countyscore
60.8
County Score
Property Tax 99.4Disaster Risk 88.7Health 77.3

County Report Card

About Dolores County, Colorado

Dolores exceeds the national livability median

Dolores County's composite score of 60.8 surpasses the national median of 50.0 by more than 10 points, placing it in the upper third of U.S. counties. This small, rural county delivers solid livability across multiple dimensions despite limited economic scale.

Above Colorado's average across the board

Dolores ranks above the state average composite score of 51.2, outperforming most of its Colorado peers on overall livability. This is a meaningful achievement for a county of its size and remoteness.

Low taxes, good health, and low disaster risk

Dolores boasts exceptional tax efficiency with a 0.241% effective rate (tax score: 99.4), the lowest in this cohort, coupled with strong health outcomes (77.3) and excellent natural disaster resilience (risk score: 88.7). Housing costs remain moderate, with median home values at $231,900 and gross rent at $1,688/month.

Water access and schools need investment

Water infrastructure is the county's weakest area, with a score of just 5.2, reflecting challenges in delivery or availability in this arid region. Schools also lag significantly at 37.7, and median household income of $70,490 trails state benchmarks.

Ideal for retirees and outdoor enthusiasts

Dolores suits retirees and remote workers drawn to rural life, natural beauty, and lower costs without sacrificing health or safety. Families prioritizing top-tier schools should consider more urban or better-resourced Colorado alternatives.

Score breakdown

Tax99.4Cost50.4Safety50.5Health77.3Schools37.7Income67.6Risk88.7Water5.2Weather45.1
🏛99.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠50.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼67.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡50.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤77.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓37.7
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡88.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧5.2
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤45.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱32
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

San Miguel County
Colorado
64.6
Montezuma County
Colorado
42.4
San Juan County
Colorado
69.1
La Plata County
Colorado
45.4
Montrose County
Colorado
43
Ouray County
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67.3
Hinsdale County
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72.1
San Juan County
New Mexico
33.2

Deep Dives

Dolores County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Dolores County

via TaxByCounty

Dolores has Colorado's lowest tax burden

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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Dolores County

via CostByCounty

Dolores renters struggle most here

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.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Dolores County

via IncomeByCounty

Dolores trails national income average

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Dolores County

via CrimeByCounty

Rural Safety Exceeds National Levels

Dolores County enjoys a high safety score of 98.2, far surpassing the national average. Its total crime rate of 1,116.3 per 100K is less than half the national figure of 2,385.5.

Ranking High Among Colorado Counties

The county's safety score of 98.2 beats the Colorado state average of 97.1. Data comes from a single reporting agency, so local trends are best understood through direct community engagement.

Lower Crime in the Southwest

Dolores maintains a crime rate significantly lower than the Colorado average of 1,834.6 per 100K. It remains one of the quieter, more secure regions in the southwestern part of the state.

Very Low Violent Crime Rates

Violent crime is rare here, occurring at a rate of just 42.9 per 100K. The majority of reported activity is property-related, which accounts for 1,073.4 incidents per 100K.

Simple Precautions for Peace of Mind

In low-crime rural areas, simple steps like locking outbuildings and using motion-sensor lights go a long way. Community awareness remains the strongest defense against opportunistic theft.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Dolores County

via HealthByCounty

Dolores County matches national life expectancy

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.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Dolores County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Rural Network Serving Southwest Colorado

Dolores County maintains a small, concentrated education infrastructure consisting of just two public schools within a single district. Serving 263 total students, the county provides one primary school and one high school to its community.

Performance and Resource Allocation Challenges

The county's 75.0% graduation rate trails both the state average of 83.1% and the national benchmark of 87.0%. While per-pupil expenditure of $8,437 exceeds the state average, the composite school score of 48.7 sits just below the national median.

Focus on the Dolores County RE-2J District

The Dolores County School District RE-2J manages all public education in the area, overseeing two schools. There are currently no charter school options within the county, as the district focuses entirely on traditional public education.

Small-Scale Learning in a Rural Setting

Both schools are classified as rural, offering an intimate average school size of 132 students. Dove Creek High School is the largest campus with 139 students, while Seventh Street Elementary serves 124 younger learners.

Consider the Peace of a Rural District

Families seeking a quiet, small-town atmosphere often look toward Dove Creek for its tight-knit school community. Access to local educators is a primary consideration for home buyers looking in this rural pocket of the state.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Dolores County

via RiskByCounty

Dolores has among the lowest disaster risk

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.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Dolores County

via WeatherByCounty

Dolores runs cool and dry

At 47.1°F annually, Dolores County sits just above the U.S. median temperature of 46°F, placing it in a semi-arid climate zone. The county receives only 11.3 inches of precipitation yearly—less than a third of the national average of 38.7 inches—making it significantly drier than most American counties.

Slightly warmer than Colorado average

Dolores County's 47.1°F annual temperature ranks it among Colorado's warmer counties, sitting 1.1°F above the state average of 46.0°F. However, its precipitation of 11.3 inches falls well below Colorado's state average of 16.0 inches, marking it as one of the state's driest regions.

Warmer than high-altitude neighbors

Dolores County is notably warmer than nearby Eagle County (37.9°F) and Grand County (37.4°F), which sit at higher elevations in the San Juan and Book Cliffs regions. Its climate more closely mirrors Garfield County (48.4°F) to the northwest, though Dolores receives significantly less precipitation than any of its neighbors.

Mild winters, hot days ahead

January averages 25.8°F while July climbs to 70.6°F, with 18 days annually reaching 90°F or hotter. Snowfall data is limited for the county, but the combination of low precipitation and moderate temperature swings suggests relatively light winter snow cover.

Prepare for heat and drought

Residents should invest in quality air conditioning for the 18 annual heat days and ensure HVAC systems handle dry air efficiently. Water conservation is critical year-round given the 11.3-inch annual precipitation; outdoor landscaping and irrigation systems require careful planning for this semi-arid climate.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Dolores County

via SoilByCounty

Unmapped Soil Profiles in the High Country

Dolores County soil information remains largely unmapped in this dataset, making local testing essential. While the state average pH sits at 7.29, mountain and mesa soils often vary significantly from the 6.5 national median.

Texture Varies by Rugged Terrain

Local data on sand, silt, and clay is currently unavailable for this specific region. Gardeners should expect the high-altitude terrain to influence texture and drainage patterns throughout the county.

Targeting State Fertility Benchmarks

Without specific local organic matter data, we look to the state average of 2.18% as a general guide. Successful growing here requires paying close attention to local soil health and adding organic nutrients as needed.

Observe Local Runoff Patterns

Specific drainage and hydrologic group data are not currently available for Dolores County. Observational testing in your own backyard provides the best insight into how water moves through your specific site.

Cold-Tolerant Crops for Zone 6b

This county falls within hardiness zone 6b, offering a slightly longer growing season than some high-mountain neighbors. You can grow hardy fruit trees and cold-tolerant vegetables with great success in this climate.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Dolores County

via LawnByCounty

Tough Growing Conditions in Dolores

With a difficulty score of 32.0, Dolores County is one of the more challenging places in Colorado to grow a traditional lawn. Its zone 6b climate is significantly more demanding than the national average score of 50.0.

Minimal Rainfall and Short Cycles

The county receives just 11.3 inches of rain annually, which is less than half of what most lawns need to thrive. While extreme heat is less frequent at 18 days per year, the dry air makes moisture management your top priority.

Navigating Limited Soil Data

While specific soil survey data is unavailable for this area, the regional landscape often requires significant organic amendments. Homeowners should conduct a local soil test to determine if they need to adjust pH or drainage before planting.

Resilience During Extended Dry Spells

Dolores County endured 40 weeks of drought over the past year, though only 1.7% of the area currently faces severe conditions. Utilizing mulch around lawn edges and maintaining a higher mowing height can help protect grass roots from drying out.

Planting for Success in Dolores

Buffalo grass and blue grama are excellent native choices that handle the zone 6b climate with minimal water. Wait until the final spring frost around June 3 before starting any major seeding projects.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Dolores County's county score?
Dolores County, Colorado has a composite county score of 60.8 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 Dolores County rank among counties in Colorado?
Dolores County ranks #13 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 Dolores County, Colorado?
The median annual property tax in Dolores County is $558, with an effective tax rate of 0.24%. This earns Dolores County a tax score of 99.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Dolores County?
The median household income in Dolores County, Colorado is $70,490 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Dolores County earns an income score of 67.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Dolores County, Colorado a good place to live?
Dolores County scores 60.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #13 in Colorado. The best way to evaluate Dolores 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 Dolores 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.