CountyScore

Pitkin County

Colorado · CO

#51 in Colorado
68
County Score

County Report Card

About Pitkin County, Colorado

High earners face livability trade-offs

Pitkin County scores 60.8, above the national median of 50.0 but notably below Colorado's average of 71.8. The score reflects the classic trade-off of high incomes offset by extraordinarily high housing costs in this mountain resort community.

Below average despite wealthy demographics

Pitkin County ranks below the state average of 71.8 with a composite score of 60.8. This underperformance relative to income levels stems from a cost score of just 40.9, the lowest among these eight counties.

High earners and favorable tax rates

Pitkin County leads with an income score of 48.9 (median household income of $100,318) and a tax score of 91.2 (effective rate of 0.393%). These strengths reflect the county's appeal to affluent residents and its business-friendly tax environment.

Extreme housing costs dominate the picture

The county's cost score of 40.9 tells the real story: median home values reach $1,131,200 and monthly rent averages $1,880. Data gaps on safety, health, schools, and environmental factors leave other livability dimensions unmeasured.

For wealthy professionals seeking mountain living

Pitkin County suits high-earning professionals and families who prioritize quality of life in the mountains and can absorb substantial housing costs. Those seeking affordable housing or younger families on typical incomes should look elsewhere.

Score breakdown

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

Tax91.2Cost40.9SafetyComing SoonHealth94.5SchoolsComing SoonIncome48.9Risk45.9WaterComing Soon
🏛91.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠40.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼48.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤94.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡45.9
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 Pitkin County with another county →

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Early County
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Lanier County
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Deep Dives

Pitkin County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

Health in Pitkin County

via HealthByCounty

Pitkin County outpaces the nation

Pitkin County's life expectancy of 94.2 years is extraordinary—nearly 18 years above the U.S. average of 76.4 years. Just 9.9% of residents report poor or fair health, roughly half the national average, reflecting one of Colorado's healthiest populations.

Colorado's health leader

Pitkin County's 94.2-year life expectancy far exceeds Colorado's state average of 78.2 years, a remarkable 16-year advantage that ranks among the best in the nation. With only a 7.0% uninsured rate, well below Colorado's 9.7% average, Pitkin residents enjoy both longevity and insurance security.

Unmatched in the region

Pitkin's 94.2-year life expectancy dwarfs all nearby counties—Routt County (83.3 years) and Rio Blanco (78.7 years) trail significantly behind. The county's 7.0% uninsured rate is the lowest among its regional peers, indicating robust health security.

Excellence in mental health care

Pitkin County boasts 457 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, the highest density among the eight counties profiled. With 87 primary care providers per 100,000 and just 7.0% uninsured, Pitkin has built a health system that reaches almost everyone.

Maintain your health advantage

If you're uninsured in Pitkin County, connecting to coverage reinforces the county's strong health trajectory. Explore Colorado's marketplace or employer plans at healthcare.gov to ensure continuous access to the world-class care Pitkin is known for.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

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

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.