With a composite score of 75.5, Mineral County ranks well above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top half of U.S. counties. This strong performance reflects particular advantages in tax burden and housing affordability that give residents more financial flexibility.
2 / 5
Above average in Colorado
Mineral County's score of 75.5 exceeds Colorado's state average of 71.8, ranking it in the upper tier among the state's counties. This positions it as an attractive option for Coloradans seeking better overall livability without leaving the state.
3 / 5
Tax advantages and affordable housing
Mineral County shines with a tax score of 92.3 and an effective tax rate of just 0.354%, among the lowest in the region. Housing costs are reasonable too, with a median home value of $413,000 and median rent at $903/month, making homeownership accessible.
4 / 5
Income levels need attention
The county's income score of 17.6 reflects a median household income of $52,455, notably below state and national averages. Additional data on safety, health, schools, and environmental factors would provide a fuller picture of livability here.
5 / 5
Best for budget-conscious rural seekers
Mineral County suits retirees, remote workers, and families prioritizing low taxes and affordable housing over high earning potential. Its strong fundamentals make it an attractive choice for those seeking stability and financial breathing room in a rural Colorado setting.
With a composite score of 75.5, Mineral County ranks well above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top half of U.S. counties. This strong performance reflects particular advantages in tax burden and housing affordability that give residents more financial flexibility.
Above average in Colorado
Mineral County's score of 75.5 exceeds Colorado's state average of 71.8, ranking it in the upper tier among the state's counties. This positions it as an attractive option for Coloradans seeking better overall livability without leaving the state.
Tax advantages and affordable housing
Mineral County shines with a tax score of 92.3 and an effective tax rate of just 0.354%, among the lowest in the region. Housing costs are reasonable too, with a median home value of $413,000 and median rent at $903/month, making homeownership accessible.
Income levels need attention
The county's income score of 17.6 reflects a median household income of $52,455, notably below state and national averages. Additional data on safety, health, schools, and environmental factors would provide a fuller picture of livability here.
Best for budget-conscious rural seekers
Mineral County suits retirees, remote workers, and families prioritizing low taxes and affordable housing over high earning potential. Its strong fundamentals make it an attractive choice for those seeking stability and financial breathing room in a rural Colorado setting.
Score breakdown
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🏛92.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
At 0.354%, Mineral County's effective tax rate sits nearly 40% lower than the national median home tax burden. Property owners here pay a median of $1,462 annually, roughly half the $2,690 national median despite homes valued 46% higher than the U.S. average.
Among Colorado's most tax-friendly counties
Mineral County ranks in the lower half of Colorado's 64 counties for effective tax rates at 0.354%, beating the state average of 0.393% by a meaningful margin. The county's median tax bill of $1,462 undercuts the state median of $1,560.
Competitive with regional mountain communities
Mineral County's 0.354% rate edges out Ouray County (0.277%) but sits slightly higher than neighboring Montezuma County (0.297%). Among regional peers, Mineral offers middle-ground tax efficiency while maintaining higher median home values than most neighbors.
Median home costs about $1,462 annually
A typical Mineral County home valued at $413,000 incurs roughly $1,462 in annual property tax at the current 0.354% rate. Homeowners with mortgages pay slightly less ($1,404), while those without mortgages pay $1,568.
Appeal if your assessment seems too high
Many Colorado property owners are overassessed relative to fair market value. Mineral County residents can file a formal appeal with the county assessor if they believe their property tax bill doesn't reflect current market conditions.
Mineral County renters spend 20.7% of income on housing, slightly above the national median but a reasonable burden for rural Colorado. With a median household income of $52,455—about 30% below the U.S. average of $74,755—residents here earn less yet maintain comparable rent-to-income ratios, suggesting lower absolute costs offset lower wages.
Slightly tighter than Colorado average
At 20.7%, Mineral County's rent-to-income ratio sits just above Colorado's state average of 20.2%, ranking it in the middle of the state's affordability spectrum. The median rent of $903/month is substantially cheaper than the state median of $1,253, making it one of Colorado's more affordable rental markets.
Outpaced by surrounding counties
Mineral County's $903 monthly rent undercuts nearby Montezuma County ($974) and Montrose County ($1,120), though incomes here are also lower. Among its peers, Mineral County offers competitive pricing but lags neighbors like Moffat County in income-to-housing balance.
Balanced housing costs, modest income
Monthly renters pay $903 while homeowners spend $971, a tight spread reflecting a market without severe price stratification. With median household income at $52,455, housing consumes roughly one-fifth of the typical budget, leaving limited cushion for other expenses.
Affordable rents, lower paychecks
Mineral County appeals to remote workers or retirees seeking low rent ($903/month) in a rural setting, though the lower median income suggests limited local job opportunities. Compare this market against Moffat County or Montezuma County if you're weighing both affordability and wage growth.
Mineral County's median household income of $52,455 trails the national median of $74,755 by nearly $22,300 annually. This places the county in the lower income tier nationally, reflecting its rural mountain economy and smaller labor market.
Among Colorado's Lower-Income Counties
Mineral County ranks below Colorado's state average median income of $74,792, placing it in the lower quartile statewide. The $22,337 gap highlights the income disparities between rural and more developed Colorado counties.
Lowest Earner in Western Mountain Cluster
Among nearby San Juan region counties, Mineral County's $52,455 income lags significantly behind Ouray ($84,556) and Montrose ($66,072). Its per capita income of $41,950 is notably higher than neighbors like Montezuma ($34,667), suggesting more concentrated wealth among fewer earners.
Housing Takes a Manageable 21% of Income
With a rent-to-income ratio of 20.7%, Mineral County residents spend just over one-fifth of earnings on housing—well within the 30% affordability threshold. However, median home values of $413,000 require substantial savings and income stability to access homeownership.
Build Long-Term Financial Security Here
Mineral County residents should prioritize emergency funds and retirement savings, as median incomes leave limited margin for unexpected expenses. Consider maximizing employer 401(k) matches and exploring low-cost index funds to build wealth over time.
While national life expectancy data is limited for Mineral County, the county's poor/fair health rate of 13.5% sits below the U.S. average of roughly 18%, suggesting residents report better overall health than the typical American. This positions Mineral County favorably in the national conversation around chronic disease and wellness.
Healthier than average Coloradans
Mineral County's 13.5% poor/fair health rate ranks well within Colorado, where the state average hovers around 16%. The county's uninsured rate of 8.4% beats the state average of 9.7%, indicating stronger health coverage than most Coloradans enjoy.
Outpacing nearby mountain counties
Compared to neighboring Ouray and San Juan counties, Mineral's 13.5% poor/fair health rate is competitive, though specific neighbor comparisons are limited by available data. The county's 108 primary care providers per 100,000 residents far exceeds the rural Colorado average, ensuring residents have meaningful access to frontline care.
Good coverage, strong primary care access
With an 8.4% uninsured rate, most Mineral County residents have health insurance, and the county's 108 primary care providers per 100,000 residents means residents can typically find a doctor without traveling far. This strong foundation supports preventive care and early intervention across the community.
Ensure your family stays covered
Even though 91.6% of Mineral County residents have insurance, the remaining 8.4% uninsured should explore options through Colorado's state marketplace or community health centers. Visit Colorado.gov or your local health department to find no-cost enrollment assistance and coverage options that fit your family's needs.
Mineral County's Disaster Risk: Well Below Average
Mineral County's composite risk score of 5.44 places it in the "Very Low" category, significantly safer than the national average for natural disaster exposure. This remote, high-altitude county benefits from geography that shields it from many hazards that threaten other regions.
Colorado's Safest County for Overall Risk
Mineral County ranks as Colorado's lowest-risk county, with a composite score of 5.44 compared to the state average of 40.67. This nearly 7-fold difference reflects the county's isolated location and limited exposure to multiple hazard types.
Surrounded by Higher-Risk Counties
While Mineral County itself is exceptionally safe, neighboring counties like Ouray (17.72) and Park (22.20) face modestly higher composite risks, primarily from wildfire exposure. Mineral's lower-elevation neighbors in southern Colorado face notably greater threats from flooding and other hazards.
Wildfire and Earthquake: Your Main Concerns
Wildfire risk scores highest at 45.80, though this remains moderate compared to neighboring counties, reflecting sparse vegetation in higher elevations. Earthquake risk at 14.38 is the second concern, typical of Colorado's western region, while flood and tornado risks remain minimal.
Prioritize Wildfire and Earthquake Coverage
Even in low-risk Mineral County, homeowners should ensure adequate wildfire insurance for structures in exposed areas and earthquake coverage given the region's seismic activity. Standard homeowners policies often exclude both perils, making separate coverage essential for financial protection.