CountyScore

Morgan County

Colorado · CO

#49 in Colorado
68.2
County Score

County Report Card

About Morgan County, Colorado

Morgan County ranks above national norm

Morgan County's composite score of 71.5 exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in the upper half of U.S. counties. This solid performance is anchored by competitive tax rates and notably strong household income levels.

Essentially in line with Colorado

At 71.5, Morgan County performs right at Colorado's state average of 71.8, reflecting middle-of-the-pack livability conditions statewide. This consistency suggests residents encounter typical Colorado strengths and challenges.

Highest incomes among peers

Morgan County leads the group with an income score of 32.6 and median household income of $75,407, enabling greater financial flexibility. The tax score of 87.5 with an effective rate of 0.526% remains competitive, though slightly higher than neighboring counties.

Housing affordability moderating

The cost score of 69.3 reflects rising home values of $299,300 and rent at $1,092/month—higher relative to lower-cost peers. Safety, health, schools, and environmental data remain unavailable to round out the livability picture.

Best for earning-focused families

Morgan County attracts working professionals and families with earning power seeking moderate taxes and solid income growth opportunities. Its higher household income profile makes it especially suitable for dual-income households and entrepreneurs building wealth.

Score breakdown

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

Tax87.5Cost69.3SafetyComing SoonHealth66.1SchoolsComing SoonIncome32.6Risk48.1WaterComing Soon
🏛87.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠69.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼32.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤66.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡48.1
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 Morgan County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Escambia County
Alabama
68.2
Median income: $44,447
Madison County
Alabama
68.2
Median income: $83,528
Cross County
Arkansas
68.2
Median income: $47,012
Poinsett County
Arkansas
68.2
Median income: $47,188
Brantley County
Georgia
68.2
Median income: $47,801

Deep Dives

Morgan County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

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.