via RiskByCounty

Alamosa enjoys one of Colorado's lowest risk profiles

Alamosa County scores 40.36 on the composite risk scale, essentially matching Colorado's state average of 40.67 and placing it well below national hazard exposure. This very low risk rating reflects relatively favorable conditions across most disaster types.

Among Colorado's safest counties by overall measure

Alamosa's 40.36 composite score ranks it near the bottom for disaster risk statewide, with exposure considerably lower than the Denver metro counties to the northeast. Only a few Colorado counties experience comparably low multi-hazard vulnerability.

Safer than mountain and plains neighbors alike

Alamosa (40.36) sits well below Archuleta County (34.48) to the southwest and dramatically below Baca County (23.16) to the east in absolute terms, though all three share very low risk profiles. This isolated valley location offers natural protection against many hazard types.

Earthquakes present the primary concern here

Earthquakes pose Alamosa's highest risk at 82.54, reflecting proximity to regional fault systems despite the county's overall low hazard profile. Wildfire risk of 62.28 and flood risk of 43.73 remain manageable but merit basic preparedness.

Focus earthquake insurance on retrofitting needs

Alamosa residents should prioritize earthquake insurance and structural evaluation, as seismic risk (82.54) outpaces other local hazards. Basic homeowner coverage paired with earthquake protection provides cost-effective security in this relatively low-risk county.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Alamosa County

via WeatherByCounty

Alamosa: A high-altitude chill

Alamosa County averages just 42.5°F annually, sitting 3.5 degrees below the U.S. median of 46°F. The county receives only 8.7 inches of precipitation yearly—among the driest in Colorado—creating a cold-desert climate typical of high-elevation valleys.

Among Colorado's coldest counties

Alamosa's 42.5°F average ranks it 3.5 degrees colder than Colorado's state average of 46°F, placing it firmly in the mountain county tier. This reflects its San Luis Valley elevation and distance from lower-elevation plains.

Valley isolation creates unique cold

Alamosa (42.5°F) is noticeably colder than nearby Chaffee County (45.5°F) and significantly cooler than Denver-area counties like Adams (50.7°F). The San Luis Valley's geography traps cold air and limits moderating influences from lower elevations.

Frigid winters, cool summers

January lows average 17.9°F while July peaks reach only 64.8°F, with extremely rare heat days—just 2 days per year hit 90°F. Annual snowfall of 34.5 inches reflects the valley's continental mountain climate and long cold season.

Embrace the cold, plan accordingly

Residents need heavy-duty heating systems for sustained subzero stretches and well-insulated homes—cooling costs are minimal with only occasional 90°F days. Winter recreation and seasonal preparation dominate the calendar; spring outdoor work usually waits until May.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Alamosa County

via SoilByCounty

High Altitude Soil Identity Challenges

Specific soil identification and pH data remain limited for Alamosa County, though regional trends suggest the alkaline nature typical of the San Luis Valley. We lack a specific pH reading to compare against the state’s 7.29 average.

A Mystery in Texture

Official measurements for sand, silt, and clay are currently unavailable for this county. Local growers often report the sandy textures typical of high-desert valley floors, though official county-wide averages are missing from current datasets.

Nurturing Fertility in Sparse Soils

There are no recorded averages for organic matter or available water capacity in this area. To compensate for potentially low fertility, many local farmers rely on intensive soil amendments to meet the state average organic matter benchmark of 2.18%.

Observing Local Water Movement

Official drainage classes and hydrologic groups are not listed in the current data set. Residents should monitor how water moves across their specific acreage to determine drainage needs for gardening or small-scale farming.

Cold-Hardy Growth in Zone 5a

Alamosa falls into USDA Hardiness Zone 5a, reflecting its cold winters and shorter growing season. Successful gardens here thrive with cold-tolerant crops like potatoes, quinoa, and leafy greens that can handle the high-altitude climate.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Alamosa County

via LawnByCounty

Challenging High-Desert Turf Care

Alamosa County faces a difficult lawn score of 32.8, trailing behind both the national median and the state average of 37.4. The Zone 5a hardiness rating reflects a shorter, more intense growing window than many other parts of Colorado.

Low Precipitation and Short Seasons

The county receives just 8.7 inches of annual precipitation, making it one of the driest regions in the state. While heat is rare with only 2 days over 90°F, the limited 1,500 growing degree days mean grass matures much slower than average.

Preparing Desert Soils for Growth

While specific soil data is limited for this region, high-desert landscapes typically require significant organic amendments to hold moisture. Testing your local soil is essential to determine if you need to adjust for alkaline conditions common in the Valley.

Enduring Year-Round Dry Spells

The area has suffered through 47 weeks of drought over the last year, highlighting the need for xeriscaping or efficient drip irrigation. Currently, 38.8% of the county is abnormally dry, requiring homeowners to prioritize water-smart lawn alternatives.

Planting for Success in Zone 5a

Cold-hardy species like Fine Fescue or Buffalo grass are best suited for the late June 6th spring frost and early September 17th fall frost. The tight growing window means you must be ready to seed the moment the ground warms in June.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Alamosa County's county score?
Alamosa County, Colorado has a composite county score of 37 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Alamosa County rank among counties in Colorado?
Alamosa County ranks #60 among all counties in Colorado on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Alamosa County, Colorado?
The median annual property tax in Alamosa County is $968, with an effective tax rate of 0.44%. This earns Alamosa County a tax score of 91.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Alamosa County?
The median household income in Alamosa County, Colorado is $51,445 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Alamosa County earns an income score of 17.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Alamosa County, Colorado a good place to live?
Alamosa County scores 37/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #60 in Colorado. The best way to evaluate Alamosa County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Alamosa County with other counties side by side.

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Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.