countyscore
43.4
County Score
Property Tax 98.6Water Quality 54.6Disaster Risk 52.4

County Report Card

About Montezuma County, Colorado

Montezuma County below national average

Montezuma County scores 42.4, ranking in the 37th percentile nationally and below the national median of 50.0. Tax advantages provide some strength, but safety and school challenges limit overall livability.

Colorado's lower-performing livability county

Montezuma County ranks near the bottom of Colorado's 64 counties at 42.4, trailing the state average of 51.2. It faces livability pressures comparable to several rural Colorado peers.

Exceptional tax rates and moderate costs

Montezuma County delivers a tax score of 98.4 with a 0.297% effective rate, among Colorado's best. Cost of living is reasonable with median home values at $308,100 and rents at $974 monthly, alongside decent water infrastructure at 54.6.

Safety, schools, and health fall short

Safety scores just 22.7, and school quality is severely limited at 13.6—both major livability drains. Health outcomes at 43.4 and income potential at 48.2 (median $63,005) also lag state expectations.

Right for those seeking community over services

Montezuma County appeals to retirees or families prioritizing ultra-low taxes and modest housing costs over robust schools and safety infrastructure. It suits those with private school options or families whose children have already graduated.

2040608010098.64022.743.413.648.652.454.644.9Tax98.6Cost40Safety22.7Health43.4Schools13.6Income48.6Risk52.4Water54.6Weather44.943.4/100
This county
National avg
1 above average3 below average

Montezuma County DNA

Foverall

How Montezuma County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Montezuma County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Schools (13.6/100), though Property Tax (98.6/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
98.6+46.599999999999994
Cost
40-8
Safety
22.7-32.3
Health
43.4
Schools
13.6-40.4
Income
48.6
Risk
52.4
Water
54.6
Weather
44.9-11.100000000000001
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Compare mortgage rates in Montezuma County

Whether buying or refinancing in Montezuma County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$331,400

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$942/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$331,400/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$37,680/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum5.1x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $65,244/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

22.9

per 100K

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
Compare Montezuma County with Cross County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Cross County
Arkansas
Median income: $50,863
43.4
Poinsett County
Arkansas
Median income: $46,707
43.4
Sarasota County
Florida
Median income: $83,416
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Montgomery County
Kentucky
Median income: $56,396
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Clare County
Michigan
Median income: $49,384
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Torrance County
New Mexico
Median income: $57,842
43.4
Greene County
North Carolina
Median income: $53,244
43.4
Okmulgee County
Oklahoma
Median income: $54,029
43.4

Nearby counties

La Plata County
Colorado
45.4
Dolores County
Colorado
62.6
San Miguel County
Colorado
64.4
San Juan County
Colorado
66.1
San Juan County
New Mexico
33
Ouray County
Colorado
65.9
Hinsdale County
Colorado
69.7
Montrose County
Colorado
42.8

Deep Dives

Montezuma County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Montezuma County

via TaxByCounty

Montezuma County offers among lowest tax rates

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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Montezuma County

via IncomeByCounty

Montezuma County Trails National Average

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Montezuma County

via CrimeByCounty

Staying Safer Than the National Median

Montezuma County maintains a safety score of 96.9, reflecting a total crime rate of 1,975.5 per 100,000 residents. This figure remains well below the national total crime rate of 2,385.5.

Navigating State Average Crime Trends

The county's total crime rate is slightly higher than the Colorado average of 1,834.6 per 100,000. However, its safety score matches closely with the state average of 97.1.

Comparing Safety in Southwest Colorado

Montezuma reports a higher total crime rate than neighboring Montrose and Moffat counties. Despite this, it continues to provide a safer environment than the nation's most populous regions.

A Closer Look at Local Incidents

The violent crime rate of 352.9 is close to the national average of 369.8, while property crime sits at 1,622.6. These numbers suggest that local safety efforts focus heavily on protecting residents and their belongings.

Smart Security for Montezuma Residents

Since property crime is the most prevalent issue, securing garages and outbuildings is essential. Simple neighborhood watch habits go a long way in this tight-knit community.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Montezuma County

via WeatherByCounty

Montezuma runs warmer than US average

At 48.8°F annually, Montezuma County sits above the U.S. median of 47.5°F, making it a genuinely temperate corner of Colorado. Its 15.5 inches of annual precipitation closely mirrors the national average, creating a semi-arid climate typical of the Southwest's high plateaus.

Warmest tier in Colorado's cool state

Montezuma's 48.8°F average ranks it in the warmest third of Colorado's 64 counties, sitting 2.8°F above the state average of 46.0°F. This makes it notably warmer than the state's mountain counties but cooler than Colorado's hot southeastern plains.

Warmer than nearby mountain rival Ouray

Montezuma County (48.8°F) runs 4.3°F warmer than its neighbor Ouray County (44.5°F), which sits higher in elevation and catches significantly more snow. It also outpaces Morgan County (49.0°F) by a fraction, though Morgan experiences far more extreme heat days at 58 versus Montezuma's 23.

Mild summers, manageable winters, moderate snow

Summer temperatures average 68.6°F, with only 23 days reaching 90°F or hotter—well below the state's heat-prone counties. Winters average 29.8°F with 56.3 inches of snow annually, making Montezuma one of Colorado's snowier counties outside the high peaks.

Prepare for snow and moderate heat swings

Residents should invest in reliable winter gear and snow removal equipment given 56+ inches of annual snowfall. HVAC systems need to handle both heating (sub-freezing winters) and cooling (occasional 90°F summer days), making a dual-system setup sensible for comfort and efficiency.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Montezuma County

via SoilByCounty

Ancient Agricultural Foundation

Despite a long history of farming near Mesa Verde, Montezuma County's dominant soil taxonomic data is missing from this survey. While we lack a specific pH value, southwestern Colorado soils frequently exceed the 6.5 national median.

Working the Four Corners

Digital records for sand, silt, and clay percentages are not currently available for this county. Local growers typically manage red-hued loams that offer a balance of drainage and mineral richness.

Building Modern Fertility

With organic matter data unavailable, residents should aim for the state average of 2.18% through consistent amendments. These soils historically supported civilizations and remain responsive to careful nutrient management.

Arid Basin Hydrology

Formal drainage and hydrologic classifications are not listed for this region. Effective water application is the primary concern for local land use, as the dry climate makes moisture retention critical.

Southwest Growing Potential

Hardiness Zone 6b provides a generous window for heat-loving crops like beans and squash. Take advantage of the long sunny days by establishing a home orchard or a high-desert vegetable plot.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Montezuma County

via LawnByCounty

Managing Turf in the High Desert

Montezuma County scores 30.3 for lawn difficulty, reflecting a more challenging environment than the state average of 37.4. In this Zone 6b climate, keeping a lush lawn requires significantly more effort than the national norm.

Dry Air and Consistent Heat

The county receives just 15.5 inches of precipitation annually, which is far below the 30-50 inches needed for ideal lawn health. With 23 days of extreme heat each year, supplemental watering is non-negotiable for traditional grass types.

Investing in Soil Health

While specific soil textures are not currently mapped, regional conditions often require amendments to balance alkalinity. Homeowners should aim to incorporate organic matter to bring the soil closer to the ideal 6.0-7.0 pH range.

Prolonged Dry Spells

The area has faced 53 weeks of drought over the past year, and 100% of the county remains abnormally dry. Using smart irrigation controllers can help manage water use effectively during these chronic dry periods.

Start Growing in Zone 6b

Drought-resistant Tall Fescue or Blue Grama are recommended for the local Zone 6b conditions. Target the window after the last spring frost on May 15 to begin your seeding or sodding projects.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Montezuma County's county score?
Montezuma County, Colorado has a composite county score of 43.4 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 Montezuma County rank among counties in Colorado?
Montezuma County ranks #45 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 Montezuma County, Colorado?
The median annual property tax in Montezuma County is $958, with an effective tax rate of 0.29%. This earns Montezuma County a tax score of 98.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Montezuma County?
The median household income in Montezuma County, Colorado is $65,244 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Montezuma County earns an income score of 48.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Montezuma County, Colorado a good place to live?
Montezuma County scores 43.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #45 in Colorado. The best way to evaluate Montezuma 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 Montezuma County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, 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.