countyscore
56
County Score
Property Tax 96.3Income & Jobs 88.2Health 80.4

County Report Card

About Grand County, Colorado

Grand exceeds national livability benchmark

Grand County's composite score of 56.0 surpasses the national median of 50.0, ranking in the 62nd percentile nationally. This positions it as a moderate-performing county with solid fundamentals across multiple livability dimensions.

Above Colorado's county average

Grand County scores 56.0 compared to Colorado's state average of 51.2, placing it in the upper half of the state's counties. This above-average standing reflects balanced performance in tax, income, and health dimensions.

Low taxes and steady incomes

Grand County maintains an excellent tax score of 96.3 with an effective rate of 0.348%, and a solid income score of 88.2 with median household income of $84,558. The health score of 80.4 indicates decent healthcare access for a rural mountain county.

Water and risk management concerns

Grand County's water score of 43.5 reflects water availability challenges typical of Colorado's western plateau region. The risk score of 49.8 and safety score of 59.6, while not critically low, suggest moderate vulnerabilities that should be considered.

Suits outdoor enthusiasts with moderate means

Grand County appeals to remote workers, retirees, and nature lovers seeking a quieter mountain lifestyle with good tax advantages and solid incomes. The county offers reasonable livability for those prioritizing outdoor access over urban amenities and who can navigate water scarcity challenges.

Score breakdown

Tax96.3Cost10.3Safety59.6Health80.4Schools42.4Income88.2Risk49.8Water43.5Weather49.5
🏛96.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠10.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼88.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡59.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤80.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓42.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡49.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧43.5
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤49.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱30.8
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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Nearby counties

Summit County
Colorado
49.6
Gilpin County
Colorado
47.9
Clear Creek County
Colorado
49.9
Jackson County
Colorado
60.2
Eagle County
Colorado
49.5
Routt County
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54.6
Larimer County
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40.5
Boulder County
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43.4

Deep Dives

Grand County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Grand County

via TaxByCounty

Grand County's rate is below national median

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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Grand County

via CostByCounty

Grand's rents strain renters

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.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Grand County

via IncomeByCounty

Grand earns 13% above US median

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Grand County

via CrimeByCounty

Grand County Outperforms National Safety Norms

Grand County boasts a safety score of 98.5, reflecting a total crime rate of just 928.5 per 100,000 residents. This rate is less than half the national average of 2,385.5. Four reporting agencies work together to keep these numbers consistently low.

Leading the Way in Colorado Safety

Grand County ranks well above the Colorado average safety score of 97.1. Its total crime rate of 928.5 is roughly half the state average of 1,834.6. This performance establishes the county as one of the safer regions in the high country.

Strong Safety Performance Among Neighbors

When compared to neighboring Gilpin County, Grand County offers a much more secure environment for property. Its property crime rate of 744.1 is a fraction of the figures seen in more tourist-heavy or densely developed mountain areas. Residents enjoy a level of security that surpasses many similar recreational hubs.

Low Violent and Property Crime Rates

Violent crime in Grand County stays low at 184.4 per 100,000, which is about half the national average of 369.8. Property crime is also minimal at 744.1 compared to the national rate of 2,015.7. These figures indicate a stable and secure community environment.

Maintain Your Secure Mountain Home

While Grand County is statistically very safe, maintaining basic home security is a smart practice. Ensure all entry points are visible from the street and use timer-based lighting when you are away. Staying vigilant helps preserve the low crime rates the community enjoys.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Grand County

via HealthByCounty

Grand County residents live longest in state

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.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Grand County

via SchoolsByCounty

Grand County's Mountain Education Infrastructure

Grand County supports a modest but vital network of 6 public schools across two distinct districts. The system serves 1,674 total students, providing three elementary schools, one middle school, and two high schools.

Strong Performance and Efficient Spending

The county boasts an 86% graduation rate, which beats the state average of 83.1% and nearly matches the national mark. While per-pupil spending of $7,705 is lower than the $13,000 national average, the 52.9 composite school score remains above the state median.

Spotlight on East Grand District

East Grand School District No. 2 dominates the local landscape, managing 4 schools and 1,283 students. There are currently no charter schools in the county, emphasizing a traditional public school approach for families.

Rural Schooling with Personal Attention

The educational experience here is intimate and rural, with an average school size of 279 students. Middle Park High School is the largest campus with 406 students, while Fraser Valley Elementary offers a smaller setting for 256 youngsters.

Find Your Home in Grand County Schools

With graduation rates exceeding state levels, this county offers a reliable foundation for growing families. Explore local real estate options where proximity to these tight-knit mountain schools adds lasting value to your investment.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Grand County

via RiskByCounty

Grand County faces moderate national risk levels

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.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Grand County

via WeatherByCounty

Grand County: Colorado's coldest climate

At 37.4°F annual temperature, Grand County runs 8.6°F below the U.S. median of 46°F, placing it firmly in an alpine climate. With 17.4 inches of annual precipitation, the county exceeds Colorado's state average of 16.0 inches, reflecting significant mountain snow accumulation.

Among Colorado's coldest counties

Grand County's 37.4°F annual temperature ranks it among the coldest in Colorado, 8.6°F below the state average of 46.0°F. Its 17.4 inches of precipitation sits slightly above the state average, driven by high-elevation winter snowfall.

Nearly identical to Eagle County

Grand County's 37.4°F climate nearly mirrors Eagle County (37.9°F) to the south, making both counties among Colorado's coldest. Both counties stand in stark contrast to warmer lowland neighbors like Garfield County (48.4°F), reflecting the dramatic elevation differences across the state.

Severe winters, mild summers, zero heat days

January plunges to 14.4°F while July only reaches 59.9°F—a 45.5°F range—with zero days annually at or above 90°F. With 129.1 inches of annual snowfall, Grand County accumulates over 10 feet, making it one of Colorado's snowiest regions.

Year-round winter preparedness essential

Residents must maintain heavy snow removal equipment, emergency supplies, and continuously winterized vehicles for the 129.1 inches of annual snowfall. Insulation, heating efficiency, and cold-weather clothing are non-negotiable; January temperatures averaging 14.4°F demand serious infrastructure investment.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Grand County

via SoilByCounty

Undocumented High-Country Profiles

Taxonomic and pH data are currently missing for this region's soil profile. Without a recorded pH, gardeners should expect variations from the national median of 6.5.

A Mixture of Rock and Silt

Sand, silt, and clay percentages are not recorded in the available dataset. The county's mountainous nature suggests a coarse texture that likely offers high workability but low moisture retention.

Fertility Below State Benchmarks

Organic matter and water capacity data are currently unlisted for Grand County. Achieving the state average soil score of 31.3 requires significant local amendments in this high-altitude climate.

Hydrology Defined by Terrain

The dominant drainage class remains unrecorded in current soil surveys. Local hydrology is heavily influenced by mountain runoff patterns and high-elevation snowpack.

Short Seasons in Zone 5a

The 5a hardiness zone limits gardening to the most resilient species. Focus on root vegetables and cool-weather brassicas that can handle the brisk mountain nights.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Grand County

via LawnByCounty

A Challenging High-Country Climate

Grand County scores a 30.8 on the lawn difficulty scale, making it harder to maintain turf here than the state average of 37.4. Located in hardiness zone 5a, the region faces significantly more environmental pressure than the national median of 50.0. Success requires a focused strategy tailored to short growing windows.

Brief Windows and Low Heat

With only 823 growing degree days and zero days of extreme heat, your grass grows slowly in this climate. The annual precipitation of 17.4 inches provides a helpful baseline but falls far short of the 30-50 inches lawns ideally need. This combination means your mowing schedule will be less frequent than in warmer counties.

Preparing Your Growing Ground

While specific county soil metrics are unavailable, high-elevation landscapes generally require significant organic amendments. You should check for proper drainage to prevent water pooling during the spring snowmelt. Local testing is recommended to ensure your soil pH falls within the ideal 6.0 to 7.0 range for grass.

Managing Severe Long-Term Dryness

Grand County has endured 44 weeks of drought over the past year, with the entire area currently in severe drought. Effective water management is critical, so consider installing rain sensors or smart irrigation controllers to avoid waste. Focus on keeping the soil moist enough to prevent dormancy during the peak summer months.

Plan Around Late Spring Frosts

Kentucky Bluegrass and Perennial Ryegrass are top choices for the zone 5a conditions found here. Your window for success is tight, as the last spring frost typically occurs around June 14, followed by a first fall frost on September 10. Aim to seed in early summer to give your lawn enough time to establish before the September cold.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Grand County's county score?
Grand County, Colorado has a composite county score of 56 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 Grand County rank among counties in Colorado?
Grand County ranks #26 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 Grand County, Colorado?
The median annual property tax in Grand County is $1,763, with an effective tax rate of 0.35%. This earns Grand County a tax score of 96.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Grand County?
The median household income in Grand County, Colorado is $84,558 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Grand County earns an income score of 88.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Grand County, Colorado a good place to live?
Grand County scores 56/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #26 in Colorado. The best way to evaluate Grand 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 Grand 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.