countyscore
64.2
County Score
Property Tax 93.7Safety 87Cost of Living 86.3

County Report Card

About Conejos County, Colorado

Strong national performance in rural Colorado

Conejos County's composite score of 64.2 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 14.2 points, placing it in the 64th percentile nationally. The county demonstrates strong livability relative to typical American counties, particularly impressive for a rural agricultural region.

Upper-tier Colorado county

Conejos ranks well above Colorado's state average of 51.2, scoring 13.0 points higher and placing it in the state's top third. The county represents strong, consistent performance across livability dimensions despite some notable income limitations.

Affordability and safety standout

Conejos excels in cost (86.3) with a median home value of $162,100 and rent at just $724 monthly—among Colorado's most affordable counties. The county also scores exceptionally high on safety (87.0) and risk management (77.1), creating a secure, economical environment for families and retirees.

Income and health disparities present barriers

The county's critical weakness is income (9.7) with a median household income of only $47,209, among the lowest statewide and limiting economic opportunity. Health (36.7) and school quality (28.6) also fall significantly below state averages, indicating limited healthcare access and educational resources.

Ideal for retirees and economical living seekers

Conejos County suits retirees, low-income families, and those prioritizing maximum affordability and community safety over high incomes and educational amenities. The county offers unbeatable housing costs and strong security but requires residents to accept limited earning potential and modest healthcare and school options.

Score breakdown

Tax93.7Cost86.3Safety87Health36.7Schools28.6Income9.7Risk77.1Water17.7Weather53.5
🏛93.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠86.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼9.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡87
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤36.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓28.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡77.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧17.7
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤53.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱35
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

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37
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62.6
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Deep Dives

Conejos County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Conejos County

via TaxByCounty

Conejos tax rate exceeds national median

Conejos County's effective rate of 0.404% ranks above the national median of 0.370%, placing it roughly in the 60th percentile. On a $162,100 median home, residents pay just $655 annually—far below the national median property tax of $2,690.

Slightly above Colorado average

Conejos's 0.404% rate edges above Colorado's 0.393% average by a small margin. The county's median tax of $655 runs well below the state average of $1,560, reflecting significantly lower home values in this southern Colorado county.

South-central county comparison

Conejos's 0.404% rate compares to nearby Costilla County (0.310%) and sits between the region's typical rates. As a rural southern Colorado county, Conejos carries a moderate tax burden relative to its peers.

Median home costs $655 yearly

On Conejos's $162,100 median home, annual property taxes run approximately $655. Mortgage holders pay $851, while those without mortgages pay $583.

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 Conejos County

via CostByCounty

Conejos balances low income with affordability

Conejos County's median household income of $47,209 falls well below the national average, yet its rent-to-income ratio of 18.4% remains reasonable. This southern county demonstrates that low-income areas can still offer relative housing affordability.

Below-average income, below-average costs

Conejos ranks among Colorado's more affordable counties with an 18.4% rent-to-income ratio, beating the state average of 20.2%. The median rent of $724 is $529 cheaper than Colorado's state median, reflecting limited local demand.

Competitive with rural southern Colorado

Conejos's $724 median rent ranks second-cheapest in this region, just $133 more than Cheyenne County and $1 more than Costilla. Despite economic challenges, this county remains an affordable option for budget-conscious households.

Rent takes 18% of limited incomes

On a median household income of just $47,209, Conejos renters spend $724 monthly—18.4% of earnings—leaving modest resources for other needs. Homeowners fare slightly better at 13.6% of income, making ownership more appealing than renting.

Conejos works for cost-conscious relocators

This rural southern county offers the lowest rents outside Cheyenne and owns the second-lowest home values ($162,100), ideal for those prioritizing minimal housing costs. Limited job markets demand remote income or retirement status.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Conejos County

via IncomeByCounty

Conejos faces significant income challenge

Conejos County's median household income of $47,209 trails the national median of $74,755 by nearly $27,500—a 37% shortfall. This deep gap signals economic hardship typical of rural, agricultural-dependent counties with limited job diversification.

Among Colorado's lowest earners

Conejos County ranks in the bottom tier of Colorado's 64 counties with median household income of $47,209, well below the state average of $74,792. Agricultural employment, limited industry, and population decline define the county's economic struggle.

Costilla and Conejos share rural poverty

Conejos ($47,209) fares better than Costilla County ($36,519) but significantly trails Crowley ($47,563), revealing pockets of income stress across southern Colorado. All three counties struggle with agricultural economies and limited access to high-wage urban employment.

Housing still strains tight Conejos budgets

With a median household income of just $47,209, Conejos residents spend 18.4% of income on rent—manageable but concerning given overall financial tightness. Median home value of $162,100 remains accessible, but lower incomes leave little margin for emergencies.

Conejos families must prioritize savings discipline

Households earning $47,209 should focus first on building emergency savings and reducing debt before investing. Even small, consistent contributions to retirement accounts—starting with employer match—compound over decades to improve financial security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Conejos County

via CrimeByCounty

Conejos County Among the Nation's Safest

Conejos County achieves an elite safety score of 99.5, driven by a total crime rate of just 291.3 per 100K. This is a fraction of the national total crime rate of 2,385.5.

Top-Tier Safety in Colorado

At 291.3 incidents per 100K, Conejos County is far safer than the Colorado average of 1,834.6. It carries one of the highest safety scores in the state at 99.5.

Quiet Trends in the San Luis Valley

Conejos County reports much lower crime than Delta County's 1,834.9 per 100K. Three local agencies consistently report these low figures, highlighting a very stable public safety environment.

Zero Reported Violent Crimes

Remarkably, the violent crime rate is 0.0 per 100K, compared to a national average of 369.8. All reported incidents are property-related, occurring at a rate of 291.3 per 100K.

Preserving Your Peaceful Environment

Even with zero reported violent crime, maintaining home security ensures property remains protected. Simple community watch efforts can help keep the county's crime rate near zero.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Conejos County

via HealthByCounty

Conejos faces significant health gaps

At 72.7 years, Conejos County residents live nearly 5.6 years less than the U.S. average of 78.3 years. With 21.2% reporting poor or fair health—nearly 50% higher than the national rate—the county confronts serious health challenges.

Among Colorado's lowest life expectancy

Conejos County's 72.7-year life expectancy trails Colorado's 78.2-year average by 5.5 years, marking one of the state's worst outcomes. The 21.2% poor/fair health rate more than doubles Colorado's typical rate, signaling acute population stress.

Rural southeast faces similar struggles

Conejos (72.7 years) ranks just slightly above Costilla County (69.9 years) and Crowley County (70.1 years), with all three rural counties facing steep health disparities. The region's limited provider networks—Conejos has just 13 primary care providers per 100K—compounds care access barriers.

Uninsured rates near state average

Conejos County's 9.1% uninsured rate closely matches Colorado's 9.7% average, yet primary care scarcity—13 providers per 100K—limits where insured residents can seek help. Rural health workforce shortages remain the county's greatest barrier to improved outcomes.

Coverage is your foundation

Insurance alone won't solve Conejos's health gaps, but it's essential armor. Start by ensuring you're covered through Colorado's health marketplace.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Conejos County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Diverse San Luis Valley Network

Conejos County features 10 public schools across three separate districts, serving a total of 1,546 students. The infrastructure includes four elementary, two middle, and three high schools, along with one alternative learning center. There are currently no charter schools in the county, emphasizing a traditional district model.

Beating State Graduation Benchmarks

With a graduation rate of 86.1%, Conejos County significantly outperforms the Colorado state average of 83.1%. The county’s composite school score of 50.7 also edges out the state median of 50.2. This performance comes despite a lean per-pupil expenditure of $6,623, which is lower than the state and national averages.

North Conejos Leads the Region

North Conejos School District No. Re1J is the largest of the three districts, enrolling 988 students across five schools. Sanford School District No. 6 serves 384 students, while South Conejos School District No. Re10 manages 174. This multi-district setup allows for localized governance across different parts of the San Luis Valley.

Purely Rural Education Experience

All 10 schools in Conejos County are located in rural settings, fostering a deeply community-centric educational environment. Average school size is 155 students, though Centauri High School stands out as the largest with 326 enrolled. Manassa and La Jara Elementary schools provide smaller, focused primary settings for younger learners.

Find Academic Success in Conejos

Conejos County is an excellent choice for families seeking high graduation rates in a rural mountain valley. With multiple districts to choose from, homebuyers can find the specific school culture that fits their needs. Explore real estate in La Jara, Sanford, or Manassa to access these high-achieving rural districts.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Conejos County

via RiskByCounty

Conejos County remains well below national risk

With a composite risk score of 22.93, Conejos ranks in the very low category, significantly safer than the typical American county. The southern Colorado county's exposure to natural hazards is minimal.

Lower than Colorado's state average

Conejos scores 22.93 compared to Colorado's state average of 40.67, placing it in the safer half of the state's 64 counties. It ranks among the lowest-risk counties statewide.

Safer than most surrounding counties

Conejos (22.93) is significantly safer than Chaffee to the north (51.11) and Costilla to the west (6.55), offering relatively stable risk exposure. Its earthquake risk of 46.53 is notably higher than in adjacent counties, though still modest.

Earthquake and wildfire pose modest risks

Conejos's earthquake risk of 46.53 is its highest measured hazard, while wildfire risk is moderate at 58.33. Flood and tornado risks remain low, both under 34.

Standard coverage with earthquake consideration

A standard homeowners policy will cover most exposures, but consider earthquake insurance given your county's 46.53 score—it's affordable and not included in standard policies. Review your home's foundation and secure heavy furniture as low-cost earthquake preparedness.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Conejos County

via WeatherByCounty

Conejos: High Altitude, Dry Climate

At 43.8°F, Conejos County runs about 5.7 degrees colder than the U.S. median of 49.5°F, reflecting its high-elevation San Luis Valley location. The county receives just 7.8 inches of annual precipitation—nearly half the national median of 15.2 inches—making it one of Colorado's driest regions. This high-altitude, semi-arid classification defines the southern Colorado uplands.

Conejos: Dry and Cool in Southern Colorado

Conejos County's 43.8°F average is 2.2 degrees below Colorado's state average of 46.0°F, while its 7.8 inches of precipitation rank among the state's lowest at barely half the state average. This reflects the county's position in the rain shadow of the San Juan Mountains, where moisture-bearing westerly winds are wrung dry before reaching the valley. The combination of elevation and aridity creates a unique climate zone.

Driest Valley in South-Central Colorado

Conejos County is notably drier than neighboring Costilla County (9.4 inches) and Huerfano County to the east, which sit at similar elevations but receive more precipitation. Its 43.8°F average matches Costilla County almost exactly, reflecting their shared San Luis Valley setting. Both counties are substantially cooler than the plains-bordering counties of Las Animas and Pueblo to the northeast.

Extreme Dry, Rare Heat, Moderate Snow

Conejos County experiences just 1 day per year above 90°F—a nearly heat-free climate—with July averaging 64.9°F and January dropping to 19.9°F. Annual snowfall totals 29.7 inches, moderate for a mountain valley but concentrated in winter months from October through April. The dry air and high elevation create intense solar radiation despite cool temperatures, making UV protection essential year-round.

Manage Extreme Dryness and UV Exposure

Residents face unique challenges from 7.8 inches of annual precipitation: wells require careful management, landscaping demands drought-resistant plants, and indoor air needs humidification during winter heating season. The intense high-altitude sun (despite cool temperatures) requires sunscreen and eye protection even in winter, and outdoor recreation thrives nearly year-round except during snow events. Winter driving conditions can deteriorate rapidly when snow does fall; keep emergency supplies handy from October through April.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Conejos County

via SoilByCounty

San Luis Valley Soils

Detailed soil records for pH and taxonomy are not currently available in the state dataset. The regional context suggests alkaline conditions similar to the Colorado average of 7.29. These soils develop in a high-desert environment with limited annual precipitation.

Varied Desert Textures

Specific percentages of sand, silt, and clay are unrecorded for the county. The soil texture typically varies from sandy valley floors to rockier slopes at the forest edge. This variability dictates how well the land can be farmed or developed.

High Desert Growing Potential

With no specific organic matter data, growers look to the state average of 2.18% as a guide. Available water capacity is also unlisted, which is a key factor in this arid valley. Supplemental irrigation is mandatory for any significant agricultural production.

Water Management Priority

Drainage classes and hydrologic groups remain unmapped for this county. Proper water management is essential due to the high-desert climate and the unique hydrology of the San Luis Valley. Growers must monitor soil moisture closely to avoid salt accumulation.

Cool Nights and Sun

Located in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a, the county faces a short growing season with very cold nights. Potatoes and barley are historically successful crops in this unique high-altitude environment. You can grow a beautiful garden by focusing on frost-hardy varieties and sun-loving vegetables.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Conejos County

via LawnByCounty

Managing Turf in the Arid San Luis Valley

Conejos County presents a tough environment for lawns with a difficulty score of 35.0, lower than the Colorado average of 37.4. Situated in Zone 5a, your grass must survive cold winters and an extremely dry climate. This score reflects the significant effort required to match the lush lawns found in easier national climates.

The Challenge of Extreme Aridity

Your lawn receives a mere 7.8 inches of annual precipitation, which is less than half the state average and far below the 30-50 inches grass ideally needs. With only one extreme heat day per year, your primary concern isn't scorching heat, but the lack of moisture across 1,589 growing degree days. You must manage irrigation carefully to avoid wasting water in this desert-like environment.

Preparing for Local Soil Variations

Current data does not specify the soil texture or pH for Conejos County, making a private soil test essential for success. Valley soils can range from sandy to heavily alkaline, which dictates whether you need to add sulfur or organic compost. Without a foundation of rich soil, your grass will struggle to survive the 7.8-inch rainfall deficit.

Monitoring Widespread Dry Conditions

Conejos County has spent 39 weeks in drought over the last year, with nearly 79% of the county currently abnormally dry. While you aren't facing severe drought levels yet, the consistent lack of rain makes every gallon of water count. Mulching your clippings back into the lawn can help retain the precious little moisture you do have.

Establishing Growth in Zone 5a

Look for cold-hardy varieties like Kentucky Bluegrass or Crested Wheatgrass that can handle the Zone 5a winters. Your best window for seeding opens after May 28th and closes rapidly before the first fall frost on September 21st. Focus on hearty varieties that require minimal water once established to deal with the local aridity.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Conejos County's county score?
Conejos County, Colorado has a composite county score of 64.2 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 Conejos County rank among counties in Colorado?
Conejos County ranks #8 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 Conejos County, Colorado?
The median annual property tax in Conejos County is $655, with an effective tax rate of 0.40%. This earns Conejos County a tax score of 93.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Conejos County?
The median household income in Conejos County, Colorado is $47,209 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Conejos County earns an income score of 9.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Conejos County, Colorado a good place to live?
Conejos County scores 64.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #8 in Colorado. The best way to evaluate Conejos 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 Conejos 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.