Grand County's composite score of 70.2 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 20 points, placing it in the upper echelon of American counties. This performance reflects a county with above-average livability fundamentals.
2 / 5
Competitive standing in Colorado
Grand ranks just below Colorado's state average with a score of 70.2 versus 71.8, positioning it firmly within the state's more livable counties. The county maintains strong relative performance despite modest gaps on specific dimensions.
3 / 5
Low taxes and reasonable housing costs
Grand excels with a tax score of 92.5, reflecting a competitive effective tax rate of 0.348%, and offers more affordable housing than many Colorado mountain counties at a median home value of $507,200. A cost score of 61.4 suggests better housing value relative to state peers.
4 / 5
Income levels lag behind state average
The county's income score of 38.6 reflects median household earnings of $84,558, which trails higher-income Colorado communities. Critical livability factors like safety, health outcomes, and school quality remain unmeasured.
5 / 5
Ideal for budget-conscious outdoor enthusiasts
Grand County appeals to retirees and outdoor-focused families prioritizing low taxes and mountain access over high incomes. The combination of tax efficiency and reasonable housing costs creates strong value for those with moderate, stable incomes.
Grand County's composite score of 70.2 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 20 points, placing it in the upper echelon of American counties. This performance reflects a county with above-average livability fundamentals.
Competitive standing in Colorado
Grand ranks just below Colorado's state average with a score of 70.2 versus 71.8, positioning it firmly within the state's more livable counties. The county maintains strong relative performance despite modest gaps on specific dimensions.
Low taxes and reasonable housing costs
Grand excels with a tax score of 92.5, reflecting a competitive effective tax rate of 0.348%, and offers more affordable housing than many Colorado mountain counties at a median home value of $507,200. A cost score of 61.4 suggests better housing value relative to state peers.
Income levels lag behind state average
The county's income score of 38.6 reflects median household earnings of $84,558, which trails higher-income Colorado communities. Critical livability factors like safety, health outcomes, and school quality remain unmeasured.
Ideal for budget-conscious outdoor enthusiasts
Grand County appeals to retirees and outdoor-focused families prioritizing low taxes and mountain access over high incomes. The combination of tax efficiency and reasonable housing costs creates strong value for those with moderate, stable incomes.
Score breakdown
5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.
🏛92.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
At 0.348%, Grand's effective property tax rate sits well below the national median of 0.52%, landing it in approximately the 25th percentile of U.S. counties. This positions Grand County as a relatively affordable place to own property from a tax perspective.
Grand ranks in Colorado's lower half for taxes
Grand's 0.348% rate sits slightly below Colorado's 0.393% state average, placing it around the 30th percentile among the state's 64 counties. It's neither the cheapest nor most expensive county in Colorado.
Grand sits between Gilpin and Gunnison
Grand's 0.348% rate falls between neighbor Gilpin County (0.23%, lower) and Gunnison County (0.282%, similar). The region's diverse tax structures reflect different county spending priorities and assessment practices.
Median home: $1,763 annual property tax
With a median home value of $507,200, Grand County homeowners pay approximately $1,763 per year in property taxes. That's still $927 less than the national median tax bill despite homes valued 80% higher than the U.S. average.
Assessment accuracy varies across mountain areas
Grand County homeowners should verify their assessments against recent comparable sales, as market volatility in resort communities can create overvaluation gaps. A property tax appeal is available if your assessed value exceeds fair market value.
Grand County renters spend 20.6% of income on rent—above the national affordability threshold but still manageable. With a median income of $84,558, Grand residents earn 13% more than the national median, providing some cushion against higher mountain-town rents.
Slightly above Colorado average
Grand's rent-to-income ratio of 20.6% edges slightly above Colorado's 20.2% state average, ranking it near the middle of the state's counties. The county's higher rents relative to income put it in moderate affordability territory.
Grand rents lead the trio
Grand County has the highest median rent ($1,451) among its mountain peers Gilpin ($1,340) and Gunnison ($1,191). However, Grand's homeownership costs ($1,334/month) are the lowest of the three, favoring buyers over renters.
Renters hit harder than owners
Renters in Grand pay $1,451 monthly—20.6% of a $84,558 annual income—while owners spend $1,334 on mortgages. This makes homeownership notably more affordable than renting in Grand, a reversal of national trends.
Grand works best for buyers
If you're eyeing Grand County, prioritize homeownership to maximize affordability; rents here are pricier than in neighboring mountain counties. Check whether you can qualify for a mortgage, as it's substantially cheaper than renting in this market.
Grand County's median household income of $84,558 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by nearly $10,000. This places Grand in the upper-middle income tier nationwide, supported by tourism, outdoor recreation, and regional employment.
Top 20% in Colorado
Grand County's median household income is $9,766 above Colorado's state average of $74,792, placing it solidly in the state's higher-earning counties. The county consistently ranks in the top tier for household income across Colorado.
Leading the northwest corridor
Grand's $84,558 median income edges out Gunnison County ($77,358) and significantly exceeds rural neighbors like Hinsdale County ($64,327). The county's position along the I-70 corridor and Gateway access supports stronger earning potential.
Housing squeeze with solid income
Grand's rent-to-income ratio of 20.6% means housing takes a moderate share of household earnings, just under the 30% affordability benchmark. However, the median home value of $507,200 reflects growing demand from retirees and remote workers.
Build long-term savings habits
Grand County's stable tourism and energy sectors provide income stability to support consistent savings and investment. With housing costs under control, households can prioritize retirement planning and diversified investment portfolios.
At 83.9 years, Grand County's life expectancy is nearly 5.6 years above the U.S. average of 78.3 years—among the highest in Colorado. Just 12.1% report poor or fair health, reflecting a community with strong longevity despite its rural character.
Colorado's longevity leader
Grand County's 83.9-year life expectancy crushes Colorado's 78.2-year state average by 5.7 years, ranking it at the top of Colorado counties. This exceptional outcome reflects both healthy living patterns and effective healthcare coordination in the region.
Outpaces nearby mountain communities
Grand's 83.9-year life expectancy beats Gunnison (82.9 years) and significantly outperforms lower-elevation neighbors like Huerfano (72.5 years). The county's 12.1% poor/fair health rate ranks among Colorado's best.
Strong providers, moderate uninsured rate
Grand County has 57 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and an exceptional 182 mental health providers per 100,000, supporting robust mental health care. At 10.3% uninsured, the county sits slightly above Colorado's 9.7% state average, leaving room to improve coverage equity.
Close coverage gap with quality insurance
Grand's above-average uninsured rate suggests some families may be falling through the cracks despite excellent health outcomes. Explore Colorado's health marketplace or Medicaid expansion options to ensure everyone in your household has coverage.
With a composite risk score of 50.19, Grand County exceeds the national average and earns a "Relatively Low" rating. This reflects above-average exposure to multiple hazard types, particularly wildfire and flood.
Above-average risk for Colorado
Grand's 50.19 score places it above Colorado's state average of 40.67, making it one of the state's more at-risk counties. Its proximity to wilderness and river systems drives higher hazard exposure.
Riskier than high-altitude neighbor Hinsdale
Grand County's 50.19 score significantly exceeds Hinsdale County's 1.02—one of the state's safest areas. However, it aligns more closely with nearby Gunnison County (44.97), reflecting shared mountain geography.
Wildfire and flood are dual threats
Grand faces substantial wildfire risk (78.53) and flood risk (62.37), both well above national norms. Earthquake risk (46.63) and tornado risk (26.14) add secondary concerns across different seasons.
Bundle wildfire and flood coverage
Standard homeowner policies may exclude wildfire and flood—Grand County residents should verify separate riders or policies for both hazards. Consider elevation, proximity to water, and forest cover when selecting coverage limits.