35.2
County Score
Property Tax 93.2Income & Jobs 90.4Health 68.3

County Report Card

About El Paso County, Colorado

El Paso significantly lags national livability

El Paso County's composite score of 35.2 falls well below the national median of 50.0, placing it in the bottom quartile nationally. Despite strong income and tax metrics, serious public safety and school challenges define this county's livability profile.

Well below Colorado's average performance

El Paso ranks substantially below the state average composite score of 51.2, indicating it faces greater livability challenges than most other Colorado counties. The gap reflects acute concentrated disadvantages in key quality-of-life dimensions.

Income and tax rates provide foundation

El Paso County offers a median household income of $87,470 (income score: 90.4) with a competitive 0.411% effective tax rate (tax score: 93.2). Gross rent at $1,609/month is relatively modest, providing some cost relief compared to mountain counties.

Safety and schools present major obstacles

El Paso's most critical weaknesses are public safety (0.9) and school quality (6.5), the worst in this cohort, indicating systemic challenges in law enforcement and K–12 education. Health scores lag at 68.3, and natural hazard risk is concerning at 5.9.

Requires serious family research before moving

El Paso suits individuals prioritizing affordability and tax efficiency but uncomfortable with elevated crime and struggling schools. Families with children should conduct thorough neighborhood research or consider safer Colorado alternatives.

Score breakdown

Tax93.2Cost5.2Safety5.8Health68.3Schools6.5Income90.4Risk5.9Water51.3Weather48.9
🏛93.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠5.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼90.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡5.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
68.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓6.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
5.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧51.3
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤48.9
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱56.8
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

El Paso County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in El Paso County

via TaxByCounty

El Paso taxes slightly above national median

El Paso County's effective rate of 0.411% exceeds the national median of 0.381%, placing it in approximately the 55th percentile nationally. Homeowners pay a median of $1,773 annually, well below the national median of $2,690, because El Paso's median home value of $431,000 is below the U.S. average.

El Paso ranks middle of Colorado counties

With an effective rate of 0.411%, El Paso sits modestly above Colorado's state average of 0.393%, placing it squarely in the middle tier. The median tax of $1,773 exceeds Colorado's median of $1,560, but El Paso remains more affordable than Denver or the mountain counties.

El Paso undercuts Douglas, competes with Denver

El Paso's 0.411% rate is significantly lower than Douglas County's 0.550% and slightly below Denver's 0.443%, but higher than Fremont's 0.383%. As Colorado Springs' home county, El Paso offers a middle-ground tax position among the state's major population centers.

El Paso homeowners pay $1,773 yearly

On El Paso County's median home value of $431,000, the typical property owner pays approximately $1,773 in annual property taxes. This relatively moderate burden makes El Paso competitive for families and retirees seeking affordable mountain-adjacent living.

El Paso homeowners should verify assessments

Like all Colorado counties, El Paso sees regular overassessments, particularly in rapidly growing areas around Colorado Springs. A free assessment appeal can help homeowners confirm their tax is based on accurate comparable sales data.

Cost of Living in El Paso County

via CostByCounty

Colorado Springs region balanced overall

El Paso County residents spend 22.1% of their income on rent, slightly above Colorado's state average of 20.2% but below many national benchmarks. With a median household income of $87,470 (above the national average of $74,755) and median rent of $1,609, the county offers moderate affordability.

Solid middle ground in state rankings

El Paso County's 22.1% rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably in Colorado's mid-tier affordability, above the state average but not among the most burdened counties. The region balances military presence, tech growth, and established communities into reasonably accessible housing.

Cheaper than Denver, comparable to Garfield

El Paso County's $1,609 median rent undercuts Denver ($1,770) and Eagle County ($2,032) while tracking similarly to Garfield County ($1,515). Residents earn less than Denver or Eagle counterparts but benefit from lower absolute housing costs.

Moderate burden on military-influenced incomes

Renters dedicate $1,609 monthly (22.1% of $87,470 income) while homeowners pay $1,698 on a median home value of $431,000. El Paso County's military presence and tech economy support middle-class housing stability better than many comparable markets.

Colorado Springs appeals to mid-career movers

If you're relocating with $80,000–$100,000 in income and seeking lower housing costs than Denver, El Paso County delivers solid value and growing job markets. The region suits military families, tech workers, and those seeking affordability without sacrificing urban amenities.

Income & Jobs in El Paso County

via IncomeByCounty

El Paso earns 17% above the nation

El Paso County's median household income of $87,470 surpasses the U.S. median of $74,755 by $12,715, reflecting Colorado Springs' robust military and tech sectors. The county consistently outpaces national averages despite being more affordable than Colorado's mountain counties.

Mid-tier earnings among Colorado counties

El Paso County ranks in the upper-middle range of Colorado's 64 counties with $87,470 in median household income, exceeding the state average of $74,792 by $12,678. It positions the county ahead of most rural peers but below premier suburban areas.

El Paso competitive with regional peers

El Paso's $87,470 income trails Denver's $91,681 but exceeds Garfield County's $86,172 and Dolores County's $70,490. Among mid-sized Colorado counties, El Paso holds its own as a growing economic center.

Housing remains affordable relative to income

El Paso County's rent-to-income ratio of 22.1% signals healthy housing affordability, well below the 30% stress threshold, even with a $431,000 median home value. Strong incomes relative to housing costs give residents financial flexibility.

Balance stability with opportunity

El Paso County's above-average income and reasonable housing costs create an ideal platform for savings and investment growth. Residents should capitalize on this balance by building retirement accounts and exploring real estate as a wealth-building tool.

Safety in El Paso County

via CrimeByCounty

Comparing El Paso to National Trends

El Paso County's total crime rate of 3,322.3 per 100K is higher than the national average of 2,385.5. However, the county still maintains a solid safety score of 94.8.

Safety Below the State Average

The county's safety score of 94.8 sits below the Colorado state average of 97.1. Eleven different reporting agencies work to manage safety in this high-population region.

More Active Than Rural Neighbors

The crime rate here exceeds the state average of 1,834.6 per 100K. As the state's second-most populous county, it faces higher incident rates than Colorado's rural areas.

Breakdown of Local Incidents

Property crime is the primary concern at 2,790.3 incidents per 100K, while violent crime is 532.0. These numbers reflect the urban challenges present in the Colorado Springs area.

Improving Residential Security

Installing motion-activated lighting and modern security systems can effectively reduce the risk of property crime. Consistent community reporting helps local law enforcement address issues quickly.

Health in El Paso County

via HealthByCounty

El Paso County falls short of national health

At 76.2 years, El Paso County's life expectancy trails the U.S. average of 78.9 years by 2.7 years. With 14.9% reporting poor or fair health, Colorado Springs' home county faces below-average health outcomes.

Colorado's second-lowest life expectancy

El Paso County ranks near the bottom of Colorado counties at 76.2 years—2.0 years below the state average of 78.2 years. Only Fremont County (75.5 years) performs worse statewide.

Significantly lags suburban health gains

El Paso County residents live 6.3 years less than Douglas County (82.5) and 4.2 years less than Elbert County (80.7). The 14.9% poor/fair health rate ranks among the state's worst, despite Colorado Springs' substantial population and economic base.

Mental health providers plentiful, primary care limited

El Paso County has 468 mental health providers per 100K—well above state averages—yet only 63 primary care providers per 100K. With 8.2% uninsured, gaps remain in foundational healthcare access.

El Paso County: prioritize preventive coverage

One in 12 El Paso residents lacks insurance in a county facing health challenges. Visit Connect for Health Colorado or call the El Paso County Health Department for Medicaid, marketplace plans, and preventive care resources.

Schools in El Paso County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Diverse Network of 17 Districts

El Paso County features a vast educational landscape with 240 schools and a total enrollment exceeding 115,800 students. This complex system is managed by 17 different school districts, ranging from urban centers to rural outposts.

Balancing Growth with Resource Challenges

The graduation rate stands at 73.9%, while per-pupil spending of $5,813 is significantly lower than the national average of $13,000. These metrics contribute to a composite school score of 42.5 for the county.

Major Districts and Charter Options

Academy School District 20 and Colorado Springs District 11 are the largest, serving over 25,000 and 22,000 students respectively. Charter schools are highly prevalent, with 40 active charters representing nearly 17% of all schools.

City Schooling with Suburban Options

With 136 city-based schools, the average campus size is 487 students. The county hosts massive institutions like Fountain-Fort Carson High School, which enrolls over 2,000 students, alongside 40 alternative and charter paths.

Find Your Fit in Colorado Springs

The sheer variety of 17 districts allows families to find a specific educational niche, whether in a large city school or a smaller suburban charter. School quality is a major driver of the competitive El Paso County housing market.

Disaster Risk in El Paso County

via RiskByCounty

El Paso faces near-extreme disaster risk

El Paso County scores 94.05 on composite disaster risk, rated Relatively Moderate—more than double Colorado's state average of 40.67. This high score reflects critical vulnerability across nearly every hazard category.

Highest-risk county in Colorado

El Paso ranks as Colorado's most hazard-exposed county, surpassing even Denver in composite risk at 94.05. The county encompasses Colorado Springs and sprawling suburbs, concentrating millions of people in high-hazard zones.

Riskier than Denver and Douglas combined

El Paso's score of 94.05 matches Denver (95.23) and exceeds Douglas (88.71), making it the most vulnerable county in the state. Only Elbert (36.58) and Fremont (68.58) nearby show substantially lower risk.

Wildfires, tornadoes, and floods threaten equally

El Paso residents face wildfire risk of 99.27 (nearly maximum), tornado risk of 96.82, and flood risk of 94.97. Earthquake risk of 75.10 adds a fourth major threat to this high-hazard county.

Maximum insurance protection is non-negotiable

El Paso County homeowners must secure separate flood and earthquake policies, plus comprehensive wildfire and wind coverage on their standard policy. Consider upgrading to high replacement-cost limits given the county's exposure and rapid growth.

Weather & Climate in El Paso County

via WeatherByCounty

El Paso sits near national norm

At 46.2°F annual temperature, El Paso County nearly matches the U.S. median of 46°F, placing it in a temperate climate. With 19.7 inches of annual precipitation, the county receives about half the national average of 38.7 inches, reflecting Colorado's semi-arid climate.

Right at Colorado's temperature median

El Paso County's 46.2°F annual temperature sits virtually at Colorado's state average of 46.0°F, making it representative of the entire state. Its 19.7 inches of precipitation exceeds the state average of 16.0 inches, ranking it among the wetter Colorado counties.

Cooler than Douglas, warmer than Fremont

El Paso County is 3°F cooler than Douglas County (49.2°F) to the northeast, but 0.7°F warmer than Fremont County (47.9°F) to the south. Its precipitation level (19.7 inches) places it squarely between these neighbors, making it climatically central to the Front Range region.

Moderate winters, mild heat exposure

January averages 28.2°F and July reaches 67.4°F, with only 11 days annually exceeding 90°F—well below the state's hotter regions. The county receives 84.0 inches of snowfall annually, requiring substantial winter preparedness but less intense than higher-elevation areas.

Balanced seasons mean balanced prep

With 84 inches of annual snowfall and just 11 heat days, El Paso residents should maintain moderate snow removal capabilities and standard air conditioning. The temperate climate makes it one of Colorado's most livable regions, requiring neither extreme winter nor summer gear investments.

Soil Quality in El Paso County

via SoilByCounty

Semi-Arid Soil Chemistry

Local soil identity data is currently limited for El Paso County, but the region generally trends alkaline. Colorado’s state average pH of 7.29 is much higher than the national median of 6.5.

Navigating Pikes Peak Region Textures

Detailed breakdowns of sand, silt, and clay are not available in this dataset. Understanding your specific texture is vital for managing the semi-arid conditions found across this diverse county.

Boost Fertility with Organic Matter

This dataset does not include specific organic matter or water capacity levels for the county. Using the state average of 2.18% organic matter as a baseline can help you gauge your own soil's potential.

Assess Drainage After Summer Storms

Information regarding drainage classes and hydrologic groups is currently unavailable for El Paso County. Monitoring how quickly your yard dries after a summer thunderstorm helps identify your local drainage type.

High-Desert Success in Zone 6a

Zone 6a offers a versatile climate for everything from native prairie grasses to robust vegetable patches. With the right irrigation and mulch, your garden can overcome the dry climate and alkaline soil.

Lawn Care in El Paso County

via LawnByCounty

Colorado's Prime Spot for Lawns

El Paso County boasts a difficulty score of 56.8, significantly outperforming both the state and national averages. This zone 6a region is one of the most hospitable areas in Colorado for maintaining a traditional green space.

Favorable Rainfall and Mild Heat

With 19.7 inches of annual precipitation and only 11 extreme heat days, turf in El Paso faces less stress than in Denver. This balanced climate allows for a more consistent mowing and watering schedule throughout the summer.

Foundations for Healthy Growth

Detailed soil characteristics are limited for this county, but the overall score suggests a supportive growing medium. Homeowners should still verify their soil texture to ensure that irrigation doesn't drain too quickly through sandy patches.

Superior Drought Resistance

The county spent only one week in drought over the last year, a stark contrast to its neighbors. While current conditions are mostly clear, maintaining healthy soil health ensures your lawn remains resilient when dry spells eventually return.

Ideal Planting Conditions in El Paso

Tall fescue is a reliable choice for zone 6a, offering deep roots and high durability. With the last frost usually passing by May 14, mid-to-late May is the perfect time to start your growing season.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is El Paso County's county score?
El Paso County, Colorado has a composite county score of 35.2 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 El Paso County rank among counties in Colorado?
El Paso County ranks #61 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 El Paso County, Colorado?
The median annual property tax in El Paso County is $1,773, with an effective tax rate of 0.41%. This earns El Paso County a tax score of 93.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in El Paso County?
The median household income in El Paso County, Colorado is $87,470 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. El Paso County earns an income score of 90.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is El Paso County, Colorado a good place to live?
El Paso County scores 35.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #61 in Colorado. The best way to evaluate El Paso 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 El Paso County with other counties side by side.