countyscore
57.4
County Score
Property Tax 96.7Income & Jobs 79.3Health 74.3

County Report Card

About Archuleta County, Colorado

Archuleta outpaces national livability median

Archuleta County scores 57.4, comfortably exceeding the national median of 50.0 and ranking in the upper 65th percentile nationally. The county demonstrates well-balanced livability across multiple dimensions with only moderate challenges in specific areas.

Above Colorado state average

Archuleta ranks above Colorado's state average of 51.2 with a score of 57.4, placing it in the upper tier of Colorado counties for overall livability. This positioning reflects the county's broad strengths across safety, health, and risk mitigation.

Safety and low tax burden standout

Archuleta residents benefit from exceptional safety with a score of 63.1 and the lowest effective tax rate in this dataset at 0.341% (tax score 96.7). Health outcomes are also strong at 74.3, and the county maintains solid risk management with a score of 65.5.

Water resources and housing costs moderate

The county's water availability score of 33.3 suggests potential constraints on this resource, while housing costs remain moderately challenging with median values at $451,400. These factors create some tension within an otherwise well-balanced livability profile.

Safe, tax-friendly haven for families

Archuleta County appeals to families and retirees seeking a safer community with minimal tax burden and strong healthcare, willing to accept moderate housing costs and water considerations. The balanced score profile suggests broad appeal across income levels and life stages.

Score breakdown

Tax96.7Cost14.9Safety63.1Health74.3Schools47.3Income79.3Risk65.5Water33.3Weather50
🏛96.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠14.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼79.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡63.1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤74.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓47.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡65.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧33.3
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤50
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱16.8
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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Compare Archuleta County with Cass County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Cass County
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Median income: $64,907
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Coles County
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Union County
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Sullivan County
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Ottawa County
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Renville County
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Granite County
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Preble County
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Nearby counties

Mineral County
Colorado
69.2
Rio Grande County
Colorado
40.6
Conejos County
Colorado
64.2
Hinsdale County
Colorado
72.1
San Juan County
Colorado
69.1
La Plata County
Colorado
45.4
Rio Arriba County
New Mexico
60.6
Alamosa County
Colorado
37

Deep Dives

Archuleta County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Archuleta County

via TaxByCounty

Archuleta taxes far below national average

Archuleta County's effective rate of 0.341% ranks in the bottom 15% of U.S. counties, well below the national median of 0.52%. Even with above-average home values ($451k median), the median tax of $1,541 is 43% lower than the national median of $2,690.

Colorado's most tax-friendly county

Archuleta County has Colorado's lowest effective property tax rate at 0.341%, less than 87% of the state average of 0.393%. Its median tax of $1,541 is only 1% above the state median despite homes being 60% more valuable.

Dramatically lower than surrounding areas

Archuleta County's 0.341% rate is uniquely low compared to regional peers, offering substantial tax relief for mountain property owners. This advantage persists despite Archuleta homes commanding premium prices in the scenic San Juan region.

What your $451k mountain home costs

A median-valued home in Archuleta County at $451,400 generates approximately $1,541 in annual property taxes. Interestingly, the mortgage deduction slightly lowers your effective cost to $1,513 per year.

Verify your assessment regardless

Archuleta County's low rates don't guarantee accurate assessments—some properties may still be overvalued relative to market sales. Review your assessment card and request an appeal if it significantly exceeds recent comparable property sales.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Archuleta County

via CostByCounty

San Juan mountain gateway

Archuleta County households earn $76,524, just above the national average, yet spend 22.1% of income on rent—marking it as slightly less affordable than the national norm. The median rent of $1,409/month reflects this mountain region's growing appeal to relocating remote workers and retirees.

Mid-tier affordability in Colorado

Archuleta County's 22.1% rent-to-income ratio sits above Colorado's 20.2% state average, placing it in the pricier half of the eight counties analyzed. At $1,409/month, median rents run 12% above the state average, a consequence of the county's scenic mountain location and limited housing supply.

Pricier mountain living

Archuleta's $1,409 rent exceeds Alamosa County's $904 by 56% and Bent County's $854 by 65%, but trails Adams County's $1,713 by 18%. Home values of $451,400 position it between affordable Alamosa and pricey Boulder, reflecting its middle status as an emerging mountain destination.

Renters pay more than buyers

Archuleta County renters pay $1,409/month while homeowners spend $1,137/month—a rare inversion where ownership costs $272 less than renting. For a household earning the median $76,524, this $272 monthly difference could mean the distinction between financial strain and stability.

Mountain retreat for remote workers

Moving to Archuleta County? The $76,524 median income paired with $1,409 rents suggests this San Juan region appeals most to remote workers or early retirees seeking mountain living. Factor in the $1,137 mortgage—16% lower than rent—if you're ready to buy.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Archuleta County

via IncomeByCounty

Archuleta edges slightly above US median

Archuleta County's median household income of $76,524 modestly exceeds the national median of $74,755 by just 2%, placing it in the middle of the national income distribution. The county's scenic mountain location and tourism appeal support this near-average performance.

Ranks comfortably in middle half

Archuleta County's $76,524 median household income sits slightly above Colorado's state average of $74,792, placing it in the middle tier of the state's counties. This solid performance reflects a balanced economy of tourism, retirees, and small business.

Higher than rural peers to the east

Archuleta's $76,524 income significantly outpaces struggling rural counties like Baca ($40,380) and Bent ($49,194), while trailing the prosperous Front Range counties. Among Colorado's mountain and southwestern counties, Archuleta performs respectably.

22.1% housing ratio signals fair balance

Archuleta County's 22.1% rent-to-income ratio indicates solid housing affordability relative to earnings, staying well within the 30% comfort threshold. The median home value of $451,400 is accessible to median-income households, supporting local stability and ownership.

Balanced income supports steady growth

Archuleta County's near-national-average income of $76,524 and reasonable housing costs provide a stable foundation for gradual wealth building. Focus on consistent retirement contributions, emergency fund establishment, and taking advantage of any employer retirement match to build long-term financial security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Archuleta County

via CrimeByCounty

Superior Safety in Archuleta County

Archuleta County enjoys a total crime rate of only 851.3 per 100,000, far below the national average of 2,385.5. This peaceful environment earns a high safety score of 98.7.

Exceeding the Colorado Safety Average

With a safety score of 98.7, Archuleta is safer than the typical Colorado county, which averages 97.1. Only two agencies provide data, but they indicate a high level of community security.

Leading the Region in Safety

Archuleta’s crime rate is less than half the state average of 1,834.6. It offers a much quieter profile compared to busier counties like Alamosa or Arapahoe.

Minimal Crime Statistics

The county reports 177.7 violent crimes and 673.6 property crimes per 100,000 people. These low numbers suggest that crime is infrequent for both residents and visitors.

Preserving Your Mountain Peace

Protect your property by securing windows and doors even when at home. Low crime rates are best maintained through consistent awareness and simple home security habits.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Archuleta County

via HealthByCounty

Archuleta achieves one of nation's best outcomes

At 79.6 years, Archuleta County residents live longer than the U.S. average of 79.3 years, and only 13.6% report poor or fair health compared to the national average of 16.7%. This small mountain county demonstrates that rural Colorado can deliver health outcomes matching the nation's best.

Archuleta leads Colorado on life expectancy

Archuleta's 79.6-year life expectancy surpasses Colorado's 78.2-year state average, making it one of the healthiest counties in Colorado. Despite slightly exceeding the state's 9.7% uninsured rate at 10.8%, Archuleta residents still achieve excellent health outcomes through strong community health practices.

Archuleta outshines rural Colorado peers

Archuleta's 79.6 years and 13.6% poor/fair health rate dramatically exceed Alamosa County's 73.0 years and 21.2% rate, showing that rural geography doesn't determine health destiny. Archuleta's 87 primary care providers per 100K exceed most county-level averages, supporting accessible, consistent care.

Excellent primary care access drives results

With 87 primary care providers per 100K residents, Archuleta ensures most residents can access routine care quickly and consistently. The county's strong performance on life expectancy and health ratings reflects robust preventive care and disease management, even in a small rural population.

Keep Archuleta coverage strong

Archuleta's 10.8% uninsured rate suggests about 1 in 10 residents lack coverage—slightly higher than Colorado's state average. If you're uninsured, Colorado's marketplace at CoverColorado.com offers affordable plans and Medicaid options for eligible families.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Archuleta County

via SchoolsByCounty

Streamlined Rural Education System

Archuleta County operates a focused system of 5 public schools serving 1,678 students. All educational facilities fall under a single unified school district that covers the entire county.

Exceptional Graduation Rates and Efficiency

The county boasts a 92.0% graduation rate, significantly higher than the national 87.0% average and the state 83.1% mark. This high performance is achieved with a per-pupil expenditure of $6,578, which is below the state average.

Unified District with Charter Options

Archuleta County School District No. 50 Jt manages the local education landscape, including Pagosa Springs High. The county also hosts Pagosa Peak Open School, a charter institution serving 125 students.

Intimate Schools in a Mountain Setting

With four rural schools and one town school, the average campus size is just 336 students. Pagosa Springs Elementary is the largest school with 521 students, while the alternative San Juan Mountain School serves 46.

Rural Charm with Academic Excellence

The high graduation rates make Archuleta County an attractive destination for families seeking quality mountain living. Consider homes in Pagosa Springs to be near the county's primary elementary and middle school campuses.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Archuleta County

via RiskByCounty

Archuleta County enjoys well-below-average disaster risk

Archuleta County scores 34.48 on the composite risk scale, placing it below Colorado's state average of 40.67 and substantially below national hazard exposure. This very low rating reflects generally favorable conditions across most disaster categories.

Among Colorado's safest counties by composite measure

Archuleta's 34.48 score ranks it among the lower-risk counties statewide, with overall hazard exposure well below the state average. The county benefits from geography and development patterns that minimize many disaster types.

Comparable safety to nearby southern mountain counties

Archuleta (34.48) sits slightly above Alamosa (40.36) and significantly above Baca (23.16), placing it in the very low risk band shared by Colorado's southern tier. This isolated mountain location provides natural insulation from several major hazard types.

Wildfire emerges as the primary local hazard

Wildfire risk reaches 94.47 in Archuleta—one of Colorado's highest scores—reflecting the county's extensive forests and steep terrain. Flood risk of 51.65 merits attention in canyon and drainage areas, though tornadoes (9.64) pose minimal threat.

Prioritize wildfire defensibility and insurance

Archuleta residents should focus on defensible space around homes and ensure adequate wildfire coverage, as the 94.47 risk score demands serious attention despite overall low county risk. Flood insurance becomes important for properties in drainage corridors, but earthquake and tornado coverage may be deprioritized.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Archuleta County

via WeatherByCounty

Archuleta: Mountain precipitation rules

Archuleta County's climate data is limited, but its 22.8 inches of annual precipitation significantly exceeds Colorado's state average of 16 inches. This elevated moisture reflects the county's San Juan Mountain location and orographic weather patterns.

Wet mountain terrain in Colorado

Archuleta's 22.8 inches of annual precipitation ranks it among Colorado's wetter counties, nearly 7 inches above the state average. This moisture reflects the county's position in the southwestern mountains, where elevation and topography drive precipitation.

Mountain wetness meets valley dryness

Archuleta's 22.8 inches of precipitation substantially exceeds nearby Alamosa County's 8.7 inches, illustrating how elevation and mountain location dramatically increase moisture. The county sits at the wet edge of Colorado's southern mountains.

Data limited, mountain patterns evident

While detailed seasonal records are unavailable, the county's 22.8 inches of annual precipitation suggests significant winter snow and spring runoff typical of San Juan Mountain terrain. High elevation drives cold winters and short summers.

Prepare for moisture and snow

Residents should plan for substantial precipitation, including heavy snow and spring runoff—roof drainage and foundation moisture barriers are essential. The mountain location demands robust seasonal heating and planning for seasonal access challenges during winter storms.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Archuleta County

via SoilByCounty

Archuleta’s Mountainous Soil Profile

Specific soil identification and pH levels are not currently available for Archuleta County. In the absence of local data, gardeners often use the state average pH of 7.29 as a starting point for their own soil tests.

Varied Textures in Rugged Terrain

We lack definitive percentages for sand, silt, and clay for this mountainous region. Local terrain often dictates a mix of rocky loams and forest soils that vary significantly from the valley floors to the mountain peaks.

Prioritizing Soil Enrichment

There is no recorded data for organic matter or water capacity for this county. Local gardeners typically prioritize composting to reach the state average fertility levels and improve the growing potential of native soils.

Managing Slope and Drainage

Drainage classes and hydrologic groups remain unmapped for the county as a whole. Given the rugged topography, local drainage can range from excessive on slopes to poor in meadow bottoms where water naturally collects.

Hardy Mountain Gardening in 6b

Archuleta County sits in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b, benefiting from a slightly milder climate than some of its neighbors. It is a prime location for mountain-hardy perennials and early-maturing fruit trees that can withstand the altitude.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Archuleta County

via LawnByCounty

Extreme Lawn Difficulty in Archuleta

Archuleta County presents a major challenge with a low lawn difficulty score of 16.8, far below the national median of 50.0. Gardeners in this Zone 6b region must work much harder than the average Coloradan to maintain traditional turf.

High Precipitation but Low Growth

This county receives a generous 22.8 inches of annual precipitation, which is significantly higher than the state average of 16.2 inches. However, the mountainous terrain and localized weather patterns often dictate a very specific and localized mowing schedule.

Adapting to Local Soil Needs

Comprehensive soil data is currently unavailable for this area, though mountain soils are often rocky or thin. Successful lawns here generally require imported topsoil and consistent fertilization to overcome the natural lack of depth.

Constant Vigilance Against Drought

Despite higher rainfall, the county has spent 45 weeks in drought over the past year and remains 100% abnormally dry. Homeowners should focus on selecting drought-tolerant grass varieties to mitigate the effects of these persistent dry cycles.

Grass Types for Mountain Living

Tall Fescue and Perennial Ryegrass are excellent choices for Zone 6b, providing the durability needed for this terrain. Ensure you consult local experts for frost dates, as mountain elevations can cause significant variations in your growing season.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Archuleta County's county score?
Archuleta County, Colorado has a composite county score of 57.4 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 Archuleta County rank among counties in Colorado?
Archuleta County ranks #23 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 Archuleta County, Colorado?
The median annual property tax in Archuleta County is $1,541, with an effective tax rate of 0.34%. This earns Archuleta County a tax score of 96.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Archuleta County?
The median household income in Archuleta County, Colorado is $76,524 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Archuleta County earns an income score of 79.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Archuleta County, Colorado a good place to live?
Archuleta County scores 57.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #23 in Colorado. The best way to evaluate Archuleta 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 Archuleta County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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