countyscore
42.4
County Score
Property Tax 98.4Water 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.

Score breakdown

Tax98.4Cost35.5Safety22.7Health43.4Schools13.6Income48.2Risk52.4Water54.6Weather44.9
🏛98.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠35.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼48.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡22.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤43.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓13.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡52.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧54.6
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤44.9
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱30.3
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

La Plata County
Colorado
45.4
Dolores County
Colorado
60.8
San Miguel County
Colorado
64.6
San Juan County
Colorado
69.1
San Juan County
New Mexico
33.2
Ouray County
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67.3
Hinsdale County
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Montrose County
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43

Deep Dives

Montezuma County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Cost of Living in Montezuma County

via CostByCounty

Montezuma County: rural affordability wins

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.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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

Health in Montezuma County

via HealthByCounty

Montezuma's life expectancy notably below U.S.

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.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Montezuma County

via SchoolsByCounty

Diverse Schooling Across Three Districts

Montezuma County features 19 public schools serving 3,689 students across three distinct school districts. The infrastructure includes nine elementary schools, three middle schools, and four high schools to support a growing student population.

Strong Graduation Rates Despite Lean Spending

The county achieves a graduation rate of 84.6%, outperforming the state average of 83.1%. This success comes despite a per-pupil expenditure of $5,422, which is less than half of the national average spending of $13,000.

High Charter School Integration

The Montezuma-Cortez School District No. Re-1 is the largest, serving 2,449 students. Charter schools represent 21.1% of the county's schools, offering four unique alternative options for local families.

Expansive Rural Learning Environments

Fifteen of the county's 19 schools are located in rural areas, creating a quiet and focused learning atmosphere. While Montezuma-Cortez High School serves 601 students, the average school size across the county remains small at just 194 students.

Find Your Perfect Rural School District

With a variety of charter and traditional schools, Montezuma County offers parents significant choice in their child's education. Look for homes in Cortez or Dolores to take advantage of these diverse educational pathways.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Montezuma County

via RiskByCounty

Montezuma County Sits Above U.S. Average Risk

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.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

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 42.4 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 #49 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 $915, with an effective tax rate of 0.30%. This earns Montezuma County a tax score of 98.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Montezuma County?
The median household income in Montezuma County, Colorado is $63,005 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Montezuma County earns an income score of 48.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Montezuma County, Colorado a good place to live?
Montezuma County scores 42.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #49 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.

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