countyscore
58.2
County Score
Property Tax 98.9Health 91.1Income & Jobs 80.5

County Report Card

About Gunnison County, Colorado

Gunnison outperforms national livability median

Gunnison County's composite score of 58.2 exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 68th percentile nationally. This represents solid, above-average livability with well-rounded performance across multiple dimensions.

Strong performer within Colorado

Gunnison ranks comfortably above Colorado's state average of 51.2, placing it in the upper third of the state's counties. This standing reflects better-than-average balance between affordability, taxes, and community services.

Great schools and low taxes shine

Gunnison's school score of 55.6 is notably strong for a rural mountain county, and the tax score of 98.9 with a 0.282% effective rate ranks among Colorado's lowest. Health metrics at 91.1 provide residents with solid healthcare access and outcomes.

Water stress and modest incomes

Gunnison's water score of 26.5 reflects significant water availability constraints despite its mountain location. The median household income of $77,358, while respectable, trails several comparable counties, and risk management scores suggest some environmental or natural hazard exposure.

Ideal for families valuing schools and nature

Gunnison County suits families, students, and outdoor enthusiasts who prioritize excellent schools, low taxes, and mountain recreation over maximum income potential. The county offers a genuine small-town feel with solid services and remains one of Colorado's more livable mountain communities.

2040608010098.912.651.891.155.680.55526.548.9Tax98.9Cost12.6Safety51.8Health91.1Schools55.6Income80.5Risk55Water26.5Weather48.958.2/100
This county
National avg
3 above average2 below average

Gunnison County DNA

Foverall

How Gunnison County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Gunnison County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Property Tax (98.9/100) but notably weak in Cost of Living (12.6/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
98.9+46.900000000000006
Cost
12.6-35.4
Safety
51.8
Health
91.1+41.099999999999994
Schools
55.6
Income
80.5+29.5
Risk
55+8
Water
26.5-31.5
Weather
48.9
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$597,200

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,191/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$597,200/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$47,640/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum7.7x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $77,358/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

11.7

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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Dickinson County
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Quitman County
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Schuyler County
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Washburn County
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Wilcox County
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Toombs County
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Nearby counties

Pitkin County
Colorado
57.5
Chaffee County
Colorado
56
Lake County
Colorado
60.3
Delta County
Colorado
40.8
Saguache County
Colorado
58
Park County
Colorado
57.7
Eagle County
Colorado
49.5
Ouray County
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67.3

Deep Dives

Gunnison County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Gunnison County

via TaxByCounty

Gunnison ranks low among national counties

Gunnison's 0.282% effective tax rate ranks roughly in the 20th percentile nationally, well below the 0.52% median. Gunnison homeowners enjoy substantially lower tax burdens than most Americans.

Gunnison sits just below Colorado's average

At 0.282%, Gunnison's rate is slightly below Colorado's 0.393% state average, placing it around the 35th percentile among the state's 64 counties. The county offers moderate tax relief compared to state norms.

Gunnison middle-ground in mountain region

Gunnison's 0.282% rate sits between Grand County (0.348%, higher) and Hinsdale County (0.293%, similar). All three neighboring counties maintain rates below the state average.

Median home: $1,683 annual property tax

With a median home value of $597,200—among the highest in Colorado's mountain counties—Gunnison homeowners pay approximately $1,683 per year in property taxes. That's $1,007 below the national median tax bill.

Mountain county appeals are worth investigating

Gunnison's robust real estate market means some properties may be assessed above recent sale prices, particularly in volatile mountain real estate. Many homeowners successfully appeal inflated assessments through the county's formal process.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Gunnison County

via CostByCounty

Gunnison combines low rent, solid income

Gunnison County renters spend just 18.5% of income on rent, beating the national affordability standard. Though median income ($77,358) is only modestly above the national median ($74,755), lower-than-average rents make housing comfortable for residents.

Colorado's rental bargain

Gunnison's rent-to-income ratio of 18.5% ranks among Colorado's best, sitting below the state average of 20.2%. The county's median rent of $1,191 is also the lowest among nearby mountain counties.

Gunnison offers lowest rents

Gunnison's median rent of $1,191 undercuts both Grand County ($1,451) and Gilpin County ($1,340), making it a bargain for renters. However, median home values ($597,200) are the highest of the three, offsetting rental savings for would-be buyers.

Renters win; homeowners pay more

Gunnison renters spend $1,191 monthly—18.5% of $77,358 annual income—a favorable ratio. Homeowners, however, face $1,471 monthly costs (22.8% of income), making ownership more expensive than in neighboring counties.

Gunnison for renters and students

Gunnison's low rental costs make it ideal for renters or those working near university employment. If you're buying, compare its higher home values against neighboring counties to ensure the move makes economic sense.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Gunnison County

via IncomeByCounty

Gunnison exceeds US income average

Gunnison County's median household income of $77,358 runs 3% ahead of the national median of $74,755. This modest advantage reflects the county's role as a regional employment hub anchored by Western State Colorado University.

Near Colorado's middle class median

Gunnison's $77,358 median household income sits slightly above Colorado's state average of $74,792. The county ranks in the middle-to-upper tier of Colorado counties, bolstered by education, tourism, and outdoor recreation employment.

Solid middle ground in the region

Gunnison's $77,358 income falls between Gilpin County's $88,654 and Hinsdale County's $64,327, positioning it as a regional middle-income anchor. The university and Crested Butte ski resort drive steady employment and earnings growth.

Tight housing affordability squeeze

Gunnison's rent-to-income ratio of 18.5% keeps housing costs manageable, but the median home value of $597,200 is steep for the county's income level. Households should budget carefully for homeownership, especially younger workers and families.

Leverage seasonal income patterns

Gunnison's tourism and recreation economy can create income volatility, making emergency savings especially important for stability. Build a six-month emergency fund and explore retirement accounts to smooth earnings across seasonal employment cycles.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Gunnison County

via CrimeByCounty

Gunnison Maintains Elite Safety Standards

Gunnison County earns a high safety score of 98.3, driven by a total crime rate of 1,081.2 per 100,000. This is significantly lower than the national total crime rate of 2,385.5. Four local agencies collaborate to manage public safety across the county.

Beating Colorado's Average Safety Score

With a safety score of 98.3, Gunnison exceeds the state average of 97.1. The county's total crime rate of 1,081.2 is nearly 800 points lower than the Colorado average of 1,834.6. Local law enforcement maintains a strong track record compared to the rest of the state.

High Safety Relative to Regional Peers

Gunnison County presents a safer profile than many other mountain recreational areas in Colorado. Its violent crime rate of 193.9 is lower than the state average of 232.1. This makes the region a benchmark for safety among high-altitude communities.

A Profile of Low-Risk Living

Violent crime remains rare here, occurring at roughly half the national average rate. Property crime accounts for 887.3 incidents per 100,000, well below the national figure of 2,015.7. These metrics translate to a peaceful environment for both residents and visitors.

Keeping Gunnison Homes Secure

Even in safe areas like Gunnison, simple home security habits prevent crimes of opportunity. Consider installing a video doorbell to monitor deliveries and activity around your home. Community awareness remains the best defense against maintaining these low crime statistics.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Gunnison County

via SchoolsByCounty

Consolidated Success in Gunnison Schools

Gunnison County operates 7 public schools under a single unified school district to serve 2,061 students. The infrastructure includes two elementary schools, one middle school, and two high schools, alongside specialized programs.

Elite Graduation Rates and High Scores

Student success is evident in a 92% graduation rate, significantly outperforming both the state average of 83.1% and the national 87% benchmark. The county achieves these results with a composite score of 55.0 despite a conservative $7,208 per-pupil expenditure.

One District, Diverse Options

The Gunnison Watershed School District Re1J manages every school in the county, ensuring consistent standards for all 2,061 students. One of the seven schools is a charter, representing 14.3% of the local educational options.

From Town Centers to Rural Classrooms

Schooling here feels personal, with an average size of 294 students and a mix of rural and town settings. Gunnison Elementary is the largest at 521 students, while Gunnison Middle School offers a more compact environment with 288 students.

Elevate Your Future in Gunnison

High graduation rates and a single unified district make Gunnison County an attractive destination for education-focused buyers. Consider homes in this region to give your children access to some of the state's top-performing public schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Gunnison County

via RiskByCounty

Gunnison sits slightly above national average risk

With a composite risk score of 44.97, Gunnison County exceeds the national baseline and carries a "Relatively Low" rating. Its mountain terrain and wildland interface create above-average exposure to multiple hazards.

Mid-tier risk among Colorado counties

Gunnison's 44.97 score ranks it above Colorado's state average of 40.67, placing it in the moderate-risk tier for the state. This reflects typical mountain county hazard patterns.

Similar risk to neighboring mountain counties

Gunnison's risk level closely mirrors nearby Grand County (50.19) and contrasts sharply with ultra-safe Hinsdale County (1.02). The variation demonstrates how geology and geography dramatically alter disaster exposure within close proximity.

Wildfire and flood drive Gunnison's risk

Wildfire risk (70.20) and flood risk (57.03) are Gunnison's primary hazards, reflecting the county's river valleys and forested slopes. Tornado risk is minimal (6.17), while earthquake risk (41.19) remains moderate.

Secure wildfire and flood insurance now

Gunnison residents should verify wildfire and flood coverage separately from standard homeowner policies, as most exclude these perils. Properties near rivers or in forest zones face compounded risk and warrant comprehensive coverage.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Gunnison County

via WaterByCounty

Frequent Health Violations Merit Grade F

Gunnison County earns a grade F for recording 17 drinking water health violations in five years. While the grade is low, its violation rate of 81.9 per 100,000 is still significantly lower than the Colorado average.

Rising Temperatures Threaten High Impairment Levels

Data from 2022 shows 33.5% of the county's 227 assessed water bodies are impaired. Arsenic and rising temperatures are the top causes of degradation, though the county remains just below the state impairment average.

Nutrient Data Dominates Local Water Monitoring

With 148 active monitoring sites, the county has logged 48,167 measurements in the past five years. Physical characteristics and nutrient levels are the most frequently tracked metrics in the region.

Gunnison River Maintains Steady Seasonal Flow

The Gunnison River below Gunnison currently flows at 512 cfs, which is 72% of its long-term mean. This primary gauge monitors a large drainage area of 2,133 square miles.

Address Arsenic and Verify Provider Reports

The F-grade for compliance suggests that residents should verify their water provider's recent test results. Addressing impairments like iron and arsenic is essential to protecting the watershed as flows remain below historical averages.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Gunnison County

via WeatherByCounty

Gunnison runs 25° colder than America

At 36.8°F annually, Gunnison County ranks among Colorado's coldest regions, running 25 degrees below the U.S. median of 61.7°F. This high-elevation county receives 14.5 inches of precipitation yearly, slightly below the national average of 15.2 inches, making it a true alpine climate zone.

Second-coldest county in Colorado

Gunnison's 36.8°F average places it near the bottom of Colorado's 64 counties, nearly 10 degrees colder than the state average of 46.0°F. Only a handful of higher-elevation mountain counties run colder than Gunnison.

Colder than Hinsdale, milder than Jackson

Gunnison (36.8°F) sits between Jackson County to the north (36.0°F) and Hinsdale County to the south (38.6°F), representing a tight cluster of high-elevation mountain climates. All three counties experience virtually no days above 90°F and heavy winter snowfall, though Hinsdale receives the most snow at 107.7 inches annually.

Brutal winters, cool summers, heavy snow

January averages just 10.7°F while July maxes out at 60.6°F—a 50-degree seasonal swing in a place that rarely sees extreme heat (only 1 day above 90°F per year). Gunnison receives 88.1 inches of snow annually, meaning residents face heavy snowpack from December through March.

Prepare for sustained winter operations

Gunnison residents need industrial-grade snow removal equipment and winter tires year-round, plus well-insulated homes and robust HVAC systems for sub-zero stretches. Summer outdoor planning can happen anytime, but spring and fall transitions arrive unpredictably—layered clothing and emergency kits are essential year-round.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Gunnison County

via SoilByCounty

Variable Mountain Soil Profiles

Soil taxonomy and pH levels are not currently documented for this expansive county. Growers often encounter soils that differ significantly from the 7.29 state average pH.

Texture Records are Missing

Specific sand, silt, and clay data are unavailable for Gunnison's varied landscapes. The mix of river valleys and high peaks creates a diverse but largely unmapped textural environment.

High-Elevation Fertility Challenges

Available water capacity and organic matter levels are not recorded in this dataset. Local gardeners must often build their own soil to reach the state average of 2.18% organic matter.

Unmapped Drainage Patterns

The drainage class and hydrologic group for this area are currently unlisted. The county's significant elevation changes typically lead to rapid drainage in upland areas.

Cool Weather Success in Zone 5a

Gunnison's 5a hardiness zone requires plants that can survive a very short frost-free window. Peas, spinach, and kale thrive in these cooler temperatures and higher altitudes.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Gunnison County

via LawnByCounty

Tough Conditions for Gunnison Lawns

Gunnison County holds a lawn difficulty score of 29.4, indicating one of the most challenging growing environments in Colorado. This score is well below the state average of 37.4 and the national benchmark of 50.0. The hardiness zone 5a status means your grass must survive extreme winter temperatures.

Limited Rain and Slow Growth

Annual precipitation averages just 14.5 inches, trailing both the state and national averages for lawn health. With only 902 growing degree days and a single day of heat above 90°F, grass develops at a much slower pace. You will likely find that your lawn requires more supplemental irrigation than natural rainfall provides.

Establishing a Healthy Soil Base

In the absence of specific county soil data, growers should focus on improving water retention through the use of compost. Gunnison's dry climate can lead to compacted earth, so annual aeration is vital to help water and air reach the root zone. Ensuring your soil is prepared is the only way to combat the low natural precipitation.

Navigating a Full Year of Drought

Gunnison County has experienced 53 straight weeks of drought conditions, with over 37% of the area in severe drought. Water conservation is mandatory for success, requiring homeowners to use mulch and choose drought-resistant seed varieties. Constant monitoring of soil moisture is necessary to keep turf alive through these prolonged dry periods.

Short Season Growing Strategy

Cool-season grasses like Fine Fescue are best suited for zone 5a and the late June 21 spring frost date. You have a very short window to establish a lawn before the first fall frost arrives on September 16. Start your projects as soon as the soil thaws to maximize the limited growing days available.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Gunnison County's county score?
Gunnison County, Colorado has a composite county score of 58.2 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 Gunnison County rank among counties in Colorado?
Gunnison County ranks #19 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 Gunnison County, Colorado?
The median annual property tax in Gunnison County is $1,683, with an effective tax rate of 0.28%. This earns Gunnison County a tax score of 98.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Gunnison County?
The median household income in Gunnison County, Colorado is $77,358 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Gunnison County earns an income score of 80.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Gunnison County, Colorado a good place to live?
Gunnison County scores 58.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #19 in Colorado. The best way to evaluate Gunnison 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 Gunnison 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.