countyscore
54.8
County Score
Property Tax 97.3Cost of Living 69.2Safety 51.7

County Report Card

About Prowers County, Colorado

Prowers County meets national standards

Prowers County's composite score of 54.8 exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 60th percentile nationally. This southeast Colorado county demonstrates livability fundamentals that compare favorably to typical American counties.

Solid middle-ground in Colorado

At 54.8, Prowers County surpasses Colorado's average of 51.2 and ranks comfortably above the state median. It occupies a stable middle position among Colorado's diverse county offerings.

Affordability and low taxes lead

Prowers County shines in cost affordability (69.2) with a median home value of just $150,900 and rent at $741 monthly. Its tax rate of 0.327 percent ranks among Colorado's lowest, maximizing household finances.

Health and income are below average

Health outcomes (29.3) and median household income ($57,601) both underperform state and national benchmarks, signaling limited medical infrastructure and economic opportunity. Water availability (0.8) also presents a significant constraint in this agricultural region.

Ideal for budget-conscious rural seekers

Prowers County appeals to retirees and cost-conscious families prioritizing affordable housing and low taxes over access to urban services. This county rewards those seeking wide-open plains living without financial strain.

Score breakdown

Tax97.3Cost69.2Safety51.7Health29.3Schools46.1Income31.9Risk51.4Water0.8Weather35.9
🏛97.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠69.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼31.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡51.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤29.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓46.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡51.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧0.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤35.9
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨20.1
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱43.1
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

Hamilton County
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51.5
Stanton County
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Bent County
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Greeley County
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Baca County
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Kiowa County
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Kearny County
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Grant County
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Deep Dives

Prowers County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Prowers County

via TaxByCounty

Prowers County offers the nation's lowest

Prowers County's effective tax rate of 0.327% ranks among the lowest in America, putting homeowners in roughly the 5th percentile nationally. The median property tax of $494 is just 18% of the national median of $2,690, making Prowers one of the most tax-friendly counties in the country.

Lowest taxes in Colorado by far

Prowers County's 0.327% effective rate is the lowest among Colorado's 64 counties, falling well below the state average of 0.393%. At $494 annually, the median property tax is less than one-third the state median of $1,560.

Clear tax advantage over region

Prowers County's 0.327% rate beats every comparison county in this analysis, including Rio Blanco (0.344%), Saguache (0.340%), and Routt County (0.329%). For rural eastern Colorado homeowners, Prowers stands out as the most affordable place to own property.

Median $150,900 home costs just $494

A homeowner with the median-valued property of $150,900 in Prowers County pays approximately $494 per year in property taxes. With a mortgage, that figure increases slightly to $635; without one, it drops to $376.

Even Prowers homeowners should check

Overassessment affects properties across all tax rates, and Prowers County homeowners should still review their assessments periodically against local market data. Even a small tax bill can be reduced further through a successful appeal, especially if comparable homes in the area sold for less.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Prowers County

via CostByCounty

Prowers County Offers True Affordability

Prowers County renters spend just 15.4% of income on housing—the lowest rent-to-income ratio among Colorado's counties and well below the national average. At $741 monthly, rents are 59% cheaper than the state median, making Prowers a rare affordability oasis.

Colorado's Most Affordable Market

Prowers County delivers the state's best housing values, with renters and owners alike enjoying costs 40% below state averages. The county's affordability advantage is built on modest home values ($150,900) and reasonable rents that align with rural Colorado's lower income profiles.

Beats All Surrounding Counties

Prowers' $741 rent undercuts Pueblo County ($1,059) by 30% and Phillips County ($947) by 22%. Even for homeownership, the $754 monthly cost trails most neighbors, positioning Prowers as the region's budget champion.

Housing Consumes Just 15% of Income

With a median household income of $57,601, Prowers residents dedicate only 15.4% to rent or 15.7% to mortgages—among the lowest burdens in Colorado. This leaves families room to save, invest, and weather unexpected costs without housing strain.

Prowers Is Home for Budget-First Movers

If housing affordability is your top priority, Prowers County delivers: rents under $750 and entry-level homes near $150K. Remote workers and retirees should seriously compare Prowers against pricier mountain counties and discover genuine financial breathing room.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Prowers County

via IncomeByCounty

Prowers County trails national income

Prowers County's median household income of $57,601 falls 23% short of the nation's $74,755 median. The county's economy, rooted in agriculture and small manufacturing, reflects income patterns typical of rural Great Plains communities.

Among Colorado's lowest-earning counties

Prowers County ranks in Colorado's bottom tier with a $57,601 median income, 23% below the state average of $74,792. The county faces structural economic challenges common to rural eastern Colorado.

Lowest earner in regional cluster

Prowers County ($57,601) earns less than Phillips County ($60,372) and Saguache County ($54,283), placing it among the region's lowest-income counties. Only Saguache falls below it in this rural cluster.

Affordability advantage in tight budget

Prowers County's 15.4% rent-to-income ratio is among the lowest statewide, providing significant housing affordability. With a median home value of $150,900, homeownership remains accessible despite limited household income.

Building wealth on modest earnings

Households earning $57,601 should start with accessible tools like high-yield savings accounts and employer retirement plans, even with small contributions. Look into local credit unions or nonprofit financial counseling to develop debt reduction and savings strategies.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Prowers County

via CrimeByCounty

High Safety Marks for Prowers

Prowers County enjoys a high safety score of 98.3, placing it well above the national baseline. Its total crime rate of 1,086.2 per 100,000 people is less than half of the national average of 2,385.5. This makes it one of the more secure rural counties in the region.

Exceeding State Safety Norms

With a safety score of 98.3, Prowers County outperforms the Colorado average of 97.1. The county's total crime rate is significantly lower than the state's 1,834.6 average. Local law enforcement agencies successfully maintain a lower-than-average crime footprint.

A Regional Leader in Security

Prowers County maintains a lower crime rate than many similar sized counties in Eastern Colorado. Its violent crime rate of 150.4 is notably lower than the state average of 232.1. Residents benefit from a level of security that stands out among neighboring plains communities.

Low Risk for Residents

Violent crime is infrequent, occurring at a rate of 150.4 per 100,000 residents. Property crime accounts for most incidents at 935.8, though this is still less than half the national property crime rate of 2,015.7. The overall data suggests a very low-risk environment for daily life.

Protecting the Plains Home

Property crime may be low, but smart security habits like locking sheds and homes prevent crimes of opportunity. Consider simple doorbell cameras to monitor activity in rural areas. Consistent community awareness keeps Prowers County safe for everyone.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Prowers County

via HealthByCounty

Prowers County faces deep challenges

At 73.7 years, Prowers County's life expectancy is 2.7 years below the U.S. average of 76.4 years, placing it among the lowest in Colorado. More than 22% of residents report poor or fair health—one of the highest rates in the state—signaling serious population health concerns.

Among Colorado's most vulnerable

Prowers County ranks near the bottom of Colorado's health rankings, with a life expectancy 4.5 years below the state average of 78.2 years. Its 13.0% uninsured rate is 3.3 percentage points above Colorado's 9.7% average, compounding access barriers for a struggling population.

Lowest life expectancy in region

Prowers County's 73.7-year life expectancy is the lowest among all eight profiled counties, including Rio Grande (72.3 years) in the south. Its 13.0% uninsured rate ties it with Rio Grande as the most uninsured in the regional cohort.

Critical shortage of primary care

Prowers County has only 33 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—the lowest of all eight counties—leaving vast stretches of the county without basic care access. Mental health support is stronger at 289 per 100,000, but the primary care gap means many residents never reach mental health treatment.

Coverage is the first step

With 13% of Prowers County uninsured and severe provider shortages, securing health insurance is critical. Visit healthcare.gov or call Colorado's Connect for Health at 1-855-752-6749 to find Medicaid, marketplace plans, or employer coverage—your first defense against the county's health gaps.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Prowers County

via SchoolsByCounty

Educational Hub of the High Plains

Prowers County maintains 11 public schools managed by four distinct school districts, serving a total of 2,274 students. The infrastructure is diverse, featuring five elementary schools, three high schools, and one middle school to support its rural communities.

Strong Outcomes Despite Lean Spending

The county achieves a 92.9% graduation rate, which is nearly 10 points higher than the state average. This success comes despite a lean per-pupil expenditure of $6,158, which sits below both state and national funding benchmarks.

Lamar Districts Lead the Regional Network

Lamar School District No. Re-2 is the largest in the county, overseeing six schools and 1,522 students. The county also offers school choice through a single charter school, making up roughly 9% of the local school inventory.

Intimate Schools Across Rural Landscapes

Education here feels personal, with schools split between six rural and five town locales and an average size of 207 students. Lamar High School is the largest institution with 445 students, while many elementary schools offer even smaller, tight-knit classrooms.

Invest in a Community That Values Results

Families looking for high graduation rates in a quiet, rural setting should consider the Lamar and Holly areas. High-performing local schools make Prowers County a stable choice for home buyers with school-aged children.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Prowers County

via RiskByCounty

Prowers County's disaster risk

Prowers County's composite risk score of 48.60 earns a "Relatively Low" rating but exceeds the national average, signaling moderate natural disaster exposure. The county faces above-average hazard threats compared to typical American counties.

Moderate risk within Colorado

Prowers County's score of 48.60 sits above Colorado's state average of 40.67, placing it among the state's higher-exposure counties. The county experiences greater natural disaster vulnerability than most Colorado regions.

Higher risk than adjacent counties

Prowers County (48.60) faces substantially higher risk than neighboring Phillips County (12.34), though slightly lower than Pueblo County (82.51). The county's eastern plains location creates a distinct hazard profile from mountain counties.

Wildfires and tornadoes threaten

Wildfire risk (79.23) is Prowers County's dominant hazard, among the highest in the state, followed by tornado risk (36.83). Flood risk (49.49) presents a moderate secondary concern, while earthquake risk (29.52) remains lower.

Essential insurance for Prowers

Residents should obtain comprehensive homeowners insurance with explicit wildfire and tornado coverage, plus a separate flood policy if in a flood-prone area. Maintain defensible space around structures and keep emergency evacuation routes planned.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Prowers County

via WeatherByCounty

Prowers runs 7°F hotter than U.S. average

With an annual average temperature of 53.5°F, Prowers County is significantly warmer than the national median of 46.5°F, putting it in the semi-arid High Plains climate zone. The county receives 15.6 inches of precipitation annually, slightly below the national average of 18.2 inches, creating a drier, more temperature-extreme environment typical of eastern Colorado.

One of Colorado's warmest counties

Prowers County ranks as one of the state's hottest places, with its 53.5°F annual average sitting 7.5°F above Colorado's statewide average of 46.0°F. This heat advantage makes it one of the warmest counties in the state, rivaled only by a handful of lower-elevation eastern plain counties.

Warmer plains, cooler than western peers

Prowers' 53.5°F average falls between Pueblo County's 52.3°F to the south and the much cooler Rio Blanco County at 45.0°F to the northwest. As a High Plains county, Prowers remains substantially warmer than Colorado's high-elevation western slope neighbors like San Juan County (34.7°F), but slightly warmer than neighboring Pueblo.

Hot summers, mild winters, frequent heat

Summer temperatures average 75.9°F while winters average 31.5°F, but the real story is the 76 days per year when temperatures exceed 90°F—among the highest in the state. Prowers receives 25.6 inches of snow annually, moderate for the region, with January averaging a chilly 30.2°F and July reaching 78.4°F.

Prepare for intense summer heat and dry conditions

With 76 extreme heat days annually, residents need robust air conditioning and should plan outdoor activities for early morning or evening hours during summer. The low precipitation (15.6 inches yearly) means water conservation matters year-round, while winter snow and cold require standard heating and winter vehicle preparation despite the milder overall season.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Prowers County

via SoilByCounty

Strongly Alkaline Clay Loams

Prowers County has a notably alkaline average pH of 7.73, which is significantly higher than the 6.5 national median. This level also exceeds the state average of 7.29, requiring gardeners to choose acid-loving plants carefully. The dominant soil texture is classified as clay loam.

Balanced Loam with Clay Retention

The soil is composed of 43.4% sand, 35.3% silt, and 20.5% clay, creating a heavy clay loam texture. This mix provides excellent nutrient retention but can be difficult to work when too wet or too dry. The silt and clay components help hold onto minerals essential for crop growth.

Low Organic Matter, High Water Storage

Organic matter is quite low at 1.06%, which is less than half the state average of 2.18%. However, the available water capacity is impressive at 0.151 in/in, outperforming the state average of 0.139. This means the soil holds onto moisture effectively once it is properly absorbed.

Poor Drainage and High Runoff

The soil is characterized as poorly drained and falls into Hydrologic Group D. This indicates a high runoff potential and a very slow rate of water transmission through the profile. Such conditions can lead to standing water, making drainage improvements necessary for many residential uses.

Summer Success in Zone 6a

Located in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a, Prowers County supports a wide variety of heat-loving crops like melons and alfalfa. While the soil score of 20.1 is below the state average, the high water capacity is a major asset in this dry climate. Focus on adding organic amendments to unlock the full potential of your land.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Prowers County

via LawnByCounty

Balancing Heat and Hardiness in Prowers

Prowers County scores a 43.1 on the lawn difficulty scale, making it one of the more hospitable regions in Colorado for turf grass. Its location in Zone 6a allows for a wider variety of grass types compared to the colder mountain counties.

Navigating Intense Summer Heat

The climate is defined by 76 extreme heat days annually—nearly triple the state average—and a high 3706 growing degree days. With just 15.6 inches of rain, lawns here require heavy irrigation to survive the scorching July average of 78.4°F.

Working with Alkaline Clay Loam

The soil is a clay loam with 20.5% clay and a high pH of 7.73, which can limit nutrient availability. Because the ground is classified as poorly drained, homeowners must be careful to avoid overwatering and soil compaction.

Taking Advantage of Recent Moisture

Current conditions are favorable, with 0% of the county in severe drought and only 12 weeks of drought over the past year. Maintaining a high mowing height will help shade the soil and preserve this current moisture during the hot summer months.

Seize the Long Growing Season

The long frost-free window from May 1 to October 10 is ideal for establishing resilient Buffalo grass or Tall Fescue. Use this generous season to focus on deep rooting, which is vital for surviving the 76 days of 90-degree heat.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Prowers County's county score?
Prowers County, Colorado has a composite county score of 54.8 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 Prowers County rank among counties in Colorado?
Prowers County ranks #28 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 Prowers County, Colorado?
The median annual property tax in Prowers County is $494, with an effective tax rate of 0.33%. This earns Prowers County a tax score of 97.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Prowers County?
The median household income in Prowers County, Colorado is $57,601 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Prowers County earns an income score of 31.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Prowers County, Colorado a good place to live?
Prowers County scores 54.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #28 in Colorado. The best way to evaluate Prowers 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 Prowers County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛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.