countyscore
63.1
County Score
Disaster Risk 96.1Property Tax 95.8Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About Custer County, Colorado

Above national average, balanced performance

Custer County's composite score of 63.1 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 13.1 points, placing it in the 63rd percentile. The county demonstrates solid, well-rounded livability across most dimensions, reflective of a stable mountain county.

Top-tier Colorado county

Custer scores 11.9 points above Colorado's state average of 51.2, placing it in the state's top third with consistent strength across multiple dimensions. The county ranks among Colorado's most livable overall, without significant vulnerabilities dragging down the composite score.

Balanced excellence across dimensions

Custer excels in tax efficiency (95.8) with a 0.362% effective rate, income (73.2) with median household income of $72,700, and health (79.5). The county also scores well on risk management (96.1) and water resources (86.0), creating a stable, low-tax mountain community with strong earning potential.

Safety and housing costs need attention

The county's weaker dimensions are safety (43.7) and cost (42.4), with median home values at $358,800 and rent at $1,021. These affordability and security gaps suggest the county may be experiencing growth pressures or safety challenges that warrant community attention.

Perfect for professionals seeking mountain stability

Custer County is ideal for established professionals and families seeking balanced mountain living with strong incomes, low taxes, and solid healthcare without extreme affordability or safety demands. The county offers the most well-rounded livability profile, appealing to those who don't want to sacrifice across any major dimension.

Score breakdown

Tax95.8Cost42.4Safety43.7Health79.5Schools52.8Income73.2Risk96.1Water86Weather52.4
🏛95.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠42.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼73.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡43.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤79.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓52.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡96.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤52.4
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱29.5
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

Fremont County
Colorado
45.2
Huerfano County
Colorado
56.6
Alamosa County
Colorado
37
Pueblo County
Colorado
32.6
Saguache County
Colorado
58
Costilla County
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62.6
Teller County
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Chaffee County
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56

Deep Dives

Custer County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Custer County

via TaxByCounty

Custer's rate slightly below national median

Custer County's effective rate of 0.362% sits just below the national median of 0.370%, placing it near the 45th percentile. On a $358,800 median home, residents pay $1,300 annually—less than half the national median property tax of $2,690.

Below Colorado's state average

Custer's 0.362% rate falls below Colorado's 0.393% average, making it a relatively tax-friendly mountain county. The county's median tax of $1,300 runs below the state average of $1,560 despite moderate home values.

Mountain county with low burden

Custer's 0.362% rate ranks favorably against nearby Clear Creek County (0.377%) and Chaffee County (0.278%). Among Colorado's mountain counties, Custer offers a moderate tax environment.

Median home costs $1,300 yearly

On Custer's $358,800 median home, annual property taxes run approximately $1,300. Mortgage holders pay $1,367, while those without mortgages pay $1,271.

Review your assessment

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 Custer County

via CostByCounty

Custer balances mountain living affordably

Custer County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.9% sits comfortably below the national average, offering reasonable housing costs for a scenic mountain location. With a median household income of $72,700 near the national average, the county delivers balanced affordability.

Among Colorado's most affordable mountain counties

Custer ranks among Colorado's most affordable counties with a 16.9% rent-to-income ratio, beating the state average of 20.2%. The median rent of $1,021 is $232 below Colorado's median, remarkable for a mountain community.

Custer undercuts Chaffee significantly

Custer's $1,021 median rent is $493 cheaper than Chaffee County and $209 less than Clear Creek, making it the most affordable mountain county in this region. Yet home values at $358,800 remain accessible for middle-income households.

Mountain living on moderate budgets

Custer renters spend just 16.9% of their $72,700 income on rent, leaving room for other mountain-lifestyle expenses and savings. Homeowners dedicate 12.8% of income to monthly costs, the best ratio for mountain homebuyers in this comparison.

Custer rewards mountain-town relocators

If you seek mountain scenery without mountain-price premium, Custer delivers—it's the most affordable of these three mountain counties for both renters and homeowners. This sweet spot attracts remote workers and outdoor enthusiasts prioritizing lifestyle over cost.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Custer County

via IncomeByCounty

Custer slightly trails national income pace

Custer County's median household income of $72,700 falls approximately $2,055 below the U.S. median of $74,755. The county performs solidly on a national basis, reflecting a healthy mix of mining heritage, tourism, and outdoor recreation employment.

Mid-range Colorado income profile

Custer County's $72,700 median household income ranks just slightly below Colorado's state average of $74,792, placing it in the solid middle tier among the state's 64 counties. Mountain tourism and mining legacy support moderate earning power.

Clear Creek's wealth shadow looms over Custer

Custer's $72,700 trails neighboring Clear Creek's dominant $96,667 by roughly $24,000, though it edges Chaffee County at $70,909. The income gap reflects Clear Creek's stronger mining and specialized economy versus Custer's tourism-reliance.

Custer's moderate housing pressures remain manageable

Custer residents spend 16.9% of their $72,700 median income on rent—a healthy ratio well under the 20% affordability benchmark. With median home values at $358,800, homeownership remains achievable for most households, though it requires disciplined saving.

Custer earners have solid wealth-building runway

Household income of $72,700 and moderate housing costs position Custer residents well for 401(k) contributions, IRA funding, and taxable investing. Consistent monthly investing in low-cost index funds can compound substantially over 20–30 year horizons.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Custer County

via CrimeByCounty

Custer County Offers Reliable Safety

Custer County maintains a 98.0 safety score despite a total crime rate of 1,269.2 per 100K. This is still nearly 50% lower than the national average crime rate of 2,385.5.

Above Average Colorado Safety Score

Custer County's safety score of 98.0 remains higher than the state average of 97.1. Its total crime rate of 1,269.2 is also significantly better than the state's 1,834.6.

Regional Comparisons for Custer County

Custer County reports more crime than Chaffee County's 807.6 but stays well under the rates seen in Delta County. With data coming from one agency, the 1,269.2 rate reflects a focused local reporting effort.

Monitoring Violent Crime Levels

The violent crime rate is 368.5 per 100K, which is very close to the national average of 369.8. Property crime is lower than the national trend at 900.7 per 100K.

Focusing on Personal and Home Security

Because violent crime rates align with national averages, personal safety awareness is important. Investing in home security systems helps address the 900.7 property crimes reported per 100K.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Custer County

via HealthByCounty

Custer outpaces national life expectancy

At 79.2 years, Custer County residents live nearly a year longer than the U.S. average of 78.3 years. With 14.0% reporting poor or fair health, the county's health profile exceeds most national benchmarks.

Above Colorado's health average

Custer County's 79.2-year life expectancy bests Colorado's 78.2-year state average, placing it in the state's upper tier for longevity. The 14.0% poor/fair health rate is among Colorado's lowest, indicating a relatively healthy population.

Mountain county health stronghold

Custer's 79.2-year life expectancy trails Clear Creek County (83.6 years) and Chaffee County (81.0 years), yet outperforms Delta County (76.0 years) and the struggling southern counties. The county maintains 90 mental health providers per 100K, supporting robust behavioral health access.

Strong coverage and modest access

Custer's 8.2% uninsured rate is below Colorado's 9.7% average, meaning nearly all residents have insurance security. Primary care provision at 20 per 100K is more limited, yet the county's good health outcomes suggest efficient, outcome-focused care delivery.

Keep Custer's coverage momentum

Custer's success reflects strong insurance uptake—nearly 92% of residents are covered. Check Colorado's marketplace to stay protected like your neighbors.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Custer County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Consolidated Mountain Education

Custer County manages three public schools—one elementary, one middle, and one high school—serving 354 students. All schools operate under a single consolidated district, ensuring a seamless transition for students as they age. This traditional system contains no charter schools, focusing all community efforts on the district campuses.

Top-Tier Graduation and Investment

The county achieves an outstanding 90% graduation rate, surpassing both state (83.1%) and national (87%) benchmarks. This success is backed by a per-pupil expenditure of $7,606, which is higher than the Colorado state average. A school score of 54.8 places Custer County significantly ahead of the state median of 50.2.

One District, One Mission

Custer County School District Consolidate 1 is the sole provider for the county's 354 students. The district centralizes all resources into its three-school campus located in Westcliffe. This arrangement fosters a strong sense of school spirit and community identity for all residents.

The Heart of a Rural Community

The three schools are rural and intimate, with an average school size of 118 students. Custer County Elementary is the largest school with 165 students, while Custer Middle School is the smallest with 75. Learning here feels personal, with small cohorts that move together through every grade level.

Excellent Outcomes in Westcliffe

Custer County is a premier destination for homebuyers who want high-performing schools in a majestic rural setting. The 90% graduation rate is a testament to the district’s quality and the community’s support. Look for homes in the Wet Mountain Valley to give your children an academic edge.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Custer County

via RiskByCounty

Custer County ranks among nation's safest

Custer's composite risk score of 3.91 places it in the very low category, making it one of the safest counties in America. Despite mountain terrain, the county faces minimal natural disaster risk.

Exceptionally low risk for Colorado

Custer's 3.91 score is well below Colorado's 40.67 state average, ranking it in the state's bottom tier for disaster exposure. Residents enjoy significantly lower risk than typical Coloradans.

Safest county in south-central mountains

Custer (3.91) rivals Cheyenne and Crowley as Colorado's safest counties, despite its mountain setting. Its isolation and sparse population reduce exposure compared to more developed neighboring counties.

Wildfire presents the main exposure

Custer's wildfire risk of 81.62 is its highest score, though still far below the county's minimal overall risk rating. Flood, tornado, and earthquake risks all remain negligible.

Basic homeowners coverage is typically sufficient

Standard policies cover your exposures effectively in this low-risk county. Review wildfire coverage for properties near forested areas and maintain basic defensible space as a simple precaution.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Custer County

via WeatherByCounty

Custer: High-Altitude Mountain County

At 42.8°F, Custer County is approximately 6.7 degrees colder than the U.S. median of 49.5°F, placing it among the nation's coldest counties. Its 13.6 inches of annual precipitation fall below the national median of 15.2 inches, though high elevation transforms most moisture into snow. This is true alpine-to-subalpine climate, shaped by Custer County's location in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.

Custer: Cold Mountain County South-Central Colorado

Custer County's 42.8°F average ranks 3.2 degrees below Colorado's state average of 46.0°F, while its 13.6 inches of precipitation fall below the state mean. The county sits in one of Colorado's highest and most remote mountain valleys, where terrain and elevation override regional weather patterns. Its climate is colder than nearby lower-elevation counties but less extreme than the highest peaks.

Cold Valley Surrounded by Higher Peaks

Custer County is cooler than Fremont County to the west (which benefits from lower elevation along the Arkansas River) and significantly colder than Huerfano County to the east. Its 42.8°F average closely matches Conejos County (43.8°F) and Costilla County (43.8°F) to the south, though Custer receives more precipitation due to topography. The county is notably warmer than Clear Creek County (39.9°F) because it sits at slightly lower elevation.

Alpine Cold, Heavy Snow, No Heat Days

Custer County experiences zero days above 90°F, with July averaging just 62.8°F and January dropping to 23.9°F. Annual snowfall totals 84.3 inches—among Colorado's highest—accumulating from October through May and persisting at higher elevations through summer. The persistent cool temperatures and extended snow season make this a winter-dominated climate.

Build for Snow, Maintain Mountain Roads

Residents must invest in serious heating systems, avalanche safety awareness, and vehicles capable of handling 84+ inches of annual snow and challenging mountain passes. The county's remote location means emergency supplies should include extended heating fuel, food, and medical provisions for isolation periods during winter storms. Summer recreation thrives in brief warm spells; plan outdoor activities for June through August when conditions permit, and maintain year-round vigilance for rapidly changing mountain weather.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Custer County

via SoilByCounty

High Valley Soil Identity

No specific taxonomic or pH data is available for Custer County in the current dataset. Regional averages suggest alkaline soils that align with the Colorado benchmark of 7.29. These soils are primarily shaped by the weathering of the surrounding Sangre de Cristo Mountains.

Rocky Loam Landscapes

The exact percentages of sand, silt, and clay are currently unmapped for the region. Most local soil textures are loamy with significant gravel content, providing decent structure for native grasses. This mix facilitates natural drainage but may require screening for fine-tuned gardening.

Fertility in the Wet Mountains

Organic matter and available water capacity data are missing for this county. While the state average of 2.18% organic matter is a useful guide, mountain meadow soils here can be more fertile than rocky slopes. Supplementing with local compost helps maximize the growing potential.

Naturally Draining Meadows

Specific drainage and hydrologic group classifications remain unrecorded for Custer County. The high-elevation valley typically experiences rapid drainage, making water retention a primary concern for local farmers. Managing spring runoff is essential for protecting topsoil from erosion.

Cool Mountain Gardening

Custer County sits in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b, offering a crisp climate for high-altitude growing. Root vegetables like carrots and parsnips thrive in the cool soil and bright sun. Your garden can flourish by selecting hardy, short-season varieties adapted to mountain life.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Custer County

via LawnByCounty

The High-Altitude Challenge in Custer County

With a difficulty score of 29.5, Custer County is one of the hardest places in the nation to maintain a traditional lawn. This score is significantly lower than the state average of 37.4, reflecting the harsh realities of high-altitude Zone 5b gardening. You are working with a climate that is much more demanding than the national median of 50.0.

A Narrow Window and Dry Air

Custer County has a very short growing season, bounded by a late June frost and an early September freeze. You only have 1,279 growing degree days and a single day of extreme heat, meaning your grass grows slowly and has little time to recover from damage. The 13.6 inches of rain is better than some neighbors but still necessitates constant irrigation.

Testing the Mountain Soil Foundation

Specific soil data for Custer County is not in the current record, but high-elevation soils are notoriously thin and nutrient-poor. You must test your soil locally to check for drainage and pH, especially before attempting to grow water-heavy sod. Adding organic compost is almost always a requirement to build a viable root zone in these mountain conditions.

Enduring a Continuous Year of Drought

Custer County has spent the entire past year—53 straight weeks—in drought conditions. Currently, nearly 70% of the county is abnormally dry, which is devastating for a slow-growing lawn. Because recovery from stress is so slow here, it is better to let your grass go dormant during dry spells than to over-tax the local water supply.

Hardy Options for a Short Season

Fine Fescues and specialty mountain mixes are your best bet for the Zone 5b cold and the short summer. You must wait until after June 11th to seed, giving you a tiny window before the September 9th frost arrives. Success in Custer County is about choosing the right native-adjacent grasses that don't mind the cold or the dry spells.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Custer County's county score?
Custer County, Colorado has a composite county score of 63.1 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 Custer County rank among counties in Colorado?
Custer County ranks #10 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 Custer County, Colorado?
The median annual property tax in Custer County is $1,300, with an effective tax rate of 0.36%. This earns Custer County a tax score of 95.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Custer County?
The median household income in Custer County, Colorado is $72,700 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Custer County earns an income score of 73.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Custer County, Colorado a good place to live?
Custer County scores 63.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #10 in Colorado. The best way to evaluate Custer 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 Custer County with other counties side by side.

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