countyscore
32.6
County Score
Property Tax 84.9Health 46.9Income & Jobs 45.8

County Report Card

About Pueblo County, Colorado

Pueblo lags national livability benchmarks

With a composite score of 32.6, Pueblo County falls well below the national median of 50.0, ranking in the 20th percentile nationally. This reflects significant livability challenges that require attention across multiple dimensions.

Struggling compared to Colorado peers

Pueblo County's score of 32.6 ranks among Colorado's lowest, trailing the state average of 51.2 by nearly 19 points. This industrial county faces persistent challenges that set it apart negatively within the state.

Taxes and income offer modest foundation

Pueblo County provides a low tax burden (84.9) at 0.508 percent effective rate and moderate median household income of $62,250. These strengths offer some financial cushion for residents navigating the county's other challenges.

Safety, schools, and risk management fail

Pueblo County faces severe safety challenges with a score of just 1.2, the lowest in this analysis, alongside weak schools (20.8) and poor risk management (17.5). These interconnected problems signal serious public safety and educational infrastructure deficits.

Requires substantial revitalization efforts

Pueblo County presents livability challenges that make it difficult to recommend except for those with deep community ties or specialized reasons. This county would benefit from focused policy initiatives to improve public safety, school quality, and economic resilience.

Score breakdown

Tax84.9Cost23.4Safety1.2Health46.9Schools20.8Income45.8Risk17.5Water22.2Weather38.7
🏛84.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠23.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼45.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡1.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤46.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓20.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡17.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧22.2
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤38.7
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱43.5
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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Deep Dives

Pueblo County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Pueblo County

via TaxByCounty

Pueblo taxes exceed U.S. average

Pueblo County's effective tax rate of 0.508% ranks in the top quartile nationally, meaning homeowners here pay more aggressively than three-quarters of Americans. The median property tax of $1,382 exceeds the national median of $2,690 by about half the national figure, though Pueblo's home values remain lower.

Second-highest rate in Colorado

Pueblo County's effective rate of 0.508% is the second-highest among Colorado's 64 counties, exceeded only by a handful of mining and resort areas. At $1,382 in median annual property tax, Pueblo residents pay slightly less than the state median of $1,560, but at a significantly steeper rate.

Steepest tax burden in southern region

Pueblo County's 0.508% rate surpasses Rio Grande County (0.415%), making it the highest-taxing county in this analysis after Phillips County (0.495%). Pueblo homeowners pay substantially more than their neighbors despite similar property values.

Median $271,800 home costs $1,382

A homeowner with the median-valued property of $271,800 in Pueblo County pays approximately $1,382 per year in property taxes. With a mortgage, that increases to $1,470; without, it drops to $1,195.

Appeals could ease Pueblo's burden

Pueblo County homeowners facing the state's second-highest tax rate should especially scrutinize their assessments for accuracy, as assessment errors compound quickly at higher rates. If recent sales of comparable homes suggest overvaluation, filing an appeal can yield meaningful annual savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Pueblo County

via CostByCounty

Pueblo Aligns With National Housing Costs

Pueblo County's 20.4% rent-to-income ratio matches the state average and sits just above the national norm, with residents spending $1,059 monthly on rent. Despite below-average household income ($62,250), Pueblo keeps housing costs stable through competitive rental and ownership markets.

Pueblo Holds Middle Ground Statewide

Pueblo County's affordability ranks solidly in Colorado's middle tier—more expensive than rural counties like Prowers but far more accessible than resort towns like Pitkin. The $1,059 median rent represents a reasonable balance between access to urban amenities and cost containment.

Moderately Priced Regional Hub

Pueblo's $1,059 rent sits between rural Prowers ($741) and mountain counties, reflecting its role as Colorado's second-largest city. Homeownership at $1,105 monthly remains affordable compared to Front Range rivals, making Pueblo competitive for families seeking urban services without metro-area prices.

Housing Takes 20% of Pueblo Budgets

Pueblo residents allocate 20.4% of their $62,250 median income to rent and 21.2% to ownership—both within healthy ranges. The modest $46 difference between rental and ownership costs gives households genuine flexibility in choosing their housing path.

Pueblo Balances Affordability and Access

If you need urban amenities without premium pricing, Pueblo delivers: city services, job diversity, and costs that won't strain your budget. Families and career-changers should compare Pueblo's balanced lifestyle against higher-priced Denver suburbs and pricier mountain towns.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Pueblo County

via IncomeByCounty

Pueblo County income lags nation

Pueblo County's median household income of $62,250 falls 17% below the U.S. median of $74,755. The county's economy, historically anchored by steel production and military installations, reflects middle-income stability in a transitioning regional hub.

Below-average earner in Colorado

Pueblo County's $62,250 median income ranks below Colorado's state average of $74,792 by 17%. The county sits in the lower-middle tier of Colorado's income distribution, typical of industrial and military communities.

Slightly above southern Colorado peers

Pueblo County ($62,250) outearns Rio Grande County ($62,166) and significantly exceeds Saguache County ($54,283). The county anchors the southern Colorado economy, though it trails northern and mountain resort regions.

Housing costs moderate but rising

Pueblo County's 20.4% rent-to-income ratio indicates manageable housing costs, though approaching the affordability threshold. A median home value of $271,800 remains accessible for median-income buyers in this traditional industrial city.

Securing middle-income stability

Households earning $62,250 should prioritize building emergency reserves and exploring homeownership before home prices accelerate further. Investigate employer pension plans and 401(k) options, especially with Pueblo's concentration of government and industrial employers offering strong benefits.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Pueblo County

via CrimeByCounty

Safety Challenges in Pueblo County

Pueblo County faces significant public safety hurdles, with a total crime rate of 6,194.4 per 100,000 residents. This figure is nearly triple the national average of 2,385.5. Consequently, the county has a safety score of 90.2 out of 100.

Below the Colorado Average

Pueblo's safety score of 90.2 trails the Colorado state average of 97.1. Both violent and property crime rates in the county significantly exceed the state averages of 232.1 and 1,834.6 respectively. Local agencies are managing a much higher volume of calls than the typical Colorado county.

Higher Rates Than Surrounding Areas

Pueblo County reports some of the highest crime rates in the region compared to its immediate neighbors. The violent crime rate of 1,125.9 is several times higher than the state average. This makes Pueblo an outlier for crime density in the Southern Colorado corridor.

Understanding the High Crime Volume

Property crime is the most frequent issue, occurring at a rate of 5,068.5 per 100,000 residents. However, the violent crime rate of 1,125.9 is also notably high, far exceeding the national average of 369.8. This data reflects a challenging environment for both residents and local law enforcement.

Prioritizing Home and Personal Security

Given the elevated crime rates, residents should take active steps to secure their properties with alarms and cameras. Stay informed about local crime trends through neighborhood watch groups. Proactive security measures are essential for peace of mind in Pueblo County.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Pueblo County

via HealthByCounty

Pueblo County faces health crisis

At 72.5 years, Pueblo County's life expectancy is nearly 4 years below the U.S. average of 76.4 years—one of the lowest in the nation. With 18.5% of residents reporting poor or fair health and an uninsured rate of 7.7%, the county struggles with both underlying disease burden and fragmented care access.

Colorado's most troubled health profile

Pueblo County has the lowest life expectancy in Colorado at 72.5 years—5.7 years below the state average of 78.2 years. Though its 7.7% uninsured rate is slightly better than state average, the short life expectancy points to deeper chronic disease, injury, and social determinant crises.

Lowest life expectancy statewide

Pueblo County's 72.5-year life expectancy is lower than all eight profiled counties, including Rio Grande (72.3 years) by a fraction. Its uninsured rate of 7.7% is near the state average but offers little solace given the county's severe longevity deficit.

Uneven access despite coverage efforts

Pueblo County has 67 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and a robust 589 mental health providers per 100,000—yet life expectancy remains the state's lowest. The mismatch suggests that even available mental health providers cannot overcome the county's structural health inequities, poverty, and chronic disease burden.

Take action on coverage today

Pueblo County's 7.7% uninsured rate means nearly 8,000 residents lack insurance; securing coverage is essential to prevent catastrophic health episodes. Visit healthcare.gov or contact Pueblo's Community Health Partners to enroll in Medicaid or marketplace plans that connect you to primary care, specialists, and mental health support.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Pueblo County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Large and Diverse Urban Network

Pueblo County hosts a massive educational infrastructure of 63 public schools serving over 31,300 students. This expansive system includes 33 elementary schools and 11 high schools, making it one of the largest regional networks in the state.

Meeting National Standards with High Efficiency

The 87.1% graduation rate perfectly aligns with the national average and exceeds the Colorado state average. Educators achieve these results with a per-pupil expenditure of $5,589, demonstrating significant operational efficiency compared to the national $13,000 average.

Districts Serving Thousands of Southern Coloradans

Pueblo School District No. 60 is the largest entity, managing 35 schools and 15,025 students. Charter schools play a major role here, with nine institutions including the massive GOAL Academy which serves 5,690 students.

City Classrooms and Suburban Campuses

With 37 schools in city locales and 14 in suburbs, the county offers a variety of educational environments. While the average school size is 498 students, campuses range from small neighborhood elementaries to large high schools like Pueblo West High with 1,484 students.

Find Your Perfect Fit in Pueblo

Pueblo County offers unparalleled school variety, from traditional neighborhood schools to large-scale charter academies. This diversity allows families to choose a home in a specific locale that matches their child’s unique learning style.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Pueblo County

via RiskByCounty

Pueblo County faces elevated risks

Pueblo County's composite risk score of 82.51 rates as "Relatively Moderate" and substantially exceeds the national average, indicating significant natural disaster exposure. The county ranks among America's higher-risk regions for multiple hazards.

Colorado's highest-risk county

Pueblo County's score of 82.51 far exceeds Colorado's state average of 40.67, making it the state's highest-risk county. Residents face exposure levels roughly double the Colorado norm.

Significantly riskier than neighbors

Pueblo County (82.51) faces dramatically higher risk than all adjacent counties, including Rio Grande County (45.77) and Prowers County (48.60). The county's location and geography create uniquely elevated hazard exposure.

Multiple severe hazards converge

Wildfire risk (92.75), flood risk (81.11), and tornado risk (72.23) all rank among Colorado's highest, creating a triple threat. Earthquake risk (66.54) adds significant additional exposure across multiple hazard types.

Comprehensive protection required

Pueblo County residents must secure full homeowners insurance with explicit wildfire, flood, and tornado coverage, plus separate flood insurance. Professional home hardening, defensible space maintenance, and detailed evacuation planning are critical investments.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Pueblo County

via WeatherByCounty

Pueblo's climate sits between plains and mountains

Pueblo County's 52.3°F annual average is 5.8°F warmer than the national median of 46.5°F, placing it in a semi-arid transition zone between Colorado's eastern plains and interior valley regions. Annual precipitation of 16.2 inches closely matches the national average of 18.2 inches, creating a relatively balanced moisture pattern for the state.

Warmer than most Colorado counties

At 52.3°F, Pueblo ranks among Colorado's warmer counties, sitting 6.3°F above the state average of 46.0°F. Only the driest, lowest-elevation eastern plains counties like Prowers exceed Pueblo's annual temperatures, making it one of the state's heat leaders.

Regional heat hub for southern Colorado

Pueblo's 52.3°F average ties it with Prowers County to the northeast and significantly exceeds nearby Rio Grande County's 42.2°F to the southwest. The county's position in the Arkansas River valley makes it noticeably warmer than the high-elevation San Juan County (34.7°F) further west.

Warm, dry summers; cold, snowy winters

Summers average 72.5°F with 55 days hitting 90°F or higher, while winters dip to 33.0°F with 41.7 inches of annual snowfall—more than Prowers but less than higher-elevation neighbors. January temperatures average 32.2°F and July reaches 75.0°F, creating a moderate continental climate.

Balance summer cooling with winter snow management

The 55 annual extreme heat days demand efficient cooling systems and yard irrigation planning, while 41.7 inches of seasonal snow require proper drainage and winter weather preparation. Residents should invest in quality HVAC maintenance and keep winter emergency supplies accessible, as temperature swings from summer heat to winter cold can be dramatic.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Pueblo County

via SoilByCounty

High Desert Soil Character

Pueblo County features a complex high-desert landscape where specific pH and taxonomic data are currently unmapped. Typically, regional soils lean toward the alkaline side, following the broader Colorado trend. Local variations between the river valley and the arid plains define the soil's true identity.

Unmapped Textures and Compositions

Specific percentages for sand, silt, and clay are not provided in the current soil survey for this area. Residents often encounter a mix of sandy loams and heavier clays depending on their proximity to the Arkansas River. A simple jar test at home can help you determine your specific texture for better garden planning.

Potential in the Semiarid Plains

Data for organic matter and available water capacity are currently unavailable compared to state benchmarks. In this semiarid climate, maintaining soil moisture is the primary challenge for any grower. Adding mulch and organic compost will help improve fertility regardless of the baseline numbers.

A Landscape of Rapid Runoff

Hydrologic groups and drainage classes are not specifically listed for Pueblo County in this dataset. The region's arid nature and occasional heavy storms often lead to rapid runoff across hard-packed surfaces. Understanding your local slope is critical for managing water effectively on your property.

Thriving in the 6a Heat

Pueblo County sits in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a, famous for its long growing season and iconic chilies. The warm climate allows for a vast range of peppers, tomatoes, and grapes to flourish. With a bit of irrigation and soil care, this region offers some of the best growing conditions in the state.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Pueblo County

via LawnByCounty

A Resilient Lawn Climate in Pueblo

Pueblo County earns a lawn difficulty score of 43.5, outperforming the Colorado state average of 37.4. The Zone 6a climate offers a slightly more temperate environment than the high plains, though it still demands careful management.

High Sun and Moderate Rain

Lawns face 55 days of extreme heat annually, far exceeding the state average of 27 days. With annual precipitation at exactly the state average of 16.2 inches, supplemental water is a requirement to keep turf from entering dormancy during the hot July peak.

Foundations for Healthy Turf

While specific county-wide soil texture data is not currently available, the region typically requires amendments to manage local mineral levels. Focus on aerating your lawn to ensure that water and nutrients reach the root zone during the long 3183 growing degree day season.

Vigilance During Seasonal Dry Spells

The county experienced 22 weeks of drought in the past year, though severe conditions are currently at 0%. Homeowners should implement smart irrigation controllers to maximize the efficiency of every gallon during these recurring dry periods.

Maximize the Growing Season

With a safe planting window starting May 5 and lasting until October 10, Pueblo offers plenty of time for new grass to take hold. Heat-tolerant cool-season blends or native Buffalo grass thrive here if established before the summer heat intensifies.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Pueblo County's county score?
Pueblo County, Colorado has a composite county score of 32.6 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 Pueblo County rank among counties in Colorado?
Pueblo County ranks #63 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 Pueblo County, Colorado?
The median annual property tax in Pueblo County is $1,382, with an effective tax rate of 0.51%. This earns Pueblo County a tax score of 84.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Pueblo County?
The median household income in Pueblo County, Colorado is $62,250 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Pueblo County earns an income score of 45.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Pueblo County, Colorado a good place to live?
Pueblo County scores 32.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #63 in Colorado. The best way to evaluate Pueblo 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 Pueblo 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.