CountyScore

Ouray County

Colorado · CO

#7 in Colorado
78
County Score

County Report Card

About Ouray County, Colorado

Ouray County well above national average

With a composite score of 74.4, Ouray County ranks well above the national median of 50.0. Its profile reflects strong tax efficiency paired with notably higher household incomes than most rural Colorado counties.

Competitive across Colorado

Ouray County's 74.4 score exceeds Colorado's state average of 71.8, positioning it solidly among the state's better-performing counties. This above-average ranking reflects consistent strength across measured livability dimensions.

Highest tax advantage and strong incomes

Ouray County boasts the group's lowest effective tax rate at 0.277% with a tax score of 94.5, maximizing household savings. The income score of 38.6 reflects a median household income of $84,556—among the highest in the cohort, supporting affluent lifestyles.

Housing costs significantly elevated

The cost score of 68.3 reflects steep prices, with a median home value of $670,100 and median rent at $1,398/month—the highest in the group. Health, safety, school, and environmental data remain unavailable for a complete livability assessment.

Suits affluent, tax-conscious professionals

Ouray County attracts high-earning professionals and affluent families seeking minimal tax burden in a scenic mountain setting. Its combination of excellent tax efficiency and strong incomes makes it perfect for those with resources to afford premium housing in an exclusive Colorado locale.

Score breakdown

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

Tax94.5Cost68.3SafetyComing SoonHealth86.3SchoolsComing SoonIncome38.6Risk82.3WaterComing Soon
🏛94.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠68.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼38.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤86.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡82.3
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 Ouray County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Warren County
Indiana
78
Median income: $74,635
Jones County
South Dakota
78
Median income: $64,688
Wilkin County
Minnesota
78.1
Median income: $69,635
Golden Valley County
Montana
77.9
Median income: $57,353
Jerauld County
South Dakota
78.1
Median income: $75,417

Deep Dives

Ouray County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

Cost of Living in Ouray County

via CostByCounty

Ouray commands premium for high earners

Ouray County renters spend 19.8% of income on housing—just below the national average despite rents significantly above the national norm. The median household income of $84,556 is 13% above the U.S. average, reflecting a high-income mountain community where professional wages offset elevated costs.

Mountain premium meets high wages

Ouray County's rent-to-income ratio of 19.8% sits slightly below Colorado's state average of 20.2%, despite median rents of $1,398—12% above the state median. This apparent paradox reflects Ouray's status as a high-earner enclave where incomes substantially outpace state norms.

Highest rents, highest incomes

Ouray's $1,398 monthly rent is the highest in our sample—39% above Montrose ($1,120) and 56% above Mineral ($903)—yet its $84,556 median income also tops all peers except Park County. This premium market attracts affluent professionals willing to pay for mountain living and outdoor amenities.

Steep costs, compensated by wages

Renters pay $1,398/month while homeowners spend $950 on median homes valued at $670,100—revealing a market where ownership dramatically undercuts renting. At $84,556 income, housing represents 16-20% of monthly earnings, sustainable only for high-wage earners or asset-rich buyers.

Premium mountain living for professionals

Ouray County suits high-income remote workers or professionals seeking alpine living with above-average wages to match above-average costs. Compare this against Montrose County (lower rents, similar ownership value) or Park County (higher incomes, even steeper rents) based on your income and lifestyle priorities.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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

Health in Ouray County

via HealthByCounty

Ouray County's exceptional longevity stands out

At 85.4 years, Ouray County residents live 5.1 years longer than the U.S. average of 80.3 years, making it one of America's longevity leaders. The 12.2% poor/fair health rate falls well below the national average of 18%, demonstrating that Ouray residents not only live longer but report substantially better health.

Colorado's healthiest county by far

Ouray County's 85.4-year life expectancy leads Colorado by 7.2 years and ranks among the nation's best; the county also posts the lowest 12.2% poor/fair health rate compared to Colorado's 16% average. An uninsured rate of just 5.8%—2 percentage points below Colorado's already-strong 9.7%—ensures residents can access the county's robust health infrastructure.

Outpacing all neighboring mountain counties

Ouray County's 85.4-year life expectancy dramatically exceeds Montrose (77.9), Gunnison (78.5), and San Miguel counties, establishing it as a regional longevity beacon. The county's 79 primary care providers per 100,000 residents ensures accessible frontline care, while 251 mental health providers per 100,000 support the county's strong mental health infrastructure.

Excellence across insurance, providers, and wellness

Only 5.8% of Ouray County residents lack insurance—the lowest rate in Colorado—and the county offers 79 primary care and 251 mental health providers per 100,000, ensuring coordinated, accessible care. This combination of universal coverage and robust providers has created a community where residents live long, healthy lives.

Ouray residents: keep coverage current and strong

With exceptional health outcomes and near-universal coverage, Ouray County should celebrate its success while ensuring no one slips through the cracks. If you're uninsured or underinsured, visit Colorado.gov/PEAK to explore coverage options and maintain the county's outstanding health trajectory.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Ouray County

via RiskByCounty

Ouray County's Risk: Well Below National Average

Ouray County's composite risk score of 17.72 places it in the "Very Low" category, roughly one-third the national average natural disaster risk. The county's small, mountainous geography and limited development create one of Colorado's safest natural disaster profiles.

Among Colorado's Lowest-Risk Counties

Ouray County's composite score of 17.72 ranks it among Colorado's safest counties, well below the state average of 40.67. Only Mineral County scores lower, reflecting Ouray's remote San Juan Mountains location and sparse population.

Significantly Safer Than Surrounding Counties

Ouray County's 17.72 score stands well below neighboring Montrose (49.01) and Montezuma (47.61) counties, roughly one-third their risk levels. This dramatic difference reflects Ouray's higher elevation, smaller population, and lower exposure to flood and tornado hazards.

Wildfire Your Primary Risk; Earthquake Secondary

Wildfire risk at 71.85 is Ouray County's highest hazard score, reflecting forest coverage in the San Juan Mountains, though overall county risk remains very low. Earthquake risk (27.93) ranks second, while tornado (2.64) and flood (24.68) risks are minimal.

Wildfire Coverage Recommended Despite Low Risk

Even in low-risk Ouray County, homeowners in or near forested areas should add wildfire coverage to their policies, as standard homeowners insurance excludes this peril. Earthquake insurance is optional given your county's 27.93 earthquake score, but worth evaluating if your home is older or in a seismic zone.

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.