CountyScore

Otero County

Colorado · CO

#39 in Colorado
71
County Score

County Report Card

About Otero County, Colorado

Otero County tops livability rankings

With a composite score of 78.1, Otero County ranks highest among this cohort and substantially above the national median of 50.0. This exceptional performance is driven by outstanding tax advantages and exceptional housing affordability.

Colorado's most livable option here

Otero County's 78.1 score comfortably exceeds Colorado's state average of 71.8 by 6.3 points, making it the top performer among these counties. This leadership position reflects particularly strong fundamentals in tax burden and housing costs.

Unbeatable affordability and tax relief

Otero County shines with a cost score of 81.5—the highest in the group—featuring a median home value of $160,700 and rent at just $796/month. The tax score of 93.2 with an effective rate of 0.322% provides exceptional savings, among Colorado's lowest.

Income levels lag slightly

The income score of 19.2 reflects a median household income of $54,897, the lowest in this group and below state averages. Additional data on safety, health, education, and environmental conditions would provide crucial context for prospective residents.

Unmatched value for budget builders

Otero County is ideal for retirees, remote workers, and families prioritizing maximum financial stretch and lowest cost of living in Colorado. Its combination of rock-bottom housing costs and minimal taxes makes it the clear choice for those seeking exceptional affordability.

Score breakdown

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

Tax93.2Cost81.5SafetyComing SoonHealth59.3SchoolsComing SoonIncome19.2Risk49.3WaterComing Soon
🏛93.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠81.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼19.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤59.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡49.3
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 Otero County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Blount County
Alabama
71
Median income: $61,096
Clarke County
Alabama
71
Median income: $49,167
Dale County
Alabama
71
Median income: $53,955
Boone County
Arkansas
71
Median income: $54,195
Hempstead County
Arkansas
71
Median income: $47,654

Deep Dives

Otero County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

Cost of Living in Otero County

via CostByCounty

Otero County: Colorado's most affordable haven

Otero County renters spend just 17.4% of income on housing—among the lowest ratios in the nation and well below affordability concerns. At $54,897, median household income is 27% below the U.S. average, but rock-bottom rents of $796/month make housing genuinely accessible here.

Colorado's bargain-basement rents

Otero County's $796 median rent is the lowest in our sample and 37% below Colorado's state median of $1,253, creating extraordinary affordability. The 17.4% rent-to-income ratio matches top performers statewide despite wages significantly below state averages.

Dramatically cheaper than mountain counties

Otero's $796 rent undercuts every neighboring county in our sample by wide margins—Mineral ($903), Montezuma ($974), and Montrose ($1,120) all charge 12-40% more. Its median home value of $160,700 is also the lowest, reflecting Otero's position as Southeast Colorado's most economical market.

Minimal housing burden, low wages

Renters pay just $796/month and owners spend $831, among the nation's lowest absolute costs for housing. At $54,897 median income, housing represents roughly 17-18% of monthly earnings—leaving tight but sustainable budgets for residents with limited local wage growth.

Maximum affordability, limited opportunity

Otero County is ideal for retirees, remote workers, or those prioritizing bare-bones cost of living, with rents 36% below state average. Consider this against Mineral County for slightly better wages, or Montezuma County if seeking better income potential without major rent increases.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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

Health in Otero County

via HealthByCounty

Otero County faces severe health challenges

At 71.9 years, Otero County residents live nearly 8.4 years less than the U.S. average of 80.3 years—one of the starkest gaps in Colorado. The 25.6% poor/fair health rate far exceeds the national average of 18%, indicating widespread chronic disease and significant health struggles across the community.

Colorado's lowest life expectancy county

Otero County's 71.9-year life expectancy ranks last among Colorado counties, falling 6.3 years below the state average of 78.2 years. The 25.6% poor/fair health rate represents the worst health outcomes in the state, signaling a health crisis that demands urgent community attention.

Trailing all neighboring counties significantly

Otero County's 71.9-year life expectancy lags Pueblo, Huerfano, and Las Animas counties by 5 or more years each, marking a distinct health disadvantage in southeastern Colorado. Despite higher mental health provider availability (441 per 100,000), the county's 70 primary care providers per 100,000 remain insufficient for the population's severe health burden.

Limited insurance gaps but severe health crisis

Though Otero County's 10% uninsured rate is close to state average, the real crisis is the 25.6% of residents reporting poor or fair health—poverty, limited economic opportunity, and social isolation compound disease burden. With 70 primary care providers and 441 mental health providers per 100,000, the infrastructure exists, but residents need support accessing care and addressing root health drivers.

Secure your health coverage and care plan

While most Otero County residents have insurance, the county's 25.6% poor/fair health rate signals that coverage alone isn't enough—residents need proactive, coordinated care. Ensure your family has current coverage through Colorado.gov/PEAK, and ask your doctor about chronic disease programs and mental health support available in your community.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Otero County

via RiskByCounty

Otero County: Moderate Risk, Above National Average

Otero County's composite risk score of 50.73 exceeds the national average, earning a "Relatively Low" rating with meaningful exposure to multiple hazard types. The county's location in southeastern Colorado creates unique combinations of wildfire, earthquake, flood, and tornado risks.

Above-Average Risk for Colorado

Otero County's score of 50.73 ranks it above Colorado's state average of 40.67, placing it in the higher-risk tier statewide. This reflects the county's diverse hazard exposure across wildfire, flood, tornado, and seismic zones.

Higher Tornado Risk Than Eastern Neighbors

Otero County's tornado risk (33.27) is notably lower than neighboring Morgan County (66.54) to the north but higher than mountain counties to the west. Its wildfire risk (75.92) aligns with the broader southwestern Colorado pattern affecting both Montezuma and Montrose counties.

Wildfire and Flood Top the List

Wildfire risk ranks highest at 75.92, reflecting Otero County's forested areas and dry conditions, while flood risk at 60.15 threatens properties in river valleys and drainage areas. Tornado risk (33.27) and earthquake risk (35.37) present secondary concerns.

Wildfire and Flood Coverage Critical

Otero County residents must add wildfire insurance to their policies, as it's not covered by standard homeowners plans, especially given your county's 75.92 wildfire score. Check FEMA flood maps for your property; if in a high-risk zone, flood insurance may be required.

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.