CountyScore

Huerfano County

Colorado · CO

#10 in Colorado
76.3
County Score

County Report Card

About Huerfano County, Colorado

Huerfano leads among all measured counties

Huerfano's composite score of 80.0 ranks it 30 points above the national median of 50.0, placing it among the nation's most livable counties. This exceptional score primarily reflects extraordinary cost advantages.

Colorado's most affordable county

Huerfano ranks highest among Colorado counties with a score of 80.0, significantly above the state average of 71.8. The county's distinctive strength in housing affordability sets it apart statewide.

Unmatched affordability and minimal taxes

Huerfano achieves the highest cost score of 84.8 among these counties, with a median home value of just $256,700 and rent at only $739 monthly—the lowest across the group. A tax score of 94.5 and effective rate of 0.275% provide additional economic relief.

Income levels significantly lag behind peers

The income score of 17.4 with median household earnings of $52,139 indicates severe economic constraints and limited wealth-building potential. Comprehensive data on safety, health, schools, and environmental factors is not yet available.

Ideal for retirees living on fixed incomes

Huerfano is unmatched for seniors and minimalist lifestyles seeking the lowest possible living costs in Colorado. The county's exceptional affordability makes it invaluable for those prioritizing housing security and tax efficiency over employment opportunities.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax94.5Cost84.8SafetyComing SoonHealth66.4SchoolsComing SoonIncome17.4Risk75.8WaterComing Soon
🏛94.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠84.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼17.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤66.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡75.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Huerfano County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Grant County
Arkansas
76.3
Median income: $72,512
Saguache County
Colorado
76.3
Median income: $54,283
Ohio County
Indiana
76.3
Median income: $67,942
Jackson County
Minnesota
76.3
Median income: $69,955
Wibaux County
Montana
76.3
Median income: $64,792

Deep Dives

Huerfano County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Huerfano County

via TaxByCounty

Huerfano's rate is far below national average

At 0.275%, Huerfano's effective tax rate sits well below the national median of 0.52%, ranking it in approximately the 18th percentile. Huerfano residents enjoy some of the lowest property tax burdens in the United States.

Huerfano ranks low among Colorado counties

At 0.275%, Huerfano's rate sits notably below Colorado's 0.393% state average, placing it in roughly the 28th percentile among the state's 64 counties. The county offers clear tax advantages compared to state norms.

Huerfano compares well to regional peers

Huerfano's 0.275% rate beats Kiowa County (0.580%, significantly higher) but sits near Hinsdale (0.293%) and other southern Colorado counties. Regional tax rates show considerable variation across this rural area.

Median home: $707 annual property tax

With a median home value of $256,700, Huerfano homeowners pay approximately $707 per year in property taxes. That's among the lowest annual tax bills in the state—less than $1,000 annually even on homes valued near the national average.

Even low-income areas deserve assessment review

Rural Colorado counties like Huerfano sometimes have outdated or inconsistent assessments relative to actual property values. Filing a tax appeal costs nothing and can identify legitimate overvaluation that warrants adjustment.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Huerfano County

via CostByCounty

Huerfano: Colorado's affordability leader

Huerfano County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.0% is among the lowest in the nation, and rents average just $739 monthly. Though median income ($52,139) trails the national average significantly, Huerfano's ultra-low housing costs make it exceptionally affordable.

Most affordable county in Colorado

Huerfano's rent-to-income ratio of 17.0% ranks it well below Colorado's 20.2% state average, making it the state's affordability standout. The county's $739 median rent is also the lowest across all Colorado counties examined.

Huerfano rents far below peers

At $739, Huerfano's median rent is dramatically lower than any mountain county neighbor, from Hinsdale ($1,099) to Gunnison ($1,191). Median home values ($256,700) are correspondingly low, making both renting and buying exceptionally affordable.

Ultra-low costs, ultra-low income

Renters in Huerfano spend just $739 monthly (17.0% of a $52,139 income), while owners pay $684—leaving significant income for other needs. This is the county's strength: true affordability for those willing to accept lower local wages.

Huerfano for remote workers

If you earn income outside Huerfano—via remote work, retirement, or freelance—this county offers unmatched affordability. Compare your current housing costs to Huerfano's 17% rent-to-income ratio; you may find dramatic monthly savings.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Huerfano County

via IncomeByCounty

Huerfano's income falls well short

Huerfano County's median household income of $52,139 runs 30% below the national median of $74,755. This significant gap places Huerfano among lower-income counties nationally, reflecting limited economic opportunities in this rural southern Colorado region.

Bottom tier of Colorado counties

Huerfano's median household income of $52,139 is $22,653 below Colorado's state average of $74,792, ranking it among the state's lowest-earning counties. Economic challenges from coal industry decline and population loss have reduced local earning potential.

Struggling with regional peers

Huerfano's $52,139 median trails all nearby counties, including Hinsdale ($64,327), Kiowa ($56,389), and Jackson ($41,809). The county faces steeper economic headwinds than most Colorado mountain and plains communities.

Lower costs but tight budgets

Huerfano's rent-to-income ratio of 17.0% is favorable, and the median home value of $256,700 is affordable by state standards. However, lower absolute incomes limit discretionary spending and savings capacity for most households.

Build income skills and education

Huerfano residents should prioritize education and skills training to boost earning potential, as local income growth lags the state. Online education, vocational training, and remote work opportunities can help households access higher-wage employment.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Huerfano County

via HealthByCounty

Huerfano faces significant health challenges

At 72.5 years, Huerfano County's life expectancy is 5.8 years below the U.S. average of 78.3 years—the lowest among these eight counties. Nearly one in five residents (18.9%) report poor or fair health, signaling substantial wellness disparities.

Colorado's lowest life expectancy county

Huerfano's 72.5-year life expectancy trails Colorado's 78.2-year state average by 5.7 years, making it the state's most vulnerable county in this analysis. The 18.9% poor/fair health rate is more than twice the rate in Colorado's healthiest counties.

Struggling compared to mountain peers

Huerfano's 72.5-year life expectancy is 10.4 years lower than Grand County (83.9 years) and 10.4 years below Gunnison (82.9 years). Even Jackson County and Kiowa, both facing their own challenges, appear healthier based on self-reported poor/fair health rates.

Adequate providers, but persistent uninsured gap

Huerfano has 72 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and 170 mental health providers, matching or exceeding some healthier counties, yet outcomes lag significantly. At 9.3% uninsured, the rate is near state average, suggesting insurance alone doesn't explain the health gap.

Insurance is step one—access help now

Huerfano residents should ensure full insurance coverage and connect with community health centers for preventive care and chronic disease management. Call 2-1-1 Colorado for local health resources, or visit healthcare.gov to review Medicaid and marketplace options designed to help.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Huerfano County

via RiskByCounty

Huerfano faces low but real risk nationally

With a composite risk score of 24.24, Huerfano County falls below the national average and earns a "Very Low" rating. However, it carries meaningful exposure to wildfire and flood hazards regionally.

Below-average risk for Colorado

Huerfano's 24.24 score sits comfortably below Colorado's state average of 40.67, placing it in the safer tier of Colorado counties. This reflects its rural, lower-elevation character relative to mountain counties.

Safer than most, but not the safest

Huerfano's 24.24 score ranks it safer than Jefferson County (94.94) and Grand County (50.19), but riskier than neighboring Kiowa County (3.79). Regional variations reflect differences in fire exposure and flood exposure.

Wildfire is Huerfano's dominant concern

Wildfire risk (87.56) is exceptionally high for a county with low overall risk, dominating Huerfano's hazard profile. Flood risk (47.87) ranks second, while tornado and earthquake risks remain minimal.

Prioritize wildfire coverage for this county

Despite the county's overall low risk, Huerfano residents should ensure wildfire protection through dedicated riders or separate policies. Properties in or near forested areas face concentrated wildfire exposure and warrant premium coverage.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS — informational only.