45.4
County Score
Property Tax 99.2Income & Jobs 88.7Health 78.3

County Report Card

About La Plata County, Colorado

La Plata lags national livability median

La Plata County's composite score of 45.4 falls below the national median of 50.0, placing it in the lower half of U.S. counties on overall livability. This below-average ranking masks a profile with striking contrasts—exceptional in some areas, constrained in others.

Below Colorado average despite income strength

At 45.4, La Plata scores notably below Colorado's 51.2 state average, ranking in the lower third of the state's counties. The gap reflects specific structural challenges that outweigh the county's above-average income profile.

World-class taxes and incomes shine

La Plata boasts a stunning Tax Score of 99.2 with an effective rate of just 0.264%—among the lowest in the nation—and an Income Score of 88.7 backed by median household income of $85,296. Health outcomes also impress at 78.3, indicating good wellness infrastructure.

Housing costs and schools severely constrain

La Plata's Cost Score of 9.4 reflects median home values of $549,100 and rent at $1,409/month—far above affordability thresholds. The School Score of just 6.2 is among the lowest statewide, a critical concern for families with children.

For high-income retirees or remote professionals

La Plata attracts affluent professionals and retirees who can navigate steep housing costs and benefit from minimal taxes and strong healthcare. Families with school-age children or those reliant on local jobs should look elsewhere.

Score breakdown

Tax99.2Cost9.4Safety40.6Health78.3Schools6.2Income88.7Risk24.8Water34Weather47.8
🏛99.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠9.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼88.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡40.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
78.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓6.2
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
24.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧34
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤47.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱32.6
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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Deep Dives

La Plata County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in La Plata County

via TaxByCounty

La Plata keeps taxes remarkably low

At just 0.264% effective tax rate, La Plata County ranks in roughly the 15th percentile nationally—among America's lowest-taxed regions. While the median property tax of $1,452 appears modest compared to the national median of $2,690, this reflects La Plata's higher home values (median $549,100). The county achieves exceptional tax efficiency for residents with valuable properties.

Colorado's most tax-friendly county

La Plata's 0.264% effective rate is less than two-thirds of Colorado's state average of 0.393%, making it one of the state's most attractive counties for tax-conscious residents. The median tax of $1,452 sits slightly below the state median of $1,560, despite having significantly higher property values. La Plata offers exceptional value for homeowners in the Mountain West.

Significantly lower than surrounding counties

La Plata's 0.264% rate dramatically undercuts nearby Lake County (0.385%), Larimer County (0.500%), and Kit Carson County (0.515%). Even Las Animas County, the state's other low-tax leader at 0.244%, sits barely below La Plata. For high-value properties, La Plata delivers the region's best tax outcomes.

What a La Plata homeowner pays

The median La Plata home valued at $549,100 generates an estimated annual property tax of just $1,452—remarkably low for a property of this value. With a mortgage, that figure rises slightly to $1,568, while outright owners pay around $1,288. This tax efficiency makes La Plata particularly attractive to affluent buyers seeking tax relief.

Even low-tax counties reward appeals

La Plata's already-favorable rates don't mean assessments are always accurate—overvaluation happens in every market. Homeowners should still verify their assessments, particularly after recent construction or market shifts. An appeal could reduce your tax bill further, protecting your investment in this tax-efficient county.

Cost of Living in La Plata County

via CostByCounty

La Plata matches national affordability norms

La Plata County residents spend 19.8% of income on rent, just below Colorado's 20.2% state average and competitive with the national affordability benchmark. With a median household income of $85,296—significantly above the U.S. median of $74,755—the county delivers solid purchasing power for housing.

Mid-tier affordability in Colorado

La Plata's 19.8% rent-to-income ratio places it in Colorado's more affordable half, despite higher home values reflecting southwestern mountain desirability. The county balances moderate income levels with reasonable housing burden compared to state peers.

Southwest Colorado premium pricing

La Plata's median rent of $1,409/month runs $156 above Colorado's state average, reflecting the region's outdoor recreation appeal and limited housing supply. The median home value of $549,100 positions La Plata among Colorado's pricier counties, though still below the front range surge.

Renters and owners face similar burdens

Renters pay $1,409 monthly while owners spend $1,437—nearly identical costs reflecting a balanced market where purchasing and renting are equally expensive. At 19.8% of the $85,296 median income, housing still leaves substantial room for other household needs.

Quality lifestyle, moderate housing burden

La Plata offers southwestern Colorado living with better affordability than front-range counties and income levels to support it. Relocators seeking mountain access without Denver-level prices will find La Plata competitive compared to nearby resort-driven markets.

Income & Jobs in La Plata County

via IncomeByCounty

La Plata surpasses national income benchmark

La Plata County's median household income of $85,296 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by about $10,500. This solid performance ranks the county above most U.S. communities and reflects a diverse economic base.

Well above Colorado's median income

At $85,296, La Plata County earns 14% more than Colorado's state average of $74,792. The county ranks in the upper-middle tier of Colorado's 64 counties, driven by mining, tourism, and professional services.

Competitive with high-income peers

La Plata's $85,296 median income compares favorably to Larimer ($91,364) and Lake ($93,655) counties, though slightly below them. Among southwest Colorado communities, La Plata leads regional income levels.

Housing costs rising for renters

Renters in La Plata spend 19.8% of income on rent, remaining affordable but creeping toward the 30% caution threshold. A median home value of $549,100 is high relative to local income, requiring dual earners or significant down payments.

Investment opportunities in La Plata

La Plata residents with above-average incomes should leverage their earning power through diversified investments, retirement accounts, and home equity strategies. A financial advisor can help balance homeownership costs with wealth-building goals in this growing mountain economy.

Safety in La Plata County

via CrimeByCounty

Strong Safety Rankings in La Plata

La Plata County earns an impressive 97.9 safety score from national data. Its total crime rate of 1,350.4 per 100K is roughly 43% lower than the national average.

Exceeding the State Safety Benchmark

Residents enjoy a higher level of security than many other Coloradans. The county's safety score exceeds the state average of 97.1, reflecting a proactive local environment.

Regional Comparisons in Southwest Colorado

La Plata shows more activity than rural Lake County but remains safer than Mesa County to the northwest. Six reporting agencies keep a close watch on these southwestern communities.

Property and Violent Crime Breakdown

Property crime accounts for 1,228.9 incidents per 100K residents. Violent crime stays well below the state average, occurring at a rate of 121.5 per 100K.

Simple Steps for Home Security

Maintaining this high standard of safety starts with basic home defense. Motion-sensor lighting and secure windows help keep La Plata a low-crime area for everyone.

Health in La Plata County

via HealthByCounty

La Plata outpaces national health benchmarks

At 80.3 years, La Plata County residents live nearly 1.4 years longer than the U.S. average of 78.9 years. The county's 12.1% poor/fair health rate ranks well below the national average, reflecting strong population health outcomes.

Colorado's health leaders

La Plata's 80.3-year life expectancy ranks among Colorado's top 15 counties, exceeding the state average of 78.2 years by 2.1 years. The county demonstrates how strong healthcare infrastructure supports longer, healthier lives.

Regional health advantage

La Plata outperforms nearby Archuleta and San Juan counties in life expectancy and health outcomes. Only Lake County (81.3 years) surpasses La Plata's exceptional longevity in the southwestern region.

Robust provider network fuels health access

La Plata's 132 primary care providers and 557 mental health providers per 100,000 residents far exceed state and national norms. With just 10.4% uninsured—close to Colorado's 9.7% rate—residents have strong pathways to preventive and mental health care.

Keep your coverage current and complete

La Plata's strong healthcare foundation works best when everyone has insurance. Check your coverage status at connect.colorado.gov or call 1-855-PLANS-CO to ensure your family maintains uninterrupted access to care.

Schools in La Plata County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Four-District Education Network

La Plata County maintains 23 public schools serving a total enrollment of 7,919 students across four distinct districts. The infrastructure includes 11 elementary, 5 middle, and 6 high schools, providing a comprehensive pipeline for local families.

Striving for State Benchmarks

The county reports an 80.5% graduation rate, which trails the national average of 87% and the state average of 83.1%. While the school score sits at 44.1, per-pupil spending of $4,966 remains significantly lower than the Colorado average of $7,447.

Durango Leads Local Districts

Durango School District No. 9-R is the county's largest provider, managing 13 schools and 5,452 students. Charter schools represent 13% of the total school landscape, offering alternative options like the Colorado Connections Academy at Durango.

Town and Rural Classrooms

The county's 23 schools are split between 13 town-based campuses and 10 rural settings. While the average school size is 344 students, Durango High School serves as a major hub with an enrollment of 1,369.

Find Your Home in Durango

Families seeking diverse educational environments from large high schools to small rural charters should explore the Durango and Bayfield areas. School proximity remains a vital factor for home buyers throughout this scenic mountain county.

Disaster Risk in La Plata County

via RiskByCounty

La Plata faces above-average U.S. disaster risk

With a composite risk score of 75.16 and a Relatively Low rating, La Plata County experiences notably more disaster exposure than the typical American county. Two hazards—wildfire and flooding—drive this elevated profile and demand serious attention from residents.

Among Colorado's riskier counties

La Plata's 75.16 score substantially exceeds Colorado's 40.67 state average, placing it in the upper tier of statewide risk. The county faces greater compound hazard exposure than most of its neighbors, with wildfire and flood risk nearly double the state norm.

Significantly higher risk than mountain peers

La Plata (75.16) faces nearly triple the risk of neighboring Lake County (5.66), and substantially more than Las Animas County (23.63) immediately to the east. Among southwestern Colorado's main population centers, La Plata carries the highest composite disaster burden.

Wildfire and flooding threaten La Plata

Wildfire risk scores 97.55—among the highest in the state—reflecting dense forests, steep terrain, and a warm, dry climate that accelerates fire spread. Flood risk at 81.36 reflects heavy monsoon rains and snowmelt in mountainous headwaters that feed into valley communities.

Invest heavily in wildfire and flood insurance

Homeowners in La Plata should carry robust wildfire coverage, including on roofs and defensible space improvements; consider additional living expense riders for evacuation scenarios. Flood insurance is critical—standard homeowner policies exclude water damage, and La Plata's monsoon and snowmelt exposure makes it essential coverage.

Weather & Climate in La Plata County

via WeatherByCounty

La Plata runs 16° cooler than the U.S. average

La Plata County's 45.2°F annual temperature sits 16.5 degrees below the U.S. median of 61.7°F, placing it in the cooler tier of American counties. With 20.1 inches of annual precipitation—above both state (16.0) and national (15.2) averages—La Plata receives generous moisture for its elevation.

Slightly below Colorado's state average

At 45.2°F, La Plata runs 0.8 degrees below Colorado's state average of 46.0°F, ranking it squarely in the middle of the state's 64 counties. This balanced profile reflects its elevation between the high peaks and eastern plains.

Bridging mountain cold and plains warmth

La Plata (45.2°F) sits warmer than the extreme-cold Jackson, Gunnison, and Hinsdale counties but cooler than foothill Jefferson County (47.7°F) and plains counties Kiowa and Kit Carson. At 10 extreme heat days annually, La Plata experiences moderate summer heat—more than alpine zones but far less than the eastern plains.

Moderate winters, cool summers, steady precipitation

January averages 24.0°F and July reaches 67.0°F, creating a 43-degree swing with only 10 days above 90°F annually. La Plata receives 78.3 inches of snow yearly, substantial enough to require winter preparation but less extreme than the highest mountain counties.

Prepare for reliable snowfall and spring runoff

La Plata residents need solid heating systems and snow removal for 78.3 inches annually, plus drainage management for spring snowmelt. Summer recreation dominates May-September with minimal cooling demands, making outdoor planning and maintenance windows predictable and extended.

Soil Quality in La Plata County

via SoilByCounty

Diverse Mountain and Valley Soils

Specific pH data is currently unavailable for La Plata County, which features a complex mix of mountain terrain. Growers should expect local conditions to vary from the statewide average pH of 7.29.

Texture Varies by Elevation

Detailed percentages for sand, silt, and clay are not recorded for this area in the current dataset. The geography suggests a patchwork of rocky mountain soils and alluvial valley floors that require site-specific testing.

Managing Fertility in the San Juans

While specific organic matter figures are not available, successful gardening here often requires amending soil to match the state average of 2.18%. Local water retention depends heavily on your specific location within the county's varied topography.

Adaptable Hydrology and Slopes

Federal records do not specify a dominant drainage class for the county. Builders and farmers must account for natural slopes to manage runoff and ensure proper irrigation in this rugged landscape.

Gardening in Zone 6a

La Plata County sits in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a, offering a generous window for cool-weather vegetables and hardy fruits. Take advantage of the long summer days and start your garden with squash or peppers.

Lawn Care in La Plata County

via LawnByCounty

Challenging High-Altitude Lawn Care

With a score of 32.6, La Plata falls below the state average of 37.4, indicating a difficult environment for traditional turf. This Zone 6a county requires more effort and resources to maintain green spaces than the national median of 50.0.

Short Growing Seasons and Cool Nights

Precipitation averages 20.1 inches, but a short growing season reflected by just 1,754 growing degree days limits recovery time. Only 10 extreme heat days occur annually, reducing the risk of mid-summer scorch compared to the eastern plains.

Prioritize Local Soil Testing

While specific soil data for this county is limited, the region's high elevation often features rocky or varied textures. Residents should prioritize local soil tests to check for nutrient deficiencies before starting a fertilization program.

Persistent Drought Challenges

The entire county remains in at least abnormally dry conditions, having spent all 53 of the last weeks in drought. Conserving water is critical as 5.9% of the area currently faces severe drought conditions.

Selecting Hardy Mountain Grasses

Cool-season grasses like Fine Fescue thrive in the milder summers and Zone 6a winters. Aim for seeding after the late May 31st spring frost to ensure the soil is sufficiently warm for germination.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is La Plata County's county score?
La Plata County, Colorado has a composite county score of 45.4 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 La Plata County rank among counties in Colorado?
La Plata County ranks #41 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 La Plata County, Colorado?
The median annual property tax in La Plata County is $1,452, with an effective tax rate of 0.26%. This earns La Plata County a tax score of 99.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in La Plata County?
The median household income in La Plata County, Colorado is $85,296 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. La Plata County earns an income score of 88.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is La Plata County, Colorado a good place to live?
La Plata County scores 45.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #41 in Colorado. The best way to evaluate La Plata 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 La Plata County with other counties side by side.