countyscore
42.8
County Score
Property Tax 92Disaster Risk 88Income & Jobs 68.8

County Report Card

About Moffat County, Colorado

Moffat County below U.S. livability median

Moffat County scores 42.8, placing it in the 38th percentile nationally—below the national median of 50.0. While it has some strengths in taxes and income, significant challenges in safety and schools drag down overall livability.

Colorado's lower-tier livability county

Moffat County ranks in the bottom half of Colorado counties at 42.8, below the state average of 51.2. Among Colorado's 64 counties, it faces steeper livability challenges than most of its peers.

Strong incomes offset low costs

Moffat County boasts an income score of 68.8 with median household income at $70,975, well above state norms. The tax score of 92.0 (0.430% effective rate) and a risk score of 88.0 are also notable strengths.

School quality and safety concerns

The school score of just 9.1 is among Colorado's worst, indicating serious educational challenges. Safety is also problematic at 33.7, and housing affordability ranks low at 21.8 despite median home values of $262,500 and rents at $1,051 monthly.

Best for earners who prioritize work

Moffat County suits workers in energy or natural resources industries with strong incomes who can navigate lower school quality. It appeals to professionals without school-age children seeking a low-tax environment, not to families prioritizing educational excellence.

Score breakdown

Tax92Cost21.8Safety33.7Health47.5Schools9.1Income68.8Risk88Water47.7Weather33.5
🏛92
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠21.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼68.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡33.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤47.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓9.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡88
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧47.7
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤33.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱26.8
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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Nearby counties

Rio Blanco County
Colorado
65.1
Garfield County
Colorado
43.7
Daggett County
Utah
74.2
Routt County
Colorado
54.6
Uintah County
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Sweetwater County
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50.1
Carbon County
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Jackson County
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Deep Dives

Moffat County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Moffat County

via TaxByCounty

Moffat County taxes run above state average

Moffat County's effective tax rate of 0.430% exceeds Colorado's state average of 0.393% and remains well below the national median tax burden. Property owners pay a median of $1,129 annually—less than half the national median of $2,690.

Upper-middle tier among Colorado counties

At 0.430%, Moffat County ranks in the upper third of Colorado's 64 counties for effective property tax rates, slightly above the state average. The median tax bill of $1,129 falls below the state median of $1,560.

Higher rate than most northwest Colorado peers

Moffat County's 0.430% rate exceeds Montezuma (0.297%) and Ouray (0.277%) but trails Morgan County (0.526%) significantly. Among northwest regional counties, Moffat sits in the middle for tax burden despite lower median home values.

Median home costs about $1,129 annually

A typical Moffat County home valued at $262,500 incurs roughly $1,129 in annual property tax at the current 0.430% rate. Homeowners with mortgages pay $1,187, while those without mortgages pay $987.

Appeal if your assessment seems too high

Many Colorado property owners are overassessed relative to fair market value. Moffat 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 Moffat County

via CostByCounty

Moffat County punches above its weight

Moffat County renters spend just 17.8% of income on housing—well below the national norm and comfortably under the 30% affordability threshold. At $70,975, median household income nearly matches the U.S. average of $74,755, creating strong housing stability relative to wage levels.

Colorado's most rental-friendly county

Moffat County ranks among Colorado's best for affordability, with a rent-to-income ratio of 17.8%—nearly 3 percentage points below the state average of 20.2%. Its median rent of $1,051 is 16% cheaper than Colorado's median, despite incomes that align with state norms.

Better balance than Mineral or Montrose

Moffat County's $1,051 rent sits between Mineral County's bargain at $903 and Montrose's premium at $1,120, but its higher income of $70,975 gives renters the strongest affordability cushion. This combination—competitive rent plus above-average wages—makes Moffat a standout in northwest Colorado.

Rent stays lean, ownership costs rise

Renters here spend $1,051/month while homeowners invest $1,173, a modest gap reflecting moderate home values of $262,500. The true strength lies in income: at $70,975, monthly housing costs represent just 17-20% of earnings, leaving robust room for savings and discretionary spending.

Sweet spot for work-life balance

Moffat County offers one of Colorado's best rent-to-income ratios (17.8%) paired with decent wages, ideal for workers seeking rural lifestyle without financial strain. If you're comparing options, Moffat outperforms Mineral on income stability while staying competitive on rent against mountain counties.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Moffat County

via IncomeByCounty

Moffat County Slightly Below National Median

Moffat County's median household income of $70,975 falls just $3,780 short of the national median of $74,755. This positions the county near the national middle class, supported by its energy sector and agricultural base.

Competitive With Colorado's State Average

Moffat County's $70,975 income ranks close to Colorado's state median of $74,792, placing it solidly in the middle of the statewide distribution. The county maintains income parity with more developed areas despite its rural northwestern location.

Energy Sector Supports Above-Average Earnings

Moffat County's $70,975 income outpaces rural neighbors like Montezuma ($63,005) and Montrose ($66,072), reflecting its oil and gas industry presence. However, it trails wealthier mountain counties like Ouray ($84,556) and Park ($95,450).

Housing Costs Well Within Comfort Zone

A rent-to-income ratio of 17.8% means Moffat County residents dedicate less than one-fifth of earnings to housing, well below the 30% benchmark. Median home values of $262,500 remain accessible compared to state trends, supporting homeownership affordability.

Leverage Stable Income for Wealth Building

Moffat County's income stability creates opportunity to invest consistently in long-term wealth vehicles like IRAs and taxable investment accounts. Build on this foundation by automating monthly contributions and reviewing asset allocation annually.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Moffat County

via CrimeByCounty

Moffat County Beats National Safety Averages

Moffat County earns a high safety score of 97.6 out of 100. Its total crime rate of 1,541.8 per 100,000 is significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Leading the State in Public Safety

The county's total crime rate sits below the Colorado average of 1,834.6 per 100,000 residents. This performance ranks Moffat as a safer-than-average option within the state.

Competitive Safety Scores in the Region

Moffat's safety score of 97.6 beats out neighboring Montezuma County's 96.9 rating. Residents enjoy a lower total crime rate than many of their counterparts across the Western Slope.

Focusing on Property and Violent Crime

Violent crime occurs at a rate of 219.2 per 100,000, which is lower than the national benchmark of 369.8. Property crime accounts for 1,322.6 incidents per 100,000, making it the primary local concern.

Practical Steps for Local Security

With property crime as the most common issue, home security remains a valuable investment. Installing motion lights or cameras can further deter activity in this already safe county.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Moffat County

via HealthByCounty

Moffat County's life expectancy lags nationally

At 75.1 years, Moffat County residents live roughly 5 years less than the U.S. average of 80.3 years, a significant gap that reflects broader health challenges in rural northwestern Colorado. The county's 19% poor/fair health rate exceeds the national average of 18%, indicating residents report more chronic conditions and health struggles.

Bottom-tier health outcomes for Colorado

Moffat County's 75.1-year life expectancy ranks among the lowest in Colorado, where the state average is 78.2 years. The 19% poor/fair health rate and 10.1% uninsured rate both signal health challenges above what typical Coloradans face.

Struggling compared to neighboring counties

Moffat County's life expectancy of 75.1 years trails Rio Blanco and Routt counties, where residents live longer and report better health outcomes. With only 23 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—among the lowest in the state—Moffat residents often travel long distances for routine medical care.

Severe primary care shortage, ongoing barriers

The 23 primary care providers per 100,000 residents means many Moffat County families struggle to find local doctors, forcing travel and delayed care. With a 10.1% uninsured rate and mental health providers at 203 per 100,000, residents face both insurance gaps and limited mental health resources despite higher provider availability than some neighbors.

Get insured and find care today

One in ten Moffat County residents lacks health insurance—a barrier that compounds the county's provider shortage and health challenges. Contact Colorado's state marketplace or call 1-800-318-2596 to explore affordable coverage, and ask your local health department about telehealth options that can bridge the distance to specialists.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Moffat County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Consolidated Educational Infrastructure

Moffat County operates 7 public schools, including four elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school. This entire network serves a total of 2,092 students under the management of a single unified school district.

Closing the Gap in Graduation Rates

The county's graduation rate sits at 72.0%, trailing both the Colorado average of 83.1% and the national benchmark of 87.0%. With a per-pupil expenditure of $6,091, the county spends significantly less than the national average of $13,000 per student.

Focus on Moffat County School District RE: No. 1

Moffat County School District RE: No. 1 manages all 2,092 students across its 7 campuses. The county currently offers no charter school options, focusing all resources on its traditional public school system.

Town-Centered Schools with a Local Feel

Six of the county's schools are located in town settings, while one remains rural. Moffat County High School is the largest campus with 560 students, contributing to an average school size of 299 students across the county.

Establish Your Roots in Moffat County

Families seeking a close-knit community where every student is part of a single district will find Moffat County appealing. Explore local real estate to find a home near these centralized town schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Moffat County

via RiskByCounty

Moffat County's Risk: Low but Concentrated

Moffat County's composite risk score of 12.05 earns a "Very Low" rating, well below national averages and reflecting its remote northwestern Colorado location. However, this aggregate masks significant variation—wildfire risk in particular stands out as a genuine regional concern.

Among Colorado's Safer Counties Overall

Moffat County ranks among Colorado's lowest-risk counties with a composite score of 12.05, less than one-third the state average of 40.67. Its position reflects limited urban development and relatively sparse tornado and flood exposure.

Wildfire Risk Shared With Region

Moffat County's wildfire risk score of 87.47 mirrors the elevated exposure seen in neighboring counties like Montezuma (93.61) and Park (94.88), part of a broader pattern across Colorado's forested highlands. Earthquake risk at 49.71 is notably higher than Mineral or Ouray counties to the south, reflecting proximity to seismic zones.

Wildfire Dominates; Earthquake Secondary

Wildfire risk at 87.47 is Moffat County's overwhelming concern, reflecting forest coverage and dry conditions across northwestern Colorado. Earthquake risk of 49.71 ranks second, while tornado (2.70) and flood (30.69) risks remain relatively modest.

Wildfire Insurance Is Non-Negotiable

Moffat County residents must prioritize wildfire coverage, as standard homeowners policies typically exclude or severely limit wildfire damage claims. Supplemental wildfire insurance, combined with defensible space maintenance around your home, is essential given the county's 87.47 wildfire risk score.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Moffat County

via WeatherByCounty

Moffat County slightly cooler than U.S. average

At 45.1°F annually, Moffat County runs 5.4 degrees cooler than the U.S. median of 50.5°F, placing it in a temperate semi-arid climate zone. The county receives 14.0 inches of precipitation annually—notably drier than national median.

Near Colorado average, northwestern location

Moffat County's 45.1°F average runs 0.9 degrees below Colorado's state average of 46.0°F, placing it right at the state norm. Its northwestern Colorado location balances mountain influence with plains exposure.

Moderate climate between extremes

Moffat County averages 45.1°F—warmer than Lake County's 34.9°F and Larimer County's 44.8°F but cooler than Logan County's 50.4°F. It occupies a transition zone between Colorado's high mountains and eastern plains.

Moderate summers, cold winters, 30 heat days

July averages 70.7°F with 30 days reaching 90°F annually, delivering moderate summer heat. January averages 19.6°F, and the county receives 44.2 inches of annual snowfall—a moderate accumulation across the winter season.

Balanced heating and cooling, moderate snow prep

Year-round HVAC maintenance is essential given the 51-degree temperature swing between seasons. Plan for moderate snowfall (44.2 inches annually) and occasional summer cooling needs; residents benefit from balanced seasonal preparation across heating, cooling, and snow management.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Moffat County

via SoilByCounty

Northwest Colorado's Vast Expanse

Moffat County's soil taxonomic identity remains largely unmapped in digital databases, leaving its dominant pH unknown. Given the state average pH of 7.29, these high-desert soils likely trend more alkaline than the 6.5 national median.

A Mosaic of High Desert

Specific sand, silt, and clay ratios are unavailable for this massive territory. Local observers generally find a mix of sagebrush-covered loams and rocky outcrops that define the region's ranching landscape.

Potential in the Sagebrush

The county lacks specific organic matter and water capacity data to compare against the 2.18% state average. Productive pockets exist, but most areas require water management to reach their full agricultural potential.

Dry Land Drainage

While official drainage classes are unlisted, the arid climate and rolling plateaus prioritize water conservation. Understanding local arroyo patterns is essential for any construction or irrigation project in this basin.

Gardening the High Plains

Moffat County sits in Hardiness Zone 6a, allowing for a respectable variety of fruits and hardy vegetables. Start a garden with drought-tolerant species to thrive in this sun-drenched, windy environment.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Moffat County

via LawnByCounty

Navigating One of Colorado's Toughest Climates

Moffat County is a very difficult place for traditional turf, scoring just 26.8 on the lawn difficulty scale. This score is well below both the national median of 50.0 and the Colorado state average of 37.4.

Intense Heat and Low Rainfall

Lawns must endure 30 days of extreme heat over 90°F with only 14.0 inches of annual rainfall to provide relief. These conditions require a strict irrigation schedule to prevent the grass from entering summer dormancy.

Preparing for Better Drainage

Comprehensive soil data is currently limited for Moffat County, but local desert-fringe conditions often feature high mineral content. Adding compost or topsoil is essential to improve moisture holding capacity in this arid environment.

Severe Drought Challenges

A full 100% of the county is currently under severe drought conditions, following a year with 50 weeks of drought. To maintain a lawn here, you must use water-wise practices like mulching and reducing turf areas.

Timing Your Zone 6a Planting

Buffalo grass and Blue Grama are excellent native choices for this Zone 6a region. Plan your seeding for late spring, aiming for the window after the final frost on May 29 to ensure success.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Moffat County's county score?
Moffat County, Colorado has a composite county score of 42.8 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 Moffat County rank among counties in Colorado?
Moffat County ranks #48 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 Moffat County, Colorado?
The median annual property tax in Moffat County is $1,129, with an effective tax rate of 0.43%. This earns Moffat County a tax score of 92/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Moffat County?
The median household income in Moffat County, Colorado is $70,975 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Moffat County earns an income score of 68.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Moffat County, Colorado a good place to live?
Moffat County scores 42.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #48 in Colorado. The best way to evaluate Moffat 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 Moffat County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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