countyscore
69.2
County Score
Safety 97.5Property Tax 96Disaster Risk 94.6

County Report Card

About Mineral County, Colorado

Mineral County outpaces national livability

With a composite score of 69.2, Mineral County ranks in the 72nd percentile nationally, significantly above the national median of 50.0. This places it among the more livable counties across the United States, driven by exceptional safety and low tax burdens.

Colorado's second-most livable county

Mineral County ranks second among Colorado's 64 counties with a score of 69.2, substantially above the state average of 51.2. Only one county in Colorado scores higher on the overall livability index.

Safety and taxes define Mineral's appeal

Mineral County excels with a safety score of 97.5 and a tax score of 96.0, reflecting an exceptionally low effective tax rate of 0.354%. Health outcomes are also strong at 75.6, and the county maintains excellent water infrastructure with a score of 86.0.

Housing affordability and wages lag

The cost score of 37.4 indicates limited affordable housing, with median home values at $413,000 and median gross rent at $903 monthly. Income remains a constraint with a score of just 19.6—median household income stands at only $52,455, well below state norms.

Ideal for safety-conscious retirees

Mineral County suits households prioritizing safe communities and low tax burdens over affordability. It appeals most to established families or retirees with sufficient resources to afford homes in the $400k+ range who value a secure, stable environment.

204060801009637.497.575.651.119.694.68650Tax96Cost37.4Safety97.5Health75.6Schools51.1Income19.6Risk94.6Water86Weather5069.2/100
This county
National avg
5 above average2 below average

Mineral County DNA

C-overall

How Mineral County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Mineral County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Disaster Risk (94.6/100) but notably weak in Income (19.6/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
96+44
Cost
37.4-10.600000000000001
Safety
97.5+42.5
Health
75.6+25.599999999999994
Schools
51.1
Income
19.6-31.4
Risk
94.6+47.599999999999994
Water
86+28
Weather
50
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$413,000

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$903/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$413,000/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$36,120/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum7.9x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $52,455/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Counties with similar scores

Lincoln County
Minnesota
Median income: $67,715
69.3
Garfield County
Nebraska
Median income: $68,611
69.3
McHenry County
North Dakota
Median income: $80,614
69.3
San Juan County
Colorado
Median income: $73,889
69.1
Grundy County
Iowa
Median income: $83,617
69.1
McCreary County
Kentucky
Median income: $37,355
69.1
Marshall County
Minnesota
Median income: $71,701
69.1
Wahkiakum County
Washington
Median income: $57,091
69.1

Nearby counties

Rio Grande County
Colorado
40.6
Hinsdale County
Colorado
72.1
Archuleta County
Colorado
57.4
Saguache County
Colorado
58
San Juan County
Colorado
69.1
Ouray County
Colorado
67.3
Conejos County
Colorado
64.2
Alamosa County
Colorado
37

Deep Dives

Mineral County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Mineral County

via TaxByCounty

Mineral County taxes well below U.S. average

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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Mineral County

via CostByCounty

Mineral County beats national affordability

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.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Mineral County

via IncomeByCounty

Mineral County Earns 30% Below U.S. Average

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Mineral County

via CrimeByCounty

A Perfect National Safety Record

Mineral County achieves a perfect safety score of 100.0, reporting zero crimes in 2022. This stands in incredible contrast to the national total crime rate of 2,385.5 per 100,000 residents.

Colorado's Quietest County Corner

With a crime rate of 0.0, Mineral County significantly outperforms the Colorado state average of 1,834.6 per 100,000. It ranks as one of the safest jurisdictions in the state's data records.

Exceptional Safety Among Mountain Peers

Mineral County maintains lower crime activity than regional neighbors like Ouray or Park counties. While a single agency reports this data, the lack of activity suggests a very high degree of public safety.

Understanding the Zero-Crime Statistics

Both violent and property crime rates remain at 0.0 per 100,000 residents for the reporting period. These figures indicate an environment where reported criminal incidents are virtually non-existent.

Maintaining Mineral's Secure Reputation

Even in an area with a 100.0 safety score, basic security awareness helps maintain this standard. Simple precautions like locking doors and lighting entryways keep the community safe for everyone.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Mineral County

via SchoolsByCounty

The Ultimate Small School Experience

Mineral County is home to just one public school, Creede School, which serves the entire county's student population. This PK-12 facility houses 86 students under a single school district.

High Investment, High Score

Mineral County spends an impressive $13,728 per pupil, surpassing both state and national averages. This high investment contributes to a strong composite school score of 60.2, even with a small-sample graduation rate of 75.0%.

Creede School District Spotlight

The Creede School District operates as a single-school entity for its 86 students. There are no charters in the county, as the community centralizes all resources into its primary K-12 campus.

An Intimate Rural Setting

Attending school here means being part of a single rural campus where the average school size is just 86 students. Every grade level interacts in one location, creating a unique, family-like educational environment.

Quiet Living in Creede

For those seeking the ultimate escape from crowded classrooms, Mineral County offers unparalleled one-on-one attention. Explore homes in Creede to experience a high-investment, small-town education in the heart of the mountains.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Mineral County

via RiskByCounty

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.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Mineral County

via WaterByCounty

Pristine Drinking Water Standards in Mineral

Mineral County earns a perfect A grade with zero drinking water health violations over the last five years. This performance is exceptional compared to the state average violation rate of 292.1 per 100,000 residents.

Metal Impairments in High Country Waters

The 2022 assessment shows that 16% of 106 water bodies fail Clean Water Act standards, primarily due to arsenic, zinc, and manganese. While these impairments exist, the county remains much healthier than the Colorado average of 35.4% impaired waters.

Consistent Monitoring of Inorganic Substances

Local agencies manage 29 monitoring sites that recorded 5,536 measurements over the past five years. These efforts focus heavily on inorganics and metals to track the natural and historical mineral loads in the region.

Limited Live Gauging Records Available

There is currently no representative USGS streamgage providing live discharge data for Mineral County. In the absence of real-time flow data, we rely on the county's strong compliance record to signal system reliability.

Protecting Your High-Altitude Source

While drinking water compliance is perfect, 16% of watersheds contain heavy metals like arsenic. Residents should remain aware of these natural contaminants and consider periodic testing if using private mountain wells.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Mineral County

via WeatherByCounty

Mineral County runs cold like northern mountains

At 38.0°F annually, Mineral County runs 12.5 degrees colder than the U.S. median of 50.5°F, placing it in a cold alpine climate zone. The county receives 15.3 inches of precipitation annually, slightly below national median.

Second-coldest county in Colorado

Mineral County's 38.0°F average runs 8.0 degrees below Colorado's state average of 46.0°F, making it the second-coldest county after Lake County. Its high elevation and southwestern mountain location create this extreme cold profile.

Colder than most neighbors, milder than Lake County

Mineral County averages 38.0°F—only 4.9 degrees warmer than Lake County's 34.9°F but significantly colder than Las Animas County's 52.8°F. It occupies a distinct cold zone despite its southern Colorado location.

Frigid winters, cool summers, zero heat days

July averages 59.2°F with zero days reaching 90°F annually, reflecting perpetually cool conditions. January averages 16.9°F, and the county receives 55.0 inches of annual snowfall—substantial accumulation across a lengthy winter season.

Intensive winter infrastructure, minimal cooling needs

Heavy snow removal equipment and ice management systems are critical with 55.0 inches annually; residents need robust heating systems for January's 16.9°F average. Air conditioning is rarely needed—summer temperatures stay cool year-round, making winter preparation the dominant seasonal concern.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Mineral County

via SoilByCounty

High-Altitude Soil Mysteries

Mineral County's rugged alpine terrain currently lacks digitized soil taxonomic and pH data in national surveys. While the national median pH is 6.5, local volcanic and coniferous environments often create unique, site-specific chemistry.

Rocky Mountain Textures

Official percentages for sand, silt, and clay are not yet recorded for this high-elevation region. Gardeners typically encounter rocky, skeletal soils that offer rapid drainage but require significant effort to work.

Amending the Alpine Ground

With organic matter and water capacity data unavailable, growers must look to state benchmarks of 2.18% organic matter for comparison. Local mountain soils often fall below these marks and benefit from heavy composting.

Managing Mountain Runoff

Formal hydrologic groups are not listed, but the county's steep slopes dictate natural drainage patterns. Building and planting require careful attention to snowmelt paths and potential erosion in this vertical landscape.

Cool Climate Success

Falling within Hardiness Zone 5a, Mineral County supports cold-hardy perennials and short-season vegetables. Embrace the challenge by using raised beds and cold frames to extend your high-country harvest.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Mineral County

via LawnByCounty

A Challenging High-Altitude Lawn Environment

Mineral County earns a lawn difficulty score of 32.1, making it significantly harder to maintain turf here than the national median of 50.0. Homeowners in this Zone 5a region face a more demanding environment than the Colorado state average of 37.4.

Cool Temps and Limited Moisture

With only 15.3 inches of annual precipitation, lawns receive about half of the moisture recommended for ideal growth. While the lack of extreme heat days prevents scorching, the low 734 growing degree days indicate a very short window for grass to establish.

Managing Thin Mountain Soils

While specific texture data is limited for this area, high-altitude mountain soils typically require significant organic amendments to thrive. Homeowners should perform a private test to ensure their pH levels are within the ideal 6.0 to 7.0 range for nutrient uptake.

Abnormally Dry Conditions Persist

The county has spent 39 weeks in drought over the past year, and 100% of the area is currently classified as abnormally dry. Residents should prioritize deep, infrequent watering early in the morning to maximize moisture retention.

Hardy Grasses for Zone 5a

Hardy cool-season grasses like Fine Fescue or Kentucky Bluegrass are your best bet for this high-elevation climate. Because frost dates are highly variable in the mountains, wait for consistent overnight thaws before you begin seeding your lawn.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Mineral County's county score?
Mineral County, Colorado has a composite county score of 69.2 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 Mineral County rank among counties in Colorado?
Mineral County ranks #2 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 Mineral County, Colorado?
The median annual property tax in Mineral County is $1,462, with an effective tax rate of 0.35%. This earns Mineral County a tax score of 96/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Mineral County?
The median household income in Mineral County, Colorado is $52,455 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Mineral County earns an income score of 19.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Mineral County, Colorado a good place to live?
Mineral County scores 69.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #2 in Colorado. The best way to evaluate Mineral 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 Mineral County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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