countyscore
43.7
County Score
Property Tax 92.3Income & Jobs 89.4Health 65.1

County Report Card

About Garfield County, Colorado

Garfield falls short of national livability median

Garfield County's composite score of 43.7 sits below the national median of 50.0, indicating livability challenges relative to the broader United States. The county's profile is mixed, with reasonable incomes offset by safety, water, and other infrastructure concerns.

Below Colorado's average across most metrics

Garfield ranks below the state average composite score of 51.2, placing it in the bottom half of Colorado counties. Its rural economy and limited infrastructure investments contribute to this position.

Good income levels and favorable tax treatment

Garfield residents enjoy a median household income of $86,172 (income score: 89.4) with favorable tax conditions (0.427% effective rate, tax score: 92.3). Housing is moderately affordable, with median home values at $490,600 and gross rent at $1,515/month.

Water and safety infrastructure need investment

Garfield's weakest area is water infrastructure at just 16.2, reflecting serious constraints in delivery or availability in this arid western county. Safety (29.3), schools (37.9), and health (65.1) also score below optimal levels, suggesting underfunded or limited public services.

Suits those willing to trade services for space

Garfield appeals to independent-minded rural residents and outdoor enthusiasts who prioritize space and lower housing costs over extensive public services. Urban-oriented families should look to more developed Colorado counties.

2040608010092.36.129.365.137.989.435.516.232.9Tax92.3Cost6.1Safety29.3Health65.1Schools37.9Income89.4Risk35.5Water16.2Weather32.943.7/100
This county
National avg
3 above average6 below average

Garfield County DNA

Foverall

How Garfield County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Garfield County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Property Tax (92.3/100) but notably weak in Cost of Living (6.1/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
92.3+40.3
Cost
6.1-41.9
Safety
29.3-25.7
Health
65.1+15.099999999999994
Schools
37.9-16.1
Income
89.4+38.400000000000006
Risk
35.5-11.5
Water
16.2-41.8
Weather
32.9-23.1
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$490,600

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,515/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$490,600/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$60,600/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum5.7x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $86,172/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

25.8

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Counties with similar scores

Crawford County
Arkansas
Median income: $60,362
43.7
Poinsett County
Arkansas
Median income: $47,188
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Talbot County
Georgia
Median income: $45,098
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Boone County
Illinois
Median income: $81,638
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Clarke County
Iowa
Median income: $66,821
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Oakland County
Michigan
Median income: $95,296
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Anoka County
Minnesota
Median income: $98,764
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Olmsted County
Minnesota
Median income: $93,494
43.7

Nearby counties

Rio Blanco County
Colorado
65.1
Mesa County
Colorado
38.5
Delta County
Colorado
40.8
Pitkin County
Colorado
57.5
Moffat County
Colorado
42.8
Eagle County
Colorado
49.5
Routt County
Colorado
54.6
Gunnison County
Colorado
58.2

Deep Dives

Garfield County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Garfield County

via TaxByCounty

Garfield County taxes above U.S. norm

Garfield County's effective rate of 0.427% exceeds the national median of 0.381%, placing it in approximately the 60th percentile nationally. The median annual tax of $2,095 falls short of the national median of $2,690, because Garfield's median home value of $490,600 sits below the U.S. average of $281,900.

Garfield ranks above Colorado average

With an effective rate of 0.427%, Garfield exceeds Colorado's state average of 0.393%, placing it in the upper-middle tier of the state's counties. The median tax of $2,095 significantly exceeds Colorado's median of $1,560, reflecting Garfield's position as a growing mountain-valley community.

Garfield sits between Eagle and Denver

Garfield's 0.427% rate falls between Eagle's 0.410% and Denver's 0.443%, positioning it competitively among mountain and urban counties. However, Garfield's tax burden is lower than nearby Douglas, Elbert, and other higher-rate counties in the region.

Garfield homeowners pay $2,095 yearly

On Garfield County's median home value of $490,600, the typical property owner pays approximately $2,095 in annual property taxes. Homeowners with mortgages pay $2,206; those without pay $1,860.

Garfield homeowners should review assessments

In Garfield County's growing communities like Glenwood Springs and Rifle, property assessments may not always reflect accurate market comparables. Filing a free assessment appeal with Garfield County can ensure your tax is based on fair market value.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Garfield County

via CostByCounty

Western Colorado balance beats national norms

Garfield County residents spend 21.1% of income on rent, slightly above Colorado's state average of 20.2% but below national benchmarks. With a median household income of $86,172 (above the national average of $74,755) and median rent of $1,515, the county offers solid middle-ground affordability.

Balanced market in state middle tier

Garfield County's 21.1% rent-to-income ratio sits in Colorado's comfortable mid-range, above average but well below the most burdened counties. The Western Slope region offers good value relative to Front Range metros.

More affordable than metro peer counties

Garfield County's $1,515 median rent trails Denver ($1,770), Eagle County ($2,032), and Douglas County ($2,095), while residents earn competitively at $86,172. The Western Slope location delivers Front Range-adjacent wages with lower housing costs.

Energy sector supports reasonable affordability

Renters dedicate $1,515 monthly (21.1% of $86,172 income) while homeowners pay $1,647 (22.9%) on a $490,600 median home value. Garfield County's energy industry provides stable incomes that sustain local housing accessibility.

Western Slope value for $80,000+ earners

Relocate to Garfield County if you seek Western Slope lifestyle and outdoor access at competitive housing costs—the region suits energy workers, remote professionals, and those willing to trade Denver proximity for affordability. Strong outdoor recreation rivals mountain counties at lower prices.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Garfield County

via IncomeByCounty

Garfield earns 15% above the nation

Garfield County's median household income of $86,172 exceeds the U.S. median of $74,755 by $11,417, reflecting the county's energy sector presence and tourism economy. Western Colorado's mid-sized economy generates above-average earnings.

Mid-tier earner in Colorado

Garfield County ranks in the middle range of Colorado's 64 counties with median household income of $86,172, exceeding the state average of $74,792 by $11,380. It outperforms rural peers but trails affluent suburban counties.

Garfield competitive with surrounding counties

Garfield's $86,172 income slightly trails El Paso County's $87,470 and Denver's $91,681 while substantially exceeding Dolores County's $70,490 and Fremont's $61,027. It holds ground as a solid middle-income mountain county.

Housing costs remain manageable

Garfield County's rent-to-income ratio of 21.1% indicates healthy housing affordability, despite a median home value of $490,600. The county balances reasonable housing costs with above-average incomes.

Build savings during stable economic times

With above-average income and moderate housing burdens, Garfield County residents should focus on establishing retirement accounts and investment portfolios. Consistent saving habits now can provide security against future economic volatility in energy-dependent sectors.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Garfield County

via CrimeByCounty

Consistent Safety for Garfield Residents

Garfield County earns a safety score of 97.3 out of 100. Its total crime rate of 1,694.1 per 100K is significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Strong Performance Within the State

The county's safety score of 97.3 slightly exceeds the Colorado average of 97.1. Seven different agencies report data to ensure comprehensive safety monitoring.

Lower Crime on the Western Slope

Garfield's crime rate of 1,694.1 is below the state average of 1,834.6 per 100K. It remains one of the more secure counties in western Colorado.

Understanding the Crime Mix

Property crime is the most frequent issue at 1,400.7 per 100K, while violent crime is 293.4. This breakdown is typical for a secure county with an active population.

Enhancing Residential Protection

Installing visible security cameras can deter property-related incidents. Neighbors watching out for one another helps keep Garfield County's safety score among the best in the state.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Garfield County

via SchoolsByCounty

Diverse Schooling Across Garfield County

Garfield County operates 28 public schools serving a robust population of 10,273 students. This system spans three districts and includes 14 elementary schools, 5 middle schools, and 7 high schools.

Beating State Averages in Academic Success

The county maintains a strong 86.7% graduation rate, which is well above the state average of 83.1%. Per-pupil expenditure of $7,244 nearly matches the state average, helping the county earn a school score of 52.3.

Garfield Re-2 and Regional Districts

Garfield School District No. Re-2 is the largest provider, educating 4,662 students across 10 schools. Two charter schools operate within the county, representing about 7% of the total available campuses.

Mountain Town and Rural Diversity

With 19 schools located in towns and 9 in rural areas, the average school size is 380 students. Glenwood Springs High School is the largest institution, serving 1,002 students in a high-enrollment town environment.

Education Quality in the Heart of the Rockies

Strong graduation rates and well-sized schools make Garfield County a top choice for families. Home buyers often focus on the Glenwood Springs and Rifle areas to take advantage of these established district resources.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Garfield County

via RiskByCounty

Garfield County faces moderate disaster risk

Garfield County scores 64.54 on composite disaster risk, rated Relatively Low—above Colorado's state average of 40.67 but among the safer high-risk counties nationally. The score reflects western Colorado's mountain and canyon geography.

Lower-middle risk tier in Colorado

Garfield ranks in Colorado's safer half, exceeding only the two lowest-risk counties (Dolores and Elbert). Its northwest location and mixed terrain create moderate but manageable hazard exposure.

Safer than Eagle, comparable to Fremont

Garfield's score of 64.54 is lower than Eagle County (76.24) and slightly lower than Fremont (68.58). The county faces fewer hazards than any Front Range county, with minimal tornado threat.

Wildfire and flood are primary hazards

Garfield residents face wildfire risk of 90.97 and flood risk of 77.51, both significant in western Colorado's canyons and plateaus. Tornado risk is minimal at 9.19, while earthquake risk is moderate at 62.02.

Wildfire and flood insurance are essential

Garfield County homeowners should maintain defensible space and secure flood insurance for properties near the Colorado River and tributary canyons. Verify your standard policy covers wildfire damage and wind from severe weather.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Garfield County

via WaterByCounty

Garfield County records high violation numbers

Garfield County holds a Grade F with 91 health violations recorded over the last five years. The violation rate of 177.8 per 100,000 residents is significant, though still below the Colorado state average of 292.1. These numbers highlight a consistent struggle with meeting federal drinking water standards.

Arsenic and temperature stress Garfield's rivers

About 32.5% of the 246 assessed water bodies in Garfield County are impaired, according to 2022 data. The leading causes of these impairments include arsenic, high water temperatures, and issues with benthic macroinvertebrates. This impairment rate is slightly healthier than the state average of 35.4%.

Wide monitoring network tracks river health

Garfield County maintains 107 monitoring sites that have recorded 30,994 measurements over the past five years. Monitoring focuses heavily on physical properties, inorganic chemicals, and nutrients. This robust footprint is essential for tracking water quality across the county's varied mountain and valley landscapes.

Colorado River flows slightly below typical levels

The Colorado River below Glenwood Springs is currently flowing at 2,690 cfs, which is 82% of its long-term mean. This gauge monitors a massive 6,014 square mile drainage area crucial for western Colorado. While slightly low, these flows are more stable than other rivers in the state.

Address chronic violations with home filtration

Given the 91 health violations and Grade F compliance rating, Garfield County residents should consider robust home filtration systems. Arsenic is a primary watershed concern, so private well owners are encouraged to perform professional water tests. Staying vigilant with these measures helps mitigate risks from the county's frequent regulatory issues.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Garfield County

via WeatherByCounty

Garfield blends warmth with aridity

At 48.4°F annual temperature, Garfield County runs 2.4°F above the U.S. median of 46°F, placing it in a temperate semi-arid zone. With 15.8 inches of annual precipitation, the county receives less than half the national average of 38.7 inches, making it one of Colorado's drier regions.

Warmer and drier than Colorado average

Garfield County's 48.4°F annual temperature ranks it 2.4°F above Colorado's state average of 46.0°F. Its 15.8 inches of precipitation sits slightly below the state average of 16.0 inches, positioning it as one of the state's warmer, drier counties.

The warmest in the western region

Garfield County is notably warmer than nearby Eagle County (37.9°F) and Grand County (37.4°F) to the east due to lower elevation. It runs slightly warmer than Dolores County (47.1°F) to the south while maintaining similar precipitation levels across the western slope.

Hot summers, cold winters, extreme heat days

January dips to 24.8°F while July climbs to 72.3°F, with 44 days annually reaching 90°F or hotter—among Colorado's highest heat day counts. The county receives 46.5 inches of snowfall annually, creating a relatively light winter compared to higher-elevation neighbors.

Summer heat demands serious preparation

With 44 days annually exceeding 90°F, Garfield County residents must invest in high-efficiency air conditioning and shade structures for outdoor spaces. The 46.5 inches of annual snowfall requires basic winter maintenance, but summer heat management should be the primary climate consideration.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Garfield County

via SoilByCounty

Western Slope Soil Chemistry

Garfield County lacks specific local soil classification in this record, though it resides in a predominantly alkaline state. The Colorado average pH of 7.29 remains significantly higher than the 6.5 national median.

Texture Varies by Elevation

Sand, silt, and clay data are not provided for this specific area. The diverse terrain from river valleys to plateaus suggests that soil texture varies greatly across the county’s geography.

Building a More Fertile Foundation

We do not have local organic matter or water capacity figures for Garfield County. Targeting the state average of 2.18% organic matter through composting will help build a more fertile and resilient foundation.

Observing Site Hydrology

Data on dominant drainage classes and hydrologic groups is currently unavailable. Homeowners should observe water movement during snowmelt to understand how their specific site handles moisture.

Mountain Harvests in Zone 6a

Falling within hardiness zone 6a, Garfield County supports a wide range of crops from leafy greens to hardy perennials. Take advantage of the sunny days and cool nights to produce high-quality harvests.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Garfield County

via LawnByCounty

Garfield's Significant Lawn Challenges

Garfield County earns a difficulty score of 25.6, the most challenging in this group. Maintaining turf here is nearly twice as difficult as the national average, requiring a highly technical approach to lawn care.

Intense Heat and Dry Seasons

The county suffers from 44 extreme heat days per year and receives only 15.8 inches of rain. These conditions create a high-evaporation environment that can quickly brown out even the hardiest grass varieties.

Managing Unpredictable Soil

While specific soil stats are not available, the high difficulty score suggests the land may have drainage or nutrient issues. Aerating your lawn twice a year can help air and water reach the roots through compacted western soils.

The Reality of Persistent Drought

Garfield spent every week of the last year in drought, and 89.7% of the area is currently in severe drought. In these conditions, many homeowners find that reducing lawn size in favor of native plants is the most sustainable path.

Starting a Resilient Lawn

Focus on the most heat-tolerant zone 6a grasses, such as sheep fescue or specialized native mixes. Be ready to plant after May 13, but keep a close eye on local water restrictions before starting a new project.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Garfield County's county score?
Garfield County, Colorado has a composite county score of 43.7 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 Garfield County rank among counties in Colorado?
Garfield County ranks #43 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 Garfield County, Colorado?
The median annual property tax in Garfield County is $2,095, with an effective tax rate of 0.43%. This earns Garfield County a tax score of 92.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Garfield County?
The median household income in Garfield County, Colorado is $86,172 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Garfield County earns an income score of 89.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Garfield County, Colorado a good place to live?
Garfield County scores 43.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #43 in Colorado. The best way to evaluate Garfield 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 Garfield County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.