countyscore
48.5
County Score
Disaster Risk 96.2Property Tax 76.7Health 61.5

County Report Card

About Kiowa County, Colorado

Kiowa slightly below national livability median

Kiowa County's composite score of 48.5 falls marginally below the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 40th percentile nationally. This modest underperformance masks a county with significant affordability strengths but notable constraints elsewhere.

Slightly below Colorado average

Kiowa scores 48.5 compared to Colorado's state average of 51.2, placing it just below the state midpoint. This standing reflects Kiowa's rural eastern plains character and limited economic diversification.

Affordability and low natural hazard risk

Kiowa's cost score of 60.0 offers moderate housing affordability with median home values of just $148,600 and gross rent at $869/month. The risk score of 96.2 indicates exceptional protection from natural disasters, and the tax score of 76.7 provides reasonable tax efficiency.

Limited income and healthcare access

Kiowa's income score of 28.4 with median household income of $56,389 reflects limited economic opportunities on Colorado's rural eastern plains. The health score of 61.5 and safety score of 23.6 suggest moderate healthcare access and safety concerns typical of remote rural counties.

Suited for budget-conscious plains dwellers

Kiowa County appeals to retirees, farmers, and those seeking affordable rural living with minimal natural disaster risk in agricultural regions. Prospective residents should expect limited job opportunities, modest healthcare access, and fewer amenities, but will benefit from very low housing costs and agricultural character.

Score breakdown

Tax76.7Cost60Safety23.6Health61.5Schools30.3Income28.4Risk96.2Water4.3Weather36.2
🏛76.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠60
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼28.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡23.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤61.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓30.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡96.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧4.3
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤36.2
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨24.7
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱49.2
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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Otero County
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Greeley County
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Deep Dives

Kiowa County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Kiowa County

via TaxByCounty

Kiowa County has one of nation's highest rates

At 0.580%, Kiowa's effective tax rate exceeds the national median of 0.52%, placing it in approximately the 75th percentile of U.S. counties. Kiowa homeowners face substantially higher tax burdens relative to their properties' values than most Americans.

Kiowa ranks highest among Colorado counties

Kiowa's 0.580% rate is the highest among all Colorado counties examined here, far exceeding the state average of 0.393%. Kiowa residents bear the heaviest property tax burden relative to home values in this group.

Kiowa's rate dwarfs all compared counties

Kiowa's 0.580% rate is nearly double Huerfano County's (0.275%) and roughly three times Jackson County's (0.205%). Kiowa stands alone as the significantly highest-taxed county in this analysis.

Median home: $862 annual property tax

With a median home value of $148,600—well below state averages—Kiowa homeowners pay approximately $862 per year in property taxes. The high effective rate means residents pay more tax per dollar of home value than anywhere else in this comparison.

Kiowa residents should prioritize appeals

Given the county's exceptionally high effective rate, Kiowa homeowners have the most to gain from property tax appeals. Even modest reductions from assessment corrections can meaningfully lower these already-elevated tax bills.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Kiowa County

via CostByCounty

Kiowa: rural affordability, limited income

Kiowa County renters spend 18.5% of income on rent—a healthy affordability ratio—at just $869 monthly. However, median income of $56,389 runs significantly below the national average of $74,755, limiting overall economic security despite low housing costs.

Below-average income, good rent ratio

Kiowa's rent-to-income ratio of 18.5% ranks it below Colorado's 20.2% state average, placing housing in the affordable category. Yet the county's low median income ($56,389) suggests broader economic challenges beyond housing.

Kiowa leads on affordability metrics

Kiowa's $869 median rent and median home value of $148,600 are the lowest among all counties examined, rivaling even Huerfano County. Its rent-to-income ratio of 18.5% beats most peers, making Kiowa genuinely accessible for budget-conscious renters.

Lowest home prices, tight wages

Kiowa renters spend $869 monthly (18.5% of $56,389), the lowest absolute rent across all counties, while owners pay $677. These ultra-low housing costs are offset by the county's limited job market and below-average incomes.

Kiowa for remote and retired workers

Kiowa offers unbeatable affordability if you bring income from outside the county—remote work, retirement, or freelance revenue. If relying on local jobs, explore neighboring counties with stronger employment bases.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Kiowa County

via IncomeByCounty

Kiowa struggles below US average

Kiowa County's median household income of $56,389 falls 25% short of the national median of $74,755. This significant gap reflects the county's rural agricultural character and limited employment diversity in the eastern Colorado plains.

Lower-tier Colorado county

Kiowa County's median household income of $56,389 is $18,403 below Colorado's state average of $74,792, placing it in the state's lower-income tier. Dependence on ranching, farming, and limited regional development constrains earning potential.

Plains poverty amid mountain affluence

Kiowa's $56,389 median trails all mountain counties and sits just slightly above Huerfano ($52,139), though it exceeds Jackson County's crisis incomes. The county's isolation on the eastern plains limits access to metropolitan employment centers.

Affordable housing, modest incomes

Kiowa's rent-to-income ratio of 18.5% is reasonable, and the median home value of $148,600 is extremely affordable. However, lower absolute incomes limit discretionary spending and wealth-building capacity for most households.

Leverage agricultural assets wisely

Kiowa households with agricultural operations should diversify income streams and protect land assets through succession planning. Remote work and part-time employment in regional centers can supplement farm income and accelerate wealth accumulation.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Kiowa County

via CrimeByCounty

Kiowa County Offers a Secure Rural Life

Kiowa County maintains a safety score of 97.0, aligning closely with national safety benchmarks. The total crime rate is 1,930.2 per 100,000, which is lower than the national average of 2,385.5. Data is provided by a single reporting agency, representing a small-town safety profile.

Matching the Colorado Safety Average

Kiowa's safety score of 97.0 is almost identical to the Colorado average of 97.1. While the total crime rate of 1,930.2 is slightly higher than the state average of 1,834.6, the county remains a safe place to live. Law enforcement effectively manages the low volume of local incidents.

Safe and Steady on the Eastern Plains

Kiowa County presents a safe environment compared to more populated urban corridors in Colorado. Its violent crime rate of 148.5 is significantly lower than the state average of 232.1. This highlights the relative tranquility of the eastern plains compared to the Front Range.

Focusing on Low Violent Crime Rates

Violent crime is quite low in Kiowa at 148.5 per 100,000, well under the national average of 369.8. Property crime at 1,781.7 also stays below the national benchmark of 2,015.7. Residents live in a community where physical safety is a clear strength.

Deter Property Crime with Basic Steps

Since property crime is the most common local issue, simple deterrents can make a big difference. Ensure farm equipment and vehicles are locked and stored out of sight when possible. Community-led surveillance and reporting help keep the crime rates in Kiowa County manageable.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Kiowa County

via HealthByCounty

Kiowa's health crisis lacks full visibility

Kiowa County's life expectancy isn't publicly available, but its 19.7% poor/fair health rate ties Jackson County as the worst in this analysis—more than double the national average. This suggests serious underlying health challenges in Colorado's eastern plains.

Worst reported health outcomes in Colorado

Kiowa's 19.7% poor/fair health rate is among Colorado's most troubling, nearly double the state's healthiest counties. Though life expectancy data is unavailable, this self-reported health crisis indicates Kiowa faces acute wellness and access disparities.

Plains county struggling alongside Jackson

Kiowa's 19.7% poor/fair health rate matches Jackson County's crisis level, significantly exceeding even Huerfano (18.9%). Both eastern counties face worse outcomes than all mountain peers, suggesting geographic and economic factors compound health challenges in Colorado's plains.

Limited primary care, small mental health footprint

Kiowa lacks available primary care provider data, a sign of its sparse rural healthcare infrastructure, and has just 72 mental health providers per 100,000 residents. At 6.6% uninsured, the rate is reasonable, suggesting insurance alone isn't solving Kiowa's health access crisis.

Kiowa families need action and advocacy

Kiowa's 19.7% poor/fair health rate demands urgent response from residents and policymakers alike. Ensure your family has coverage via healthcare.gov or Medicaid, and advocate for expanded telehealth and community health center resources in eastern Colorado.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Kiowa County

via SchoolsByCounty

Small-Scale Schooling on the Plains

Kiowa County hosts 5 public schools across two districts, serving a total student population of 254. The infrastructure is spread thin across the plains, consisting of two elementary schools, one middle school, and two high schools.

Investment in a Rural Context

The county spends $7,687 per pupil, slightly exceeding the Colorado state average of $7,447. While the 75% graduation rate is lower than the national benchmark, the 47.1 composite school score reflects the challenges of very small rural cohorts.

The Eads and Plainview Districts

Kiowa County District No. Re-1 is the larger of the two, educating 211 students across 3 schools in Eads. The remaining 43 students attend school in the Kiowa County District No. Re-2, with no charter options available.

Incredibly Small and Personalized

Learning here is defined by micro-enrollments, with an average school size of only 51 students. Eads Elementary is the largest with 119 students, while Plainview Junior-Senior High School has a remarkably small enrollment of just 11 students.

Discover Rural Serenity and Small Classes

If you value a setting where every teacher knows every student, Kiowa County offers a rare level of intimacy. Look for homes in Eads or the surrounding plains to enjoy a quiet, community-focused educational environment.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Kiowa County

via RiskByCounty

Kiowa County ranks among America's safest

With a composite risk score of just 3.79, Kiowa County is among the nation's lowest-risk counties for natural disasters. Its "Very Low" rating reflects minimal hazard exposure across the board.

Colorado's second-safest county

Kiowa's 3.79 score ranks it just behind Hinsdale County (1.02) and well below Colorado's state average of 40.67. This eastern plains county enjoys exceptional protection from most hazard types.

Dramatically safer than western counties

Kiowa's 3.79 score vastly undercuts the mountain and foothill counties to its west, including Jackson County (11.77) and Huerfano County (24.24). Its flat, dry terrain provides natural hazard protection.

Wildfire and tornado pose modest risks

Wildfire risk (51.24) and tornado risk (15.27) are Kiowa's primary hazards, though both remain far below state and national averages. Flood and earthquake risks are exceptionally minimal.

Standard coverage provides ample protection

Kiowa County's exceptional safety profile means basic homeowner insurance typically meets your needs for natural disaster protection. Verify wildfire coverage exists, though risk remains low compared to other Colorado counties.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Kiowa County

via WeatherByCounty

Kiowa matches the continental U.S. average

Kiowa County's 52.3°F annual temperature sits 9.4 degrees below the U.S. median of 61.7°F, though notably warmer than Colorado's state average of 46.0°F. With 15.5 inches of annual precipitation and only 20.6 inches of snow, Kiowa operates in a semi-arid plains climate far different from mountain counties.

Among Colorado's warmest counties

At 52.3°F, Kiowa ranks as one of Colorado's warmest counties, running 6.3 degrees above the state average of 46.0°F. This eastern plains location experiences a vastly different climate than the high mountains, with far less snow and more extreme summer heat.

Hottest and driest of all sampled counties

Kiowa (52.3°F) stands warmer than every mountain and foothill county in this sample, with 65 extreme heat days annually compared to zero in Jackson and Hinsdale. Its 20.6 inches of annual snowfall is the lowest in this dataset, reflecting true high plains conditions.

Hot, dry summers dominate; minimal winter snow

July averages 76.8°F with 65 days above 90°F annually, while January dips to just 29.6°F for a 47-degree swing. Kiowa receives only 20.6 inches of snow yearly, allowing most winters to stay relatively snow-free compared to mountain peers.

Design for heat, drought, and dust storms

Kiowa residents need robust air-conditioning systems and yard irrigation planning for 65 annual heat days and semi-arid conditions. Winter preparation is minimal, but spring windstorm and dust storm readiness—including air filtration upgrades—is essential for the plains environment.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Kiowa County

via SoilByCounty

Alkaline Soils of the Plains

Kiowa County features an average pH of 7.58, making it more alkaline than the national median of 6.5. This high pH is common in Colorado's eastern plains and influences nutrient availability.

Balanced Sandy Loam Mix

The soil contains 46.5% sand and 20.0% clay, providing a good balance of drainage and structure. This mix is generally easy to work but requires careful moisture management.

Lean Soils with Good Capacity

Organic matter is 1.33%, falling below the state average of 2.18%. However, the available water capacity of 0.147 in/in is higher than the state average, helping plants survive dry spells.

Semi-Arid Land Potential

The county's soil score of 24.7 is lower than the state average of 31.3. While drainage data is unlisted, the combination of sand and silt suggests moderate permeability for farming.

Sun-Loving Crops for Zone 6a

Hardiness Zone 6a and plentiful sun make Kiowa County ideal for drought-tolerant crops. Sunflowers, wheat, and heat-resistant garden varieties perform best in this environment.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Kiowa County

via LawnByCounty

Colorado's Most Approachable Lawn Climate

Kiowa County boasts a lawn difficulty score of 49.2, making it the easiest place for lawn care in this group and nearly matching the national average. This zone 6a county is significantly more lawn-friendly than the state average of 37.4. However, the high number of heat days requires a specific management style.

High Heat on the Plains

The county experiences 65 days of extreme heat over 90°F, which is more than double the state average. While 15.5 inches of precipitation is low, the 3447 growing degree days mean your lawn will grow vigorously if watered correctly. This climate demands a robust irrigation plan to prevent grass from entering heat-induced dormancy.

Sandy, Alkaline Soil Profiles

The soil here is 46.5% sand with a pH of 7.58, making it more alkaline than the ideal 6.0-7.0 range. Sandy soil drains quickly, so you may need to water more frequently but in shorter bursts to keep the root zone moist. You should consider adding sulfur to lower the pH and improve nutrient availability for your grass.

Currently Clear of Drought

Kiowa County is currently drought-free, a rare status compared to its neighbors which faced 53 weeks of dry conditions. With 0% of the area currently in drought, now is the ideal time to establish new turf or renovate existing lawns. Maintaining this health requires staying ahead of the high evaporation rates caused by the 65 heat days.

Success in the High Plains

Heat-tolerant grasses like Buffalograss or Tall Fescue are excellent choices for the zone 6a environment in Kiowa. The last spring frost is early, occurring on April 30, and the season lasts until October 15. This long window gives you plenty of time to establish a resilient, beautiful lawn.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Kiowa County's county score?
Kiowa County, Colorado has a composite county score of 48.5 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 Kiowa County rank among counties in Colorado?
Kiowa County ranks #37 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 Kiowa County, Colorado?
The median annual property tax in Kiowa County is $862, with an effective tax rate of 0.58%. This earns Kiowa County a tax score of 76.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Kiowa County?
The median household income in Kiowa County, Colorado is $56,389 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Kiowa County earns an income score of 28.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Kiowa County, Colorado a good place to live?
Kiowa County scores 48.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #37 in Colorado. The best way to evaluate Kiowa 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 Kiowa County with other counties side by side.

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🏛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.