countyscore
65.9
County Score
Property Tax 98.9Health 94.8Income & Jobs 91.1

County Report Card

About Ouray County, Colorado

Ouray County among nation's most livable

Ouray County scores 67.3, placing it in the 69th percentile nationally and well above the national median of 50.0. High incomes, excellent health, and robust safety create a compelling livability profile.

Colorado's third-most livable county

Ouray County ranks third among Colorado's 64 counties at 67.3, substantially above the state average of 51.2. Only two counties in Colorado deliver stronger overall livability.

Income, health, and safety excel

Ouray County shines with an income score of 88.2 (median $84,556), health score of 94.8, and safety score of 79.5. The tax score of 99.0 with a 0.277% effective rate is Colorado's best, and risk management at 82.3 is excellent.

Housing costs severely limit access

Despite all strengths, Ouray County's cost score of 22.3 reflects some of the highest housing prices in this analysis—median home values at $670,100 and rents at $1,398 monthly. Water infrastructure also needs attention at 8.3.

Perfect for affluent families seeking mountains

Ouray County is ideal for wealthy families and retirees prioritizing health, safety, and spectacular mountain living. It suits those with substantial resources who can navigate steep housing costs in exchange for exceptional quality of life.

2040608010098.914.579.594.855.691.182.38.352.6Tax98.9Cost14.5Safety79.5Health94.8Schools55.6Income91.1Risk82.3Water8.3Weather52.665.9/100
This county
National avg
5 above average2 below average

Ouray County DNA

D+overall

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

Ouray County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Property Tax (98.9/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (8.3/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
98.9+46.900000000000006
Cost
14.5-33.5
Safety
79.5+24.5
Health
94.8+44.8
Schools
55.6
Income
91.1+40.099999999999994
Risk
82.3+35.3
Water
8.3-49.7
Weather
52.6
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Compare mortgage rates in Ouray County

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

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$739,800

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$1,786/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$739,800/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$71,440/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum8.1x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $91,020/yr
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Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

79.6

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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Counties with similar scores

Martin County
Kentucky
Median income: $37,042
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Wyandot County
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Oglala Lakota County
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Clay County
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Orange County
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Median income: $65,873
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Pulaski County
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Clearwater County
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Median income: $64,475
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Nearby counties

San Juan County
Colorado
66.1
San Miguel County
Colorado
64.4
Hinsdale County
Colorado
69.7
Montrose County
Colorado
42.8
Dolores County
Colorado
62.6
Mineral County
Colorado
72.2
La Plata County
Colorado
45.4
Delta County
Colorado
40.8

Deep Dives

Ouray County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Ouray County

via TaxByCounty

Ouray County has lowest effective tax rate

At 0.277%, Ouray County boasts the lowest effective tax rate among these eight counties and significantly undercuts Colorado's state average of 0.393%. Despite the lowest rate, the median tax bill of $1,854 reflects the county's notably high median home value of $670,100.

Lowest tax rate in Colorado overall

Ouray County ranks as one of Colorado's absolute lowest-taxing counties at 0.277%, far below the state average of 0.393%. The median tax bill of $1,854 reflects luxury mountain real estate values rather than tax burden.

Tax-efficient mountain property rates

Ouray County's 0.277% rate is the lowest among all eight highlighted counties, beating even Montezuma (0.297%) and Otero (0.322%). The combination of minimal rates and ultra-premium property values makes Ouray distinctive in the regional landscape.

Median home costs about $1,854 annually

A typical Ouray County home valued at $670,100 incurs roughly $1,854 in annual property tax at the current 0.277% rate. Homeowners with mortgages pay $2,019, while those without mortgages pay $1,710.

Appeal if your assessment seems too high

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

via IncomeByCounty

Ouray County Outearns Most Americans

Ouray County's median household income of $84,556 tops the national median of $74,755 by $9,801, placing residents well above the U.S. middle class. The county's tourism, outdoor recreation, and second-home economy drive higher household earnings.

Leads Colorado's Mountain Counties

Ouray County's $84,556 income ranks well above Colorado's state median of $74,792 by nearly $10,000, placing it in the upper quartile statewide. The county's scenic alpine setting and tourism appeal attract wealthy residents and seasonal visitors.

Wealthy Mountain County in Regional Context

Ouray County's $84,556 income significantly surpasses all regional neighbors, trailing only Park County ($95,450) in the mountain west. Its per capita income of $53,914 is the highest in the region, reflecting concentrated affluence and professional-class residents.

Housing Costs Substantial at Nearly 20%

Despite high incomes, Ouray County's rent-to-income ratio of 19.8% reflects elevated home prices—median values reach $670,100. This means even well-earning residents dedicate significant income to housing in this exclusive alpine community.

Advanced Wealth Strategies for Affluent Residents

Ouray County's high earners should maximize tax-advantaged retirement accounts ($23,500 401(k) limit, $6,500 IRA) and explore alternative investments. Consider consulting a fee-only financial advisor about wealth diversification, estate planning, and charitable giving strategies.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Ouray County

via CrimeByCounty

A National Leader in Public Safety

Ouray County boasts an impressive safety score of 99.2, one of the highest in the country. Its total crime rate of 486.2 per 100,000 is nearly five times lower than the national average.

One of Colorado's Safest Havens

Ouray's crime rate of 486.2 is far below the state average of 1,834.6. It consistently ranks as a premier choice for residents seeking a high level of public security.

Outperforming Its Regional Neighbors

Ouray County is even safer than nearby Montrose and Montezuma, reporting a fraction of their crime rates. It serves as a benchmark for safety in the San Juan Mountains.

Detailed Breakdown of Low Crime Rates

Violent crime is extremely rare at 40.5 per 100,000, while property crime sits at 445.7. These figures indicate a peaceful environment with very few criminal incidents.

Preserving the Peace in Ouray

In a county this safe, security is about maintaining the status quo. Continue basic practices like securing vehicles and homes to keep Ouray's numbers among the state's best.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Ouray County

via WeatherByCounty

Ouray chills well below US average temperatures

Ouray County's 44.5°F annual temperature sits 3.0°F below the U.S. median of 47.5°F, confirming its alpine mountain character. Its 21.3 inches of annual precipitation exceed the national average substantially, making it Colorado's wettest mountain enclave.

Coldest tier in Colorado's coldest counties

At 44.5°F, Ouray ranks among Colorado's coldest counties, running 1.5°F below the state average of 46.0°F. Only Park County and Pitkin County run significantly colder, all high-elevation mountain bastions.

Mountain fortress amid warm plains counties

Ouray (44.5°F) sits 4.3°F cooler than Montezuma (48.8°F) and 8.0°F colder than Otero (53.5°F), its dramatic elevation advantage creating a true alpine climate. Its 126.9 inches of annual snowfall dwarf neighboring lowland counties' totals, reflecting extreme precipitation captured at altitude.

Freezing winters, cool summers, extreme snow

Ouray's summer average of just 63.4°F includes only 4 days reaching 90°F—among the lowest in the state. Winters plummet to 26.1°F average with 126.9 inches of snow annually, making it one of America's snowiest inhabited counties and a true mountain winter destination.

Heavy snow removal and extreme cold gear

Residents face 127 inches of annual snowfall, requiring industrial snow removal equipment, reinforced roofing, and year-round avalanche awareness. Winter gear investment is non-negotiable; heating systems must run continuously, and outdoor planning requires either summer-only scheduling or specialized alpine equipment.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Ouray County

via SoilByCounty

Rugged San Juan Chemistry

Ouray County's dramatic vertical landscape currently lacks comprehensive digital soil taxonomic data. Local pH levels likely vary wildly between acidic forest floors and alkaline limestone outcrops compared to the 6.5 national median.

Skeletal Mountain Textures

Official sand, silt, and clay percentages are unavailable for this county. Most usable soil is found in narrow valleys and is characterized by high rock content and varying degrees of glacial till.

Fertility in the High Country

Specific organic matter and water capacity data are missing for this region. To match the state organic matter average of 2.18%, local gardeners often rely on forest-derived mulch and mountain-specific composting.

Steep Slope Hydrology

While formal drainage classes are not listed, the county's extreme topography ensures rapid runoff into the Uncompahgre River. Managing drainage is a critical first step for any building project or garden terrace.

The Switzerland of America

Ouray County is in Hardiness Zone 5b, which is perfect for cool-weather flowers and hardy root crops. Focus on early-maturing varieties to beat the swift arrival of mountain autumns.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Ouray County

via LawnByCounty

Standard Mountain Lawn Conditions

Ouray County sits near the state average with a lawn difficulty score of 35.7. While maintaining turf here is more difficult than the national average, the Zone 5b climate is suitable for many hardy mountain grasses.

Wet and Cool Growing Seasons

At 21.3 inches, Ouray receives more annual rain than most of Colorado, though it still falls short of ideal lawn needs. Only 4 days of extreme heat and a low 1,638 growing degree days mean grass grows slowly and stays cool.

Preparing High-Altitude Soil

Specific soil metrics are not currently available, but high-altitude terrains often contain rocky or heavy mineral components. Testing your soil for a pH within the 6.0 to 7.0 range is vital for ensuring nutrient absorption.

Managing Dryness Despite Rain

Despite higher rainfall, the county has experienced 53 weeks of drought over the last year. With 100% of the area currently abnormally dry, consistent irrigation remains necessary to keep lawns healthy.

Success in Zone 5b

Fine Fescue and Kentucky Bluegrass are the top choices for this cooler Zone 5b climate. Aim to seed your lawn after the last frost on May 18 to ensure healthy growth before the autumn chill arrives.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ouray County's county score?
Ouray County, Colorado has a composite county score of 65.9 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 Ouray County rank among counties in Colorado?
Ouray County ranks #4 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 Ouray County, Colorado?
The median annual property tax in Ouray County is $2,050, with an effective tax rate of 0.28%. This earns Ouray County a tax score of 98.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Ouray County?
The median household income in Ouray County, Colorado is $91,020 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Ouray County earns an income score of 91.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Ouray County, Colorado a good place to live?
Ouray County scores 65.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #4 in Colorado. The best way to evaluate Ouray 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 Ouray 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.