countyscore
39.3
County Score
Property Tax 95.8Disaster Risk 94.4Health 43.8

County Report Card

About Bent County, Colorado

Bent matches national livability median

Bent County scores 43.1, essentially aligned with the national median of 50.0 and ranking near the 48th percentile nationally. The county's exceptional risk score of 94.4 contrasts sharply with critical deficits in education and income, creating a volatile livability profile.

Below Colorado state average

Bent's score of 43.1 falls below Colorado's state average of 51.2, reflecting particular vulnerabilities in school quality and economic opportunity relative to other Colorado counties. The county's notable strengths in tax rates and risk resilience do not fully offset these gaps.

Risk resilience and low tax burden

Bent County achieves an outstanding risk score of 94.4 and maintains a favorable effective tax rate of 0.386% (tax score 94.6), indicating strong environmental and economic stability. Median rents of $854 per month provide moderate housing affordability within the county's limited economy.

Education and income severely constrain

Bent's school score of 1.2 represents a critical educational deficiency, while the income score of 12.9 reflects median household earnings of just $49,194. These two factors fundamentally limit economic mobility and quality of life for families with school-age children.

For risk-averse adults without school needs

Bent County appeals to retirees and childless adults seeking a stable, tax-efficient rural environment with minimal environmental hazards. Families with school-age children should look elsewhere given the county's severe educational limitations.

2040608010095.838.424.343.81.212.294.42.737.9Tax95.8Cost38.4Safety24.3Health43.8Schools1.2Income12.2Risk94.4Water2.7Weather37.939.3/100
This county
National avg
2 above average5 below average

Bent County DNA

Foverall

How Bent County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Bent County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Disaster Risk (94.4/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (2.7/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
95.8+43.8
Cost
38.4-9.600000000000001
Safety
24.3-30.7
Health
43.8
Schools
1.2-52.8
Income
12.2-38.8
Risk
94.4+47.400000000000006
Water
2.7-55.3
Weather
37.9-18.1
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Compare mortgage rates in Bent County

Whether buying or refinancing in Bent County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$146,900

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$1,162/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$146,900/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$46,480/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.9x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $50,179/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

36.2

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Deep Dives

Bent County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Bent County

via TaxByCounty

Bent County taxes rank nationally low

Bent County's effective rate of 0.386% places it in the bottom 20% of U.S. counties, significantly below the national median of 0.52%. The median property tax of $532 is 80% lower than the national median of $2,690.

Slightly below Colorado average

Bent County's effective rate of 0.386% is nearly identical to Colorado's state average of 0.393%, making it one of the state's more typical counties. However, its median tax of $532 is just one-third the state median of $1,560, reflecting its rural, lower-valued properties.

Comparable to plains county peers

Bent County's 0.386% rate is the lowest among its southeastern neighbors, just below Baca County's 0.407%. Both counties share agricultural economies and low property values typical of Colorado's eastern plains.

What your $138k home costs

A median-valued home in Bent County at $137,900 generates approximately $532 in annual property taxes. With mortgage tax deductions included, your effective cost is $543 per year.

Review your assessment for overvaluation

Bent County homeowners should still verify their assessments against recent market transactions to catch potential errors. Even modest overassessments on rural properties can be recovered through a straightforward appeal process.

Income & Jobs in Bent County

via IncomeByCounty

Bent County trails far behind US average

Bent County's median household income of $49,194 falls 34% short of the national median of $74,755, reflecting the economic strain of small, agriculture-dependent communities. This income gap creates significant financial pressure for working families in the county.

Second-poorest county in Colorado

Bent County's median household income of $49,194 ranks second-lowest among all Colorado counties, just above Baca County's $40,380. The county's economy, built on ranching and oil production, struggles to generate competitive wages.

Part of Colorado's poverty corridor

Bent's $49,194 income clusters with other struggling southeastern Colorado counties, though it slightly exceeds Baca County. The region faces structural challenges common to rural Great Plains economies with limited diversification.

Affordable housing provides breathing room

Bent County's 20.8% rent-to-income ratio and bargain median home value of $137,900 make housing costs manageable despite low incomes. This affordability advantage helps households avoid the debt traps that plague low-income communities elsewhere.

Build security through modest savings

While Bent County's $49,194 median income limits wealth-building capacity, the low cost of living creates opportunities for determined savers to accumulate resources. Focus on any available employer benefits, explore debt reduction strategies, and consider investing in education or skills to boost earning potential over time.

Safety in Bent County

via CrimeByCounty

Bent County Stays Below National Average

Bent County reports a total crime rate of 1,888.1 per 100,000, keeping it safer than the national average of 2,385.5. The county maintains a respectable safety score of 97.0.

Matching the State Safety Profile

With a safety score of 97.0, Bent County sits almost exactly at the Colorado state average of 97.1. Note that only one agency reports this data, so individual experiences may vary.

Comparing Regional Crime Figures

The crime rate here is higher than in Baca County (171.6) but remains close to the statewide average of 1,834.6. It serves as a middle ground for safety in the region.

Analyzing the Incident Mix

Bent County sees 161.8 violent crimes and ,1726.3 property crimes per 100,000 residents. The data shows that the vast majority of law enforcement activity centers on property protection.

Securing Rural Residences

Ensure your property is well-lit at night to deter potential trespassing or theft. Even with moderate crime rates, basic home security remains an effective preventative measure.

Weather & Climate in Bent County

via WeatherByCounty

Bent: Colorado's hottest county

Bent County averages 54.6°F annually, running 8.6 degrees warmer than the U.S. median of 46°F. With 83 extreme heat days per year and only 13.4 inches of precipitation, Bent represents Colorado's most intense high-plains heat and aridity.

State's hottest, driest plains

At 54.6°F, Bent ranks as Colorado's warmest county, sitting 8.6 degrees above the state average of 46°F. Its 83 days annually above 90°F represent an extreme climate even by southeastern plains standards.

Extreme heat isolates Bent

Bent (54.6°F, 83 heat days) dominates neighboring Baca County (53.7°F, 68 heat days) in both warmth and extreme heat frequency. This southeastern corner represents Colorado's most intense and unrelenting continental heat environment.

Brutal heat, sparse snow

Summer temperatures average 76.7°F with 83 days reaching 90°F or higher, while winters stay mild at 32.9°F with just 12.9 inches of annual snowfall. The long, intense heat season dominates; winter snow is minimal and rarely lingers.

Master extreme heat survival

Residents must plan around 83 annual 90°F+ days—high-efficiency air conditioning is survival infrastructure, not luxury. Water conservation dominates planning; outdoor work requires early morning or evening scheduling, and summer recreation revolves around shade and hydration strategies.

Soil Quality in Bent County

via SoilByCounty

Bent County’s Highly Alkaline Soils

Bent County has a soil score of 23.5 and a distinctly alkaline profile with a pH of 7.68. This alkalinity is significantly higher than the national median of 6.5 and exceeds the Colorado state average of 7.29.

Heavier Clay for Better Retention

The soil is composed of 38.1% sand and 37.7% silt, creating a fine-textured base. The clay content of 23.3% is higher than many neighbors, which helps with nutrient retention but may increase the risk of surface compaction.

Superior Water Storage Capacity

Organic matter is relatively sparse at 1.29% compared to the state average of 2.18%. However, its available water capacity of 0.153 in/in is well above the state average, providing excellent moisture storage for irrigated crops.

Managing Slower Water Infiltration

While official drainage classifications are not listed, the higher clay and silt levels suggest a slower-draining soil profile. This characteristic requires careful water management to prevent surface pooling during heavy summer storms.

Agricultural Success in Zone 6a

Classified as USDA Hardiness Zone 6a, Bent County offers a stable climate for consistent agricultural production. Local gardeners can cultivate a wide range of hardy vegetables and orchard fruits with proper soil amendments to balance the pH.

Lawn Care in Bent County

via LawnByCounty

Managing Turf in the Bent Basin

Bent County has a lawn difficulty score of 39.9, which is slightly above the state average but more difficult than the national median. Homeowners in this Zone 6a region must contend with some of the most extreme summer heat in Colorado.

Eighty-Three Days of Extreme Heat

Lawns face a massive 83 extreme heat days annually, coupled with a high 3,912 growing degree days. The low 13.4 inches of precipitation means that survival depends almost entirely on supplemental watering during the peak growing months.

Tackling Heavier Alkaline Soils

The soil pH is 7.68, meaning it is more alkaline than the ideal range and may lock out certain nutrients. The texture contains 23.3% clay, the highest in this group, which can lead to compaction if not aerated regularly.

Favorable Recent Drought Trends

While the county only saw 14 weeks of drought last year and is currently 98% drought-free, the high heat still demands water efficiency. Using smart controllers to water in the early morning can prevent evaporation during those frequent 90°F days.

Optimizing the Long Growing Season

Buffalo grass is a fantastic low-water alternative for this area's heat and soil. With a generous window between April 29th and October 15th, you have a long season to establish deep roots that can withstand the summer sun.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bent County's county score?
Bent County, Colorado has a composite county score of 39.3 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 Bent County rank among counties in Colorado?
Bent County ranks #54 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 Bent County, Colorado?
The median annual property tax in Bent County is $517, with an effective tax rate of 0.35%. This earns Bent County a tax score of 95.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Bent County?
The median household income in Bent County, Colorado is $50,179 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Bent County earns an income score of 12.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Bent County, Colorado a good place to live?
Bent County scores 39.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #54 in Colorado. The best way to evaluate Bent 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 Bent County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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