countyscore
39.4
County Score
Property Tax 97.9Cost of Living 54.3Disaster Risk 49.3

County Report Card

About Otero County, Colorado

Otero County significantly below national median

Otero County scores 40.3, placing it in the 32nd percentile nationally and well below the national median of 50.0. Critical weaknesses in safety, health, and water infrastructure severely limit livability despite affordable housing.

Colorado's most challenged livability county

Otero County ranks among the lowest in Colorado at 40.3, substantially below the state average of 51.2. It faces the most significant livability constraints among Colorado's 64 counties.

Affordability is Otero's primary advantage

Otero County boasts the best housing affordability in this analysis with a cost score of 57.4 and median home values of just $160,700 and rents at $796 monthly. The tax score of 97.5 (0.322% effective rate) further enhances financial accessibility.

Safety and water quality are critical concerns

Safety scores dangerously low at 10.1, and water infrastructure is nearly nonexistent at 0.5—critical public health issues. Health outcomes (25.0) and income potential (24.8, median $54,897) also rank among Colorado's worst.

Only for those prioritizing affordability

Otero County suits only those with minimal resources who can afford nowhere else, or investors seeking deeply discounted property. It is not recommended for families, retirees, or anyone prioritizing safety, health services, or water quality.

2040608010097.954.310.12527.519.449.30.535Tax97.9Cost54.3Safety10.1Health25Schools27.5Income19.4Risk49.3Water0.5Weather3539.4/100
This county
National avg
1 above average6 below average

Otero County DNA

Foverall

How Otero County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Otero County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Water Quality (0.5/100), though Property Tax (97.9/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
97.9+45.900000000000006
Cost
54.3
Safety
10.1-44.9
Health
25-25
Schools
27.5-26.5
Income
19.4-31.6
Risk
49.3
Water
0.5-57.5
Weather
35-21
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Compare mortgage rates in Otero County

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

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$168,900

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$839/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$168,900/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$33,560/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.1x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $54,037/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

32.5

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
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Nearby counties

Crowley County
Colorado
53
Bent County
Colorado
39.3
Pueblo County
Colorado
32.3
Kiowa County
Colorado
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Lincoln County
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Las Animas County
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Cheyenne County
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Huerfano County
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Deep Dives

Otero County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Otero County

via TaxByCounty

Otero County offers lowest absolute tax burden

At 0.322%, Otero County's effective tax rate falls below Colorado's state average of 0.393% and far below national norms. The median annual tax of just $518 is the lowest among these eight counties and represents only 19% of the national median of $2,690.

Very low tax rate among Colorado counties

Otero County ranks in the lowest quartile of Colorado's 64 counties at 0.322%, well below the state average of 0.393%. The median tax bill of $518 represents just one-third of Colorado's $1,560 median.

Most tax-efficient property values in region

Otero County's 0.322% rate undercuts most southwestern peers, rivaling Montezuma (0.297%) and Ouray (0.277%) for efficiency. However, Otero's median home values of $160,700 are substantially lower, resulting in the lowest absolute tax bills across the region.

Median home costs about $518 annually

A typical Otero County home valued at $160,700 incurs roughly $518 in annual property tax at the current 0.322% rate. Homeowners with mortgages pay $633, while those without mortgages pay $423.

Appeal if your assessment seems too high

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

Income & Jobs in Otero County

via IncomeByCounty

Otero County Significantly Below U.S. Average

Otero County's median household income of $54,897 lags the national median of $74,755 by nearly $20,000, or 26%. This substantial gap reflects the county's limited economic base and dependence on agriculture and small-scale manufacturing.

Among Colorado's Lowest-Income Counties

Otero County ranks substantially below Colorado's $74,792 state median by $19,895, placing it in the lowest income quartile statewide. The county faces economic headwinds that limit wage growth and employment diversity.

Struggling Economy on Colorado Plains

Otero County's $54,897 income ranks lowest among its regional peers, trailing Morgan ($75,407) by over $20,000 and Montezuma ($63,005) by $8,000. A per capita income of just $28,634 indicates concentrated poverty and limited individual earning potential.

Low Housing Costs Provide Some Relief

Otero County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.4% is exceptionally low, with residents dedicating just one-sixth of income to housing. Median home values of $160,700 are the most affordable in the state, offering genuine homeownership opportunity despite modest incomes.

Prioritize Financial Stability and Education

Otero County residents should establish emergency reserves of at least 6 months given income volatility and limited local opportunities. Invest in skills development, trade certifications, and remote work capabilities to increase earning potential beyond county boundaries.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Otero County

via CrimeByCounty

Otero County Faces Higher Crime Trends

Otero County reports a total crime rate of 2,771.8 per 100,000, which exceeds the national average of 2,385.5. This results in a safety score of 95.6, highlighting areas for improvement.

Comparing Otero to State Averages

The county's crime rate is significantly higher than the Colorado average of 1,834.6 per 100,000. Local law enforcement manages a higher volume of incidents than many other rural counties.

Safety Variations in the Region

Otero reports more activity than neighbors like Morgan or Montrose counties. Residents experience nearly double the crime rate seen in mountain counties like Ouray or Park.

High Property Crime Impacts Scores

Property crime is the driving force here, reaching 2,518.8 per 100,000 residents. The violent crime rate of 253.0 remains closer to the state average of 232.1.

Prioritizing Home Security in Otero

Given the high property crime rate, robust home security systems are highly recommended. Securing valuables and using alarm systems can significantly reduce personal risk.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Otero County

via WeatherByCounty

Otero is Colorado's hottest, driest county

At 53.5°F annually, Otero County runs 6.0°F warmer than the U.S. median of 47.5°F, marking it as distinctly hot for Colorado. Its 12.9 inches of annual precipitation rank it among America's driest counties, creating a harsh high-desert climate.

Hottest county in Colorado by far

Otero's 53.5°F average ranks it the warmest county in Colorado, a full 7.5°F above the state average of 46.0°F. No other Colorado county approaches its extreme heat profile, placing it in a climate class of its own.

Dramatically hotter than all regional peers

Otero (53.5°F) towers 5.3°F above Morgan County (49.0°F) to its north and 9.0°F above Ouray County (44.5°F) to its west. Its southeastern plains position creates a uniquely hostile climate within Colorado's otherwise moderate network.

Punishing heat, rare snow, perpetual dryness

Otero experiences 79 days of 90°F-plus heat annually—nearly triple Morgan County's total—with summer averages of 75.1°F. Winter highs barely dip below freezing at 32.4°F average, and just 23.2 inches of annual snowfall leaves the landscape exposed to intense summer radiation year-round.

Industrial-grade cooling and water conservation

With 79 extreme heat days and only 13 inches of rain yearly, residents need commercial-strength air conditioning and aggressive water conservation strategies. Drought-resistant xeriscaping is non-negotiable; outdoor activities require dawn or dusk timing, and reflective roofing or cooling systems become cost-saving priorities.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Otero County

via SoilByCounty

Alkaline River Valley Soils

Otero County has a notably alkaline average pH of 7.68. This level sits well above the national median of 6.5 and exceeds the Colorado state average of 7.29, requiring acid-loving plants to have specific amendments.

A Silty, Productive Mix

The composition is a balanced blend of 41.0% silt, 31.4% sand, and 26.7% clay. This high silt and clay content provides much better nutrient retention and structural stability than sandier neighboring counties.

Excellent Water Holding Potential

The available water capacity is 0.156 in/in, which beats the state average of 0.139. Although organic matter is low at 1.34%, the soil's ability to hold moisture makes it highly productive under irrigation.

Steady Moisture Management

With over 26% clay, these soils drain more slowly than sandy plains, providing a steady supply of water to crops. Farmers must monitor for compaction and salt accumulation, which are common in these silty valley floors.

Melon Capital Success

Otero's Zone 6a climate is world-famous for cantaloupes and watermelons. The warm nights and moisture-retentive soils make this a gardener's dream for heat-loving vine crops and pumpkins.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Otero County

via LawnByCounty

Beating the Average in Otero

Otero County offers a manageable environment with a lawn difficulty score of 43.5. This outperforms the Colorado average of 37.4, though it still presents more hurdles than the national median of 50.0.

Intense Summer Heat Waves

Lawns face a staggering 79 days of extreme heat, which is nearly triple the Colorado state average of 27 days. Combined with just 12.9 inches of rain, the high 3,609 growing degree days require diligent watering to avoid burnout.

Working with Alkaline Clay

The soil has a pH of 7.68 and a significant 26.7% clay content, which can lead to drainage issues and compaction. Regular aeration is recommended to help water and nutrients penetrate the soil effectively.

Relatively Stable Water Access

Only 52.7% of the county is currently abnormally dry, and there were just 14 weeks of drought over the past year. This relatively stable profile helps your grass survive the intense summer sun better than in neighboring counties.

Heat-Tolerant Varieties Win

Bermuda or Buffalo grass are ideal for the Zone 6a heat and clay-rich soil of Otero County. With a final frost date of April 30, you can start your lawn much earlier than most other Colorado residents.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Otero County's county score?
Otero County, Colorado has a composite county score of 39.4 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 Otero County rank among counties in Colorado?
Otero County ranks #53 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 Otero County, Colorado?
The median annual property tax in Otero County is $520, with an effective tax rate of 0.31%. This earns Otero County a tax score of 97.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Otero County?
The median household income in Otero County, Colorado is $54,037 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Otero County earns an income score of 19.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Otero County, Colorado a good place to live?
Otero County scores 39.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #53 in Colorado. The best way to evaluate Otero 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 Otero County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, 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.