countyscore
47.9
County Score
Property Tax 99.5Health 94.6Disaster Risk 93.7

County Report Card

About Gilpin County, Colorado

Gilpin trails national livability median

Gilpin County's composite score of 47.9 falls slightly below the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 42nd percentile nationally. Despite this modest ranking, the county demonstrates notable strength in specific dimensions that drive its overall profile.

Below average among Colorado counties

Gilpin ranks below Colorado's state average composite score of 51.2, placing it in the lower half of the state's county performance. This reflects a mixed livability profile compared to neighboring Front Range and mountain communities.

Tax benefits and healthy incomes lead

Gilpin excels with a near-perfect tax score of 99.5 (effective rate just 0.23%) and strong health metrics at 94.6, reflecting low county property taxes and solid healthcare access. The income score of 91.4 with a median household income of $88,654 positions residents well financially compared to state and national averages.

Housing costs and safety concerns

Housing affordability is Gilpin's most pressing challenge, with a cost score of just 7.3 and median home values at $512,600—well above most Colorado counties. The critically low safety score of 1.0 raises significant concerns about public safety that warrant investigation before relocation.

Best for affluent, tax-conscious residents

Gilpin suits high-income professionals and retirees seeking mountain living with minimal tax burden, strong health infrastructure, and scenic mountain character. However, prospective residents should carefully evaluate safety conditions and be prepared for premium housing costs typical of mountain communities.

Score breakdown

Tax99.5Cost7.3Safety1Health94.6Schools31.2Income91.4Risk93.7Water86Weather50.9
🏛99.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠7.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼91.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤94.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓31.2
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡93.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤50.9
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱47.7
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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Explore this county

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Nearby counties

Clear Creek County
Colorado
49.9
Boulder County
Colorado
43.4
Jefferson County
Colorado
40
Broomfield County
Colorado
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Summit County
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Denver County
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Grand County
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Douglas County
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Deep Dives

Gilpin County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Gilpin County

via TaxByCounty

Gilpin's tax rate ranks low nationally

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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Gilpin County

via CostByCounty

Gilpin beats national affordability

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.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Gilpin County

via IncomeByCounty

Gilpin earns 18% above US median

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Gilpin County

via CrimeByCounty

High Property Crime Impacts Local Safety

Gilpin County reports a total crime rate of 6,881.8 per 100,000 residents, which is nearly triple the national average of 2,385.5. Despite this high volume, the county maintains a safety score of 89.1 out of 100. Local law enforcement manages these incidents through two reporting agencies.

Gilpin Trails Colorado Safety Standards

The county's safety score of 89.1 falls significantly below the Colorado state average of 97.1. While the state average crime rate sits at 1,834.6 per 100,000, Gilpin's rate is over 3.7 times higher. This disparity highlights unique security challenges in this mountain community.

A Regional Outlier in Property Offenses

Compared to nearby rural counties, Gilpin County experiences a significantly elevated crime profile. Its property crime rate of 6,591.5 per 100,000 is much higher than the state average for similar regions. Residents see more frequent reports than neighbors in more residential or agricultural areas.

Property Crimes Drive High Statistics

Property crime dominates the local landscape, accounting for 6,591.5 incidents per 100,000 people. Conversely, the violent crime rate of 290.3 remains below the national average of 369.8. This suggests that while physical safety is high, property security requires constant attention.

Secure Your Mountain Property

With property crime rates exceeding state norms, proactive security measures are essential for Gilpin residents. Install motion-activated lighting and smart surveillance systems to deter potential intruders. Simple upgrades to physical locks significantly reduce the risk of becoming a statistic.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Gilpin County

via HealthByCounty

Gilpin lives longer than most Americans

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.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Gilpin County

via SchoolsByCounty

Intimate Mountain Schooling in Gilpin

Gilpin County provides a highly focused education landscape with just two schools serving 408 students. Managed by a single district, the system consists of one elementary school and one high school.

Steady Results with Local Investment

The county's 84.0% graduation rate is higher than the state average of 83.1%. With a per-pupil expenditure of $7,133, Gilpin County invests significantly in its small student population, nearly matching the state spending average.

Unified District Management

Gilpin County School District No. Re-1 manages all 408 students in the county. There are no charter schools in this area, as the district provides a centralized educational path for all local residents.

Exclusively Rural and Small-Scale

Both schools are rural, offering an average enrollment of 204 students per campus. Gilpin County Undivided High School is the largest school with 209 students, ensuring every student is well-known by staff.

Find Home in a Tight-Knit Community

The small student-to-teacher ratio in Gilpin County is a major draw for families seeking personalized attention. Homes in this area offer access to a school system where graduation rates consistently exceed state averages.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Gilpin County

via RiskByCounty

Gilpin ranks among America's safest counties

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.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Soil Quality in Gilpin County

via SoilByCounty

High Altitude Mountain Soils

Specific taxonomic and pH data are currently unavailable for this rugged mountain terrain. Local conditions typically vary wildly between rocky peaks and sheltered valleys.

Texture Data Remains Unrecorded

While sand and clay percentages are not documented, the county's geography suggests a high rock and fragment content. These conditions typically favor rapid drainage over nutrient retention.

Challenging Growing Conditions

No specific organic matter data is available to compare against the Colorado state average of 2.18%. The high elevation generally limits the natural accumulation of rich topsoil.

Steep Slopes Dictate Drainage

Drainage and hydrologic classifications are not currently mapped for this area. In practice, the steep topography and thin soil layers create significant runoff during snowmelt.

Hardy Plants for Zone 5b

Gilpin County sits in Hardiness Zone 5b, necessitating a focus on cold-tolerant species. Gardeners should prioritize fast-maturing crops like radishes and leafy greens to beat the short season.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Gilpin County

via LawnByCounty

Above Average Lawn Care in Gilpin

Gilpin County earns a 47.7 lawn difficulty score, which is significantly easier than the Colorado state average of 37.4. This hardiness zone 5b region sits just below the national median score of 50.0. While maintenance is more accessible here than in neighboring areas, high-altitude conditions still dictate a specific care routine.

Cooler Summers and Ample Moisture

The county receives 20.0 inches of annual precipitation, which is nearly four inches more than the state average. Residents enjoy zero extreme heat days above 90°F, reducing the risk of grass scorching during mid-summer. These cooler conditions mean you spend less time watering compared to hotter Colorado plains.

Understanding Mountain Soil Composition

Specific soil data for Gilpin County is limited, but mountain landscapes often feature rocky, shallow topsoil. Local growers should test their soil for organic matter levels and nutrient density before the season begins. Adding compost or topsoil helps create the necessary depth for healthy grass roots to take hold.

Persistent Drought Challenges High Altitudes

The county has spent 31 weeks in drought over the past year, and 100% of the area currently faces severe conditions. To conserve water, homeowners should prioritize deep, infrequent watering cycles that encourage deep root growth. Mulching around lawn edges can also help retain moisture during these dry spells.

Start Growing in Zone 5b

Hardy cool-season grasses like Fine Fescue or Kentucky Bluegrass thrive best in Gilpin's zone 5b environment. Because high-altitude frost dates vary, you should wait for consistent soil warmth before seeding or laying sod. Focus on species that can handle the county's cold winters and moderate precipitation levels.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Gilpin County's county score?
Gilpin County, Colorado has a composite county score of 47.9 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 Gilpin County rank among counties in Colorado?
Gilpin County ranks #38 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 Gilpin County, Colorado?
The median annual property tax in Gilpin County is $1,177, with an effective tax rate of 0.23%. This earns Gilpin County a tax score of 99.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Gilpin County?
The median household income in Gilpin County, Colorado is $88,654 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Gilpin County earns an income score of 91.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Gilpin County, Colorado a good place to live?
Gilpin County scores 47.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #38 in Colorado. The best way to evaluate Gilpin 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 Gilpin 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.