countyscore
43
County Score
Property Tax 95.9Health 58Income & Jobs 57.1

County Report Card

About Montrose County, Colorado

Montrose County below U.S. livability median

Montrose County scores 43.0, placing it in the 40th percentile nationally and slightly below the national median of 50.0. It has moderate tax and income strengths but faces safety and infrastructure constraints.

Colorado's lower-middle-tier county

Montrose County ranks near the lower end of Colorado's 64 counties at 43.0, below the state average of 51.2. Most Colorado counties offer stronger overall livability profiles.

Taxes and incomes provide balance

A tax score of 95.9 (0.358% effective rate) and income score of 57.1 with median household income at $66,072 provide financial appeal. Health outcomes at 58.0 offer further stability.

Water infrastructure and safety deficits

Montrose County struggles with a water score of just 25.8, indicating significant water management concerns. Safety at 25.4 and schools at 12.2 are also weak points, alongside a school score ranking among Colorado's lowest.

Suits those drawn to Western lifestyle

Montrose County appeals to retirees and outdoor enthusiasts comfortable with lower school quality and safety ratings. It works best for households prioritizing tax efficiency and moderate incomes over comprehensive public services or community safety.

2040608010095.931.225.45812.257.15125.836.5Tax95.9Cost31.2Safety25.4Health58Schools12.2Income57.1Risk51Water25.8Weather36.543/100
This county
National avg
1 above average5 below average

Montrose County DNA

Foverall

How Montrose County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Montrose County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Property Tax (95.9/100) but notably weak in Schools (12.2/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
95.9+43.900000000000006
Cost
31.2-16.8
Safety
25.4-29.6
Health
58+8
Schools
12.2-41.8
Income
57.1
Risk
51
Water
25.8-32.2
Weather
36.5-19.5
Sponsored

Compare mortgage rates in Montrose County

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

See Today's Rates

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$357,900

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,120/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$357,900/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$44,800/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum5.4x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $66,072/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

18.5

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 Montrose County with Calaveras County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Calaveras County
California
Median income: $79,877
43
Santa Barbara County
California
Median income: $95,977
43
Suffolk County
Massachusetts
Median income: $92,859
43
Dakota County
Minnesota
Median income: $105,212
43
Phelps County
Missouri
Median income: $55,427
43
Columbia County
Oregon
Median income: $86,359
43
Bennett County
South Dakota
Median income: $44,569
43
Orleans County
Vermont
Median income: $66,426
43

Nearby counties

San Miguel County
Colorado
64.6
Ouray County
Colorado
67.3
Dolores County
Colorado
60.8
Mesa County
Colorado
38.5
Delta County
Colorado
40.8
San Juan County
Colorado
69.1
Hinsdale County
Colorado
72.1
Montezuma County
Colorado
42.4

Deep Dives

Montrose County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Montrose County

via TaxByCounty

Montrose County taxes sit below national norm

Montrose County's effective tax rate of 0.358% runs below Colorado's state average of 0.393% and well below national norms. The median annual property tax of $1,280 represents less than half the national median of $2,690.

Lower-middle tier among Colorado counties

Montrose County ranks in the lower half of Colorado's 64 counties at 0.358%, beating the state average of 0.393% by a slim margin. The median tax bill of $1,280 trails the state median of $1,560.

Moderate taxes in southwestern Colorado

Montrose County's 0.358% rate sits between Mineral County (0.354%) and Ouray County (0.277%), offering competitive regional positioning. Among southwest peers, Montrose has slightly higher rates but more moderate median home values than mountain neighbors.

Median home costs about $1,280 annually

A typical Montrose County home valued at $357,900 incurs roughly $1,280 in annual property tax at the current 0.358% rate. Homeowners with mortgages pay $1,312, while those without mortgages pay $1,225.

Appeal if your assessment seems too high

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

via CostByCounty

Montrose edges out national standards

Montrose County renters spend 20.3% of income on housing—nearly identical to the national average and just above the 20% threshold. With median household income of $66,072 (about 12% below the U.S. average), residents here manage comparable affordability through moderately lower absolute rents.

Right at Colorado's affordability midline

Montrose County's rent-to-income ratio of 20.3% sits effectively at Colorado's state average of 20.2%, making it representative of mid-range county affordability. Its median rent of $1,120 is 11% below the state median, though incomes are slightly lower than the state average.

Premium among the Four Corners peers

Montrose's $1,120 rent ranks higher than Mineral County ($903) and Montezuma County ($974), reflecting its position as a more desirable mountain community. Despite higher rents, Montrose's median income of $66,072 and ownership costs of $881 suggest strong value for buyers versus renters.

Buyers gain clear advantage over renters

Renters pay $1,120/month while homeowners spend just $881—a striking 22% discount favoring ownership on median home values of $357,900. At $66,072 income, monthly housing typically consumes 16-18% of earnings for owners and 20% for renters, encouraging a shift toward purchase.

Mountain living with ownership upside

Montrose County appeals to buyers seeking Colorado mountain charm at reasonable prices, with ownership costs substantially lower than rents. If you're deciding between rural counties, Montrose offers better income-to-housing balance than Mineral, though less stability than Moffat County.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Montrose County

via IncomeByCounty

Montrose Near National Income Baseline

Montrose County's median household income of $66,072 runs $8,683 below the national median of $74,755. The county maintains working-class stability through agriculture, tourism, and outdoor recreation industries.

Modestly Below Colorado State Average

Montrose County ranks slightly below Colorado's $74,792 median by about $8,720, placing it in the lower-middle income tier statewide. The gap reflects the county's rural character and limited concentration of high-wage employment.

Mid-Range Among Western Slope Counties

Montrose County's $66,072 income positions it between Montezuma ($63,005) and Ouray ($84,556), serving as a regional middle ground. Its per capita income of $36,936 ranks above most rural neighbors, suggesting more distributed earning opportunity.

Housing Costs Moderate at 20% of Income

Montrose County's rent-to-income ratio of 20.3% indicates residents spend just over one-fifth of earnings on housing, comfortably under the 30% affordability ceiling. Median home values of $357,900 require planning but remain accessible for stable households.

Invest Early for Mountain Living Dreams

Montrose County's moderate housing costs leave room for regular investing in retirement accounts and education savings plans. Automate monthly contributions to employer 401(k)s and consider real estate as a long-term wealth vehicle given the county's scenic appeal.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Montrose County

via CrimeByCounty

Montrose County Matches State Safety Averages

Montrose County holds a safety score of 97.1, identical to the Colorado average. Its total crime rate of 1,844.8 is much lower than the national average of 2,385.5 per 100,000.

Consistent Performance in Colorado Context

The county's crime rate of 1,844.8 mirrors the state average of 1,834.6 per 100,000 residents. This consistency makes it a representative example of public safety in the region.

Safe Surroundings on the Western Slope

Montrose is notably safer than neighboring Otero County, which reports a crime rate over 2,700. It offers a balanced safety profile compared to its rural and suburban neighbors.

Low Violent Crime, High Property Focus

The violent crime rate is remarkably low at 114.4 per 100,000, which is less than half the state average. Property crimes make up the bulk of reports at 1,730.4 per 100,000.

Securing Your Montrose Property

With violent crime rates so low, focus your efforts on protecting your home and vehicles from theft. Visible security cameras and well-lit driveways are effective deterrents here.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Montrose County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Robust Regional Education System

Montrose County supports 6,289 students across 19 public schools and two school districts. The landscape consists of seven elementary schools, three middle schools, and five high schools, providing comprehensive coverage for all age groups.

Balancing Growth and Educational Outcomes

The county reports a 77.4% graduation rate and a composite school score of 45.0. Educational investment stands at $6,129 per pupil, which is below the Colorado state average of $7,447.

Montrose County Re-1J Leads the Way

Montrose County School District Re-1J is the dominant provider, educating 6,029 students across 15 schools. The county also features two charter schools, providing specialized options for approximately 10% of the total school roster.

Town Staples and Large Campus Life

Eleven schools are situated in town locales, creating a centralized feel for most students. Montrose High School is the county's largest institution with 1,261 students, nearly four times the county's average school size of 331.

Relocate Near High-Capacity Schools

Montrose County offers a mix of large town schools and smaller rural campuses to suit different family preferences. Start your home search near Montrose High to be at the heart of the county's educational hub.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Montrose County

via RiskByCounty

Montrose County Edges Above U.S. Average

Montrose County's composite risk score of 49.01 slightly exceeds the national average, earning a "Relatively Low" rating but indicating above-average natural disaster exposure. The county's location in Colorado's western plateau zone creates concentrated risks from multiple hazard types.

Higher-Risk Half of Colorado Counties

Montrose County's score of 49.01 ranks it above Colorado's state average of 40.67, placing it in the top tier of state counties for overall disaster risk. The county's mountainous terrain and seismic activity drive this elevated ranking.

Comparable Risk to Montezuma; Notably Higher Than Ouray

Montrose and Montezuma counties share similar overall risk profiles (49.01 vs 47.61), with both facing major wildfire and earthquake threats. Neighboring Ouray County's much lower score (17.72) reflects its smaller population and different hazard exposure.

Earthquake Risk Highest; Wildfire Also Significant

Earthquake risk dominates at 77.29—the highest hazard score for Montrose County—reflecting its proximity to major seismic zones in the Colorado Rocky Mountains. Wildfire at 78.56 presents nearly equivalent risk, while flood (67.43) and tornado (8.91) threats remain secondary.

Earthquake Coverage Is Critical Priority

Montrose County homeowners must secure standalone earthquake insurance, as it's excluded from standard policies and your home's earthquake risk (77.29) is among Colorado's highest. Also ensure wildfire coverage and review flood insurance options based on your property's location relative to FEMA flood zones.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Montrose County

via WaterByCounty

Montrose Faces Drinking Water Hurdles

Montrose County receives an F grade due to 48 health violations over the last five years. Despite the low grade, the violation rate of 85.7 per 100K is still better than the state average of 292.1.

Heavy Metals Persistent in Montrose Waters

Assessment data from 2022 shows that 31.6% of water bodies are impaired, mostly by arsenic, zinc, and iron. This impairment level is slightly better than the 35.4% average across the state of Colorado.

Active Oversight of Nutrient Levels

Thirty-nine monitoring sites have produced 13,781 measurements within the last five years. Physical properties and nutrients are the most frequently measured groups in this regional footprint.

Critical Low Flows on the Gunnison

The Gunnison River below the Gunnison Tunnel is flowing at 306 cfs, representing only 25% of its typical mean. This low volume suggests severe drought pressure on the 3,971 square mile drainage area.

Prioritizing Filtration for Metals

Given the F grade and common presence of arsenic and zinc, residents should verify their water treatment systems are effective. Low river flows currently increase the risk of concentrated pollutants in local sources.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Montrose County

via WeatherByCounty

Montrose slightly warmer, drier than US norm

Montrose County averages 48.2°F annually, edging above the U.S. median of 47.5°F, while its 14.0 inches of precipitation falls well below the national average of 38 inches. This dry, temperate profile reflects high-elevation high-desert geography typical of western Colorado.

Upper-middle warmth in Colorado rankings

At 48.2°F, Montrose ranks in Colorado's warmest third of counties, running 2.2°F above the state average of 46.0°F. It sits slightly cooler than neighboring Montezuma but remains well above the state's frigid high-mountain counties.

Comparable to Montezuma, hotter than Ouray

Montrose (48.2°F) sits just 0.6°F below Montezuma County (48.8°F), making them regional climate twins. Both run dramatically warmer than Ouray County (44.5°F) to their south, which gains elevation and vastly more precipitation.

Hot summers, cold winters, sparse snow

Summer temperatures average 68.9°F with 36 days of 90°F-plus heat—notably higher than Montezuma's 23 days, signaling a sunnier climate. Winters average 27.7°F with just 31.3 inches of snow, making it one of Colorado's driest counties year-round.

Manage heat and drought-conscious landscaping

With 36 extreme heat days annually and only 14 inches of rain, residents should prioritize air conditioning maintenance and drought-tolerant outdoor design. Minimal snowfall (31 inches) means less shoveling but requires preparedness for occasional winter storms and roof load surprises.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Montrose County

via SoilByCounty

Uncompahgre Valley Identity

Montrose County's specific soil taxonomic orders and average pH are not recorded in this dataset. Most western slope soils lean alkaline, often testing higher than the national median pH of 6.5.

Diverse River Valley Textures

Specific sand, silt, and clay measurements are currently unavailable for the county's varied landscape. The valley floor is known for workable loams, while the surrounding mesas feature more challenging, rocky compositions.

Nurturing the Soil Profile

Local organic matter levels are unlisted, but boosting them toward the Colorado state average of 2.18% is a best practice. High available water capacity is common in the valley, making it a premier agricultural hub.

Irrigation and Drainage

While dominant drainage classes are not provided, the county relies heavily on engineered irrigation systems. Managing salt buildup is a frequent priority for farmers working these historically arid soils.

Bountiful West Slope Harvests

As a Zone 6b region, Montrose is famous for its sweet corn and tree fruits. The climate is ideal for a productive home garden; just ensure you have a reliable water source to get started.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Montrose County

via LawnByCounty

High Maintenance Requirements in Montrose

Montrose County presents one of the state's steeper challenges with a lawn difficulty score of 27.4. This is nearly 10 points lower than the state average, signifying a high-maintenance environment for traditional turf.

High Heat and Thirsty Turf

A significant 36 days of extreme heat over 90°F puts immense pressure on lawns that only receive 14.0 inches of annual rain. The 2,490 growing degree days suggest a long season where irrigation must be constant.

Amending Arid Grounds

Specific soil metrics are not currently available, but high-desert soils in this region often lack essential organic matter. Adding a layer of quality topsoil can help your lawn survive the low precipitation and intense summer sun.

Continuous Drought Conditions

The county has endured a full 53 weeks of drought over the last year, with 100% of the area still abnormally dry. Implementing 'soak and cycle' watering techniques will help encourage deeper root growth for better resilience.

Selecting Hardy Grass Varieties

Zone 6b favors warm-season grasses or very hardy cool-season blends like Turf-type Tall Fescue. Wait until after the final frost on May 11 to plant, giving your new grass the best chance to take root.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Montrose County's county score?
Montrose County, Colorado has a composite county score of 43 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 Montrose County rank among counties in Colorado?
Montrose County ranks #47 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 Montrose County, Colorado?
The median annual property tax in Montrose County is $1,280, with an effective tax rate of 0.36%. This earns Montrose County a tax score of 95.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Montrose County?
The median household income in Montrose County, Colorado is $66,072 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Montrose County earns an income score of 57.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Montrose County, Colorado a good place to live?
Montrose County scores 43/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #47 in Colorado. The best way to evaluate Montrose 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 Montrose 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.