38.5
County Score
Property Tax 94.5Income & Jobs 70.2Water Quality 68

County Report Card

About Mesa County, Colorado

Mesa County below national livability median

Mesa County's composite score of 38.5 falls below the national median of 50.0, placing it in the lower half of U.S. counties. This reflects a county with mixed livability strengths undermined by significant safety and educational constraints.

Below Colorado average with structural challenges

At 38.5, Mesa ranks in the lower half of Colorado counties, well below the state average of 51.2. The gap reflects trade-offs common to smaller regional economic centers.

Water access and income provide stability

Mesa County boasts a strong Water Score of 68.0 and reasonable Income Score of 70.2 backed by median household income of $71,485. Tax efficiency also rates well at 94.5 with an effective rate of 0.388%.

Schools and safety significantly constrain livability

Mesa's School Score of just 7.0 is among the lowest statewide, while a Safety Score of 13.2 raises serious concerns about personal security and community stability. Housing costs also burden families, with median homes at $349,400 and rent at $1,154/month.

For water-secure professionals without families

Mesa County suits working professionals or retirees drawn to the Grand Junction area's water security and moderate incomes who prioritize outdoor access over schools. Families with children should explore counties with stronger educational systems.

Score breakdown

Tax94.5Cost17.8Safety13.2Health63.7Schools7Income70.2Risk24.9Water68Weather33.2
🏛94.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠17.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼70.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡13.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
63.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓7
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
24.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧68
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤33.2
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱29.8
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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Compare mortgage rates in Mesa County

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Deep Dives

Mesa County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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.

Safety in Mesa County

via CrimeByCounty

Crime Trends in Mesa County

Mesa County reports a total crime rate of 2,506.9 per 100K, putting it just above the national average. It holds a safety score of 96.0 out of 100.

Comparing Mesa to Colorado Norms

Mesa's total crime rate is significantly higher than the Colorado average of 1,834.6. Five reporting agencies work to manage safety in this busy western hub.

Regional Safety Analysis

Mesa is more active than mountain neighbors like Lake or La Plata. Its crime profile closely mirrors the levels seen in Logan County on the other side of the state.

Breaking Down Local Incidents

Property crime is the main driver of the local rate at 2,171.3 per 100K. Violent crime stands at 335.6 per 100K, which is slightly below the national mark.

Proactive Security for Homeowners

Proactive home defense is key in areas with elevated property crime. Smart cameras and reinforced door frames offer effective layers of security for your household.

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.

Schools in Mesa County

via SchoolsByCounty

West Slope Education Hub

Mesa County manages a large network of 55 public schools serving 22,204 students across three districts. This includes 29 elementary schools and 18 combined middle and high schools, making it a regional education leader.

Opportunity for Growth

The county faces challenges with a 76.5% graduation rate and a per-pupil expenditure of $5,677. Despite these lower figures compared to state averages, the county maintains a diverse school score of 43.6 across its many campuses.

Mesa County Valley District 51

District 51 is the primary education provider, overseeing 47 schools and over 20,000 students. Charter schools like Caprock Academy offer additional choice, representing about 9% of the county's educational landscape.

City Energy and Suburban Reach

Students attend a mix of city (24) and suburban (23) schools, with an average school size of 419 students. Central High School is the largest campus in the county, currently enrolling ,1613 students.

Live Near Grand Junction Schools

Grand Junction and Fruita offer a wide array of suburban and urban school options for home buyers. The variety of charter, alternative, and traditional schools makes this county a versatile choice for families of all types.

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.

Weather & Climate in Mesa County

via WeatherByCounty

Mesa County mirrors U.S. average temperature

At 50.1°F annually, Mesa County nearly matches the U.S. median of 50.5°F, placing it in a temperate semi-arid climate zone. The county receives 13.6 inches of precipitation annually—notably drier than the national median—making it a semi-desert environment.

Warmest Colorado county on the western slope

Mesa County's 50.1°F average runs 4.1 degrees above Colorado's state average of 46.0°F, positioning it among the state's warmest. Its location on Colorado's western slope and lower elevation explain this elevated warmth.

Warmest and driest of the west slope

Mesa County averages 50.1°F and receives just 13.6 inches of precipitation—making it drier than Larimer County (16.7 inches) and nearly equal to Logan County's warmth. It's notably warmer and drier than neighboring Mineral County (38.0°F, 15.3 inches).

Hot summers, mild winters, 52 heat days

July averages 74.5°F with 52 days reaching 90°F annually, creating intense summer heat across the season. January averages 26.9°F, and the county receives only 27.8 inches of annual snowfall—among the lowest in Colorado.

Air conditioning critical, drought management urgent

With 52 annual days hitting 90°F, robust air conditioning is essential; residents should prioritize system maintenance and efficiency. Extreme aridity (13.6 inches annual precipitation) demands aggressive water conservation, drought-resistant landscaping, and wildfire preparedness.

Soil Quality in Mesa County

via SoilByCounty

Famous Orchard and Vineyard Soils

While Mesa County is renowned for its fruit, specific county-wide pH and taxonomic data are not currently available. Local soils are influenced by the Colorado River and differ from the state's average pH of 7.29.

Alluvial Textures of the Grand Valley

Detailed percentages for sand, silt, and clay are not recorded in this dataset. However, the region is known for its well-drained alluvial soils that provide the specific conditions required for peach and grape production.

Sustaining High-Value Crops

Organic matter and water capacity figures are missing, but the state's 2.18% organic matter average serves as a benchmark for local growers. Intense irrigation management in the valley overcomes any natural water capacity limitations.

Essential Drainage Planning

Specific drainage classes are not specified in the current record. Given the arid climate and valley geography, managing water runoff and salinity is a top priority for local agriculturists.

Abundant Harvests in Zone 7a

Mesa County enjoys a warm USDA Hardiness Zone 7a, making it one of Colorado's premier spots for gardening. Join the local community and start your own orchard or vegetable patch this season.

Lawn Care in Mesa County

via LawnByCounty

Arid Challenges in Zone 7a

Mesa County presents a difficult environment with a lawn score of 29.8, making it one of the toughest spots in the state. This Zone 7a region requires intense management to overcome high heat and low natural moisture.

High Heat and Limited Rain

Only 13.6 inches of rain falls annually, which is significantly lower than the state average and the 30-inch lawn ideal. Combined with 52 extreme heat days, lawns here require dedicated irrigation to survive desert-like conditions.

Improving Valley Soil Quality

Specific soil metrics are not currently available, but the Grand Valley is known for alkaline and salty soil profiles. Residents should focus on adding organic matter to improve the soil's ability to hold onto applied water.

Persistent Year-Round Drought

Every acre of the county is currently abnormally dry, and 28.9% is in severe drought. After a full 53 weeks of drought over the past year, high-efficiency sprinklers are the best path forward.

Selecting Heat-Hardy Varieties

In Zone 7a, heat-hardy grasses like Bermuda or hybrid fescues can handle the long summer. With an early last frost of April 27th, you have a longer window to establish your lawn before the July heat arrives.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Mesa County's county score?
Mesa County, Colorado has a composite county score of 38.5 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 Mesa County rank among counties in Colorado?
Mesa County ranks #56 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 Mesa County, Colorado?
The median annual property tax in Mesa County is $1,357, with an effective tax rate of 0.39%. This earns Mesa County a tax score of 94.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Mesa County?
The median household income in Mesa County, Colorado is $71,485 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Mesa County earns an income score of 70.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Mesa County, Colorado a good place to live?
Mesa County scores 38.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #56 in Colorado. The best way to evaluate Mesa 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 Mesa County with other counties side by side.