Mesa County

Colorado · CO

#48 in Colorado
68.4
County Score

County Report Card

About Mesa County, Colorado

Mesa County Performs Well Nationally

Mesa County's composite score of 72.4 substantially outperforms the national median of 50.0, placing it among the more livable U.S. counties. The county demonstrates above-average overall livability on measured dimensions.

Slightly Above Colorado Average

Mesa scores 72.4 versus Colorado's state average of 71.8, putting it modestly above the state baseline. The county ranks in the upper-middle tier of Colorado's 64 counties on livability.

Strong Tax Benefits and Reasonable Housing

Mesa's tax score of 91.3 reflects a low effective rate of 0.388%, paired with a cost score of 68.9 and median home values of $349,400. These factors combine to offer balanced economic appeal for working families.

Income Growth Potential Moderate at Best

Mesa's income score of 30.0 with median household income of $71,485 represents moderate earning potential relative to higher-performing counties. Critical data on safety, health, schools, water, and risk remain unavailable.

Good Fit for Middle-Class Stability Seekers

Mesa County suits working families and young professionals seeking balanced livability with reasonable taxes, moderate housing costs, and stable middle-class earning potential. It appeals to those prioritizing overall balance over extreme affordability or income growth.

Score breakdown

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

Tax91.3Cost68.9SafetyComing SoonHealth72.1SchoolsComing SoonIncome30Risk24.9WaterComing Soon
🏛91.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠68.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼30
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
72.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
24.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Deep Dives

Mesa County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Mesa County

via TaxByCounty

Mesa County taxes nearly match national median

Mesa County's effective tax rate of 0.388% sits just below the national median of 0.470%, placing it in roughly the 40th percentile nationally. The median property tax of $1,357 falls below the national median of $2,690, reflecting Mesa's moderate home values ($349,400 median). Mesa residents enjoy near-national-average tax structures.

Nearly identical to Colorado average

Mesa's 0.388% effective rate essentially matches Colorado's state average of 0.393%, confirming the county's position as typically taxed in the state. The median tax of $1,357 falls below the state median of $1,560, reflecting Mesa's slightly lower property values. Mesa represents quintessential Colorado tax positioning.

Competitive rates in western Colorado

Mesa's 0.388% rate sits between La Plata County (0.264%) and Larimer County (0.500%), offering middle-ground taxation in the western region. The $1,357 median tax falls comfortably in the region's middle range. Mesa provides balanced tax efficiency for western Colorado homeowners.

What a Mesa County homeowner pays

The median Mesa County home valued at $349,400 generates an estimated annual property tax of $1,357. With a mortgage, homeowners typically pay approximately $1,389, while those owning outright pay around $1,289. Mesa's taxes represent a reasonable annual cost for properties in this value range.

Growing areas warrant assessment reviews

Mesa County's growth as a regional center means property values shift frequently, sometimes outpacing assessment updates. If your home's recent market value appears lower than your assessed value, file an appeal. Correcting overassessments can yield meaningful savings on Mesa's already-moderate tax bills.

Cost of Living in Mesa County

via CostByCounty

Mesa County balances cost and income well

Mesa County residents spend 19.4% of household income on rent, comfortably below Colorado's 20.2% state average and matching national affordability norms. With median income of $71,485—close to the national median of $74,755—the county delivers balanced housing accessibility.

Upper-half affordability in Colorado

Mesa's 19.4% rent-to-income ratio places it solidly in Colorado's more affordable counties, aided by Grand Junction's position outside the Denver-Boulder premium zone. The county offers moderate housing burden relative to statewide peers.

Western slope value advantage

Mesa's median rent of $1,154/month runs $99 below Colorado's state average, reflecting Grand Junction's status as an affordable gateway to Colorado's western region. The median home value of $349,400 positions Mesa as accessible for entry-level buyers seeking western Colorado living.

Ownership slightly premium to renting

Owners pay $1,214 monthly while renters pay $1,154—a modest $60 gap showing that buying costs marginally more in Mesa County's balanced market. At 19.4% of the $71,485 median income, housing consumption remains well within comfort ranges for both paths.

Western Colorado's affordable hub

Mesa County and Grand Junction suit relocators seeking mountain access, outdoor recreation, and genuine affordability without front-range premiums. With income near national average and rent below state norm, Mesa delivers uncommon balance for anyone weighing Colorado relocation.

Income & Jobs in Mesa County

via IncomeByCounty

Mesa County approaches national income average

Mesa County's median household income of $71,485 falls just under the national median of $74,755, a narrow gap of about $3,300. The county's diverse economy anchored by Grand Junction supports middle-class household earnings.

Slightly below Colorado's state average

At $71,485, Mesa County earns 5% less than Colorado's state average of $74,792, placing it just below the middle tier. The county's energy, agriculture, and tourism sectors create a balanced local economy.

Mid-range among Colorado counties

Mesa's $71,485 median income falls between lower-income rural counties like Logan ($55,074) and higher-income communities like La Plata ($85,296). Grand Junction's urban presence gives Mesa County an economic advantage over purely rural peers.

Housing costs affordable for renters

At 19.4%, Mesa County renters spend a reasonable share of income on housing, comfortably below the 30% affordability threshold. A median home value of $349,400 requires effort but remains within reach for dual-income households with modest down payments.

Building wealth in Mesa County

With near-national-average incomes and affordable rental costs, Mesa County residents should maximize retirement contributions and explore home equity strategies. A financial advisor can help residents develop investment plans suited to the region's energy and tourism-driven economy.

Health in Mesa County

via HealthByCounty

Mesa County's health moderately below average

At 76.7 years, Mesa County residents live 2.2 years below the U.S. average of 78.9 years. The county's 15.7% poor/fair health rate exceeds national benchmarks, signaling room for health improvement.

Below Colorado's health standard

Mesa County's 76.7-year life expectancy trails Colorado's state average of 78.2 years by 1.5 years. The county ranks in Colorado's lower half for overall population health outcomes.

Health challenges in western corridor

Mesa County's 76.7-year life expectancy falls below neighboring Montrose (77.9), Delta (78.1), and Garfield (77.5) counties. Only La Plata's exceptional performance (80.3) stands apart in the western region.

Improving provider access, insurance challenges

Mesa County's 117 primary care providers and 397 mental health providers per 100,000 offer decent access relative to rural counties. However, 9.9% uninsured—slightly above Colorado's 9.7%—means nearly 1 in 10 residents lack essential coverage.

Expanding coverage across Mesa County

Mesa County's strong healthcare infrastructure works best when everyone can access it affordably. If you're among the 9.9% uninsured, visit connect.colorado.gov to explore plans, or call 1-855-PLANS-CO for personalized enrollment help.

Disaster Risk in Mesa County

via RiskByCounty

Mesa County faces significant multi-hazard risk

With a composite risk score of 75.13 and a Relatively Low rating, Mesa County experiences disaster exposure well above the U.S. average. This elevated risk reflects exposure to multiple simultaneous hazards, particularly flooding, wildfire, and earthquakes.

Among Colorado's highest-risk counties

Mesa County's 75.13 score nearly doubles Colorado's 40.67 state average, placing it in the upper tier of statewide risk. Only a handful of Colorado counties face comparable disaster exposure, making Mesa a high-risk community by state standards.

Far riskier than surrounding mountain counties

Mesa (75.13) faces nearly triple the risk of Lake County (5.66) to the southeast and substantially more than Lincoln (7.47) to the south. Among western Colorado's main population centers, Mesa carries the highest composite disaster burden alongside La Plata.

Earthquakes, floods, and wildfires all significant

Earthquake risk scores 84.70—exceptionally high for Colorado—reflecting the county's proximity to the Rocky Mountain fault system and Moab seismic zone. Flood risk at 81.90 reflects both Colorado River dynamics and storm runoff; wildfire at 89.95 reflects semi-arid forests and grasslands.

Comprehensive insurance essential for Mesa residents

Homeowners must carry earthquake coverage—Mesa's seismic risk is the highest in Colorado—along with comprehensive flood and wildfire protection. Bundle these coverages strategically, secure your home against seismic damage, and maintain evacuation plans for multiple hazard types; Mesa's multi-hazard exposure demands active preparedness.

ByCounty Network

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