Dolores County's composite score of 74.5 significantly exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 75th percentile nationally. The county ranks among the top quarter of U.S. counties on measured livability dimensions.
2 / 5
Above Colorado's state average
Dolores scores 74.5, exceeding Colorado's average of 71.8, and ranks in the upper tier of the state's counties. This positions it as one of Colorado's stronger-performing counties overall.
3 / 5
Unbeatable tax rates and affordability
Dolores boasts the lowest effective tax rate at 0.241% with a tax score of 95.5, and strong housing affordability with a cost score of 70.1. Median home values of $231,900 and gross rent of $1,688 make homeownership and renting accessible across income levels.
4 / 5
Income levels lag behind state norms
Dolores's income score of 29.4 reflects a median household income of just $70,490, well below both the state and national patterns. Safety, health, schools, and environmental factors remain unmeasured, leaving gaps in the full livability assessment.
5 / 5
Ideal for budget-conscious families
Dolores County appeals to retirees, remote workers, and families seeking maximum affordability with minimal tax burden. The low cost of living and favorable tax environment outweigh modest income levels for those prioritizing financial flexibility.
Dolores County's composite score of 74.5 significantly exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 75th percentile nationally. The county ranks among the top quarter of U.S. counties on measured livability dimensions.
Above Colorado's state average
Dolores scores 74.5, exceeding Colorado's average of 71.8, and ranks in the upper tier of the state's counties. This positions it as one of Colorado's stronger-performing counties overall.
Unbeatable tax rates and affordability
Dolores boasts the lowest effective tax rate at 0.241% with a tax score of 95.5, and strong housing affordability with a cost score of 70.1. Median home values of $231,900 and gross rent of $1,688 make homeownership and renting accessible across income levels.
Income levels lag behind state norms
Dolores's income score of 29.4 reflects a median household income of just $70,490, well below both the state and national patterns. Safety, health, schools, and environmental factors remain unmeasured, leaving gaps in the full livability assessment.
Ideal for budget-conscious families
Dolores County appeals to retirees, remote workers, and families seeking maximum affordability with minimal tax burden. The low cost of living and favorable tax environment outweigh modest income levels for those prioritizing financial flexibility.
Score breakdown
5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.
🏛95.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Dolores County's effective rate of 0.241% ranks in the bottom 10th percentile nationally, making it one of America's most tax-friendly counties. The median annual tax of just $558 is less than a fifth of the national median of $2,690, despite Dolores homeowners owning median-valued properties of $231,900.
Dolores ranks lowest in Colorado by far
At 0.241% effective rate, Dolores is the most tax-advantaged county in Colorado, well below the state average of 0.393%. The county's median tax of $558 is less than half Colorado's median of $1,560, reflecting Dolores's rural character and lower property valuations.
Dolores drastically undercuts regional peers
Dolores's 0.241% rate is dramatically lower than neighboring Montezuma County and comparable western slope counties like Fremont (0.383%) and Eagle (0.410%). This exceptional advantage makes Dolores one of the most affordable property tax havens in the state.
Dolores residents pay just $558 yearly
On Dolores County's median home value of $231,900, property owners pay an estimated $558 in annual taxes at the 0.241% rate. This modest burden reflects the county's rural economy and low assessed valuations.
Even low-tax Dolores homeowners can appeal
Even in low-tax jurisdictions, some assessments may still be inflated relative to market values. If you believe your property is overvalued compared to similar homes in Dolores County, a free assessment appeal could secure additional savings.
Dolores County residents dedicate 28.7% of income to rent—well above the national benchmark and among the most burdened in Colorado. With a median household income of just $70,490 (below the national average of $74,755) and median rent at $1,688, housing squeeze is real.
Least affordable county in Colorado
Dolores County's 28.7% rent-to-income ratio is the highest in the state, far exceeding Colorado's 20.2% average. The county represents a cautionary tale: lower incomes combined with relatively high rents create severe affordability strain.
Rentals expensive relative to income
Dolores County's $1,688 median rent rivals Denver ($1,770) and Garfield County ($1,515), but residents earn substantially less—only $70,490 versus Denver's $91,681. This income-to-rent mismatch makes Dolores the most strained housing market among its peers.
Nearly 30% of income goes to rent
The typical Dolores County renter pays $1,688 monthly on a $70,490 annual income, consuming 28.7% of household earnings before taxes. Homeowners fare better at $466 monthly, but renters represent the county's housing crisis.
Reconsider unless you own outright
Renters relocating to Dolores County face the state's steepest affordability challenge; the county is best suited for homeowners or those with substantially higher incomes. If you're renting, nearly every other Colorado county offers better housing affordability.
Dolores County's median household income of $70,490 falls $4,265 short of the U.S. median of $74,755, placing it in the lower-middle range nationally. The county's rural character and smaller job market contribute to this below-average earning profile.
Below Colorado's state average income
Dolores County ranks in the lower half of Colorado's 64 counties, with median income $4,302 below the state average of $74,792. Rural counties in southwestern Colorado face similar challenges in attracting higher-wage employers.
Rural southwest counties earn modestly
Dolores's $70,490 median income aligns with other rural Colorado counties but trails Garfield County ($86,172) and El Paso County ($87,470). Fremont County, another rural neighbor, earns slightly less at $61,027.
Housing costs stretch household budgets
Dolores County's rent-to-income ratio of 28.7% approaches the affordability danger zone of 30%, even though the median home value of $231,900 is relatively modest. Lower incomes mean less cushion for unexpected expenses.
Prioritize financial stability and skill growth
With household income near national lows, Dolores residents benefit from intentional financial planning and skill development to boost earning potential. Building an emergency fund and exploring career advancement opportunities can create pathways to long-term wealth building.
Dolores County residents live to 78.5 years, virtually matching the U.S. average of 78.9 years. With only 14.8% reporting poor or fair health, this rural southwestern county demonstrates better health outcomes than many peers.
Rural county slightly above state average
At 78.5 years, Dolores County's life expectancy edges above Colorado's 78.2-year state average by 0.3 years. The county ranks favorably among rural Colorado communities in overall health metrics.
Outperforms similar rural mountain counties
Dolores County's 78.5-year life expectancy exceeds Fremont County (75.5 years) and matches Garfield County (80.0 years), despite having fewer healthcare resources. The 14.8% poor/fair health rate reflects a relatively healthy rural population.
Limited primary care in rural setting
Dolores County has just 42 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—far below state and national standards—and mental health provider data remains unavailable. Only 7.8% are uninsured, suggesting stable employment and family health coverage dominate the largely agricultural economy.
Ensure health coverage reaches Dolores County
While uninsured rates are low, rural residents should verify Medicare, Medicaid, or marketplace coverage annually. Contact the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing for rural healthcare resources and specialist referral networks.
Dolores County's composite risk score of 11.32 ranks it as Very Low—substantially below Colorado's state average of 40.67. Nationally, Dolores falls in the safer tier for multi-hazard disaster exposure.
Lowest-risk county in Colorado
Dolores is the safest county in Colorado by composite disaster risk score. Its remote, rural character and lower population density contribute to minimal overall vulnerability across all hazard types.
Safest county in its region
Dolores's risk score of 11.32 is dramatically lower than nearby Douglas (88.71) and El Paso (94.05) counties. The county's isolation and sparse development pattern create a protective buffer against disaster impacts.
Wildfire is the only notable concern
Wildfire risk in Dolores is relatively elevated at 79.77, reflecting the county's forested terrain in southwest Colorado. Flood, tornado, and earthquake risks all score well below state and national averages.
Focus on wildfire preparedness
While overall disaster risk is low, Dolores residents should prioritize wildfire mitigation—defensible space around homes, roof venting screens, and gutter clearing matter most. Standard homeowners insurance typically covers wildfire damage, so verify your policy limits.