countyscore
37.9
County Score
Property Tax 83.4Income & Jobs 77.9Disaster Risk 48.1

County Report Card

About Morgan County, Colorado

Morgan County well below national livability

Morgan County scores 37.9, ranking in the 27th percentile nationally and well below the national median of 50.0. Despite higher incomes, significant challenges in housing affordability and infrastructure constrain overall livability.

Colorado's lower-ranked livability county

Morgan County ranks in the bottom third of Colorado's 64 counties at 37.9, notably below the state average of 51.2. It faces steeper livability challenges than most Colorado peers.

Strong incomes drive financial security

Morgan County's income score of 77.9 is exceptional, with median household income at $75,407. The tax score of 83.4 (0.526% effective rate) provides additional financial benefit, though higher than most peers.

Water, safety, and housing strain livability

A water score of just 20.1 signals serious infrastructure concerns, and safety at 27.7 limits peace of mind. Housing affordability ranks poorly at 18.2 despite median home values at $299,300 and rents at $1,092 monthly.

Best for high-income rural professionals

Morgan County suits workers or entrepreneurs with strong incomes seeking rural living despite infrastructure limitations. It appeals to those prioritizing economic stability over comprehensive public services or safety ratings.

Score breakdown

Tax83.4Cost18.2Safety27.7Health45.6Schools13.6Income77.9Risk48.1Water20.1Weather29.2
🏛83.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠18.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼77.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡27.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤45.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓13.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡48.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧20.1
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤29.2
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨23.3
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱47
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 →
Sponsored

Compare mortgage rates in Morgan County

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

See Today's Rates

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 Morgan County with Siskiyou County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Siskiyou County
California
Median income: $55,499
37.9
Ingham County
Michigan
Median income: $64,354
37.9
Pike County
Mississippi
Median income: $41,578
37.9
Butler County
Missouri
Median income: $49,213
37.9
Greene County
Ohio
Median income: $85,218
37.9
Licking County
Ohio
Median income: $81,033
37.9
Travis County
Texas
Median income: $97,169
37.9
Washington County
Texas
Median income: $75,085
37.9

Nearby counties

Washington County
Colorado
53.6
Adams County
Colorado
30.4
Arapahoe County
Colorado
43.1
Logan County
Colorado
38
Weld County
Colorado
38.4
Kimball County
Nebraska
52.3
Broomfield County
Colorado
45.5
Denver County
Colorado
33.8

Deep Dives

Morgan County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Morgan County

via TaxByCounty

Morgan County taxes highest among peers

At 0.526%, Morgan County's effective tax rate exceeds Colorado's state average of 0.393% by over a third. Property owners pay a median of $1,574 annually—still only 58% of the national median of $2,690.

Highest tax rate among these eight counties

Morgan County ranks among the highest-taxing counties in Colorado at 0.526%, well above the state average of 0.393%. The median tax bill of $1,574 slightly exceeds the state median of $1,560.

Significantly higher than regional counterparts

Morgan County's 0.526% rate substantially exceeds all nearby peers, including Moffat (0.430%), Mineral (0.354%), and Montezuma (0.297%). Among the eight highlighted counties, Morgan carries the highest effective tax burden.

Median home costs about $1,574 annually

A typical Morgan County home valued at $299,300 incurs roughly $1,574 in annual property tax at the current 0.526% rate. Homeowners with mortgages pay $1,805, while those without mortgages pay $1,273.

Appeal if your assessment seems too high

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

via CostByCounty

Morgan County matches national income strength

Morgan County renters spend 17.4% of income on housing—well below national norms and significantly below the 30% affordability threshold. At $75,407, median household income actually exceeds the U.S. average of $74,755, giving residents above-average purchasing power for housing costs.

Top-tier affordability in Colorado

Morgan County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.4% ranks among Colorado's best, sitting 2.8 percentage points below the state average of 20.2%. Its median rent of $1,092 is 13% cheaper than the state median, combined with above-average income creating exceptional affordability.

Outperforms peers on income and balance

Morgan County's $1,092 rent sits between Montezuma's $974 and Montrose's $1,120, but its $75,407 income—the highest among nearby counties—creates the strongest financial cushion. The 17.4% rent-to-income ratio beats all four-corner counties and rivals Moffat County's efficiency.

Renters strain, owners thrive

Monthly rent costs $1,092 while homeowners spend $1,264—a notable reversal where renting appears cheaper despite higher actual costs. However, the $75,407 median income means housing consumes just 17-20% of monthly earnings, leaving comfortable flexibility regardless of tenure choice.

Best income, competitive housing costs

Morgan County combines Colorado's top-tier renter affordability (17.4% ratio) with above-average wages, making it ideal for workers prioritizing financial stability. Stack this against Moffat County for comparable affordability, or Ouray County if you want higher incomes offset by premium mountain prices.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Morgan County

via IncomeByCounty

Morgan County Edges Past National Median

Morgan County's median household income of $75,407 surpasses the national median of $74,755 by $652. This positions the county just above the U.S. middle class, supported by agriculture, energy, and light manufacturing sectors.

Matches Colorado's Statewide Income Profile

Morgan County's $75,407 income essentially equals Colorado's state median of $74,792, placing it squarely at the state middle. The county maintains parity with more urban and developed areas despite its rural northeastern location.

Strongest Earner Among Plains Counties

Morgan County's $75,407 income outpaces neighboring Otero County ($54,897) by over $20,000, reflecting stronger agricultural productivity and regional economic stability. It trails mountain counties significantly but leads most northeastern plains peers.

Housing Highly Affordable at 17.4%

Morgan County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.4% is among the lowest statewide, with residents spending well under one-fifth on housing. Median home values of $299,300 remain highly accessible, making homeownership realistic for most working families.

Seize Affordability to Accelerate Savings

Morgan County's low housing costs create exceptional opportunity to save aggressively—aim to direct 15-20% of household income toward retirement and investments. Consider 529 college savings plans and rental property investment to build intergenerational wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Morgan County

via CrimeByCounty

Morgan County Outpaces National Safety

Morgan County earns a safety score of 97.2, indicating it is safer than many national peers. Its total crime rate of 1,745.6 per 100,000 is roughly 27% lower than the national average.

Surpassing Colorado Safety Standards

The county's crime rate of 1,745.6 per 100,000 beats the Colorado average of 1,834.6. This performance places Morgan County among the more secure counties in the state.

A Secure Choice Among Neighbors

Morgan County maintains a lower total crime rate than neighboring Montezuma and Montrose counties. This makes it a standout for safety in the Northeastern plains region.

Breaking Down Violent and Property Crime

Violent crime sits at 241.0 per 100,000, roughly in line with the state average of 232.1. Property crime is more frequent at 1,504.6 per 100,000, representing the majority of law enforcement activity.

Keep Your Morgan Home Secure

Since property crime is the primary local challenge, ensure all entry points are properly locked. Neighborhood vigilance and smart lighting can help keep these numbers low.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Morgan County

via HealthByCounty

Morgan County's life expectancy trails U.S.

At 75.6 years, Morgan County residents live about 4.7 years less than the U.S. average of 80.3 years, a meaningful gap reflecting rural health challenges. The county's 17.7% poor/fair health rate nearly matches the national average of 18%, indicating residents face chronic disease burdens similar to or slightly above the typical American community.

Below-average longevity for Colorado

Morgan County's 75.6-year life expectancy trails Colorado's 78.2-year average by 2.6 years, placing the county among the state's lower-performing health regions. The 13.4% uninsured rate substantially exceeds Colorado's 9.7% average, suggesting financial barriers amplify health challenges across the county.

Underperforming relative to neighboring counties

Morgan County's 75.6-year life expectancy lags Weld and Logan counties, where residents live longer and report better health outcomes. The county's 55 primary care providers per 100,000 represents a notable shortage compared to more robust rural regions, complicating healthcare access for families already facing insurance gaps.

Double burden: gaps in insurance and care

One in seven Morgan County residents (13.4%) lack health insurance, and the county offers only 55 primary care providers per 100,000—among the lowest in rural Colorado. The combination of high uninsured rates and limited primary care capacity means residents often delay preventive care and struggle with chronic disease management.

Secure coverage and health access today

Morgan County's 13.4% uninsured rate leaves thousands of families vulnerable to medical bankruptcy and delayed care in a county already facing provider shortages. Visit Colorado.gov/PEAK or call 1-303-866-2966 to explore Medicaid and marketplace options; assistance is available in your language and at no cost.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Morgan County

via SchoolsByCounty

Comprehensive Schooling in Morgan County

Morgan County manages 18 public schools across four districts, serving a total enrollment of 5,923 students. The system is well-distributed with nine elementary schools, three middle schools, and six high schools.

Graduation Rates Near State Standards

The county maintains an 80.4% graduation rate, nearing the Colorado average of 83.1%. Funding is allocated at $6,099 per pupil, supporting a composite school score of 46.5.

Fort Morgan District Drives Enrollment

School District No. Re-3 Fort Morgan is the largest in the county, educating 3,421 students. The county relies on traditional public schools, as there are currently no charter schools in operation.

A Blend of Town and Rural Campuses

The county features 12 schools in town settings and 6 in rural areas, reflecting the region's agricultural roots. Fort Morgan High School is the largest campus with 905 students, significantly above the county average size of 329.

Join a Community Focused on Education

With four distinct districts, Morgan County provides several different community identities for new residents. Consider homes in Fort Morgan or Brush to access the county's largest and most established schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Morgan County

via RiskByCounty

Morgan County: Above Average But Manageable Risk

Morgan County's composite risk score of 51.94 exceeds the national average, placing it in the "Relatively Low" category with above-average exposure to natural disasters. The county's eastern plains location creates distinct hazard patterns compared to Colorado's mountainous counties.

Above-Average Risk for Colorado

Morgan County's composite score of 51.94 ranks it above Colorado's state average of 40.67, among the higher-risk counties statewide. The county's plains geography and proximity to the South Platte River create flooding and severe weather vulnerabilities.

Tornado Risk Stands Out Regionally

Morgan County's tornado risk (66.54) far exceeds neighboring Otero County (33.27) and reflects its position on Colorado's eastern plains where severe thunderstorms routinely form. Wildfire risk (65.17) mirrors patterns across neighboring counties, though earthquake risk (39.98) remains moderate for the region.

Tornadoes Your Top Concern; Flooding Second

Tornado risk dominates at 66.54, making Morgan County one of Colorado's most tornado-exposed counties as severe storms regularly sweep across the plains. Flood risk at 55.82 ranks second, particularly threatening properties near the South Platte River and tributary valleys.

Tornado and Flood Insurance Are Essential

Morgan County residents should prioritize tornado-resistant home reinforcement and comprehensive homeowners coverage for wind and hail damage from severe storms. If your property is near any water body or in a FEMA flood zone, flood insurance is critical—many lenders require it.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Morgan County

via WeatherByCounty

Morgan runs warm, near-average precipitation

Morgan County's 49.0°F annual temperature exceeds the U.S. median of 47.5°F, placing it firmly in America's warm counties. Its 15.1 inches of precipitation sits slightly below the national average, creating a semi-arid plains climate.

Warmest quarter in Colorado's county ranks

Morgan County's 49.0°F average ranks it among Colorado's warmest counties, sitting 3.0°F above the state average of 46.0°F. Only a handful of Colorado counties run hotter, mostly in the far southeast.

Marginally cooler than Montezuma and Montrose

Morgan (49.0°F) sits just below Montezuma (48.8°F) and Montrose (48.2°F) in the warm-county hierarchy, but its 58 extreme heat days vastly exceed both neighbors. This northeastern plains location experiences more intense summer heat despite a similar annual average.

Intense summers, cold snaps, modest snowfall

Morgan's summer average of 71.5°F includes 58 days reaching 90°F or hotter—triple that of Montezuma and significantly hotter than any nearby county. Winters average 27.4°F with only 27.5 inches of snow, making it one of Colorado's least snowy regions despite harsh cold snaps.

Heavy-duty AC and heat-resistant landscaping essential

Residents face 58 days of extreme heat annually, making robust air conditioning a non-negotiable investment. Limited snowfall reduces shoveling burden, but rapid temperature swings between seasons demand flexible HVAC systems and heat-resistant outdoor materials to withstand intense summer sun.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Morgan County

via SoilByCounty

Alkaline Sands of the Plains

Morgan County features an alkaline soil profile with an average pH of 7.19. This is significantly higher than the national median of 6.5 but remains slightly more neutral than the Colorado state average of 7.29.

Sandy Foundations for Farming

The soil is comprised of 60.3% sand, 22.7% silt, and 15.9% clay. This high sand content ensures excellent drainage and ease of tilling, though it requires frequent watering to maintain moisture.

Thirsty Soils Seek Nutrients

Organic matter sits at 1.23%, which is well below the state average of 2.18%. The available water capacity of 0.119 in/in is also lower than the state mean, suggesting a need for consistent irrigation.

Fast-Draining Lowlands

The sandy texture leads to rapid water movement through the soil profile. While this prevents most flooding issues, it also means nutrients can leach away quickly if not managed carefully.

Plains-Hardy Growing

In Hardiness Zone 5b, Morgan County is prime territory for sugar beets and hardy grains. Backyard gardeners can see great success with tomatoes and peppers if they add plenty of compost to hold water.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Morgan County

via LawnByCounty

A Top Choice for Colorado Lawns

Morgan County is a standout for lawn success with a difficulty score of 47.0, approaching the national average of 50.0. This makes it one of the easiest places in Colorado to maintain a healthy yard.

Vigorous Growth Amidst High Heat

A robust 2,854 growing degree days drives vigorous growth, though homeowners must manage a high 58 days of extreme heat. With annual rainfall at 15.1 inches, careful irrigation is needed to combat the frequent 90°F+ temperatures.

Managing Sandy Soil Bases

The soil here is 60.3% sand, ensuring excellent drainage but requiring more frequent watering than clay-heavy soils. With a pH of 7.19, the soil is slightly more alkaline than the ideal 6.0-7.0 range.

Better Moisture Trends

Morgan County has seen only 13 weeks of drought in the past year, which is far better than much of the state. While 100% of the area is currently abnormally dry, the overall moisture stability is a major advantage.

Best Grass for Zone 5b

Tall Fescue is an excellent choice for this Zone 5b climate and sandy soil profile. Aim to start your lawn after the May 15 frost date to maximize the long growing season available in this county.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Morgan County's county score?
Morgan County, Colorado has a composite county score of 37.9 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 Morgan County rank among counties in Colorado?
Morgan County ranks #59 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 Morgan County, Colorado?
The median annual property tax in Morgan County is $1,574, with an effective tax rate of 0.53%. This earns Morgan County a tax score of 83.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Morgan County?
The median household income in Morgan County, Colorado is $75,407 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Morgan County earns an income score of 77.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Morgan County, Colorado a good place to live?
Morgan County scores 37.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #59 in Colorado. The best way to evaluate Morgan 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 Morgan County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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