With a composite score of 76.8, Montezuma County ranks notably above the national median of 50.0 and edges out its peer counties. Strong tax and cost fundamentals position it as one of Colorado's most livable rural counties.
2 / 5
Top performer among state counties
Montezuma County's 76.8 score exceeds Colorado's average of 71.8 by a healthy margin, ranking it among the state's best-performing counties. This leadership position reflects consistent strengths across measured livability factors.
3 / 5
Lowest tax burden in the group
Montezuma County features the region's lowest effective tax rate at 0.297% with a tax score of 93.9, preserving household income. Housing affordability also impresses, with a median home value of $308,100 and rent at $974/month—among the most reasonable in Colorado.
4 / 5
Modest income growth opportunity
The income score of 24.5 reflects a median household income of $63,005, somewhat below state averages and higher-earning peers. Key data on safety, health, schools, and environmental conditions remain unavailable for a complete picture.
5 / 5
Perfect for tax-savvy value hunters
Montezuma County best serves retirees, remote workers, and families seeking maximum tax savings and housing affordability in Colorado. Its lowest-in-group tax rate combined with moderate housing costs makes it an exceptional choice for those optimizing financial independence.
With a composite score of 76.8, Montezuma County ranks notably above the national median of 50.0 and edges out its peer counties. Strong tax and cost fundamentals position it as one of Colorado's most livable rural counties.
Top performer among state counties
Montezuma County's 76.8 score exceeds Colorado's average of 71.8 by a healthy margin, ranking it among the state's best-performing counties. This leadership position reflects consistent strengths across measured livability factors.
Lowest tax burden in the group
Montezuma County features the region's lowest effective tax rate at 0.297% with a tax score of 93.9, preserving household income. Housing affordability also impresses, with a median home value of $308,100 and rent at $974/month—among the most reasonable in Colorado.
Modest income growth opportunity
The income score of 24.5 reflects a median household income of $63,005, somewhat below state averages and higher-earning peers. Key data on safety, health, schools, and environmental conditions remain unavailable for a complete picture.
Perfect for tax-savvy value hunters
Montezuma County best serves retirees, remote workers, and families seeking maximum tax savings and housing affordability in Colorado. Its lowest-in-group tax rate combined with moderate housing costs makes it an exceptional choice for those optimizing financial independence.
Score breakdown
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🏛93.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
At 0.297%, Montezuma County has one of Colorado's lowest effective tax rates and sits nearly 45% below the national median tax burden. Residents pay a median of just $915 annually—one-third the national median of $2,690.
Second-lowest tax rate in Colorado
Montezuma County ranks among the very lowest in Colorado at 0.297%, well below the state average of 0.393%. The county's median tax of $915 is nearly 40% lower than Colorado's $1,560 median.
Lowest taxes in the southwestern region
Montezuma County's 0.297% rate undercuts all major neighbors, edging even Ouray County (0.277%) as one of the state's most tax-efficient. The county offers exceptional value compared to regional peers like Mineral (0.354%) and Montrose (0.358%).
Median home costs about $915 annually
A typical Montezuma County home valued at $308,100 incurs roughly $915 in annual property tax at the current 0.297% rate. Homeowners with mortgages pay $992, while those without mortgages pay $755.
Appeal if your assessment seems too high
Many Colorado property owners are overassessed relative to fair market value. Montezuma County residents can file a formal appeal with the county assessor if they believe their property tax bill doesn't reflect current market conditions.
Montezuma County renters spend 18.6% of income on housing, well below the national burden and comfortably below the 30% affordability ceiling. Though median household income of $63,005 trails the U.S. average by $11,750, the county's lower rents mean residents maintain healthier housing ratios than many American peers.
Better than state average, solid ranking
Montezuma County's rent-to-income ratio of 18.6% sits below Colorado's state average of 20.2%, positioning it among the state's more affordable counties. A median rent of $974/month—22% cheaper than the state median—makes this Southwest Colorado market attractive for cost-conscious renters.
Competitive with peers, unique homeowner advantage
Montezuma County's rent of $974 falls between Mineral's $903 and Montrose's $1,120, but its median owner cost of $907 is notably lower than both neighbors, favoring buyers. The $63,005 median income offers middle-ground opportunity for families seeking balance between rural living and economic viability.
Renters and buyers nearly aligned
Monthly rent averages $974 while homeowners spend $907—unusually compressed, suggesting strong value in ownership relative to renting in this market. At $63,005 median income, housing costs represent about 17-19% of monthly earnings, a sustainable balance for most households.
Buyers thrive, renters get fair deals
Montezuma County's low ownership costs ($907/month) and affordable rents ($974/month) make it ideal for families ready to buy or seeking long-term stability. Compare against Montrose County if you prioritize rental flexibility, or Ouray County if you're targeting higher incomes with premium mountain amenities.
Montezuma County's median household income of $63,005 falls $11,750 below the national median of $74,755. This gap reflects the county's agricultural and energy heritage, with limited high-wage employment centers nearby.
Below-Average Income Across Colorado
Montezuma County ranks below Colorado's $74,792 state median by about $11,787, placing it in the lower-middle tier statewide. The county's economy relies heavily on agriculture and mining rather than higher-wage service and tech sectors.
Struggles Compared to Western Slope Peers
Montezuma County's $63,005 income sits between struggling Otero ($54,897) and stronger performers like Montrose ($66,072). Its per capita income of $34,667 is among the lowest in the region, suggesting limited earning potential per individual.
Housing Remains Reasonably Affordable
A rent-to-income ratio of 18.6% positions Montezuma County below the affordability threshold, meaning residents spend less than one-fifth on housing. Median home values of $308,100 remain within reach for many working families despite modest county incomes.
Strategic Saving Builds Resilience Here
Montezuma County residents should prioritize building 3-6 months of emergency savings given modest household incomes and economic volatility. Once secured, direct 10-15% of income into diversified retirement accounts to compound wealth over decades.
At 74.3 years, Montezuma County residents live about 6 years less than the U.S. average of 80.3 years, and the county's 17.7% poor/fair health rate approaches the national average of 18%. This gap reflects persistent health challenges in southwestern Colorado's rural communities.
Among Colorado's lowest life expectancy counties
Montezuma County's 74.3-year life expectancy falls well below Colorado's 78.2-year average, ranking the county in the state's bottom tier for longevity. The 12.4% uninsured rate exceeds Colorado's 9.7% state average, adding financial barriers to healthcare access for families already facing longer travel times.
Worse health outcomes than nearby counties
Montezuma's 74.3-year life expectancy trails La Plata and San Juan counties, where residents live longer and face fewer chronic disease burdens. The county's 103 primary care providers per 100,000 is respectable by rural standards, though unequal distribution means some residents still face significant travel for care.
High uninsured rate complicates care access
With 12.4% of Montezuma County residents uninsured—nearly 3 percentage points above Colorado's average—nearly one in eight families lack coverage, limiting preventive care and early treatment. The county's 103 primary care providers per 100,000 and 238 mental health providers per 100,000 provide a foundation, but insurance gaps and rural geography still challenge residents seeking timely care.
Help is available—get covered now
One in eight Montezuma County residents is uninsured, making health crises financially catastrophic for many families. Visit Colorado.gov/PEAK or call your county health department to enroll in Medicaid or marketplace plans; free in-person help is available in your community year-round.
Montezuma County's composite risk score of 47.61 places it in the "Relatively Low" category but notably above the national average, indicating meaningful natural disaster exposure. The county faces elevated threats across multiple hazard types, particularly wildfire and earthquake.
Mid-Range Risk Among Colorado Counties
Montezuma County's composite score of 47.61 slightly exceeds Colorado's state average of 40.67, ranking it in the higher-risk half of the state. This reflects the county's mountainous terrain, forest coverage, and position on active seismic zones.
Similar Risk Profile to Montrose County
Montezuma and neighboring Montrose County both score around 47-49 on the composite risk scale, sharing elevated wildfire (93.61 vs 78.56) and earthquake (61.86 vs 77.29) exposure. To the north, Ouray County's lower score (17.72) reflects its smaller size and different elevation patterns.
Wildfire and Earthquake Are Primary Threats
Wildfire risk dominates at 93.61, among Colorado's highest, while earthquake risk at 61.86 reflects the county's position near the Paradox Basin seismic zone. Flood risk (56.14) and tornado risk (10.05) present secondary but non-trivial concerns, especially in drainage valleys.
Comprehensive Coverage Essential Here
Montezuma County residents need both wildfire and earthquake insurance, as neither is typically covered by standard homeowners policies. Review your property's flood risk (56.14) through FEMA's flood maps; federal flood insurance may be required if you're in a high-risk zone.