countyscore
57.7
County Score
Property Tax 96.5Income & Jobs 94Health 87.4

County Report Card

About Park County, Colorado

Park County above national livability median

Park County scores 57.7, placing it in the 56th percentile nationally and above the national median of 50.0. Strong incomes, health, and safety metrics create solid overall livability.

Colorado's middle-tier livable county

Park County ranks in the upper-middle range of Colorado's 64 counties at 57.7, above the state average of 51.2. It represents a balanced livability profile compared to most Colorado peers.

Exceptional incomes and health outcomes

Park County leads with an income score of 94.0 and median household income of $95,450, plus a health score of 87.4. Safety at 77.0, risk management at 77.8, and low taxes (96.5 at 0.343% effective rate) round out strong fundamentals.

Housing costs create access barriers

Park County's cost score of just 4.4 reflects the most expensive housing in this analysis—median home values at $489,300 and rents at $1,942 monthly. Water infrastructure at 7.2 and schools at 29.0 also need improvement.

Ideal for high-income mountain families

Park County suits affluent families and retirees seeking excellent health services, safety, and outdoor access near Denver. It appeals most to those with six-figure incomes comfortable with premium mountain living costs.

Score breakdown

Tax96.5Cost4.4Safety77Health87.4Schools29Income94Risk77.8Water7.2Weather50
🏛96.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠4.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼94
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡77
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤87.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓29
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡77.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧7.2
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤50
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱30.5
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

Lake County
Colorado
60.3
Chaffee County
Colorado
56
Summit County
Colorado
49.6
Clear Creek County
Colorado
49.9
Teller County
Colorado
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Fremont County
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Douglas County
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Jefferson County
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Deep Dives

Park County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Park County

via TaxByCounty

Park County taxes well below national average

At 0.343%, Park County's effective tax rate runs below Colorado's state average of 0.393% and far below national norms. The median annual property tax of $1,679 remains roughly 38% lower than the national median of $2,690.

Lower-middle tier among Colorado counties

Park County ranks in the lower half of Colorado's 64 counties at 0.343%, beating the state average of 0.393% by a solid margin. The median tax bill of $1,679 exceeds the state median of $1,560 due to higher-valued mountain properties.

Competitive mountain county tax rates

Park County's 0.343% rate sits between Mineral County (0.354%) and Ouray County (0.277%), offering efficient taxation on premium mountain real estate. Among the eight highlighted counties, Park offers balanced tax efficiency with significant property values.

Median home costs about $1,679 annually

A typical Park County home valued at $489,300 incurs roughly $1,679 in annual property tax at the current 0.343% rate. Homeowners with mortgages pay $1,806, while those without mortgages pay $1,474.

Appeal if your assessment seems too high

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

via CostByCounty

Park County: highest income, tightest ratios

Park County renters spend 24.4% of income on housing—above the 30% affordability ceiling and the highest burden in our sample. Yet median household income of $95,450 is 28% above the U.S. average, indicating an ultra-wealthy community where high rents ($1,942/month) strain even affluent households.

Colorado's priciest market, thin margins

Park County's rent-to-income ratio of 24.4% exceeds Colorado's state average by 4.2 points, making it the state's most rental-burdened market in our sample. Median rents of $1,942/month are 55% above the state median, reflecting the county's proximity to Denver and mountain resort prestige.

Outlier costs, outlier incomes

Park County's $1,942 rent nearly doubles Ouray County's ($1,398) and quintuples Otero County's ($796), positioning it as Colorado's clear premium market. Its $95,450 median income is the highest in our sample, yet even this cannot prevent housing from consuming nearly a quarter of monthly earnings.

Renters squeezed despite high wages

Renters pay $1,942/month while homeowners spend $1,598 on median homes valued at $489,300—an unusual pattern where ownership remains cheaper but both are steep. At $95,450 income, even affluent Park County households allocate 24% (renters) or 20% (owners) to housing, the highest burden in our sample.

Denver metro's exclusive price frontier

Park County appeals only to high-income professionals or executives willing to accept America's tightest renter ratios (24.4%) for proximity to Denver and world-class amenities. If you're seeking mountain living with better affordability, Ouray County or Montrose County offer similar lifestyles at substantially lower costs.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Park County

via IncomeByCounty

Park County Among America's Wealthiest

Park County's median household income of $95,450 surpasses the national median of $74,755 by $20,695, placing residents in the top 30% nationally. The county's proximity to Denver, mountain recreation, and second-home market drive exceptional household earnings.

Colorado's Highest-Income County Peer

Park County ranks at the pinnacle of Colorado's income distribution with $95,450—nearly $21,000 above the state median of $74,792. The county consistently outearns all but the wealthiest enclaves in the state.

Wealthiest in Mountain Colorado by Far

Park County's $95,450 income dominates the region, exceeding Ouray ($84,556) by $10,894 and outpacing all other western counties substantially. Its per capita income of $53,396 ties the region's highest, reflecting affluent professional-class residents and retirees.

High Incomes Offset Premium Housing Costs

Park County's rent-to-income ratio of 24.4% is the highest reviewed, reflecting median home values of $489,300. However, the county's strong incomes absorb these costs without approaching affordability crisis—well-positioned households maintain financial flexibility.

Sophisticated Planning for High Net Worth

Park County's affluent residents should pursue comprehensive wealth strategies: maximize all tax-advantaged accounts, invest in diversified portfolios, and consider alternative assets. Engage estate planning attorneys and financial advisors familiar with high-net-worth strategies including tax optimization and generational wealth transfer.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Park County

via CrimeByCounty

Exceptional Safety in Park County

Park County earns an elite safety score of 99.1, reflecting its very low crime activity. The total crime rate of 551.2 per 100,000 is much lower than the national mark of 2,385.5.

Park County Leads the State Average

With a crime rate of 551.2, Park County is significantly safer than the typical Colorado county, which averages 1,834.6. It remains a standout for peace and security.

A High Standard Among Neighbors

Park County maintains a safety score nearly equal to Ouray County's 99.2. It is vastly safer than Otero or Montezuma counties, offering a very low-risk lifestyle.

Analyzing Violent and Property Incident Rates

Violent crime occurs at a rate of 187.5, which is lower than the state average of 232.1. Property crime is also minimal at 363.7 per 100,000 residents.

Smart Safety for Your Park Home

Maintain your high safety standard by remaining aware of your surroundings. Simple home security habits ensure Park County continues to be a top-tier safe community.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Park County

via HealthByCounty

Park County's longevity ranks nationally strong

At 81.5 years, Park County residents live 1.2 years longer than the U.S. average of 80.3 years, placing the county in America's healthier demographic tiers. The 12.9% poor/fair health rate substantially beats the national average of 18%, indicating residents enjoy fewer chronic conditions and better overall wellness than typical Americans.

Top-tier Colorado health outcomes

Park County's 81.5-year life expectancy leads Colorado's state average of 78.2 by 3.3 years, ranking it among the state's healthiest counties. The 12.9% poor/fair health rate and 7.3% uninsured rate both exceed state health benchmarks, creating a strong foundation for community wellness.

Outperforming neighboring mountain counties

Park County's 81.5-year life expectancy beats Clear Creek, Summit, and Eagle counties, establishing it as a mountain region longevity leader. However, the county's 17 primary care providers per 100,000 ranks among Colorado's lowest, reflecting the rural mountain geography's challenge in recruiting physicians.

Excellent health outcomes despite provider shortage

With only 7.3% uninsured—well below Colorado's 9.7% average—nearly all Park County residents have health coverage that supports preventive care. Though the county's 17 primary care providers per 100,000 is lean by state standards, strong community health culture and relatively high incomes appear to buffer residents against common health risks.

Maintain Park County's health advantage

Park County's strong health outcomes depend on near-universal coverage; the 7.3% uninsured should explore options to complete the county's health success story. Visit Colorado.gov/PEAK or call your local health department to ensure all neighbors have coverage and access to the preventive care that keeps Park County thriving.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Park County

via SchoolsByCounty

Rural Schooling in the Mountains

Park County manages 8 public schools for 1,392 students across two school districts. The system includes three elementary schools, two middle schools, and two high schools to serve its high-altitude communities.

Investing in Mountain Education

The county spends $7,380 per pupil, nearly matching the Colorado state average of $7,447. While the graduation rate is 78.9%, the county maintains a solid composite school score of 48.5.

Platte Canyon and Charter Options

The Platte Canyon School District is the county's largest, serving 797 students. Charter schools play a significant role here, representing 25% of all schools, including the 142-student Lake George Charter School.

One Hundred Percent Rural Learning

All 8 schools in Park County are located in rural settings, reflecting the county's rugged geography. The average school size is 174 students, with Deer Creek Elementary being the largest at 400 students.

Escape to the Park County High Country

Park County offers a unique blend of rural seclusion and educational choice through its charter and traditional schools. Find a home in the Platte Canyon area to experience mountain living with dedicated local schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Park County

via RiskByCounty

Park County's Risk: Low, Below National Average

Park County's composite risk score of 22.20 places it in the "Very Low" category, significantly below the national average for natural disaster exposure. The county's mountainous central Colorado location provides protection from many widespread hazards, though some risks remain concentrated.

Among Colorado's Safer Counties

Park County's score of 22.20 ranks it among Colorado's lower-risk counties, well below the state average of 40.67. The county benefits from its high-elevation location and limited urban sprawl in hazard-prone areas.

Similar Safety Profile to Ouray and Mineral

Park County's 22.20 score sits between Ouray (17.72) and the state average, reflecting its slightly larger population and development compared to Ouray but still among Colorado's safer counties. Neighboring counties in the plains (Morgan, Otero) score significantly higher due to tornado and flood exposure.

Wildfire Dominates; Tornado Secondary

Wildfire risk stands highest at 94.88—Park County's most significant hazard—reflecting extensive forest coverage across the central mountains, though overall county risk remains low. Tornado risk (19.21) ranks second, while earthquake (30.03) and flood (21.82) risks remain modest.

Prioritize Wildfire Insurance Coverage

Park County homeowners, especially those in or near forested areas, must add wildfire insurance to their policies, as it's excluded from standard coverage and your county's wildfire risk (94.88) is among Colorado's highest. Review your property's elevation and proximity to forests when evaluating earthquake and flood insurance options.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Park County

via WeatherByCounty

Park is Colorado's coldest, mountain-locked county

Park County's 38.2°F annual temperature ranks as Colorado's coldest and sits 9.3°F below the U.S. median of 47.5°F. Its 13.9 inches of precipitation fall short of the national average, but elevation-driven snowfall dominates, making it an extreme high-altitude environment.

Single coldest county in all Colorado

At 38.2°F, Park County registers as Colorado's coldest county by a significant margin, running 7.8°F below the state average of 46.0°F. Only Pitkin County approaches its freeze profile, and both dominate Colorado's alpine climate tier.

Frigid fortress among Colorado's mountains

Park (38.2°F) sits 6.3°F colder than Ouray (44.5°F) and 14.8°F colder than Montezuma (48.8°F), making it a true polar outpost. Its elevation and mountain positioning create unmatched cold intensity within the state's already-chilly county network.

Zero extreme heat days, brutal winters, relentless snow

Park County records zero days above 90°F annually—the only Colorado county with this distinction—while summer averages just 57.0°F. Winter plummets to 19.6°F with 66.0 inches of snow, creating a perpetual deep-freeze environment above 10,000 feet.

Survival-grade heating and constant snow prep

Residents must maintain industrial heating systems designed for sub-zero temperatures and 66+ inches of annual snowfall. Outdoor living ceases in winter; summer recreation windows are narrow and weather-dependent, making season-specific equipment and emergency preparedness absolute necessities.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Park County

via SoilByCounty

High-Basin Soil Identity

Park County’s unique high-altitude basin lacks specific taxonomic and pH data in current digital surveys. While the state average pH is 7.29, these high-elevation soils often face extreme environmental pressures that affect their chemistry.

Wind-Swept Soil Mixes

Sand, silt, and clay percentages remain unmapped for this high-altitude park. The terrain generally consists of alluvial fans and mountain slopes that offer varying levels of workability and drainage.

Amending a Cold Landscape

Digital benchmarks for organic matter and water capacity are unavailable here. Local growers typically find that reaching the 2.18% state organic matter average requires aggressive amendment due to slow decomposition in the cold.

Basin and Range Drainage

Official hydrologic groups are not listed, but the county features vast flat basins and steep surrounding peaks. Surface drainage and groundwater levels vary significantly between the park floor and the mountain edges.

Short Season Challenge

Sitting in Hardiness Zone 5b, Park County has a famously short growing season. Gardeners should prioritize greenhouses or cold-hardy greens like kale and spinach to succeed in the thin, cool air.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Park County

via LawnByCounty

High-Altitude Turf Hurdles

Park County presents a tough environment with a lawn difficulty score of 30.5. In this high-elevation Zone 5b region, homeowners face more maintenance obstacles than the state average of 37.4.

Short Seasons and No Heat

The climate features zero days of extreme heat and a very short growing window of just 797 degree days. With only 13.9 inches of rain, irrigation is vital even without the threat of high temperatures.

Overcoming Poor Soil Data

Local soil data is limited, but high-elevation geography often results in rocky or acidic conditions. Amending your soil with organic matter will help provide the nutrients needed during the very brief growing season.

Severe Drought Risks

Severe drought conditions currently affect 67.6% of the county after a 50-week drought period over the last year. Use drought-resistant seed and focus on maintaining soil moisture during the dry summer months.

The Short Window for Growth

Stick with the hardiest cool-season grasses like Fine Fescue to survive the extremely short window between frosts. With the last spring frost on June 16 and the first fall frost on September 9, timing is critical for success.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Park County's county score?
Park County, Colorado has a composite county score of 57.7 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 Park County rank among counties in Colorado?
Park County ranks #21 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 Park County, Colorado?
The median annual property tax in Park County is $1,679, with an effective tax rate of 0.34%. This earns Park County a tax score of 96.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Park County?
The median household income in Park County, Colorado is $95,450 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Park County earns an income score of 94/100 on CountyScore.
Is Park County, Colorado a good place to live?
Park County scores 57.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #21 in Colorado. The best way to evaluate Park 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 Park County with other counties side by side.

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🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.