CountyScore

Montrose County

Colorado · CO

#35 in Colorado
71.7
County Score

County Report Card

About Montrose County, Colorado

Montrose County well above national average

With a composite score of 75.2, Montrose County ranks substantially above the national median of 50.0. This performance reflects balanced strengths in both tax efficiency and housing affordability.

Solid performer in Colorado

Montrose County's 75.2 score surpasses Colorado's state average of 71.8, placing it among the upper-middle tier of state counties. This positions it as a reliable choice for residents seeking above-average livability conditions.

Favorable taxes and reasonable housing

Montrose County delivers a tax score of 92.2 with an effective rate of 0.358%, protecting household finances. Housing remains accessible with a median home value of $357,900 and median rent of $1,120/month, supporting both renters and buyers.

Income potential remains moderate

The income score of 26.5 reflects a median household income of $66,072, solid but trailing higher-earning counties in the region. Health, safety, school quality, and environmental risk data are not yet available for a fuller assessment.

Suits balanced lifestyle seekers

Montrose County appeals to families and professionals seeking stable, tax-efficient living with moderate housing costs in a scenic rural setting. Its balanced profile makes it ideal for those prioritizing financial security and affordability over maximum earning potential.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax92.2Cost74.6SafetyComing SoonHealth69.3SchoolsComing SoonIncome26.5Risk51WaterComing Soon
🏛92.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠74.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼26.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤69.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡51
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Montrose County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

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Howard County
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Monroe County
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Median income: $43,955
Lawrence County
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71.7
Median income: $65,551
Newton County
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Median income: $68,596

Deep Dives

Montrose County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

Health in Montrose County

via HealthByCounty

Montrose edges slightly ahead of U.S. average

At 77.9 years, Montrose County residents live roughly 2.4 years less than the U.S. average of 80.3 years, a smaller gap than many rural Colorado counties. The 16.3% poor/fair health rate beats the national average of 18%, suggesting residents report fewer chronic conditions than typical Americans.

Nearly aligned with Colorado health outcomes

Montrose County's 77.9-year life expectancy sits just shy of Colorado's 78.2-year average, placing the county solidly in the middle tier of state health rankings. The 13.4% uninsured rate, however, exceeds Colorado's 9.7% average, indicating notable insurance gaps despite reasonable longevity.

Middling health profile among nearby counties

Montrose's 77.9-year life expectancy compares reasonably to Delta and Gunnison counties, though both neighbors show slightly better outcomes. The county's 86 primary care providers per 100,000 residents falls below the most robust rural counties but remains adequate for population needs.

Insurance gaps alongside decent provider access

With 13.4% of Montrose County uninsured—the county's most pressing challenge—one in seven residents lack coverage, risking medical debt and delayed care. The county boasts 86 primary care providers and 299 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, strong mental health infrastructure that can support residents if they can access it through insurance.

Bridge the insurance gap this year

Montrose County's 13.4% uninsured rate means thousands of residents face medical debt and barriers to the county's available mental health services. Call 303-866-2966 or visit Peak.colorado.gov to enroll in Medicaid or browse marketplace plans; enrollments are processed year-round.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

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

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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