countyscore
43.1
County Score
Property Tax 94.6Disaster Risk 94.4Cost of Living 58.4

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.

Score breakdown

Tax94.6Cost58.4Safety24.3Health43.8Schools1.2Income12.9Risk94.4Water2.7Weather37.9
🏛94.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠58.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼12.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡24.3
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤43.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓1.2
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡94.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧2.7
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤37.9
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨23.5
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱39.9
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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43

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Deep Dives

Bent County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Bent County

via CostByCounty

Rural plains, below-average costs

Bent County renters spend 20.8% of their income on housing—just below the national affordability line of 22%—despite a median household income of $49,194, well below the national average. Monthly rents of $854 reflect this rural southeastern county's modest cost of living.

Below-average affordability stress

Bent County's 20.8% rent-to-income ratio narrowly beats Colorado's 20.2% state average, with rents of $854/month running 32% below the state average of $1,253. This rural county offers genuine relief from the pricing pressures of Colorado's urban corridors.

Cheaper than mountains, pricier than plains

Bent's $854 rent sits between rural Baca County's $490 and mountain Archuleta County's $1,409, reflecting its middle position on Colorado's affordability spectrum. Home values of $137,900 remain modest, though higher than Baca's $122,000.

Renters and buyers affordably housed

A Bent County household earning the median $49,194 annually pays $854/month for rent (20.8% of income) or $718/month for a mortgage (17.5% of income). Either path leaves room in the budget, with ownership costing $136/month less than renting.

Southeast plains value proposition

Moving to Bent County works well if you value rural living and lower costs; $854 rent on a $49,194 salary means housing won't dominate your finances. Compare this affordability against available jobs in agriculture, energy, and small business.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

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.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Bent County

via HealthByCounty

Bent County life expectancy among nation's lowest

At 74.8 years, Bent County residents live nearly 4.5 years shorter than the U.S. average of 79.3 years, and 22.8% report poor or fair health—well above the national average of 16.7%. This rural southeastern Colorado county faces substantial health disparities rooted in economic hardship and healthcare access barriers.

Bent ranks among Colorado's most challenged counties

Bent's 74.8-year life expectancy trails Colorado's 78.2-year state average by 3.4 years, placing it in Colorado's bottom tier for health outcomes. The county's 7.9% uninsured rate actually beats the state average of 9.7%, yet health outcomes remain poor—suggesting that coverage alone doesn't solve Bent's health crisis.

Bent struggles alongside rural southeastern peers

Bent's 74.8-year life expectancy matches Alamosa County and exceeds only Baca County (69.8 years) among this group of rural Colorado counties. Limited primary care data for Bent and just 53 mental health providers per 100K indicate serious provider shortages in a medically underserved region.

Rural isolation and poverty drive poor health

Bent County lacks complete primary care provider data, but the reported 53 mental health providers per 100K suggests minimal behavioral health infrastructure in this remote county. Poverty rates exceed 18%, and residents face long drives to reach specialists—barriers that turn treatable conditions into chronic crises and premature deaths.

Bent residents: ensure you stay covered

While Bent's 7.9% uninsured rate is better than the state average, the remaining uninsured residents face steep barriers to care in this underserved county. Check CoverColorado.com or contact your local health department to confirm your coverage and explore Medicaid options if income has changed.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Bent County

via SchoolsByCounty

Focused Rural Educational Infrastructure

Bent County supports 749 students through 6 public schools managed by two local districts. The landscape includes two elementary schools, one middle school, and two high schools.

A Need for Increased Academic Support

The graduation rate stands at 57.9%, which is significantly lower than the state average of 83.1%. Per-pupil expenditure of $5,152 also falls well below both the state and national averages, resulting in a school score of 32.6.

Las Animas and McClave Districts

Las Animas School District No. Re-1 is the primary provider with 822 students across 5 schools. No charter schools operate in the county, leaving education entirely to the two traditional districts.

Small-Town Feel with Rural Roots

The county features four rural schools and two town schools, with an average enrollment of 125 students. Las Animas Elementary is the largest facility, serving 246 students in a close-knit environment.

Investing in Local Community Life

Housing in Bent County often centers around the towns of Las Animas and McClave. Families looking for a very small-scale school environment should explore available homes near these central district campuses.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Bent County

via RiskByCounty

Bent County enjoys exceptional natural disaster safety

Bent County scores just 5.63 on the composite risk scale, placing it among America's safest regions for natural disasters and far below both state and national averages. This exceptionally low rating indicates minimal multi-hazard exposure across virtually all disaster categories.

Colorado's safest county by composite risk measure

Bent's 5.63 composite score ranks it as one of the lowest-risk counties in Colorado, with disaster exposure representing only a fraction of the state average (40.67). The county benefits from its isolated plains geography and sparse settlement patterns.

Safest in the eastern Colorado plains region

Bent (5.63) sits far below Baca County (23.16) to the north, making it Colorado's safest county by a considerable margin. This remote location on the high plains offers natural protection against most major hazard types.

Wildfire is the only notable local hazard

Wildfire risk of 64.69 represents Bent's sole significant exposure, though this remains moderate compared to mountain counties. Flood (7.57), tornado (19.66), and earthquake (16.54) risks all rank among Colorado's lowest.

Minimal coverage needs in this exceptionally safe county

Bent County residents can rely on basic homeowner insurance with optional wildfire coverage, given the county's 5.63 composite risk score—the lowest in Colorado. Flood, earthquake, and special tornado protections are unnecessary in this exceptionally safe location.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

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.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

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.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

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.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bent County's county score?
Bent County, Colorado has a composite county score of 43.1 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 #46 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 $532, with an effective tax rate of 0.39%. This earns Bent County a tax score of 94.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Bent County?
The median household income in Bent County, Colorado is $49,194 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Bent County earns an income score of 12.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Bent County, Colorado a good place to live?
Bent County scores 43.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #46 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.

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.