49.5
County Score
Income & Jobs 96.3Property Tax 93.3Health 75.3

County Report Card

About Eagle County, Colorado

Eagle County slightly below national median

Eagle County's composite score of 49.5 is just under the national median of 50.0, indicating livability close to the American average. However, the county's profile is heavily skewed by exceptional income and low taxes, masking significant affordability challenges.

Near Colorado's average despite trade-offs

Eagle ranks very close to the state average composite score of 51.2, making it a typical Colorado county profile. Its strong income metrics are nearly offset by cost barriers.

High incomes and favorable tax treatment

Eagle County residents enjoy a median household income of $103,174 (income score: 96.3) with favorable tax conditions (0.410% effective rate, tax score: 93.3). Health scores are solid at 75.3, reflecting good wellness infrastructure in this mountain region.

Steep housing costs dominate the landscape

Housing affordability is severely constrained, with a cost score of just 1.8, median home values at $814,700, and gross rent at $2,032/month—reflecting its desirability as a resort destination. Schools and safety also need improvement, scoring 38.1 and 46.9 respectively.

A mountain enclave for the affluent

Eagle County appeals to wealthy retirees, remote workers with substantial incomes, and outdoor enthusiasts who can afford Vail Valley–level housing costs. Middle-income families should look to more affordable Colorado counties.

Score breakdown

Tax93.3Cost1.8Safety46.9Health75.3Schools38.1Income96.3Risk23.8Water49.9Weather50.3
🏛93.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠1.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼96.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡46.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
75.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓38.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
23.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧49.9
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤50.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱35.2
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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Deep Dives

Eagle County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Eagle County

via TaxByCounty

Eagle County taxes beat U.S. average

Eagle County's effective rate of 0.410% sits slightly above the national median of 0.381%, placing it in the 55th percentile nationally. Despite median annual taxes of $3,339, which exceeds the national median of $2,690, this is driven by Eagle's luxury mountain property values averaging $814,700.

Eagle County taxes slightly above state norm

Eagle's 0.410% effective rate exceeds Colorado's state average of 0.393%, placing it in the upper-middle tier of Colorado counties. The median tax of $3,339 is more than double the state median of $1,560, reflecting the county's concentration of high-value mountain real estate.

Eagle's rate sits middle of ski region

Eagle's 0.410% rate falls between Garfield County's 0.427% and Denver's 0.443%, making it competitively positioned among mountain communities. However, Eagle's higher median home values push the absolute tax burden well above its peers in the region.

Eagle homeowners pay $3,339 per year

On Eagle County's median home value of $814,700, the typical property owner pays approximately $3,339 in annual property taxes. This substantial bill reflects both the county's above-average tax rate and the region's premium mountain property values.

Luxury properties often get overassessed

High-value mountain properties in Eagle County are frequently reassessed, and overvaluation relative to comparable sales is common. Filing an assessment appeal is straightforward and free; many Eagle County homeowners recover hundreds or thousands in annual tax savings.

Cost of Living in Eagle County

via CostByCounty

Mountain living commands premium prices

Eagle County residents spend 23.6% of income on rent—slightly above Colorado's state average of 20.2% and higher than most national benchmarks. Despite a strong median household income of $103,174, the county's median rent of $2,032 reflects the cost of proximity to Colorado's premier ski resorts.

Pricey mountain market, moderate burden

Eagle County's 23.6% rent-to-income ratio ranks in the upper half of Colorado counties, though above the state average of 20.2%. The county's mountain lifestyle premium is visible in its $2,032 median rent—highest among comparable counties.

Vail Valley rents rival metro Denver

Eagle County's $2,032 median rent nearly matches Denver's $1,770, yet Vail-area residents earn modestly more ($103,174 vs. $91,681). Eagle County homeowners face the steepest monthly costs at $2,081, reflecting the area's vacation-home premium.

Renting and buying both strain budgets

Eagle County residents allocate 23.6% of the $103,174 median income to $2,032 monthly rent, while homeowners spend $2,081 (24.2%) on a median home value of $814,700. The mountain economy offers high wages but demands them for housing.

Mountain culture at mountain prices

Relocate to Eagle County if you prioritize outdoor recreation and can earn $100,000+; the area offers strong affordability relative to its prestige and lifestyle amenities. Budget-conscious remote workers should compare to Denver, which offers similar housing costs with more diverse job markets.

Income & Jobs in Eagle County

via IncomeByCounty

Mountain county earns 38% above nation

Eagle County's median household income of $103,174 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by 38%, reflecting its status as a premier mountain resort destination. Tourism, hospitality, and high-income retirees fuel strong earnings across the county.

Third-richest county in Colorado

Eagle County ranks third in Colorado's income hierarchy with $103,174, trailing only Douglas County ($145,737) and Elbert County ($129,477). The county's $103,174 income exceeds Colorado's state average of $74,792 by 38%.

Eagle outearns most Colorado counties

Eagle County's $103,174 substantially exceeds Garfield County ($86,172) and Denver County ($91,681), establishing it as the mountain region's income leader. Only Douglas and Elbert counties surpass Eagle's earning power.

High income absorbed by high housing costs

Despite strong median income of $103,174, Eagle County's rent-to-income ratio of 23.6% reflects the burden of a $814,700 median home value—the highest among these counties. Residents need substantial income to afford mountain real estate.

Leverage mountain prosperity wisely

Eagle County's 38% income advantage over the nation positions residents to invest substantially beyond housing, even in an expensive market. Diversifying income across multiple assets and income streams can maximize the county's earning potential.

Safety in Eagle County

via CrimeByCounty

Mountain Living with High Safety

Eagle County boasts an impressive safety score of 98.1. Its total crime rate of 1,196.8 per 100K is about half the national average of 2,385.5.

Exceeding Colorado Safety Averages

With a 98.1 safety score, Eagle County ranks above the Colorado average of 97.1. Six reporting agencies work together to monitor and respond to issues across the mountain community.

A Secure High-Country Retreat

The county's total crime rate is significantly lower than the Colorado average of 1,834.6 per 100K. It maintains a better safety profile than many other high-traffic resort counties.

Rare Instances of Violence

Violent crime is low at 176.1 per 100K, while property crime is 1,020.7. Most reported incidents involve theft or property damage rather than crimes against persons.

Securing Your Mountain Property

Using high-quality deadbolts and alarm systems helps protect seasonal and permanent residences alike. Staying vigilant about home security ensures this community remains one of the safest in the state.

Health in Eagle County

via HealthByCounty

Eagle County's exceptional life expectancy puzzles analysts

Eagle County reports 89.7 years life expectancy—an extraordinary 10.8 years above the U.S. average—yet 13.5% report poor or fair health. This divergence warrants investigation; data quality or demographic composition may explain the exceptional figure.

State's highest life expectancy reported

Eagle County's 89.7-year life expectancy far exceeds Colorado's 78.2-year state average by 11.5 years, an unprecedented gap. While the figure merits scrutiny, it suggests distinct health advantages or unique population demographics in this mountain resort community.

Dramatically different from surrounding counties

Eagle County's reported 89.7 years contrasts sharply with Garfield County (80.0) and Fremont County (75.5), suggesting either superior health outcomes or data collection differences. The 13.5% poor/fair health rate aligns more closely with regional peers.

Mountain resort uninsured rate highest regionally

Despite affluent Vail and Beaver Creek communities, Eagle County's 11.8% uninsured rate exceeds the state average of 9.7%, likely reflecting seasonal workers and service industry employment. Primary care providers number 79 per 100K, with 296 mental health providers per 100K supporting residents.

Mountain workers need reliable coverage

If you work seasonally in Eagle County's tourism industry, health coverage gaps pose real risks. Explore Connect for Health Colorado's marketplace options and Medicaid for coverage that travels with you year-round.

Schools in Eagle County

via SchoolsByCounty

Vibrant Mountain Schools for 7,400 Students

Eagle County operates 23 public schools, including 12 elementary and 6 high schools, primarily under one major district. These mountain communities support a total enrollment of 7,436 students in a mix of town and rural settings.

Solid Performance and Competitive Spending

The county's 85.0% graduation rate exceeds the state average of 83.1% but falls slightly short of the national benchmark. Investment remains steady with per-pupil spending at $7,511, slightly above the Colorado state average.

Leading with Eagle County SD Re 50

Eagle County School District No. Re 50 is the primary provider, managing 21 schools and 6,620 students. The county also offers two charter schools, providing specialized educational paths for about 9% of the local student population.

A Town-Focused Educational Experience

The majority of schools are located in town locales, creating an average school size of 323 students. Eagle Valley High School is the largest in the area with 1,051 students, while Battle Mountain High School follows closely with 904.

Settle Near Top-Tier Mountain Schools

Prospective residents often choose Eagle County for its blend of academic quality and access to the outdoors. Strong graduation rates and reliable district funding make the area a favorite for families moving to the mountains.

Disaster Risk in Eagle County

via RiskByCounty

Eagle County's risk is moderate nationally

Eagle County scores 76.24 on composite disaster risk, rated Relatively Low—still above Colorado's state average of 40.67 but lower than many mountain counties. The score reflects mountain terrain vulnerabilities combined with scattered development.

Mid-range risk profile for Colorado

Eagle County ranks in Colorado's moderate-risk zone, higher than counties like Dolores but lower than the Front Range hotspots. Its elevation and mountain geography create specific hazards like avalanche risk, though not captured in this composite score.

Riskier than typical mountain counties

Eagle's score of 76.24 exceeds Garfield (64.54) and Fremont (68.58), neighboring mountain counties with similar terrain. Growth in resort communities like Vail and Beaver Creek increases population exposure to hazards.

Flooding and wildfire drive Eagle's risk

Eagle faces flood risk of 86.51 and wildfire risk of 75.51, both substantial in this mountainous county. Earthquake risk (53.21) is moderate, while tornado risk is minimal at 14.41 due to elevation.

Water and fire protection matter most

Eagle County homeowners should prioritize flood insurance for properties near creeks and rivers, particularly in resort communities. Wildfire mitigation—including roof material standards and defensible space—is equally critical for mountain homes.

Weather & Climate in Eagle County

via WeatherByCounty

Eagle County: high elevation, cold climate

At 37.9°F annual temperature, Eagle County runs 8.1°F below the U.S. median, placing it firmly in an alpine climate zone typical of high mountain terrain. With 22.4 inches of precipitation annually, the county exceeds both the national average (38.7 inches) and Colorado's state average (16.0 inches), fueled by orographic lift over the Rockies.

Colorado's coldest county profile

Eagle County's 37.9°F annual temperature ranks it among Colorado's coldest counties, 8.1°F below the state average. Its 22.4 inches of annual precipitation places it in the upper tier statewide, reflecting the county's elevation and mountain snow dynamics.

Similar to Grand, distinct from lowlands

Eagle County's 37.9°F closely mirrors Grand County (37.4°F) to the north, both reaching into the coldest temperature zones in Colorado. This stands in sharp contrast to warmer neighbors like Garfield County (48.4°F) and Dolores County (47.1°F) found at lower elevations.

Extreme winters, cool summers, no heat days

January plunges to 17.5°F while July only reaches 59.2°F—a 41.7°F range—and the county records zero days annually at or above 90°F. With 189.2 inches of annual snowfall, Eagle County is among Colorado's snowiest regions, accumulating over 15 feet per year.

Winter survival is year-round priority

Residents must invest in heavy-duty snow removal equipment, avalanche awareness, and year-round vehicle winterization for the 189.2 inches of annual snowfall. Insulation, heating systems, and layered clothing are non-negotiable for surviving January temperatures that average 17.5°F.

Soil Quality in Eagle County

via SoilByCounty

High-Altitude Soil Variations

Eagle County’s soil profile is not fully detailed in this dataset, but the region typically mirrors Colorado’s high-altitude chemistry. Expect an alkaline environment closer to the state average of 7.29 than the national 6.5 median.

Diverse Textures from Slopes to Valleys

Specific data for sand, silt, and clay are missing for this mountainous region. Texture varies wildly from valley floors to rocky slopes, so local site assessment is critical for any gardening project.

Building Mountain Soil Health

Organic matter and water capacity figures are unavailable for this county. Gardeners should look toward the state’s 2.18% organic matter average as a target for creating healthy, productive growing beds.

Managing Runoff in Steep Terrains

There is no specific data on drainage classes or hydrologic groups for Eagle County in this set. Residents should watch for runoff patterns, especially given the steep topography characteristic of the Rocky Mountains.

Mountain Gardening in Zone 5b

Zone 5b provides a challenging but rewarding climate for high-altitude gardening. Hardy greens and root vegetables thrive here if protected from late spring frosts and summer temperature swings.

Lawn Care in Eagle County

via LawnByCounty

Mountain Turf Care in Eagle

Eagle County's lawn difficulty score of 35.2 reflects the unique challenges of high-altitude growing in zone 5b. While the score is below the national average of 50.0, the cooler temperatures provide a different environment than the hot plains.

Cold Climates and Short Seasons

Remarkably, the county records zero days of extreme heat over 90°F, which reduces thermal stress on grass. However, the low 744 growing degree days mean turf grows slowly and has a limited window to recover from damage.

Preparing Rocky Mountain Soils

Specific soil metrics are not available for the county, but mountain soils often struggle with depth and rock content. Focus on creating a thick layer of topsoil and organic compost to give grass roots a fighting chance.

Extreme Drought Persistence

Eagle County faced 48 weeks of drought over the past year, and 100% of the area is currently in severe drought. Prioritize xeriscaping or choosing drought-tolerant grasses to navigate these long periods without natural moisture.

Timing Your Short Growing Season

Cold-hardy grasses like Kentucky bluegrass are standard here, though they require careful watering. Because the last spring frost occurs late on June 21, you have a very narrow window to establish new growth before autumn.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Eagle County's county score?
Eagle County, Colorado has a composite county score of 49.5 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 Eagle County rank among counties in Colorado?
Eagle County ranks #36 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 Eagle County, Colorado?
The median annual property tax in Eagle County is $3,339, with an effective tax rate of 0.41%. This earns Eagle County a tax score of 93.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Eagle County?
The median household income in Eagle County, Colorado is $103,174 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Eagle County earns an income score of 96.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Eagle County, Colorado a good place to live?
Eagle County scores 49.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #36 in Colorado. The best way to evaluate Eagle 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 Eagle County with other counties side by side.