Gilpin's composite score of 69.3 sits 39 points above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top tier of U.S. counties. This score reflects a county that significantly outperforms typical American livability benchmarks across measured dimensions.
2 / 5
Slightly below Colorado's average
Gilpin ranks near the middle of Colorado counties with a score of 69.3, just below the state average of 71.8. Despite this, the county remains solidly positioned within Colorado's competitive landscape.
3 / 5
Tax haven with strong earning potential
Gilpin's standout strength is its exceptionally low tax burden, with an effective tax rate of just 0.230% and a tax score of 95.8. Median household income of $88,654 provides solid financial footing, though housing costs at $512,600 median home value reflect mountain-area premiums.
4 / 5
Housing affordability and income inequality
Housing affordability remains constrained with a cost score of just 56.4, while income equity lags at 41.3 as median household earnings don't reach the county's top-earning households. Comprehensive data on safety, health, and schools is not yet available to complete the livability picture.
5 / 5
Best for tax-conscious mountain professionals
Gilpin suits established professionals and remote workers seeking mountain living with minimal tax burden and reasonable incomes. The county's strong tax advantage compensates for moderate housing costs, making it ideal for those prioritizing financial efficiency over urban amenities.
Gilpin's composite score of 69.3 sits 39 points above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top tier of U.S. counties. This score reflects a county that significantly outperforms typical American livability benchmarks across measured dimensions.
Slightly below Colorado's average
Gilpin ranks near the middle of Colorado counties with a score of 69.3, just below the state average of 71.8. Despite this, the county remains solidly positioned within Colorado's competitive landscape.
Tax haven with strong earning potential
Gilpin's standout strength is its exceptionally low tax burden, with an effective tax rate of just 0.230% and a tax score of 95.8. Median household income of $88,654 provides solid financial footing, though housing costs at $512,600 median home value reflect mountain-area premiums.
Housing affordability and income inequality
Housing affordability remains constrained with a cost score of just 56.4, while income equity lags at 41.3 as median household earnings don't reach the county's top-earning households. Comprehensive data on safety, health, and schools is not yet available to complete the livability picture.
Best for tax-conscious mountain professionals
Gilpin suits established professionals and remote workers seeking mountain living with minimal tax burden and reasonable incomes. The county's strong tax advantage compensates for moderate housing costs, making it ideal for those prioritizing financial efficiency over urban amenities.
Score breakdown
5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.
🏛95.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
At 0.23%, Gilpin's effective property tax rate is less than half the national median of 0.52%, placing it in roughly the 15th percentile—among the lowest-taxed counties in America. This means Gilpin homeowners pay substantially less in property taxes relative to their homes' values compared to most U.S. counties.
Among Colorado's most tax-friendly counties
Gilpin's 0.23% rate ranks 3rd-lowest among Colorado's 64 counties, well below the state average of 0.393%. Only Jackson and a handful of other mountain counties offer lower effective rates.
Gilpin undercuts neighboring mountain counties
Gilpin's 0.23% rate beats neighboring Grand County (0.348%) and Gunnison County (0.282%) by a significant margin. Mountain resort communities in this region show varied tax burdens, with Gilpin offering the clearest advantage.
Median home costs $1,177 annually in taxes
With a median home value of $512,600, Gilpin homeowners pay approximately $1,177 per year in property taxes. That's $1,513 less than the national median tax bill, despite homes being worth nearly twice as much as the U.S. average.
Even low-tax counties have appeal opportunities
Some Gilpin homeowners may still be overassessed relative to recent market values or comparables. Filing a property tax appeal—typically a simple county process—could uncover additional savings, especially after recent home appraisals.
Gilpin County renters spend just 18.1% of their income on rent, well below the national norm of roughly 28-30% for affordability. With a median household income of $88,654—18% above the national median of $74,755—Gilpin residents enjoy stronger purchasing power than most Americans.
Among Colorado's most affordable
Gilpin's rent-to-income ratio of 18.1% ranks it below Colorado's state average of 20.2%, placing it in the better half of the state's counties. This advantage stems from solid local incomes that outpace the state's median.
Gilpin vs. mountain neighbors
Gilpin's median rent of $1,340 sits between Grand County ($1,451) and Gunnison County ($1,191), while its median home value of $512,600 undercuts both neighbors. Gilpin's superior income-to-housing ratio makes it the most affordable among these three high-altitude counties.
Income vs. housing: the real math
Renters in Gilpin spend about $1,340 monthly, while homeowners face $1,808 in mortgage costs against a $88,654 annual income. Housing consumes roughly 18% of gross income for renters and 24% for owners—well within healthy ranges.
Considering Gilpin? Strong case.
If you're relocating to Colorado's mountains, Gilpin offers solid affordability with above-average incomes. Compare your current rent-to-income ratio to Gilpin's 18.1% to see if a move makes financial sense.
Gilpin County's median household income of $88,654 outpaces the national median of $74,755 by more than $13,000. This positions Gilpin in the upper tier of U.S. counties, reflecting strong earning potential in this mountain community.
Top 15% of Colorado counties
Gilpin ranks among Colorado's highest-income counties, with a median household income $13,862 above the state average of $74,792. Only a handful of Colorado counties earn more per household than Gilpin's residents.
Outearning nearby mountain counties
Gilpin's $88,654 median exceeds neighboring Grand County ($84,558) and Gunnison County ($77,358) by significant margins. The county's proximity to the Denver metro area and mining heritage support higher average household earnings.
Housing costs remain manageable
With a rent-to-income ratio of 18.1%, Gilpin households spend less than one-fifth of their earnings on housing—well below the 30% affordability threshold. A median home value of $512,600 is steep, but strong incomes make it achievable for many families.
Invest your surplus earnings
Gilpin's above-average incomes create opportunity to build wealth through retirement accounts and investments. Consider working with a financial advisor to maximize 401(k) contributions or explore real estate opportunities beyond primary housing.
At 80.0 years, Gilpin County residents live nearly 2 years longer than the U.S. average of 78.3 years. Just 12.6% report poor or fair health, suggesting strong overall wellness despite the county's small population and mountain isolation.
Well above Colorado's health standard
Gilpin's 80.0-year life expectancy outpaces Colorado's state average of 78.2 years by nearly 2 years. This ranks Gilpin among Colorado's healthier counties, even as it wrestles with limited healthcare infrastructure.
Healthier than mountain county neighbors
Gilpin's 80.0-year life expectancy exceeds Gunnison (82.9 years) and Grand (83.9 years), though both have superior provider access. Gilpin's 12.6% poor/fair health rate mirrors Jefferson County but trails the best-performing neighbors in the region.
Tight insurance coverage, limited providers
Only 5.0% of Gilpin residents lack health insurance—well below Colorado's 9.7% uninsured rate—but the county has just 34 primary care providers per 100,000 people. Mental health support is more available at 68 providers per 100,000, though rural access remains a daily challenge.
Already leading on coverage—stay informed
Gilpin's low uninsured rate shows residents are engaged with healthcare access. Visit healthcare.gov or Colorado's marketplace to review your current plan options and confirm you're getting the best coverage for your family.
With a composite risk score of 6.36, Gilpin County sits well below the national average, earning a "Very Low" risk rating. This makes it one of the lowest-risk counties in the country for natural disasters overall.
Colorado's second-safest county
Gilpin's 6.36 score places it near the bottom of Colorado's risk spectrum, far below the state average of 40.67. Only one other Colorado county ranks safer overall.
Surrounded by higher-risk mountain neighbors
While Gilpin itself is very safe, nearby Grand County (50.19) and Gunnison County (44.97) face notably higher composite risks. This variation reflects different exposure to wildfire and flood hazards across the high country.
Wildfire dominates Gilpin's hazard profile
Wildfire risk at 87.50 is Gilpin's primary concern, though it remains manageable given the county's low overall score. Earthquake risk (23.66) and tornado risk (15.87) are minimal by comparison.
Prepare for wildfire despite low overall risk
Even safe counties need targeted protection—ensure your homeowner's policy covers wildfire damage and maintain defensible space around structures. Given Gilpin's mountain location, wildfire insurance riders are a practical investment.