countyscore
56
County Score
Property Tax 99Health 74.6Income & Jobs 68.6

County Report Card

About Chaffee County, Colorado

Above average, but room to grow

Chaffee County's composite score of 56.0 outpaces the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 56th percentile nationally. The county is performing solidly across most dimensions, though it trails the state average of 51.2 by a modest 4.8 points, suggesting Colorado counties tend to score higher overall.

Mid-tier performer in Colorado

Among Colorado's 64 counties, Chaffee ranks in the upper-middle range with a score 4.8 points above the state average. This positions it as a livable county that outperforms about half the state but lags behind the state's top performers.

Tax efficiency and health excel

Chaffee's standout strength is its exceptionally low tax burden, earning a 99.0 tax score with an effective rate of just 0.278%—among the lowest in the state. The county also scores well on health (74.6) and income (68.6), with a median household income of $70,909, supporting a stable middle-class lifestyle.

Housing costs and schools lag

The county's most significant challenge is affordability: with a median home value of $598,500 and rent at $1,514 monthly, it earns only a 17.1 cost score, making it one of the least affordable counties in the state. School quality (36.8) and water resources (36.9) also score below state averages, reflecting limited educational diversity and water management challenges.

Best for tax-conscious mountain professionals

Chaffee County suits affluent professionals and outdoor enthusiasts who prioritize low taxes and mountain living over affordability and school options. The county rewards established earners seeking scenic mountain communities with stable health outcomes and minimal tax burden, though it's less accessible to families needing budget housing or extensive school choice.

Score breakdown

Tax99Cost17.1Safety65.5Health74.6Schools36.8Income68.6Risk48.9Water36.9Weather48.8
🏛99
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠17.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼68.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡65.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤74.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓36.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡48.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧36.9
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤48.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱29.9
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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Deep Dives

Chaffee County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Chaffee County

via TaxByCounty

Chaffee taxes rank low nationally

At 0.278%, Chaffee County's effective tax rate sits well below the national median of 0.370%, placing it in roughly the 25th percentile nationwide. Homeowners here pay $1,664 annually on a median home valued at $598,500—far less than the national median property tax of $2,690.

Below-average for Colorado

Chaffee's 0.278% rate ranks among Colorado's lower counties, below the state average of 0.393%. The county's median tax of $1,664 runs higher than the state average of $1,560, reflecting its higher median home values rather than its tax rate.

Mountain county with moderate burden

Chaffee's 0.278% rate compares favorably to nearby Clear Creek County (0.377%) and Custer County (0.362%). Its mountain-area peers generally carry similar or higher effective rates, making Chaffee relatively attractive for property tax purposes.

Median home costs $1,664 yearly

On Chaffee's $598,500 median home, annual property taxes run approximately $1,664. Mortgage holders pay slightly more ($1,717) due to escrow, while those without mortgages pay $1,597.

Consider an assessment appeal

Many Colorado property owners are overassessed relative to market value and can appeal their valuations to save hundreds annually. If you believe your home is assessed too high, your county assessor's office can walk you through the process.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Chaffee County

via CostByCounty

Chaffee rents outpace national affordability

Chaffee County's rent-to-income ratio of 25.6% exceeds the national average, meaning renters here dedicate roughly one-quarter of their income to housing. This compares unfavorably to the typical American renter, who spends a smaller share of earnings on monthly rent.

Above Colorado's housing cost average

At 25.6%, Chaffee's rent-to-income ratio ranks above Colorado's state average of 20.2%, placing it among the state's less affordable counties. The median rent of $1,514 is also $261 higher than Colorado's median, intensifying affordability pressure.

Pricier than nearby mountain counties

Chaffee's $1,514 median rent significantly exceeds neighboring Clear Creek County's $1,230 and Custer County's $1,021. Despite similar mountain-town amenities, Chaffee renters pay 48% more than Custer County residents for comparable housing.

Housing claims one-quarter of income

Chaffee renters spend 25.6% of the county's $70,909 median household income on rent, while homeowners dedicate 17.6% to mortgage payments. Together, housing absorbs nearly half of household budgets before taxes, utilities, and other essentials.

Considering a move to Chaffee?

If you're relocating to this mountain community, budget for rent above state average—but know that homeownership at $598,500 median value remains achievable for higher earners. Compare Chaffee's lifestyle benefits against more affordable neighboring counties like Custer before deciding.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Chaffee County

via IncomeByCounty

Chaffee trails national income slightly

Chaffee County's median household income of $70,909 falls about $3,846 below the U.S. median of $74,755. While the county doesn't rank among the wealthiest nationally, its income level places it solidly in the middle-upper range for rural Colorado communities.

Mid-pack in Colorado's income ladder

At $70,909, Chaffee's median household income runs slightly below Colorado's state average of $74,792. The county ranks in the middle tier among Colorado's 64 counties, reflecting its mix of tourism, outdoor recreation, and skilled trades employment.

Clear Creek and Custer outpace Chaffee

Neighboring Clear Creek County significantly outearns Chaffee at $96,667 median household income, while nearby Custer County edges ahead at $72,700. Chaffee's income sits between these mountain neighbors, likely reflecting differences in mining heritage and current economic diversification.

Housing costs bite into Chaffee budgets

Chaffee residents spend 25.6% of median household income on rent—well above the 20% affordability threshold and higher than most Colorado counties. With a median home value of $598,500, homeownership requires substantial income, making housing one of the county's chief affordability challenges.

Strategic saving bridges Chaffee's income gap

Chaffee households earning $70,909 can maximize retirement contributions and build emergency savings to weather Colorado's high housing costs. Even modest investments in diversified funds or employer 401(k) matching can compound significantly over time, helping families reach wealth stability.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Chaffee County

via CrimeByCounty

Chaffee County Outperforms National Safety Benchmarks

Chaffee County reports a total crime rate of 807.6 per 100K residents, which is significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This low frequency of incidents earns the county a high safety score of 98.7 out of 100.

A Leader in Colorado Safety

With a safety score of 98.7, Chaffee County ranks well above the Colorado state average of 97.1. Its total crime rate of 807.6 per 100K is less than half of the state average of 1,834.6.

Safe Compared to Mountain Neighbors

Chaffee County maintains a lower crime footprint than nearby Clear Creek County, which reports 1,605.9 incidents per 100K. Local law enforcement from three reporting agencies helps keep Chaffee's rates stable and predictable.

Low Violent Crime Defines the Area

Property crime accounts for 715.6 incidents per 100K, while violent crime remains exceptionally low at 92.0. These figures suggest that residents are more likely to encounter minor theft than any form of physical confrontation.

Stay Vigilant Despite High Safety

Even in high-safety areas like Chaffee, basic security measures provide peace of mind and discourage opportunistic property crime. Residents can maintain this safety record by securing home entry points and monitoring local activity.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Chaffee County

via HealthByCounty

Chaffee leads Colorado on longevity

At 81.0 years, Chaffee County residents live nearly 3 years longer than the U.S. average of 78.3 years. Just 15.3% report poor or fair health, well below national benchmarks, signaling a healthier-than-average population.

Colorado's healthiest mountain county

Chaffee ranks among Colorado's top performers for life expectancy, beating the state average of 78.2 years by 2.8 years. The county's low poor/fair health rate of 15.3% places it solidly ahead of state trends.

Mountain health advantage holds

Chaffee's 81.0-year life expectancy significantly exceeds nearby Custer County (79.2 years) and Delta County (76.0 years). The county also boasts robust mental health capacity at 330 providers per 100K residents, among the highest in the region.

Strong access meets high coverage

Only 9.9% of Chaffee residents lack health insurance, nearly matching Colorado's 9.7% average. The county maintains 95 primary care providers per 100K, ensuring most residents have nearby care options.

Keep momentum going with coverage

Nearly all Chaffee residents have health insurance, and you can too. Explore your options at Colorado's health marketplace today to lock in coverage and support these strong health outcomes.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Chaffee County

via SchoolsByCounty

Educational Access in the Heart of the Rockies

Chaffee County provides 12 public schools for 2,487 students, spread across two districts. This mountain community features a balanced mix of 3 elementary, 3 middle, and 4 high schools.

Consistent Performance and Solid Funding

The graduation rate of 82.7% aligns closely with the state average of 83.1%. Per-pupil expenditure is healthy at $7,720, which is higher than the Colorado average of $7,447, resulting in a school score of 51.2.

Salida and Buena Vista District Focus

Salida School District R-32 is the largest with 6 schools and 1,327 students. One charter school exists within the county, providing an alternative to the traditional public school structure.

Town-Based Schools with Community Character

Ten of the county's schools are located in town settings, with an average size of 207 students. Longfellow Elementary is the largest school, creating a central hub for Salida's 455 youngest learners.

Mountain Homes with Reliable Schools

Families moving to Salida or Buena Vista benefit from strong per-pupil investment and steady academic outcomes. Focus your home search near Salida High or Avery/Parsons Elementary for convenient school access.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Chaffee County

via RiskByCounty

Chaffee's risk exceeds the national average

Chaffee County scores 51.11 on composite risk, placing it in the relatively low category but well above the nation's average. This means residents face a meaningful but manageable combination of natural hazards compared to typical American counties.

Above-average risk for Colorado

At 51.11, Chaffee's composite risk score significantly outpaces Colorado's state average of 40.67. The county ranks in the upper half of Colorado's 64 counties for disaster exposure.

Riskier than nearby mountain counties

Chaffee faces notably higher composite risk (51.11) compared to Clear Creek County (46.72) to the north and Custer County (3.91) to the south. The variation reflects Chaffee's particular vulnerability to flooding and wildfires.

Wildfire and flood dominate the threat picture

Chaffee's wildfire risk scores 71.69 and flood risk 64.69—both well above state averages. Tornado risk is minimal at 12.72, making flood and fire the two hazards requiring serious preparedness.

Prioritize flood and wildfire coverage now

Standard homeowners policies exclude flood damage; securing a separate flood insurance policy is essential given your county's 64.69 flood risk score. Review your wildfire mitigation coverage and ensure your home meets current building codes in fire-prone zones.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Chaffee County

via WeatherByCounty

Chaffee: High alpine chill and dryness

Chaffee County averages 45.5°F annually, running 0.5 degrees cooler than the U.S. median of 46°F. Despite receiving only 9.3 inches of precipitation yearly, the county's 43 inches of annual snowfall reflects how elevation transforms modest moisture into significant winter precipitation.

Cooler mountain interior

At 45.5°F, Chaffee ranks slightly below Colorado's state average of 46°F, reflecting its Arkansas Valley location and elevation. The county represents the state's mountain-interior cool zone, warmer than high peaks but cooler than front-range lowlands.

Valley position creates temperate middle

Chaffee (45.5°F) sits between Alamosa County's alpine cold (42.5°F) and the Front Range warmth of Adams County (50.7°F). Its Arkansas Valley location provides moderation between extremes.

Extreme cold, sparse rainfall

January averages 26.6°F while July peaks at 66.8°F, with just 10 days per year reaching 90°F. Annual snowfall of 43 inches proves that elevation transforms low precipitation (9.3 inches) into meaningful snow accumulation.

Alpine heating, snow management

Residents need heavy-duty heating systems for sustained cold and winter months lasting September through May. The 43 inches of annual snowfall requires robust removal equipment and seasonal planning; cooling needs are minimal with only 10 annual heat days.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Chaffee County

via SoilByCounty

High Altitude Mountain Soils

Specific soil taxonomy and pH levels are currently unrecorded for this high-altitude region. Local conditions likely mirror the state's alkaline average of 7.29, diverging from the national median of 6.5. This mountain terrain typically features young, rocky soils formed from granite parent material.

Stony Mountain Textures

While sand, silt, and clay percentages are unavailable, the region is characterized by stony textures and mineral-rich deposits. These coarse materials generally allow for rapid water movement but offer limited nutrient storage. Gardeners often encounter high rock content that requires significant clearing and amendment.

Amending the Mountain Earth

Local organic matter levels are not documented, so the state average of 2.18% serves as the primary benchmark. Available water capacity data is also missing, though high-altitude soils typically require supplemental moisture to support plant life. Adding compost is essential for building fertility in these rugged environments.

Managing Rapid Runoff

Drainage and hydrologic group data are not currently mapped for Chaffee County. The steep terrain of the Sawatch Range suggests naturally rapid drainage and significant spring snowmelt runoff. Builders and farmers must account for these slopes when planning irrigation or structural foundations.

Hardy Mountain Harvests

The county sits in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b, necessitating short-season and frost-tolerant varieties. Cold-weather greens and root vegetables thrive in this crisp mountain air. Start your high-country garden today with hearty kale, radishes, or mountain-adapted perennials.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Chaffee County

via LawnByCounty

Overcoming the Chaffee County Lawn Challenge

Maintaining a lawn in Chaffee County is a significant undertaking, reflected in a low difficulty score of 29.9. This falls well below the state average of 37.4 and the national median of 50.0, signaling that Zone 5b growers here face uphill battles with local conditions.

Managing Sparse Rainfall and High Altitudes

With only 9.3 inches of annual precipitation, your lawn receives less than a third of the ideal rainfall for turf. The 1,748 growing degree days indicate a relatively short window for development between the late May spring frost and the first frost in September. You must rely heavily on supplemental irrigation to keep grass alive during the 10 extreme heat days each year.

Building a Foundation Without Local Soil Data

Specific county-wide soil metrics are currently unavailable, but high-altitude Colorado soils often lean toward rocky or sandy compositions. You should perform a local soil test to identify if your lawn needs organic amendments to improve water retention. Without this baseline, you risk wasting expensive fertilizers and water on non-responsive ground.

A Full Year of Persistent Drought

Chaffee County has endured 53 weeks of drought over the past year, with 100% of the area currently classified as abnormally dry. Severe drought affects over 31% of the county, making water conservation your top priority. Implement deep, infrequent watering cycles to encourage deep root growth that survives these prolonged dry spells.

Smart Grass Choices for Zone 5b

Hardy cool-season grasses like Kentucky Bluegrass or Fine Fescue are your best bets for the 5b hardiness zone. Plan to seed or install sod just after the final spring frost on May 29th for the best establishment results. Despite the low difficulty score, a resilient lawn is possible with a focus on water efficiency.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Chaffee County's county score?
Chaffee County, Colorado has a composite county score of 56 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 Chaffee County rank among counties in Colorado?
Chaffee County ranks #25 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 Chaffee County, Colorado?
The median annual property tax in Chaffee County is $1,664, with an effective tax rate of 0.28%. This earns Chaffee County a tax score of 99/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Chaffee County?
The median household income in Chaffee County, Colorado is $70,909 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Chaffee County earns an income score of 68.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Chaffee County, Colorado a good place to live?
Chaffee County scores 56/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #25 in Colorado. The best way to evaluate Chaffee 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 Chaffee County with other counties side by side.

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🏛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.