countyscore
49.2
County Score
Disaster Risk 91.3Property Tax 69.4Cost of Living 57

County Report Card

About Carbon County, Utah

Meeting the National Median Mark

Carbon County's composite score of 49.2 sits almost exactly at the national median of 50.0. This indicates a quality of life that is representative of the typical American experience across various dimensions.

Below Average for the State

With a score of 49.2, Carbon County trails the Utah state average of 53.9. While it offers unique advantages, it lacks some of the economic intensity found in the state's urban corridors.

Affordable Housing and Low Natural Risk

The county stands out for its high risk score of 91.3, indicating very low exposure to natural disasters. Housing is also highly accessible, with a cost score of 57.0 and a median gross rent of just $828.

Lifting Income and Health Outcomes

The primary challenge is an income score of 22.2, with the median household earning $53,673. Health scores also trail at 38.7, suggesting a need for better access to medical services and wellness programs.

Perfect for Renters Seeking Safety

Carbon County is an excellent choice for those prioritizing low housing costs and a safe environmental footprint. It is ideal for retirees or workers in remote roles who want to maximize their dollar in a low-risk setting.

Score breakdown

Tax69.4Cost57Safety43.3Health38.7Schools35.8Income22.2Risk91.3Water55.4Weather36.6
🏛69.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠57
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼22.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡43.3
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤38.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓35.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡91.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧55.4
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤36.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱26.9
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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Nearby counties

Emery County
Utah
70.1
Sanpete County
Utah
54.6
Grand County
Utah
48.5
Duchesne County
Utah
40.1
Wasatch County
Utah
55.9
Utah County
Utah
49.6
Uintah County
Utah
45.5
Summit County
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52.6

Deep Dives

Carbon County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Carbon County

via TaxByCounty

Carbon County's highest effective tax rate

At 0.642%, Carbon's effective tax rate ranks among the nation's highest, placing it in the top 10% of U.S. counties for property tax burden. Despite this, the median annual tax of $1,288 remains below the national median of $2,690 due to lower home values.

Utah's second-highest county tax rate

Carbon ranks 2nd among Utah's 29 counties in effective tax rate at 0.642%—0.144% above the state average of 0.498%. Only Daggett County slightly exceeds Carbon, making this one of the state's steepest tax burdens.

Steeper taxes than surrounding counties

Carbon's 0.642% rate substantially exceeds Emery County (0.584%), Duchesne (0.635%), and Rich (0.512%), making it the region's most heavily taxed jurisdiction. Homeowners in neighboring counties pay noticeably less on comparable-priced properties.

Annual tax cost in Carbon County

The median Carbon County home valued at $200,700 carries an annual property tax of $1,288. At roughly $107 per month, Carbon homeowners pay more in taxes relative to their home's value than most Utah residents, despite lower absolute dollars.

Challenge assessments in high-tax county

Given Carbon's elevated tax rate, verifying accurate assessment is especially important for reducing your total burden. If your home was recently valued or appraised below the county's assessment, filing a free appeal could meaningfully lower your annual bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Carbon County

via CostByCounty

Carbon struggles against national averages

Carbon County's median household income of $53,673 falls sharply below the national median of $74,755—a $21,000 gap that strains affordability despite low absolute rents. Its 18.5% rent-to-income ratio, though manageable, signals economic headwinds that make housing costs more burdensome relative to local wages.

Utah's most challenged county reviewed

Carbon County's 18.5% rent-to-income ratio exceeds Utah's state average of 16.6%, and its $53,673 median income ranks lowest among the eight counties surveyed. This combination signals economic stress despite moderate absolute housing costs of $828 monthly rent.

Low rents mask income struggles

Carbon's $828 rent is the second-lowest regionally, but its median income of $53,673 is far below peers like Beaver ($85,603) and Box Elder ($77,865). This income deficit means even affordable rents consume a larger share of earnings, limiting financial flexibility.

Income constraints define affordability

Renters pay $828 monthly (18.5% of income) while homeowners pay $772 (14.4%), making ownership relatively more affordable—unusual among U.S. counties. However, the real issue is low median income of $53,673, which hampers both renters' and owners' financial security.

Carbon's low costs can't offset wage gap

While Carbon County offers the second-lowest rents in the region, prospective movers should consider its limited job market and lower wage base. Unless you have remote income or employment lined up locally, more affluent counties like Beaver or Box Elder offer better long-term financial security.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Carbon County

via IncomeByCounty

Carbon County Trails National Income

Carbon County's median household income of $53,673 falls $21,082 short of the national median of $74,755. This represents a 28.2% gap, placing the county well below the American average.

Lowest Earners in Utah

Carbon County significantly underperforms Utah's state average median income of $80,176, trailing by $26,503. The county faces real income challenges compared to most other Utah counties.

Carbon Faces Steepest Income Gap

At $53,673, Carbon County's median income substantially lags neighboring Daggett ($58,750) and Emery ($69,956) counties. The county's economic situation differs markedly from surrounding areas.

Housing Costs Strain Budgets

Carbon County's rent-to-income ratio of 18.5% is elevated, meaning housing costs consume nearly one-fifth of median income. The median home value of $200,700 represents a significant commitment for lower-earning households.

Build Stability Through Small Steps

Carbon County residents benefit most from accessible financial tools like employer retirement plans and community investment programs. Consider speaking with a nonprofit credit counselor about budgeting strategies tailored to lower incomes.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Carbon County

via CrimeByCounty

Carbon County Stays Safer than National Average

Carbon County reports 1278.4 crimes per 100,000 people, roughly half the national rate of 2,385.5. This translates to a strong safety score of 98.0. Residents live in a community significantly more secure than most across the country.

Carbon Mirrors Utah's High Safety Profile

The county's safety score of 98.0 is nearly identical to the Utah state average of 98.1. While its total crime rate of 1278.4 is slightly higher than the state average of 1204.8, it remains a typical Utah success story. Law enforcement maintains consistent control over local crime trends.

Analyzing Carbon Versus Neighboring Counties

Carbon’s crime rate of 1278.4 is lower than Duchesne County’s 2436.9 and Davis County’s 1499.6. It is higher than Beaver County’s 971.5, reflecting its position as a regional hub. Carbon provides a safer environment than several of its eastern Utah peers.

Violent Crime Trends in Carbon County

The violent crime rate of 270.4 is higher than the Utah average of 178.7. However, property crime remains low at 1008.0 per 100,000 residents. Most incidents involve property rather than direct threats to personal safety.

Securing Your Carbon County Residence

Visibility is key to preventing local property crimes; keep home entrances well-lit. Community engagement and alarm systems offer effective layers of protection. Staying informed about local trends helps keep your family and property safe.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Carbon County

via HealthByCounty

Carbon County faces significant health crisis

Carbon County residents live just 72.8 years on average, a stark 6.1 years below the U.S. average of 78.9 years. One in five residents (20.6%) report poor or fair health, substantially exceeding the national rate of 15%.

Lowest life expectancy in Utah

Carbon County's 72.8-year life expectancy is the lowest in Utah, trailing the state average of 77.9 by more than 5 years. The 20.6% poor/fair health rate doubles down on a county health emergency.

Worst outcomes in its region

Carbon County's 72.8-year life expectancy is 7.5 years lower than Cache County and roughly 2 years below Emery County, the second-worst performer. This rural southeastern county faces compounding health disadvantages.

Reasonable coverage, stretched providers

Despite challenges, Carbon County's uninsured rate of 8.9% sits below the state average of 10.2%, showing decent coverage. Yet the county has only 39 primary care providers and 248 mental health providers per 100,000, making care access difficult for residents already in crisis.

Insurance is a lifeline here

Carbon County's health crisis makes insurance coverage critical—use healthcare.gov or Utah's marketplace to ensure you're protected. Contact your county health department for telehealth and community health resources that can bridge provider gaps.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Carbon County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Consolidated System of Ten Schools

Carbon County operates 10 public schools serving 3,875 students within two distinct districts. The system includes five elementary schools, two middle schools, and one high school, alongside two specialized campuses. This streamlined setup serves the residential centers of the region efficiently.

Competitive Performance and Healthy Scores

The county's graduation rate of 88.1% sits comfortably above the national average of 87.0%. While the $6,752 per-pupil expenditure is on par with the Utah average, it remains well below national levels. However, the composite school score of 52.0 is nearly identical to the state average of 52.7.

Carbon District and Charter Alternatives

The Carbon District dominates the landscape, educating 3,468 students across nine separate schools. Pinnacle Canyon Academy offers a significant charter alternative, enrolling 407 students in a PK-12 setting. This charter represents 10% of the county's schools, providing a different educational path for local families.

Small-Town Feel with Centralized Hubs

Seven of the county's schools are located in town settings, giving the system a centralized, communal feel. Carbon High is the largest school by far with 1,023 students, while the average school size across the county is 388. This ensures that most elementary students attend smaller, neighborhood-centric campuses.

Educational Stability for Carbon Homeowners

Carbon County offers a stable educational environment where graduation rates consistently meet national expectations. Home buyers often look near Carbon High or the Pinnacle Canyon charter school for convenient access to the county's largest campuses. The town-centric locale mix makes most schools easily accessible from residential neighborhoods.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Carbon County

via RiskByCounty

Carbon County ranks among nation's safest

With a composite risk score of 8.68, Carbon County sits far below the national average, earning a 'Very Low' rating. Your county experiences minimal natural disaster exposure compared to typical American communities.

Well below Utah's average disaster risk

Carbon County's 8.68 score ranks significantly below Utah's state average of 36.19, placing it among the safest counties in the state. Only a handful of Utah counties face lower composite hazard exposure.

Safer than most surrounding counties

Carbon County's 8.68 score is lower than Emery, Daggett, and Duchesne counties in the immediate region. It represents one of eastern Utah's lowest-risk zones.

Wildfire and earthquake present modest threats

Wildfire risk is your primary concern at 66.83, while earthquake risk stands at 64.89. Flood and tornado risks are minimal, each scoring below 23.

Wildfire coverage offers the most value

While your overall risk is exceptionally low, wildfire insurance makes practical sense given your county's exposure level. Consider adding earthquake coverage as well for comprehensive protection at reasonable cost.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Carbon County

via WeatherByCounty

High Desert Chill in Carbon

Carbon County averages 46.9°F annually, which is over six degrees colder than the national median temperature. This reflects its high-elevation desert landscape and continental climate patterns.

Below the Utah Median Temperature

Carbon County's average annual temperature of 46.9°F is two degrees lower than the state average of 48.9°F. It remains one of the cooler counties in central Utah due to its rugged terrain.

Warmer than Neighboring Emery County

Carbon County stays slightly warmer than Emery County, which averages 46.5°F. However, Carbon sees significantly more snow at 85.2 inches compared to Emery's 14.3 inches.

Heavy Snowfall and Moderate Heat

Despite having only 31 extreme heat days, the county receives a massive 85.2 inches of snow annually. January is cold with a 25.4°F average, while July warms to 70.9°F.

Plan for Significant Winter Operations

The 85.2 inches of snow per year demand heavy-duty snow removal equipment and winter-ready vehicles. HVAC systems must handle a wide range of temperatures, from 25.4°F in winter to over 90°F in summer.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Carbon County

via SoilByCounty

Arid alkaline soils of Carbon

Detailed soil pH and taxonomy for Carbon County are currently unavailable in the database. Residents should expect alkaline conditions common to the region, which typically surpass the national median pH of 6.5.

Unrecorded textures in desert terrain

Sand and clay ratios are not yet mapped for this county's soil profile. Given the local geography, textures likely vary between sandy washes and heavy clay-rich plateaus.

Monitoring organic matter for growth

Specific organic matter percentages are missing, but state-wide averages sit at 7.59%. Adding compost can help local soils reach their full potential and improve the 0.138 in/in average water capacity.

Managing runoff in rugged landscapes

With no official hydrologic group listed, drainage speed must be assessed on a per-lot basis. Understanding how water flows across your land is the first step to successful desert gardening.

A hardy start in zone 6a

The zone 6a climate supports a variety of resilient perennials and early-summer vegetables. Focus on drought-tolerant species that can handle the bright sun and alkaline soil of this high-desert region.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Carbon County

via LawnByCounty

Tough turf conditions in Carbon County

Carbon County faces a steep uphill climb with a lawn difficulty score of 26.9. While this is close to the Utah average of 28.5, it represents a significantly more difficult environment than the national median of 50.0.

Cooler but dry growing conditions

The area receives 13.6 inches of precipitation annually, which is standard for the state but low for thirsty lawns. With 2,290 growing degree days and 31 days of extreme heat, the growing season is shorter and less heat-intense than in southern Utah.

Establishing a healthy foundation

Local soil data is currently unavailable, though the region often contains minerals that can impact lawn health. Testing your soil for pH balance is a critical first step to ensure your grass can actually absorb the nutrients you provide.

Severe drought impacts are high

A staggering 97.7% of the county is currently in severe drought, following 53 straight weeks of dry conditions. Strict adherence to local water restrictions is necessary to keep lawns alive without wasting precious resources.

Plan around the Carbon County frost

The window between the last frost on May 5th and the first frost on October 12th is your primary growing season. Focus on resilient cool-season varieties that can survive the Hardiness Zone 6a winters.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Carbon County's county score?
Carbon County, Utah has a composite county score of 49.2 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 Carbon County rank among counties in Utah?
Carbon County ranks #18 among all counties in Utah 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 Carbon County, Utah?
The median annual property tax in Carbon County is $1,288, with an effective tax rate of 0.64%. This earns Carbon County a tax score of 69.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Carbon County?
The median household income in Carbon County, Utah is $53,673 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Carbon County earns an income score of 22.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Carbon County, Utah a good place to live?
Carbon County scores 49.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #18 in Utah. The best way to evaluate Carbon 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 Carbon 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.