countyscore
51.7
County Score
Property Tax 84.2Disaster Risk 67.5Health 54

County Report Card

About Kit Carson County, Colorado

Kit Carson ranks slightly above national average

With a composite score of 51.7, Kit Carson County outperforms the national median of 50.0, placing it in the upper half of U.S. counties. This modest advantage reflects a county with some solid fundamentals, though gains are concentrated in specific areas rather than spread broadly across livability measures.

Performing in line with Colorado average

Kit Carson's 51.7 score nearly matches Colorado's statewide average of 51.2, ranking it solidly in the middle of the state's county tier. While not a standout performer, the county holds its own against other Colorado communities.

Tax efficiency and environmental resilience lead

Kit Carson excels with a Tax Score of 84.2 and an effective tax rate of just 0.515%, offering residents a lighter fiscal burden than most counties. The county also scores 67.5 on Risk, suggesting moderate resilience to environmental challenges and natural hazards.

Schools and water access need attention

School Score of 34.4 and Water Score of 33.1 are Kit Carson's weakest dimensions, signaling limited educational infrastructure and water security concerns. These gaps could affect families prioritizing school quality or those concerned about long-term water availability.

Best for tax-conscious rural families

Kit Carson suits families seeking affordable, low-tax rural living with stable mid-range incomes ($59,810 median). Prospective residents should weigh strong tax advantages against modest school resources and water limitations.

Score breakdown

Tax84.2Cost43Safety52.6Health54Schools34.4Income38.5Risk67.5Water33.1Weather37.3
🏛84.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠43
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼38.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡52.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤54
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓34.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡67.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧33.1
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤37.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨36.2
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱51.6
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

Cheyenne County
Colorado
66.3
Sherman County
Kansas
35.4
Wallace County
Kansas
64.8
Cheyenne County
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Yuma County
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Washington County
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Lincoln County
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Kiowa County
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Deep Dives

Kit Carson County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Kit Carson County

via TaxByCounty

Kit Carson taxes run higher than most

With an effective tax rate of 0.515%, Kit Carson County residents pay significantly more than the national median of 0.470%, placing the county in roughly the 65th percentile nationally. The median property tax here is $1,141, well below the national median of $2,690, reflecting lower home values in the region. This combination means Kit Carson homeowners shoulder above-average tax burdens relative to property values.

Above Colorado's typical tax rate

Kit Carson's effective rate of 0.515% exceeds Colorado's state average of 0.393%, ranking the county among the higher-taxed in the state. The median tax bill of $1,141 falls below the state median of $1,560, again due to lower property valuations. This positions Kit Carson as a moderate-tax county in Colorado's landscape.

More expensive than eastern plains peers

Kit Carson's 0.515% rate is higher than neighbor Logan County (0.470%) and Las Animas County (0.244%), though more typical than Lincoln County (0.382%). The $1,141 median tax bill represents the middle ground among these rural counties. Kit Carson residents should expect to pay more per $100,000 of assessed value than most surrounding counties.

What a Kit Carson homeowner pays

The median Kit Carson home valued at $221,400 generates an estimated annual property tax of $1,141. Homeowners with mortgages typically see this figure rise to $1,329 due to escrow requirements, while those without mortgages pay around $721. These annual costs make property tax a meaningful expense for typical Kit Carson households.

You may be overassessed

Across Colorado, many homeowners discover their properties are assessed above market value, creating opportunities for tax appeals. If your home was recently reappraised, requesting a reassessment review could reduce your annual tax bill. Kit Carson County residents should check their assessments regularly—even a modest reduction can yield hundreds in annual savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Kit Carson County

via CostByCounty

Kit Carson: Better than national baseline

Kit Carson County residents spend 18.4% of household income on rent, beating the national average and Colorado's 20.2% state average. With a median household income of $59,810—below the U.S. median of $74,755—the county still manages strong housing affordability compared to most of America.

A most affordable Colorado county

Kit Carson ranks among Colorado's most affordable counties for renters, with housing costs consuming a smaller share of income than the state typical. At 18.4%, the rent-to-income ratio positions the county well relative to peers struggling with 20%+ burdens statewide.

Southeast Plains affordability advantage

Kit Carson's median rent of $916/month runs $337 below the state average of $1,253, matching the affordable profile of neighboring rural counties. The median home value of $221,400 reflects the lower-cost character of Colorado's eastern plains region.

Rent and ownership both accessible here

Renters pay $916 monthly while owners pay $852—a rare reversal showing that buying is slightly cheaper than renting in Kit Carson. With median income at $59,810, both housing options consume under 18% of household earnings, leaving room for other necessities.

Affordable plains living awaits

If Colorado's mountain-county rents feel out of reach, Kit Carson offers a genuine alternative with sub-$1,000 monthly rent and solid homeownership paths. The county's affordability advantage over state and national averages makes it worth considering for budget-conscious relocators.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Kit Carson County

via IncomeByCounty

Kit Carson trails national income average

Kit Carson County's median household income of $59,810 falls below the national median of $74,755, a gap of about $15,000. This places the county in the lower-income tier nationally, though many rural agricultural communities face similar challenges.

Among Colorado's lower-income counties

At $59,810, Kit Carson County earns 20% less than Colorado's state average of $74,792. The county ranks below the middle of Colorado's 64 counties, reflecting its rural, agricultural economy.

Stronger than Las Animas and Lincoln

Kit Carson's median income of $59,810 beats Las Animas ($50,408) and Lincoln ($54,257) counties, but trails Mesa County ($71,485) to the west. Its rural peer counties show similar income patterns across Colorado's plains and mountain regions.

Housing costs manageable for renters

Renters in Kit Carson spend just 18.4% of income on rent, well below the 30% affordability threshold and among the best ratios in the state. However, a median home value of $221,400 requires substantial savings for homeownership on local wages.

Building wealth in Kit Carson

With favorable rental costs and reasonable home prices, Kit Carson residents should prioritize emergency savings and retirement accounts to close the income gap with wealthier counties. Consider consulting a financial advisor about wealth-building strategies tailored to agricultural and rural economies.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Kit Carson County

via CrimeByCounty

A National Leader in Public Safety

Kit Carson County earns an exceptional safety score of 98.3, far outpacing the national average. Its total crime rate of 1,065.5 per 100K is less than half of the 2,385.5 reported nationwide.

Outperforming Colorado Safety Standards

This county ranks significantly higher for safety than the typical Colorado community. Its total crime rate sits comfortably below the state average of 1,834.6 per 100K.

Comparing Rural Security Levels

Kit Carson maintains much lower crime levels than urban centers like Larimer County. It shares a high-safety profile with rural neighbors like Lincoln County.

Low Rates Across Crime Categories

Property crime drives most local incidents at 980.3 per 100K, yet this remains far below national levels. Violent crime is remarkably rare, occurring at a rate of only 85.2 per 100K.

Maintaining a Secure Household

High safety scores provide peace of mind, but basic precautions remain a smart investment. Monitoring entry points and installing smart locks can further protect your property.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Kit Carson County

via HealthByCounty

Kit Carson's life expectancy lags nationally

At 75.6 years, Kit Carson County residents live nearly 5 years less than the U.S. average of 78.9 years. The county's 15.2% poor/fair health rate exceeds the national average, signaling persistent health challenges across the population.

Below Colorado's health benchmark

Kit Carson's 75.6-year life expectancy falls 2.6 years below Colorado's state average of 78.2 years. The county ranks in the lower half of Colorado's 64 counties for overall life expectancy.

Struggling compared to adjacent counties

Kit Carson faces steeper health challenges than neighbors like Lincoln County (77.5 years) and Mesa County (76.7 years). Only Las Animas and Logan counties match Kit Carson's concerning 75.6-year baseline.

Healthcare access and coverage gaps

With 12.9% of residents uninsured—above Colorado's 9.7% average—many Kit Carson residents struggle to access regular care. Just 43 primary care providers per 100,000 residents create additional barriers to preventive health services.

Find affordable coverage for your family

Colorado's health insurance marketplace offers options for uninsured Kit Carson residents, with subsidies available based on income. Visit connect.colorado.gov to explore plans or call 1-855-PLANS-CO to speak with an enrollment specialist today.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Kit Carson County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Diverse Rural Education Network

Kit Carson County supports 1,392 students across 9 public schools and five different school districts. This variety includes traditional elementary, middle, and high schools, alongside three 'other' grade-configuration facilities.

Solid Graduation Rates and Scores

The county achieves an 86.8% graduation rate, outperforming the Colorado state average of 83.1%. These results are maintained with a $6,967 per-pupil spend and a composite school score of 51.8, which is higher than the state median.

Burlington Leads the County

Burlington Public School District No. RE-6J is the largest provider, serving 762 students across 3 schools. No charter schools operate in the county, with all five districts focusing on traditional public education.

Town Centers and Broad Horizons

Schools are a mix of rural and town settings, with an average enrollment of 155 students. Burlington Elementary is the largest campus with 326 students, while the Hi-Plains School serves 129 students in a PK-12 setting.

Root Your Family in Kit Carson

With graduation rates that beat the state average, Kit Carson County is an excellent choice for a stable upbringing. Explore homes in Burlington and beyond to find a community that prioritizes steady academic performance.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Kit Carson County

via RiskByCounty

Kit Carson's risk sits well below U.S. average

With a composite risk score of 32.47 and a Very Low rating, Kit Carson County faces substantially less disaster risk than the typical American county. This score reflects a community where most hazards remain manageable through standard preparedness, though specific risks deserve attention.

Among Colorado's safest counties overall

Kit Carson's 32.47 score ranks it well below Colorado's state average of 40.67, placing it in the lower half of the state's disaster risk profile. This relative safety doesn't mean complacency—certain hazards still pose real threats to residents and property.

Safer than high-plains neighbors

Kit Carson (32.47) faces lower composite risk than Logan County (58.75) to its north, though both are less exposed than Larimer County (90.14) further northeast. Among immediate peers on the eastern plains, Kit Carson enjoys below-average hazard exposure across most categories.

Tornadoes and wildfire dominate local threats

Tornado risk scores 57.51 here—well above the county's composite average and a genuine concern during spring and early summer. Wildfire risk at 42.43 reflects the semi-arid landscape; while not extreme, dry conditions can accelerate fire spread rapidly across grasslands.

Secure coverage for wind and fire damage

Homeowners should prioritize comprehensive property insurance that explicitly covers tornado and windstorm damage, as these risks significantly exceed other hazards in Kit Carson. Don't assume standard policies cover wildfire; contact your agent about additional coverage for grass and structure fires.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Kit Carson County

via WeatherByCounty

Kit Carson sits 10° below U.S. average

Kit Carson County's 51.1°F annual temperature runs 10.6 degrees below the U.S. median of 61.7°F, yet significantly warmer than Colorado's state average of 46.0°F. Its 17.7 inches of annual precipitation exceed the national average, making it slightly wetter than typical high plains.

Among Colorado's warmest counties

At 51.1°F, Kit Carson ranks among Colorado's warmest counties, running 5.1 degrees above the state average of 46.0°F. Only the far eastern plains counties approach Kit Carson's warm, semi-arid climate profile.

Slightly cooler than Kiowa, much warmer than mountains

Kit Carson (51.1°F) sits just cooler than neighboring Kiowa County (52.3°F) but dramatically warmer than all mountain counties in this sample. At 48 extreme heat days annually, Kit Carson experiences nearly as much summer heat as Kiowa but receives more winter precipitation (30.4 inches vs. 20.6 inches).

Hot summers, mild winters, moderate snow

July averages 74.9°F with 48 days above 90°F annually, while January sits at 30.3°F for a 44-degree swing. Kit Carson receives 30.4 inches of snow yearly—more than Kiowa but far less than mountain counties—allowing winters to remain relatively manageable.

Invest in cooling and moderate winter readiness

Kit Carson residents should install reliable air-conditioning for 48 annual heat days and plan irrigation for semi-arid growing conditions. Winter preparation focuses on basic snow removal and wind management rather than extreme cold survival, with spring and fall offering prime outdoor seasons.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Kit Carson County

via SoilByCounty

Alkaline Soils on the High Plains

Kit Carson County features an average pH of 7.25, which is more alkaline than the national median of 6.5. While taxonomic data is limited, the county's overall soil score of 36.2 is significantly higher than the Colorado average of 31.3.

A Workable Sandy Mix

The soil consists of 43.7% sand, 37.3% silt, and 18.6% clay. This composition offers a balanced texture that is easy to work and provides sufficient drainage for large-scale agricultural operations.

High Water Capacity for Dryland Farming

Organic matter sits at 1.62%, which is below the state average of 2.18%. However, the available water capacity of 0.151 in/in exceeds the state average of 0.139, providing a critical buffer for crops during dry spells.

Reliable Natural Drainage

Specific drainage classes are not currently recorded for this county in the federal dataset. However, the high sand and silt content typically indicates a landscape that manages water movement effectively across the plains.

Thriving in Hardiness Zone 6a

In USDA Hardiness Zone 6a, this soil supports robust harvests of wheat, corn, and sunflowers. Start your own garden today by taking advantage of these deep, water-retaining soils.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Kit Carson County

via LawnByCounty

A High Plains Leader in Lawn Ease

Kit Carson County outperforms the state average with a lawn difficulty score of 51.6, making it slightly easier than the national median of 50.0. This Zone 6a county offers more favorable conditions than many Colorado neighbors despite the semi-arid environment.

Managing Rapid Moisture Loss

Annual precipitation reaches 17.7 inches, which is above the state average but well below the 30-50 inches lawns prefer. With 48 extreme heat days per year, your mowing schedule must account for rapid moisture loss during the peak of summer.

Navigating Sandy, Alkaline Soils

The local soil pH of 7.25 is slightly alkaline compared to the ideal 6.0-7.0 range. A composition of 43.7% sand suggests fast drainage, meaning you may need to supplement with organic matter to retain vital nutrients.

Resilient Conditions for Healthy Turf

The county faced only 9 weeks in drought over the past year, and currently, 0.0% of the area is in severe drought. To maintain this resilience, focus on deep, infrequent watering to encourage deep root growth in your turf.

Reliable Grasses for Zone 6a

Kentucky Bluegrass and Tall Fescue are reliable choices for the local 3,090 growing degree days. Plan your seeding around the May 5th last frost to give your new lawn the best start in this climate.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Kit Carson County's county score?
Kit Carson County, Colorado has a composite county score of 51.7 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 Kit Carson County rank among counties in Colorado?
Kit Carson County ranks #32 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 Kit Carson County, Colorado?
The median annual property tax in Kit Carson County is $1,141, with an effective tax rate of 0.52%. This earns Kit Carson County a tax score of 84.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Kit Carson County?
The median household income in Kit Carson County, Colorado is $59,810 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Kit Carson County earns an income score of 38.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Kit Carson County, Colorado a good place to live?
Kit Carson County scores 51.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #32 in Colorado. The best way to evaluate Kit Carson 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 Kit Carson 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.