60.3
County Score
Property Tax 94.6Disaster Risk 94.4Income & Jobs 93.3

County Report Card

About Lake County, Colorado

Lake County stands well above national average

Lake County's composite score of 60.3 ranks among the stronger performers nationally, substantially outpacing the median U.S. county score of 50.0. This 10-point advantage signals genuine livability strengths across multiple dimensions.

Top tier among Colorado counties

At 60.3, Lake County ranks in the upper third of Colorado, outperforming the state average of 51.2 by nearly 9 points. This places it among the most livable communities in Colorado.

Income, risk resilience, and water lead

Lake County excels with an Income Score of 93.3 ($93,655 median household income), a Risk Score of 94.4 indicating exceptional environmental resilience, and an impressive Water Score of 86.0. Tax efficiency also stands strong at 94.6 with an effective rate of 0.385%.

Housing affordability is the primary concern

With a Cost Score of just 14.6, Lake County faces significant housing affordability challenges, with median home values reaching $401,300 and rent at $1,599/month. This is the county's clearest livability constraint for middle-income residents.

Ideal for affluent families seeking mountain living

Lake County suits well-compensated families and professionals who prioritize stunning natural resilience, strong incomes, and favorable taxes over affordability. The county delivers genuine quality of life for those who can manage housing costs.

Score breakdown

Tax94.6Cost14.6Safety59Health73.5Schools52.1Income93.3Risk94.4Water86Weather50
🏛94.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠14.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼93.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡59
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
73.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓52.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
94.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤50
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱30.7
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

Lake County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Lake County

via TaxByCounty

Lake County's taxes align with national trends

Lake County's effective tax rate of 0.385% sits slightly below the national median of 0.470%, placing it in roughly the 40th percentile. The median property tax of $1,544 remains substantially lower than the national median of $2,690, reflecting the county's more modest property values (median $401,300). Lake County residents enjoy rates closer to the national norm.

Slightly below Colorado average

At 0.385%, Lake County's effective rate nearly matches Colorado's state average of 0.393%, keeping the county in the middle of the state's tax rankings. The median tax of $1,544 falls just below the state median of $1,560, confirming Lake's status as a typical Colorado county for property taxation. Residents here should expect state-average tax burdens.

Moderate taxes in the mountain region

Lake County's 0.385% rate sits between higher-taxed Larimer County (0.500%) to the north and lower-taxed La Plata County (0.264%) to the southwest. The $1,544 median tax bill reflects the county's position as a mountain community with moderate property values. Lake offers neither the state's lowest nor highest tax burden.

What a Lake County homeowner pays

The median Lake County home valued at $401,300 generates an estimated annual property tax of $1,544. With a mortgage, homeowners typically pay around $1,946 when other escrow items are included. Lake County's taxes represent a meaningful but manageable annual household expense.

Appeals work in mountain counties too

Lake County's mountain properties often experience volatile valuations due to seasonal markets and tourist activity, creating appeal opportunities. If your recent tax bill jumped significantly, request a reassessment to verify your home's fair market value. Even modest reductions can yield substantial long-term savings for Lake County homeowners.

Cost of Living in Lake County

via CostByCounty

Lake County: High income, stable affordability

Lake County residents spend 20.5% of household income on rent—just marginally above Colorado's 20.2% state average despite having the highest median income ($93,655) among comparable counties. The county's strong earnings power effectively offsets mountain-region housing premiums.

Upper-middle Colorado affordability tier

Lake County's 20.5% rent-to-income ratio places it solidly within Colorado's acceptable range, aided by the county's exceptionally high median income of $93,655. The strong earning potential enables residents to absorb mountain-community housing costs more comfortably.

Mountain resort pricing, mountain wages

Lake County's median rent of $1,599/month runs $346 above the state average, but the county's $93,655 median income is among Colorado's highest. The pairing of premium rents with premium incomes creates relative affordability despite nominal prices.

Ownership favors buyers over renters

Renters spend $1,599 monthly while owners pay only $1,096—a $503 gap that makes buying substantially cheaper in Lake County's mountain market. At 20.5% of the $93,655 median income, rent is manageable, and ownership becomes an excellent long-term value.

Premium living for premium incomes

Lake County suits remote workers, professionals, and relocators with above-average earnings seeking mountain living without the affordability crisis. If your income matches or exceeds the $93,655 median, Lake County's Leadville region delivers mountain access at rational housing burden.

Income & Jobs in Lake County

via IncomeByCounty

Lake County income ranks among nation's best

Lake County's median household income of $93,655 significantly outpaces the national median of $74,755, a difference of nearly $19,000. This places Lake County in the top quartile of U.S. counties.

Third-highest income in Colorado

At $93,655, Lake County ranks near the top of Colorado's 64 counties, earning 25% above the state average of $74,792. The county's mining and outdoor recreation economies support strong household earnings.

Competitive with premium mountain counties

Lake County's $93,655 median rivals Larimer County ($91,364) and ranks among Colorado's most affluent communities. Its mountain location and limited supply contribute to high property values and household wealth.

Housing costs stretching higher incomes

Despite strong incomes, Lake County renters spend 20.5% of earnings on rent, creeping past comfort levels. A median home value of $401,300 requires significant income to afford comfortably, making homeownership aspirational for many.

Maximize wealth in mountain county

Lake County residents earn well above national averages and should aggressively fund retirement accounts, investment portfolios, and tax-advantaged savings vehicles. With strong incomes, wealth-building strategies focused on real estate equity and diversification can compound long-term gains.

Safety in Lake County

via CrimeByCounty

Exceptional Safety in the High Country

Lake County boasts a high safety score of 98.5, indicating a very secure environment. Its total crime rate of 945.6 per 100K is significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

A Leader in Colorado Safety

The county ranks as one of the safer regions in the state. Its total crime rate is nearly half the Colorado average of 1,834.6 per 100K.

Safer than Regional Neighbors

Lake County is safer than neighboring Mesa and Larimer counties. It matches the high-safety profile seen in other rural mountain and plains communities across the state.

Analyzing Local Crime Trends

Property crime is exceptionally low at 688.9 per 100K. While the violent crime rate of 256.7 is slightly above the state average, the overall risk remains minimal.

Securing Your Mountain Home

Low property crime rates reflect a tight-knit community, but modern tools like doorbell cameras add an extra layer of defense. Ensure all outbuildings are locked to maintain your security.

Health in Lake County

via HealthByCounty

Lake County leads the nation in longevity

At 81.3 years, Lake County residents enjoy the highest life expectancy we track, nearly 2.4 years above the U.S. average. The county's 11.8% poor/fair health rate reflects a remarkably healthy population with strong health resilience.

Colorado's healthiest county by longevity

Lake County's 81.3-year life expectancy ranks first among Colorado's 64 counties, surpassing the state average by 3.1 years. This exceptional longevity places Lake County among America's healthiest small communities.

Clear health advantage in mountain region

Lake County's 81.3-year life expectancy outpaces Summit, Eagle, and Pitkin counties, establishing it as the mountain region's health leader. No adjacent county comes close to Lake's combination of longevity and low poor/fair health rates.

Access challenges despite excellent health outcomes

Lake County's exceptional longevity masks concerning access gaps: 13.1% of residents lack health insurance, and just 41 primary care providers per 100,000 serve the population. Mental health services are similarly limited at 122 providers per 100,000.

Sustain Lake County's health momentum

Even in Colorado's healthiest county, having insurance matters for preventive care and unexpected health needs. Visit connect.colorado.gov to review coverage options and ensure your family isn't among the 13.1% without protection.

Schools in Lake County

via SchoolsByCounty

Consolidated Mountain Education

Lake County operates a focused educational system with four public schools managed by a single school district. This small network serves 979 students through two elementary schools and two high schools.

Exceptional Graduation Outcomes

Lake County boasts a 92.0% graduation rate, significantly outperforming both the state average of 83.1% and the national benchmark of 87%. The county invests $6,949 per pupil, contributing to a solid composite school score of 54.5.

One District, One Mission

The Lake County School District No. R-1 oversees all 979 students in the county, ensuring unified administrative goals. There are currently no charter schools in the county, with all students attending traditional public or alternative high school programs.

Tight-Knit Town Schools

All four schools are located in town settings, fostering a close-knit community feel where the average school size is 245 students. Lake County High School is the largest campus with 414 students, while Cloud City High School offers an intimate setting of just 35 students.

High-Altitude Educational Success

Home buyers looking for top-tier graduation rates and a unified community should consider the Leadville area. The local school district provides a stable, small-town environment that consistently sees results.

Disaster Risk in Lake County

via RiskByCounty

Lake County ranks among America's safest

With a composite risk score of just 5.66 and a Very Low rating, Lake County sits in the safest tier of U.S. counties for natural disaster risk. This exceptional safety profile reflects both geographic isolation and relative protection from major hazard zones.

Colorado's second-lowest risk county

Lake County's 5.66 score is dramatically lower than Colorado's 40.67 state average, making it one of the two safest counties in the entire state. This means residents enjoy substantially lower exposure to the full range of natural disasters compared to typical Coloradans.

Far safer than surrounding mountain areas

Lake County (5.66) faces a fraction of the risk in La Plata (75.16) and Larimer (90.14) counties, and substantially less than Logan (58.75) to the northeast. Its alpine location and relative isolation create a uniquely protected position within Colorado's disaster landscape.

Earthquake the main concern, wildfire secondary

Earthquake risk at 29.36 represents Lake County's highest single hazard, though still below state and national norms in absolute terms. Wildfire risk scores 23.41—low overall—but can spread rapidly in the county's forested alpine terrain during dry periods.

Standard coverage adequate for most homeowners

Lake County's low-risk profile means standard homeowner policies generally provide sufficient protection for most residents. However, consider earthquake coverage as a cost-effective addition given the Rocky Mountain setting, and maintain adequate roof maintenance to guard against the limited wildfire exposure.

Weather & Climate in Lake County

via WeatherByCounty

Lake County is among America's coldest

At 34.9°F annually, Lake County runs 15.6 degrees colder than the U.S. median of 50.5°F, placing it firmly in the alpine/high-elevation climate zone. The county receives 16.4 inches of precipitation annually—slightly above the national median—but transforms much of that moisture into snow rather than rain.

Colorado's coldest county by far

Lake County's 34.9°F average is 11.1 degrees below Colorado's state average of 46.0°F, making it the coldest county in the state. This reflects its high elevation and mountain terrain, which dominate the county's geography.

Dramatically colder than mountain neighbors

Lake County averages 34.9°F compared to neighboring Mineral County's 38.0°F and Larimer County's 44.8°F—a significant difference driven by elevation and exposure. Its 225.8 inches of annual snowfall far exceeds neighboring counties, creating a distinct alpine climate zone.

Nearly 14 feet of snow, zero heat days

Lake County experiences virtually no summer heat, with July averaging just 55.8°F and zero days reaching 90°F annually. Winter is harsh: January averages 17.2°F, and the county receives 225.8 inches of snow per year—the heaviest accumulation in the state.

Prepare for mountain extremes year-round

Residents need heavy-duty snow removal equipment and ice management systems; 225.8 inches annually demands serious infrastructure. Summer outdoor planning revolves around cool mountain conditions and winter preparation begins early—most of the year requires cold-weather gear and equipment.

Soil Quality in Lake County

via SoilByCounty

High-Altitude Soil Profiles

Lake County's alpine soils lack specific pH data in the current registry. These high-elevation profiles are distinct from the state's average pH of 7.29 due to colder temperatures and unique mountain minerals.

Thin and Rocky Textures

Data for sand, silt, and clay percentages is currently unavailable for this mountainous region. The terrain often features thin soil layers over bedrock, presenting a different set of challenges than the deep soils of the plains.

Challenges for High-Country Growth

Specific organic matter and water capacity figures are missing from the record. Gardeners typically need to supplement the local soil to reach the productivity levels associated with the state's 2.18% organic matter average.

Rapid Alpine Drainage

While dominant hydrologic groups are not listed, the steep terrain generally ensures rapid drainage. Managing water retention is a primary concern for anyone building or planting in these high-altitude environments.

Success in Zone 5a

In USDA Hardiness Zone 5a, Lake County is best suited for cold-hardy crops with short growing cycles. Focus your garden on resilient greens like kale and spinach that can handle the crisp mountain air.

Lawn Care in Lake County

via LawnByCounty

Extreme Cold Limits Lawn Potential

Lake County's lawn score of 30.7 is significantly lower than the national median of 50.0 due to its extreme elevation. Maintaining a lawn in this Zone 5a environment is a feat of endurance against persistent cold.

Minimal Heat and Slow Growth

Zero extreme heat days and an average annual temperature of 34.9°F create a unique challenge where grass grows very slowly. With only 435 growing degree days, the window for turf recovery and growth is the shortest in the state.

Amendments for Mountain Soil

Comprehensive soil data is currently unavailable for this high-altitude region, but mountain soils often lack organic depth. Homeowners should expect thin soils that benefit greatly from added topsoil and organic compost.

Severe Drought Risks

Severe drought currently grips 98.4% of the county, following a year where drought conditions persisted for 50 weeks. Water conservation is a necessity here to protect limited local resources and maintain existing vegetation.

Hardy Species for Zone 5a

Stick to ultra-hardy species like Blue Grama or mountain mixes designed for Zone 5a. Because frost dates are unpredictable at this altitude, wait for the peak of summer to ensure successful establishment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lake County's county score?
Lake County, Colorado has a composite county score of 60.3 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 Lake County rank among counties in Colorado?
Lake County ranks #15 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 Lake County, Colorado?
The median annual property tax in Lake County is $1,544, with an effective tax rate of 0.38%. This earns Lake County a tax score of 94.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Lake County?
The median household income in Lake County, Colorado is $93,655 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Lake County earns an income score of 93.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Lake County, Colorado a good place to live?
Lake County scores 60.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #15 in Colorado. The best way to evaluate Lake 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 Lake County with other counties side by side.