countyscore
57.5
County Score
Income & Jobs 95.3Schools 94.6Property Tax 94.2

County Report Card

About Pitkin County, Colorado

Pitkin exceeds national livability benchmarks

Pitkin County's composite score of 57.5 surpasses the national median of 50.0, landing it in the 67th percentile nationally. This mountain county demonstrates strong livability fundamentals that rival typical American counties.

Top-tier Colorado mountain county

At 57.5, Pitkin County outperforms Colorado's state average of 51.2 and ranks among the state's strongest performers. Its blend of exceptional schools and health infrastructure makes it a standout in the state.

Schools, health, and high incomes shine

Pitkin County excels with the state's highest school score (94.6) and outstanding health outcomes (91.4), paired with median household income of $100,318. Its tax burden is also among Colorado's lowest at 0.393 percent, rewarding earners handsomely.

Cost of living and safety concerns weigh

The county's critical weakness is housing affordability: a cost score of just 1.9 reflects median home values exceeding $1.1 million and rents at $1,880 monthly. Safety scores (27.7) and environmental risk management (45.9) lag, reflecting the pressures of a high-demand resort economy.

For affluent families seeking excellence

Pitkin County is built for high-income families and professionals willing to pay premium prices for world-class schools, exceptional health care, and mountain living. This is Colorado's premier county for those with substantial financial resources.

2040608010094.21.927.791.494.695.345.949.749.8Tax94.2Cost1.9Safety27.7Health91.4Schools94.6Income95.3Risk45.9Water49.7Weather49.857.5/100
This county
National avg
4 above average2 below average

Pitkin County DNA

Foverall

How Pitkin County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Pitkin County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Income (95.3/100) but notably weak in Cost of Living (1.9/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
94.2+42.2
Cost
1.9-46.1
Safety
27.7-27.3
Health
91.4+41.400000000000006
Schools
94.6+40.599999999999994
Income
95.3+44.3
Risk
45.9
Water
49.7-8.299999999999997
Weather
49.8
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Compare mortgage rates in Pitkin County

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$1,131,200

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,880/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$1,131,200/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$75,200/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum11.3x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $100,318/yr
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Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

46.7

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

Gunnison County
Colorado
58.2
Lake County
Colorado
60.3
Eagle County
Colorado
49.5
Chaffee County
Colorado
56
Summit County
Colorado
49.6
Park County
Colorado
57.7
Delta County
Colorado
40.8
Garfield County
Colorado
43.7

Deep Dives

Pitkin County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Pitkin County

via TaxByCounty

Pitkin County matches national tax average

Pitkin County's effective tax rate of 0.393% aligns almost exactly with the national median, meaning property owners here experience typical U.S. tax pressure. However, the median property tax of $4,450 is 66% higher than the national median of $2,690, reflecting Pitkin's extraordinarily high home values, not its tax rate.

Right at Colorado's statewide average

Pitkin County's effective rate of 0.393% matches Colorado's state average precisely, placing it squarely in the middle of the state's tax burden. The county's median property tax of $4,450 is substantially higher than the state median of $1,560 due to Pitkin's median home value of $1.13 million—the highest among these eight counties.

Lower tax rate, far higher home values

Pitkin County's 0.393% rate is lower than Phillips County (0.495%) and Pueblo County (0.508%), but its median home value of $1.13 million dwarfs nearby counties, making absolute tax bills far steeper. The median Pitkin homeowner pays $4,450 yearly—three times what Phillips County residents pay—despite identical effective rates.

Aspen's steep bill: $1.13M homes

A homeowner with the median-valued property of $1,131,200 in Pitkin County pays approximately $4,450 per year in property taxes. With a mortgage, that amount drops to $3,915 due to homestead exemptions; without, it rises to $5,294.

High-value properties often overassessed

Luxury properties in counties like Pitkin are frequently overassessed relative to actual market sales, and homeowners should regularly verify their valuations against comparable recent transactions. At $4,450 annually, even a small percentage error in assessment can cost thousands—making an appeal well worth the effort.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Pitkin County

via CostByCounty

Pitkin County Defies Affordability Gravity

Pitkin County's 22.5% rent-to-income ratio exceeds both the national and state averages, with renters paying $1,880 monthly against a median income of $100,318. Despite above-average household earnings, the county's housing costs consume a larger share of income than typical Colorado communities.

Highest-Cost County in Colorado

Pitkin County ranks as Colorado's least affordable market, with median home values of $1.13 million—far exceeding any peer county. The $1,880 monthly rent represents Colorado's premium mountain lifestyle, where even six-figure incomes face significant affordability pressure.

Mountain Prices Climb Steeply

Pitkin's median home value ($1.13M) towers over nearby Routt County ($756K) and dwarfs most Colorado counties. Renters and owners alike pay the state's steepest prices—a reflection of Aspen's world-class amenities, ski access, and limited supply.

Luxury Market Demands Luxury Income

Even with Colorado's highest median household income at $100,318, Pitkin residents allocate 22.5% to rent and 25.8% to ownership—both above the healthy 30% threshold. The $627 monthly gap between rent and mortgage payments reflects the county's premium resort-town positioning.

Pitkin Works Best for High Earners

If your household income exceeds $120,000 and ski culture is non-negotiable, Pitkin's world-class amenities justify the cost. For budget-conscious movers, explore Rio Blanco or Prowers counties instead—you'll find similar Colorado mountain access at half the price.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Pitkin County

via IncomeByCounty

Pitkin County's income soars nationally

Pitkin County's median household income of $100,318 towers 34% above the nation's $74,755 median, ranking among America's wealthiest counties. The mountain resort economy—anchored by Aspen—drives exceptional earnings that few counties nationwide can match.

Colorado's second-highest earning county

Pitkin County's $100,318 median income ranks second in Colorado, surpassing the state average of $74,792 by 34%. Only a handful of Colorado counties compete at this income level, reflecting the county's unique wealth concentration.

Far outearns all regional counties

Pitkin County ($100,318) far exceeds neighboring Routt County ($104,803)—the only peer that approaches it—and dramatically outpaces Phillips, Rio Blanco, and other regional counties. The two mountain resort economies stand alone in Colorado's income hierarchy.

High income, higher housing costs

Despite exceptional median income, Pitkin County's 22.5% rent-to-income ratio and $1,131,200 median home value reveal that housing costs consume a significant share of earnings. Even high-income households here face above-average affordability challenges due to resort-driven real estate inflation.

Wealth protection at high income levels

Six-figure households should focus on tax optimization, diversified investments, and estate planning to preserve wealth. Work with a financial advisor experienced in high-income strategies, including retirement account maximization and alternative investments beyond primary residences.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Pitkin County

via CrimeByCounty

Pitkin County Stays Below National Average

Pitkin County reports a total crime rate of 1,748.9 per 100,000 residents, which remains lower than the national average of 2,385.5. The county earns a safety score of 97.2. This indicates a relatively secure environment for residents and visitors alike.

Aligning With Colorado Safety Standards

The county's safety score of 97.2 sits slightly above the state average of 97.1. Pitkin's total crime rate of 1,748.9 is also lower than the typical Colorado average of 1,834.6. Local officials maintain a public safety profile that aligns with the state's best-performing mountain regions.

Safe Haven in the Mountains

Pitkin County compares favorably to other resort-heavy regions where high visitor traffic often inflates crime statistics. While neighboring areas see varied results, Pitkin's violent crime rate of 109.7 is significantly lower than the state average of 232.1. This highlights the effectiveness of local policing in a high-profile area.

Crime Primarily Targets Property

The vast majority of local crime involves property, with a rate of 1,639.2 per 100,000 residents. In contrast, violent crime is very low at 109.7, well below the national benchmark of 369.8. This suggests that while theft or trespassing occurs, personal safety remains high.

Securing Your Mountain Retreat

Since property crime is the primary concern in Pitkin County, investing in a home security system is highly recommended. Motion-activated cameras and secure entries can deter opportunistic theft. These small steps help maintain the county's reputation as a safe getaway.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Pitkin County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Small and Focused Academic Infrastructure

Pitkin County operates a streamlined education system consisting of seven total public schools across two districts. This compact network serves 2,439 students with a balanced distribution of two elementary, two middle, and two high schools.

Elite Graduation Rates and Strategic Funding

The county boasts an exceptional 97.0% graduation rate, significantly outpacing the Colorado average of 83.1% and the national mark of 87.0%. While the $11,236 per-pupil expenditure is below the national average, it remains well above the state average of $7,447.

The Roaring Fork and Aspen District Powerhouses

The Roaring Fork School District No. Re-1 is the region's largest provider, though the Aspen School District specifically serves 1,572 students within its five local schools. One charter school operates here, representing approximately 14.3% of the county's educational options.

Town-Centered Learning in the High Rockies

Most students attend one of the five town-based schools, where the average school size is a manageable 348 students. Aspen High School is the largest campus with 529 students, offering a personal but robust academic environment.

Establish Roots Near Top-Performing Schools

With graduation rates among the highest in the state, Pitkin County is a premier destination for families prioritizing academic success. Explore homes in Aspen and Basalt to secure a spot in these highly efficient school districts.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Pitkin County

via RiskByCounty

Pitkin County faces moderate risks

Pitkin County's composite risk score of 54.10 rates as "Relatively Low" but exceeds the national average, indicating elevated exposure to multiple natural hazards. The county experiences a notably different risk profile from most U.S. counties.

Above-average risk for Colorado

Pitkin County's score of 54.10 ranks above Colorado's state average of 40.67, placing it among the state's higher-risk counties. The county faces greater natural disaster exposure than most neighboring Colorado regions.

Riskiest in its region

Pitkin County (54.10) faces significantly higher risk than nearby Rio Blanco County (37.60) and Routt County (33.37). The county's mountain location and terrain create exposure levels distinct from surrounding areas.

Wildfires and floods lead threats

Wildfire risk (76.59) and flood risk (58.17) dominate Pitkin County's hazard profile, both well above state averages. Earthquake risk (38.20) adds a secondary concern, while tornado risk (6.90) remains minimal.

Comprehensive coverage essentials

Pitkin County residents should prioritize comprehensive homeowners insurance that covers wildfire and flood damage, including separate flood policies where needed. Consider defensible space maintenance around properties and evacuation planning as critical protections.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Pitkin County

via WaterByCounty

Low Violation Rates Despite Compliance Grade

Pitkin County carries a D grade for water quality compliance with 7 recorded health violations over a five-year period. However, the county's violation rate of 17.0 per 100,000 residents is exceptionally low compared to the Colorado average of 292.1. This performance indicates that most residents receive water from systems that consistently meet federal standards.

Widespread Impairments in Assessed Waters

The 2022 ATTAINS cycle reports that 31.5% of the 111 assessed water bodies in Pitkin County are impaired. Primary causes for these failures include arsenic, iron, and elevated water temperatures. This impairment level is slightly healthier than the state average of 35.4%.

Robust Water Quality Data Network

Pitkin County maintains a high-resolution monitoring footprint with 77 sites and 22,106 measurements recorded over the last five years. These efforts prioritize inorganics, metals, and physical characteristics across the watershed. Such dense data provides a reliable baseline for tracking environmental changes in real time.

Roaring Fork River Flowing Normally

The Roaring Fork River below Maroon Creek is currently flowing at 304 cfs, which represents 108% of its long-term mean. This steady flow indicates healthy supply levels for the primary drainage area of 289 square miles. These conditions support both local ecosystems and municipal water intake requirements.

Addressing Temperature and Metal Contaminants

Given that arsenic and iron are top impairment causes, residents should ensure their home systems are equipped to handle these specific metals. The elevated streamflow is a positive sign for dilution, but watershed temperatures remain a concern for local aquatic health. Awareness of these specific impairments helps residents make informed choices about water use and protection.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Pitkin County

via WeatherByCounty

Pitkin sits coldest among US mountain counties

Pitkin County's 40.7°F annual temperature runs 6.8°F below the U.S. median of 47.5°F, confirming its ultra-alpine status. Its 19.7 inches of precipitation sit above national average, but elevation captures these as snow—170.8 inches annually—creating one of North America's snowiest inhabited regions.

Second-coldest Colorado county, extreme snow

At 40.7°F, Pitkin ranks as Colorado's second-coldest county, sitting 5.3°F below the state average of 46.0°F. Only Park County runs colder, yet Pitkin actually exceeds Park in annual snowfall (170.8 vs. 66.0 inches), making it Colorado's true snow capital.

Snowier than Park, warmer but wetter than Ouray

Pitkin (40.7°F) sits 3.8°F warmer than Park (38.2°F) but receives 44 more inches of annual snow (170.8 vs. 126.9). Compared to Ouray (44.5°F), Pitkin is colder but receives similar snowfall, positioning it as the state's wettest and snowiest county overall.

Two extreme heat days, perpetual ice and snow

Pitkin records just 2 days above 90°F annually, rivaling Park's zero-heat profile, while summer averages only 60.1°F. Winter temperatures plunge to 21.5°F average, and 170.8 inches of annual snowfall create a landscape buried in white from October through May.

Aspen-grade mountain infrastructure required

Residents must engineer for 170+ inches of snow, requiring roof reinforcement, industrial removal equipment, and constant winter vigilance. Heating systems run year-round; summer windows are brief and weather-dependent, making season-specific outdoor equipment and emergency avalanche/weather protocols absolutely essential for survival and sanity.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Pitkin County

via SoilByCounty

High-Altitude Soil Identity

Specific soil pH and taxonomic data are currently unmapped for this rugged mountain region. The local environment is defined more by its steep topography than by a single dominant soil order. Gardeners should expect varied conditions depending on their specific elevation and slope.

Variable Mountain Textures

Composition data for sand, silt, and clay is not available in the current survey for Pitkin County. In these alpine environments, soil texture often shifts rapidly from rocky outcrops to silty valley floors. Local testing is highly recommended before starting any major planting or construction projects.

Untapped Growth Potential

Fertility metrics like organic matter and available water capacity remain unrecorded against the Colorado state averages. While we lack specific data, mountain soils often benefit from high levels of decomposed forest litter. Amending your local site with compost is a smart way to guarantee success.

Drainage Influenced by Terrain

Hydrologic groups and drainage classes are currently unavailable for this county's soil profiles. In this landscape, water movement is primarily driven by slope and snowmelt patterns rather than soil texture alone. Proper site grading is essential for any local building project to manage runoff.

Hardy High-Country Harvests

Pitkin County falls within USDA Hardiness Zone 5b, necessitating cold-hardy plant selections. Short-season crops like kale, peas, and radishes thrive in these cooler mountain summers. Embrace the challenge of high-altitude gardening with frost-resistant varieties and raised beds.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Pitkin County

via LawnByCounty

High-Altitude Hurdles in Pitkin

Maintaining a lawn in Pitkin County is a challenge, reflected in a low lawn difficulty score of 31.7. This is well below the national average of 50.0 and trails even the modest Colorado state average of 37.4.

Short Seasons and Cool Summers

While 19.7 inches of annual precipitation exceeds the state average, the 1177 growing degree days indicate a very short window for turf development. The area only sees 2 extreme heat days a year, keeping grass cool but slowing overall growth rates.

Navigating Mountain Soil Variables

Specific soil texture data is limited for this mountain region, but high-altitude terrain often features rocky, fast-draining slopes. Local growers should focus on organic matter additions to help retain moisture in the absence of detailed clay or sand metrics.

Confronting a Full Year of Drought

Pitkin County has spent 53 weeks in drought over the last year, with 100% of the area currently in severe drought conditions. Strict water conservation is essential, as these prolonged dry periods can quickly overwhelm mountain lawn varieties.

A Brief Window for Mountain Turf

Hardy cool-season grasses like Fine Fescue are best suited for Zone 5b and the short interval between the June 2 last frost and September 23 first frost. Timing is critical here, as the brief summer leaves little room for error when establishing new sod.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Pitkin County's county score?
Pitkin County, Colorado has a composite county score of 57.5 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 Pitkin County rank among counties in Colorado?
Pitkin County ranks #22 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 Pitkin County, Colorado?
The median annual property tax in Pitkin County is $4,450, with an effective tax rate of 0.39%. This earns Pitkin County a tax score of 94.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Pitkin County?
The median household income in Pitkin County, Colorado is $100,318 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Pitkin County earns an income score of 95.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Pitkin County, Colorado a good place to live?
Pitkin County scores 57.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #22 in Colorado. The best way to evaluate Pitkin 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 Pitkin County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & 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.