Hinsdale's composite score of 76.6 towers 26.6 points above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top quartile of American counties. This exceptional performance reflects particular strength in cost metrics and tax efficiency.
2 / 5
Colorado's leader in cost affordability
Hinsdale ranks above Colorado's state average of 71.8 with a score of 76.6, making it one of the state's top-performing counties. The county stands out distinctly from state peers on livability measurements.
3 / 5
Extreme affordability and minimal taxes
Hinsdale's defining strength is exceptional housing affordability with a cost score of 76.3—the highest among these eight counties—reflected in a median home value of $438,800 and rent of $1,099. A tax score of 94.0 and effective rate of 0.293% further enhance economic value.
The income score of 25.4 with median household earnings of just $64,327 indicates a county with constrained employment options and wage growth. Safety, health, school, and environmental data remain unavailable, leaving potential livability gaps unclear.
5 / 5
Best fit for remote workers valuing solitude
Hinsdale suits remote workers, retirees on fixed incomes, and those seeking mountain isolation with minimal cost burdens. The county's exceptional affordability compensates for limited local job opportunities, making it ideal for self-sufficient individuals.
Hinsdale's composite score of 76.6 towers 26.6 points above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top quartile of American counties. This exceptional performance reflects particular strength in cost metrics and tax efficiency.
Colorado's leader in cost affordability
Hinsdale ranks above Colorado's state average of 71.8 with a score of 76.6, making it one of the state's top-performing counties. The county stands out distinctly from state peers on livability measurements.
Extreme affordability and minimal taxes
Hinsdale's defining strength is exceptional housing affordability with a cost score of 76.3—the highest among these eight counties—reflected in a median home value of $438,800 and rent of $1,099. A tax score of 94.0 and effective rate of 0.293% further enhance economic value.
The income score of 25.4 with median household earnings of just $64,327 indicates a county with constrained employment options and wage growth. Safety, health, school, and environmental data remain unavailable, leaving potential livability gaps unclear.
Best fit for remote workers valuing solitude
Hinsdale suits remote workers, retirees on fixed incomes, and those seeking mountain isolation with minimal cost burdens. The county's exceptional affordability compensates for limited local job opportunities, making it ideal for self-sufficient individuals.
Score breakdown
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🏛94
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
At 0.293%, Hinsdale's effective tax rate sits well below the national median of 0.52%, placing it in approximately the 22nd percentile. Hinsdale homeowners have significantly lower tax bills than the typical American property owner.
Hinsdale sits just below Colorado's state average
Hinsdale's 0.293% rate falls slightly below Colorado's 0.393% state average, positioning it around the 33rd percentile among the state's 64 counties. The county offers modest tax advantages compared to statewide norms.
Hinsdale compares favorably to nearby counties
Hinsdale's 0.293% rate sits between Grand County (0.348%, higher) and Gunnison County (0.282%, lower), making it a middle option in Colorado's mountain tax landscape. All three counties maintain below-average state rates.
Median home: $1,286 annual property tax
With a median home value of $438,800, Hinsdale homeowners pay approximately $1,286 per year in property taxes. That's $1,404 less than the national median tax bill on a home worth 56% more than the U.S. average.
Assessment challenges exist in remote areas
Remote mountain counties like Hinsdale sometimes struggle with consistent assessment practices, creating opportunities for appeals. Homeowners should compare their assessed value to recent local sales to identify potential overvaluation.
Hinsdale County residents earn a median of $64,327—14% below the national median of $74,755—but their rent-to-income ratio of 20.5% stays near affordable levels. Lower incomes offset by lower absolute rents keep housing accessible, though overall earning power is constrained.
Middle-ground affordability in state
Hinsdale's rent-to-income ratio of 20.5% sits essentially at Colorado's state average of 20.2%, placing it squarely in the state's affordability middle. The county's below-average income, however, limits overall economic mobility.
Hinsdale's lower costs, lower wages
Hinsdale's median rent ($1,099) and median home value ($438,800) are the lowest among nearby mountain counties like Gunnison and Grand. Yet Hinsdale also has the lowest median income ($64,327) of the region, indicating a less robust local economy.
Affordable housing, tight budgets
Renters in Hinsdale spend $1,099 monthly (20.5% of income), while owners pay $792—the county's most affordable ownership option regionally. However, the median income of $64,327 means residents have less disposable income after housing costs than wealthier neighbors.
Hinsdale for budget-conscious movers
Hinsdale offers Colorado's lowest housing costs, but the trade-off is a smaller local job market and lower wages. Consider it if you have remote income or are retiring on a fixed income; otherwise, explore neighboring counties with stronger employment options.
Hinsdale County's median household income of $64,327 falls $10,428 below the national median of $74,755. This 14% gap reflects the county's rural character and limited employment diversity outside mining and outdoor recreation.
Below Colorado's state average
Hinsdale County's median household income is $10,465 below Colorado's state average of $74,792, placing it in the lower-middle tier of state counties. The county's small, dispersed population and limited economic base constrain earning potential.
Rural mountain income challenges
Hinsdale's $64,327 median lags nearby Gunnison County ($77,358) and Gilpin County ($88,654), though it exceeds more isolated counties. Limited job diversity and seasonal employment patterns in this high-altitude county create income constraints.
Housing costs stretch budgets
With a rent-to-income ratio of 20.5%, housing takes a significant portion of Hinsdale incomes, consuming one in five earnings dollars. The median home value of $438,800 represents a considerable financial commitment relative to household earnings.
Prioritize financial stability first
Hinsdale households should focus on building emergency reserves before aggressive investing, given income volatility in rural areas. Consider diverse income streams and remote work opportunities to supplement primary employment earnings.
Hinsdale County's life expectancy data isn't publicly available, making national comparison difficult—a common challenge for very small, rural counties. The 11.5% poor/fair health rate suggests general wellness similar to Colorado's healthier counties, though more recent data would clarify the picture.
Small county, outsized uninsured challenge
While Hinsdale's life expectancy isn't reported, its 11.5% poor/fair health rate compares favorably to state health trends. However, 13.7% of residents lack health insurance—well above Colorado's 9.7% state average—suggesting coverage gaps in this isolated mountain community.
Mountain community with coverage gaps
Hinsdale's 13.7% uninsured rate exceeds nearby Grand County (10.3%) and Gunnison (6.9%), indicating the smallest mountain county struggles most with insurance access. Its 11.5% poor/fair health rate falls between healthier neighbors and more vulnerable counties like Huerfano.
Mental health strength, provider data limited
Hinsdale has 261 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—robust support for behavioral health—but primary care provider data isn't available, reflecting the county's tiny population. The 13.7% uninsured rate is the county's most pressing healthcare challenge.
Reach out to close Hinsdale's coverage gap
With 13.7% of residents uninsured, Hinsdale families should prioritize finding coverage. Contact Colorado's Division of Insurance or visit healthcare.gov to explore Medicaid, marketplace plans, or community health center resources available in your area.
With a composite risk score of just 1.02, Hinsdale County is among America's lowest-risk counties for natural disasters. Its "Very Low" rating reflects minimal exposure to the full spectrum of hazards.
Colorado's safest county by far
Hinsdale's 1.02 score is dramatically lower than Colorado's state average of 40.67, making it the state's safest county overall. High elevation and sparse development contribute to this exceptional safety profile.
Dramatically safer than surrounding counties
Hinsdale's 1.02 score vastly undercuts neighboring Gunnison County (44.97) and Grand County (50.19). Its isolated, high-altitude location provides natural protection unavailable to lower-elevation neighbors.
Wildfire poses minimal but measurable risk
Even in the nation's safest county, wildfire risk (50.19) slightly outpaces other hazards, though at levels far below state norms. Flood, earthquake, and tornado risks are all exceptionally low.
Standard coverage likely sufficient here
Hinsdale County's exceptional risk profile means basic homeowner insurance typically provides adequate protection for natural disasters. Still, verify your policy includes wildfire coverage, as it remains the relative priority even in safe counties.