countyscore
45.2
County Score
Property Tax 94.9Health 57.1Weather & Climate 44

County Report Card

About Fremont County, Colorado

Fremont near the national livability average

Fremont County's composite score of 45.2 falls moderately below the national median of 50.0, placing it in the lower-middle tier nationally. The county offers affordable housing and low taxes but struggles with income levels and safety.

Below Colorado's state average overall

Fremont ranks below the state average composite score of 51.2, indicating it lags most Colorado peers on overall livability. However, its housing affordability is a genuine competitive advantage.

Affordable housing and exceptional tax rates

Fremont shines on affordability, with the lowest median gross rent in the cohort at $1,036/month, a cost score of 34.6, and median home values of just $282,100. The effective tax rate is an excellent 0.383% (tax score: 94.9), the best in this group.

Income and safety need substantial improvement

Fremont's median household income of $61,027 (income score: 42.1) is the lowest in this cohort, and safety (27.6) and health (57.1) scores indicate public order and healthcare challenges. Schools also lag at 27.6, suggesting limited educational investment.

Best for retirees and cost-conscious households

Fremont suits retirees living on fixed incomes and remote workers seeking affordability with low taxes. Families with children or those prioritizing safety should consider more robust counties in Colorado.

Score breakdown

Tax94.9Cost34.6Safety27.6Health57.1Schools27.6Income42.1Risk31.4Water39.1Weather44
🏛94.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠34.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼42.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡27.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤57.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓27.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡31.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧39.1
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤44
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱34.2
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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McMinn County
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Nearby counties

Custer County
Colorado
63.1
Teller County
Colorado
51.2
Chaffee County
Colorado
56
Park County
Colorado
57.7
El Paso County
Colorado
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Saguache County
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58
Pueblo County
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Huerfano County
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56.6

Deep Dives

Fremont County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Fremont County

via TaxByCounty

Fremont taxes near U.S. average

Fremont County's effective rate of 0.383% sits just below the national median of 0.381%, placing it close to middle-of-the-road nationally. The median annual tax of $1,081 is well below the national median of $2,690, because Fremont's median home value of $282,100 aligns closely with the U.S. average.

Fremont ranks among Colorado's lowest rates

At 0.383%, Fremont's effective rate is just slightly below Colorado's state average of 0.393%, placing it near the bottom tier of the state's 64 counties. The median tax of $1,081 is significantly below Colorado's median of $1,560, making Fremont one of the state's most affordable counties.

Fremont undercuts all nearby counties

Fremont's 0.383% rate is the lowest in its region, beating Garfield (0.427%), El Paso (0.411%), Elbert (0.449%), and Douglas (0.550%). This tax advantage makes Fremont attractive to budget-conscious homebuyers in the western Front Range.

Fremont homeowners pay $1,081 annually

On Fremont County's median home value of $282,100, the typical property owner pays approximately $1,081 in property taxes per year. This modest burden reflects Fremont's rural character and modest property valuations around Cañon City and the surrounding areas.

Rural Fremont homeowners can still appeal

Even in low-tax rural counties, some assessments may be inflated relative to recent comparable sales. A free appeal with Fremont County's assessor can verify that your property is fairly valued compared to similar homes in your area.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Fremont County

via CostByCounty

Fremont County's affordable frontier living

Fremont County residents spend 20.4% of income on rent—nearly matching Colorado's state average of 20.2% and well below many national benchmarks. With a modest median household income of $61,027 (below the national average of $74,755), the county offers rare affordability for lower-income households.

Most affordable for working families

Fremont County's 20.4% rent-to-income ratio sits just above Colorado's state average, but its median rent of $1,036 is the lowest among all peer counties. The region serves working Coloradans priced out of metro areas.

Cheapest rents in entire study

Fremont County's $1,036 median rent is 41% below Denver ($1,770) and 49% below Eagle County ($2,032), making it the most affordable renting market analyzed. For households earning under $65,000, Fremont offers unmatched accessibility.

Lowest-income county, still manageable

Renters pay $1,036 monthly (20.4% of $61,027 income) while homeowners spend $873 (17.2%) on a $282,100 median home value. Fremont County proves that affordable housing exists for working Coloradans outside booming metros.

Essential market for budget relocators

If you're relocating to Colorado with household income under $70,000, Fremont County is your most accessible option—the only county where both renting and owning remain genuinely affordable. Trades proximity to Denver for unmatched housing accessibility.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Fremont County

via IncomeByCounty

Fremont earns 18% below the nation

Fremont County's median household income of $61,027 falls $13,728 short of the U.S. median of $74,755, placing it among the nation's lower-earning counties. Rural Colorado's economic challenges significantly constrain household earnings.

Lowest-earning county in this dataset

Fremont County ranks at the bottom of these eight counties with a median household income of $61,027, more than $13,000 below Colorado's state average of $74,792. The county faces steeper economic headwinds than peers.

Fremont struggles relative to regional peers

Fremont's $61,027 median income trails all comparison counties, with the nearest peer—Dolores County—earning $9,463 more at $70,490. Rural southern Colorado counties face similar challenges in retaining higher-wage industries.

Limited income constrains housing choices

Fremont County's rent-to-income ratio of 20.4% appears manageable, but only because median home values of $282,100 remain modest. Lower incomes restrict residents' ability to purchase homes or invest in appreciating assets.

Focus on foundational financial security

Fremont residents with below-average household income should prioritize building emergency savings and exploring career advancement or skills training to boost earning potential. Even modest income growth can unlock meaningful wealth-building opportunities.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Fremont County

via CrimeByCounty

Fremont Exceeds National Safety Standard

Fremont County holds a safety score of 97.2, beating the national baseline. The total crime rate of 1,753.4 per 100K is well below the national average of 2,385.5.

Matching the Colorado Average

The county's safety score of 97.2 is nearly identical to the Colorado average of 97.1. Three agencies provide the data that tracks these local trends.

Solid Safety in Central Colorado

Fremont's crime rate of 1,753.4 is slightly lower than the state average of 1,834.6 per 100K. This indicates a stable safety environment relative to the rest of Colorado.

Analyzing Property vs Violent Crime

Property crime accounts for 1,492.7 incidents per 100K, while violent crime is 260.7. Most law enforcement activity focuses on addressing non-violent property offenses.

Prioritizing Home Security

Smart locks and outdoor lighting are effective ways to further lower the risk of property theft. Residents should continue participating in local safety programs to maintain the county's security.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Fremont County

via HealthByCounty

Fremont County faces nation's health challenges

At 75.5 years, Fremont County has the lowest life expectancy in this analysis—3.4 years below the U.S. average of 78.9 years. The 17.4% poor or fair health rate ranks among Colorado's worst, signaling concentrated health disadvantage.

Colorado's unhealthiest county

Fremont County's 75.5-year life expectancy is the lowest in Colorado, trailing the state average of 78.2 by 2.7 years. The county faces acute health disparities requiring targeted intervention.

Worst outcomes in rural southwest region

Fremont County residents live 4.2 years less than Dolores County (78.5) and 4.5 years less than Garfield County (80.0). Its 17.4% poor/fair health rate dramatically exceeds nearby counties, reflecting concentrated socioeconomic stress.

Limited primary care, emerging mental health services

Fremont County has 46 primary care providers per 100K and 394 mental health providers per 100K, suggesting recent investment in behavioral health. With 8.7% uninsured—above the state average of 9.7%—healthcare access remains a barrier for many residents.

Fremont County: coverage critical to health

Nearly one in 11 Fremont residents lacks insurance in Colorado's unhealthiest county. Contact the Fremont County Department of Human Services or visit Connect for Health Colorado to secure Medicaid, marketplace plans, or community health center access.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Fremont County

via SchoolsByCounty

Three Districts Serving the Arkansas Valley

Fremont County supports 13 public schools serving 4,885 students across three distinct districts. The infrastructure is centered around nine elementary schools and three high schools to meet local needs.

Strong Graduation Rates Above Benchmarks

Fremont County boasts an 87.5% graduation rate, which exceeds both the Colorado state average and the national benchmark. This success is achieved with a per-pupil expenditure of $6,189, demonstrating significant efficiency in student outcomes.

Canon City and Florence Districts

Fremont Re-1 is the largest district, serving 3,305 students across eight schools. The county also offers charter options, such as those found within the Re-1 district, though most students attend traditional public campuses.

A Blend of Town and Country

Nine schools are located in town settings, while four remain rural, creating an average school size of 376 students. Canon City High School is the hub of local education, hosting 993 students at its campus.

Invest in a High-Performing Community

With graduation rates higher than the national average, Fremont County is an attractive option for families. Moving near Canon City High provides access to the county's largest academic and extracurricular network.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Fremont County

via RiskByCounty

Fremont County carries moderate disaster risk

Fremont County scores 68.58 on composite disaster risk, rated Relatively Low—above Colorado's state average of 40.67 but lower than the highest-risk counties. The score reflects mountain terrain hazards and moderate population exposure.

Mid-tier risk profile in Colorado

Fremont ranks in Colorado's moderate-risk zone, safer than Front Range counties but more exposed than the state's lowest-risk areas. The county's south-central location and elevation create specific wildfire and flood vulnerabilities.

Riskier than some mountain counties

Fremont's score of 68.58 exceeds Garfield (64.54) slightly but falls below Eagle (76.24). It is substantially safer than Front Range neighbors Douglas and El Paso.

Wildfire and flood pose twin threats

Fremont residents face wildfire risk of 94.18 and flood risk of 80.22, both significant in this mountainous county. Tornado and earthquake risks are much lower at 31.17 and 41.22 respectively.

Prioritize water and wildfire coverage

Fremont County homeowners should secure flood insurance for canyon-floor and creek-adjacent properties and maintain defensible space against wildfire. Ensure your standard policy covers wind and hail damage from severe storms.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Fremont County

via WeatherByCounty

Fremont sits slightly above U.S. average

At 47.9°F annual temperature, Fremont County runs 1.9°F above the U.S. median of 46°F, placing it in a temperate climate. With 16.2 inches of annual precipitation, the county receives less than half the national average of 38.7 inches.

Slightly above Colorado's state average

Fremont County's 47.9°F annual temperature ranks it 1.9°F above Colorado's state average of 46.0°F. Its 16.2 inches of precipitation matches the state average of 16.0 inches almost exactly, making it climatically representative of Colorado.

Balanced between Front Range and valley

Fremont County is 0.7°F cooler than El Paso County (47.9°F) to the north and significantly warmer than mountain counties to the west. Its precipitation level aligns with Colorado's state average, making it representative of the broader transition zone between mountains and plains.

Moderate winters, frequent summer heat

January averages 30.2°F and July reaches 68.7°F, with 22 days annually exceeding 90°F. The county receives 61.3 inches of snowfall annually, creating a balanced winter experience with moderate seasonal transitions.

Comfortable climate needs practical support

With 61.3 inches of annual snowfall and 22 heat days, Fremont residents should maintain basic snow removal equipment and reliable air conditioning. The relatively moderate climate makes this one of Colorado's more livable regions, though standard winter and summer preparations remain essential.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Fremont County

via SoilByCounty

Alkaline Baseline in the Arkansas Valley

Specific soil taxonomy and pH data are unavailable for Fremont County in this set. However, the region likely aligns with the state's average pH of 7.29, which is more alkaline than the 6.5 national median.

Discovering Local Soil Texture

This dataset does not provide sand, silt, or clay percentages for the local soil. Because texture dictates how you water and fertilize, a simple home test is a great way to learn your ground’s secrets.

Measuring Against State Benchmarks

Local organic matter data is missing, so use the Colorado average of 2.18% as your yardstick. Increasing your soil's water capacity to match the state's 0.139 in/in will improve plant survival.

Water Management in Dry Conditions

Drainage classes and hydrologic groups are not currently documented for this county. Understanding your local drainage is essential for preventing erosion and ensuring your garden remains healthy and hydrated.

Bountiful Harvests in Zone 6a

Zone 6a provides a relatively long growing season for the region, perfect for stone fruits and warm-weather vegetables. Start your seeds early to make the most of the sun in this high-desert climate.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Fremont County

via LawnByCounty

Moderate Hurdles in Fremont

Fremont County has a lawn difficulty score of 34.2, which is slightly below the state average of 37.4. Maintaining a lush lawn in this zone 6a environment requires attentive care and a smart irrigation strategy.

Navigating High GDD and Dry Air

With 2,203 growing degree days and 22 extreme heat days, your grass will grow actively but will require consistent watering. The 16.2 inches of annual precipitation exactly matches the state average but remains far below the ideal lawn requirements.

Analyzing Local Soil Needs

There is limited soil data available for Fremont County, so a professional soil test is highly recommended. Understanding your soil's drainage capacity is essential for preventing water runoff in this semi-arid region.

Consistent Drought Monitoring

Fremont faced 31 weeks of drought over the past year, though current severe drought levels remain at zero. Even during wet periods, using rain barrels and drip irrigation for flower beds can help save water for the lawn.

Planting Timing for Fremont

Drought-tolerant varieties like buffalo grass or turf-type tall fescue are excellent for this 6a zone. Aim to plant after the last spring frost on May 19 to ensure your new lawn has a warm soil base for germination.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Fremont County's county score?
Fremont County, Colorado has a composite county score of 45.2 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 Fremont County rank among counties in Colorado?
Fremont County ranks #42 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 Fremont County, Colorado?
The median annual property tax in Fremont County is $1,081, with an effective tax rate of 0.38%. This earns Fremont County a tax score of 94.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Fremont County?
The median household income in Fremont County, Colorado is $61,027 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Fremont County earns an income score of 42.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Fremont County, Colorado a good place to live?
Fremont County scores 45.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #42 in Colorado. The best way to evaluate Fremont 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 Fremont 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.