countyscore
40.1
County Score
Disaster Risk 92.4Income & Jobs 76.9Property Tax 70.3

County Report Card

About Duchesne County, Utah

Below National Averages

Duchesne County receives a composite score of 40.1, placing it significantly below the national median of 50.0. This suggests there are substantial areas where the county could improve relative to national peers.

Trailing the State Baseline

With a score of 40.1, Duchesne lags behind Utah's state average of 53.9. It struggles to match the safety and educational metrics found in the more developed parts of the state.

Resilient Incomes and Low Disaster Risk

The county excels in environmental safety with a risk score of 92.4. Residents also maintain respectable earnings, with a median household income of $74,738 and an income score of 76.9.

Urgent Needs in Safety and Schools

Safety scores are quite low at 14.3, and the school system follows with a score of 16.6. These areas represent the most critical targets for future investment and community development.

A High-Income Frontier for Resilient Workers

Duchesne County suits individuals who earn well in specialized industries and prioritize living in a low-disaster-risk zone. It is best for those who can navigate localized safety and educational challenges in exchange for decent pay.

Score breakdown

Tax70.3Cost33Safety14.3Health48.8Schools16.6Income76.9Risk92.4Water50.7Weather39.8
🏛70.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠33
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼76.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡14.3
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤48.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓16.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡92.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧50.7
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤39.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨55.7
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱31.4
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

Summit County
Utah
52.6
Wasatch County
Utah
55.9
Uinta County
Wyoming
52.4
Daggett County
Utah
74.2
Uintah County
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Carbon County
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Utah County
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Morgan County
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Deep Dives

Duchesne County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Duchesne County

via TaxByCounty

Duchesne ranks among nation's highest taxes

At 0.635%, Duchesne's effective tax rate places it in the top 15% of U.S. counties for property tax burden. Despite this steep rate, the median annual tax of $1,611 remains below the national median of $2,690, reflecting lower home values in the county.

Third-highest effective rate in Utah

Duchesne ranks 3rd among Utah's 29 counties in effective tax rate at 0.635%—0.137% above the state average of 0.498%. Only Carbon (0.642%) and Emery (0.584%) rival Duchesne's tax burden, making it one of Utah's steepest-taxing counties.

Taxes exceed surrounding Uinta Basin counties

Duchesne's 0.635% rate significantly exceeds Daggett (0.481%), Rich (0.512%), and Uintah (0.590%), making it the region's highest-taxed county. Homeowners in neighboring jurisdictions enjoy notably lower effective rates.

Annual taxes on Duchesne homes

The median Duchesne County home valued at $253,600 results in an annual property tax of $1,611. At approximately $134 per month, Duchesne residents bear one of Utah's highest tax-to-home-value ratios.

Assessment appeal critical here

In a high-rate county like Duchesne, securing an accurate assessment is especially important for controlling costs. Homeowners with recent appraisals or comparable sales data showing lower values should strongly consider filing a free assessment appeal.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Duchesne County

via CostByCounty

Duchesne offers median U.S. affordability

Duchesne County's 15.0% rent-to-income ratio sits well below national norms, and at median income of $74,738—virtually identical to the national median of $74,755—residents enjoy clean affordability comparisons. Monthly rent of $934 is moderate by national standards, making Duchesne a reasonable option for average-income households.

Mid-tier affordability for Utah

Duchesne's 15.0% rent-to-income ratio falls below Utah's state average of 16.6%, and its $934 monthly rent sits comfortably below the state median of $1,101. This positions Duchesne in the affordable middle of Utah's housing market.

Balanced choice among rural counties

Duchesne's $934 rent sits between Daggett ($775) and Cache ($1,137), with a median home value of $253,600 that's moderate among regional peers. It offers a sensible compromise for those seeking rural character without the lowest incomes (Carbon) or highest costs (Cache).

Balanced rent and ownership options

Renters spend $934 monthly (15.0% of income) while homeowners pay $1,019 (16.4%), both well-aligned and below the 30% threshold. Duchesne's median income of $74,738 provides adequate support for either path without financial stress.

Duchesne for steady, modest living

Duchesne County appeals to households seeking balanced housing costs and middle-class stability away from urban pressure. If you want slightly lower costs, consider Daggett; if you need stronger job markets, move toward Cache or Davis County instead.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Duchesne County

via IncomeByCounty

Duchesne at National Income Level

Duchesne County's median household income of $74,738 essentially matches the national median of $74,755, marking near-perfect parity. Residents earn virtually the same as the typical American household.

Below Utah's Average Income

Duchesne County's median household income of $74,738 trails Utah's state average of $80,176 by $5,438. The county ranks below the middle tier among Utah's counties.

Duchesne in the Regional Middle

Duchesne's $74,738 income sits between Carbon ($53,673) and Emery ($69,956) counties, positioning it slightly higher than expected in the regional income landscape. Economic variation across the region remains substantial.

Good Housing Cost Balance

Duchesne County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.0% indicates healthy housing affordability relative to income. The median home value of $253,600 aligns well with available household earnings.

Build Steady Wealth Foundations

Duchesne County residents should focus on consistent saving and investing aligned with their income level. Taking advantage of employer benefits and low-cost investment tools helps compound wealth over decades.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Duchesne County

via CrimeByCounty

Duchesne County Meets National Crime Levels

Duchesne County reports 2436.9 crimes per 100,000 residents, which is slightly above the national average of 2,385.5. This results in a safety score of 96.2. Residents experience more criminal activity than those in neighboring Utah counties.

Duchesne Challenges Utah's Safety Average

With a safety score of 96.2, Duchesne ranks below the Utah state average of 98.1. Its total crime rate is double the state average of 1204.8. Local officials face higher-than-average challenges in maintaining public safety compared to the rest of the state.

Higher Crime Rates than Nearby Counties

Duchesne's crime rate of 2436.9 is significantly higher than Carbon (1278.4) and Beaver (971.5). Even compared to the more populous Davis County (1499.6), Duchesne sees more incidents per capita. It stands out as a higher-crime area in this regional grouping.

Violent and Property Crime in Duchesne

The violent crime rate is 374.1, which is more than double the state average of 178.7. Property crime is also elevated at 2062.8 per 100,000. These figures suggest that both personal and property safety require extra attention.

Enhancing Security for Duchesne Residences

Investing in comprehensive home security systems is highly recommended given local crime rates. Ensure all doors, windows, and gates are reinforced to deter potential intruders. Proactive safety measures can significantly reduce your risk of becoming a victim.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Duchesne County

via HealthByCounty

Duchesne County trails national health marks

Duchesne County residents live 75.7 years on average, nearly 3.2 years below the U.S. average of 78.9 years. One in five residents (18.2%) report poor or fair health, well above the national rate of 15%.

Below-average health in rural Utah

At 75.7 years, Duchesne County's life expectancy trails Utah's state average of 77.9 by 2.2 years. The 18.2% poor/fair health rate ranks among the state's worst, signaling persistent rural health challenges.

Struggling in northeastern Utah

Duchesne County's 75.7-year life expectancy exceeds only Carbon County's crisis-level 72.8 years among northeastern peers. The county faces similar rural isolation and economic constraints as its struggling neighbors.

Higher uninsured rate, limited providers

Duchesne County's uninsured rate of 11.5% exceeds Utah's 10.2% state average, leaving more residents vulnerable. Primary care availability at 40 per 100,000 is below state needs, and mental health support at 205 per 100,000 remains stretched.

Coverage can transform health here

With above-average uninsured rates, Duchesne County residents should prioritize checking healthcare.gov for affordable plans during open enrollment. Community health centers offer sliding-scale care to help bridge access gaps in this underserved county.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Duchesne County

via SchoolsByCounty

Fourteen Schools Serving the Uintah Basin

Duchesne County features 14 public schools that accommodate 5,381 students under a single district management. The landscape includes eight elementary schools, four high schools, and a middle school. This distribution ensures coverage across the county's vast geographic area.

Investing in Rural Student Success

The county reports an 81.0% graduation rate, which is currently below the state average of 89.1%. Per-pupil expenditure stands at $6,290, keeping pace with much of rural Utah but remaining below the national average. The school score of 47.3 reflects the ongoing challenges of delivering education in a geographically dispersed region.

Unified District Without Charter Schools

All 14 schools are part of the Duchesne District, which serves the entirety of the local student population. There are currently no charter schools in the county, ensuring a centralized focus on the traditional public school system. This structure allows the district to manage resources for its 5,381 students collectively.

Rural Roots with Centralized High Schools

The county is deeply rural, with 12 of its 14 schools located in rural locales and only two in town settings. Union High serves as the primary educational hub with 1,153 students, while most elementary schools are much smaller. The average school size is 384 students, balancing personal attention with regional resources.

Find Your Home Near Roosevelt Hubs

Home buyers looking in Duchesne County often cluster around Roosevelt to be near Union High and Roosevelt Jr High. The rural nature of the county means that school locations are primary community landmarks and centers of activity. Consider the convenience of being near the main district schools when choosing your property.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Duchesne County

via RiskByCounty

Duchesne County ranks among nation's safest

With a composite risk score of 7.60, Duchesne County sits well below the national average, earning a 'Very Low' rating. Your county experiences minimal natural disaster exposure compared to typical American communities.

Third-lowest disaster risk in Utah

Duchesne County's 7.60 score ranks near the bottom in Utah, significantly below the state average of 36.19. Only Emery and Daggett counties face lower composite disaster risk statewide.

Safer than surrounding eastern Utah counties

Duchesne County's 7.60 score is lower than Carbon (8.68) and considerably lower than Uintah to the east. It represents one of Utah's most hazard-sheltered locations.

Wildfire and earthquake are your main hazards

Wildfire risk is elevated at 80.44 and earthquake risk stands at 59.96, making these your primary concerns. Flood (15.33) and tornado (7.03) exposures remain quite low.

Wildfire and earthquake coverage recommended

While your overall risk is very low, wildfire and earthquake insurance offer meaningful protection at modest cost. Standard homeowner policies exclude both hazards; add these riders now.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Duchesne County

via WeatherByCounty

A Cold and Arid High Basin

Duchesne County is one of the coldest spots in the nation with an average annual temperature of 45.9°F. This is over seven degrees below the national median temperature.

Coldest Climate in the Region

At 45.9°F, Duchesne County is exactly three degrees colder than the Utah state average. It ranks as one of the most frigid counties in the state's northeastern quadrant.

Colder and Drier than Daggett

Duchesne County is cooler than neighboring Daggett County by 0.3 degrees. It is also significantly drier, receiving just 8.7 inches of annual precipitation compared to Daggett's 11.2 inches.

Frigid Winters and Rare Heat

January temperatures average a biting 19.6°F, and the county sees only 22 days of 90°F heat per year. Despite the cold, it only receives 32.8 inches of snow due to its very dry climate.

Prioritize Heating and Humidification

With a January average of 19.6°F, heavy-duty home heating and pipe insulation are vital. The extremely dry air, with only 8.7 inches of precipitation, makes indoor humidifiers a common necessity.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Duchesne County

via SoilByCounty

High-quality alkaline soil in Duchesne

Duchesne County boasts a soil score of 55.7, which is notably higher than the state average of 41.8. Its pH of 7.52 is slightly less alkaline than the Utah average but remains above the 6.5 national median.

Gritty soil with moderate drainage

The soil composition is 41.7% sand and 17.2% clay, creating a texture that balances workability with structural integrity. This 28.4% silt mix helps the soil retain enough nutrients for productive growth.

Superior fertility and water capacity

With 11.35% organic matter, Duchesne soil is far richer than the national 2.0% average. The available water capacity of 0.158 in/in also beats the state average, providing a great buffer for thirsty plants.

Slow infiltration in hydrologic group D

Classified in hydrologic group D, this soil has a very slow infiltration rate and high runoff potential. This makes careful irrigation management and erosion control essential for any farming or construction project.

Abundant harvests in zone 6a

Zone 6a and nutrient-rich soil make Duchesne a prime spot for root vegetables and hearty squashes. Use the high organic matter to your advantage and start a thriving vegetable garden this season.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Duchesne County

via LawnByCounty

Moderate difficulty in the Uinta Basin

Duchesne County's score of 31.4 makes it one of the easier Utah counties for lawn care, despite being below the national median. It stays within Hardiness Zone 6a, requiring turf that can handle cold winters and dry summers.

Extreme aridity with low heat

Receiving only 8.7 inches of annual precipitation, this is one of the driest counties in the state. Fortunately, only 22 days of extreme heat occur annually, which helps grass survive on very limited water supplies.

Alkaline and sandy soil challenges

The soil here is notably alkaline with a pH of 7.52, which is higher than the 6.0-7.0 ideal for lawns. With a high 41.7% sand content, the soil drains quickly, meaning you must water more frequently but in shorter bursts.

Persistent severe drought impacts

Over 41% of the county is currently in severe drought, and the entire area has faced 53 weeks of drought over the last year. Mulching clippings back into the lawn is vital here to keep the soil cool and retain as much moisture as possible.

Maximizing a dry season

Focus on drought-hardy grasses like Buffalograss or specific Fescue blends. The safest planting window begins after the May 19th frost, but you must keep new seeds constantly damp in this dry, 8.7-inch rainfall climate.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Duchesne County's county score?
Duchesne County, Utah has a composite county score of 40.1 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 Duchesne County rank among counties in Utah?
Duchesne County ranks #27 among all counties in Utah 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 Duchesne County, Utah?
The median annual property tax in Duchesne County is $1,611, with an effective tax rate of 0.64%. This earns Duchesne County a tax score of 70.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Duchesne County?
The median household income in Duchesne County, Utah is $74,738 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Duchesne County earns an income score of 76.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Duchesne County, Utah a good place to live?
Duchesne County scores 40.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #27 in Utah. The best way to evaluate Duchesne 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 Duchesne 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.