CountyScore

Rich County

Utah · UT

#1 in Utah
81.1
County Score

County Report Card

About Rich County, Utah

Rich County ranks in top 38% nationally

With a composite score of 81.1 out of 100, Rich County scores 62% higher than the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 62nd percentile nationally. This elevated livability ranking reflects strong performance across several key dimensions that matter to families and professionals seeking quality of life.

Utah's best-performing county overall

Rich County's 81.1 score exceeds the Utah state average of 72.1 by 9 full points, ranking it first among the state's 29 counties. This leadership position reflects exceptional performance on metrics that drive household decisions about where to settle.

Tax breaks and low natural disaster risk

Rich County shines with a tax score of 94.1 and a risk score of 99.2, among the lowest tax burdens and most resilient natural disaster profiles in the nation. Housing costs also remain reasonable at a median home value of $291,200 and median rent of $743 per month, offering genuine affordability alongside low taxes.

Income levels lag significantly behind

The county's income score of 33.6 reflects a median household income of just $76,875—notably below state and national norms—suggesting limited job growth in higher-wage sectors. Limited education and safety data are currently unavailable, which would help paint a fuller livability picture.

Ideal for tax-conscious, cost-aware retirees

Rich County suits families and retirees prioritizing affordability, low taxes, and stability over high earning potential. The combination of minimal tax burden, disaster resilience, and reasonable housing costs makes it attractive to those seeking financial efficiency in a rural setting.

Score breakdown

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

Tax94.1Cost82.2SafetyComing SoonHealth76.6SchoolsComing SoonIncome33.6Risk99.2WaterComing Soon
🏛94.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠82.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼33.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤76.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡99.2
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 Rich County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Loup County
Nebraska
81.1
Median income: $60,156
Glasscock County
Texas
81.1
Median income: $106,806
Judith Basin County
Montana
81
Median income: $55,417
Daggett County
Utah
81
Median income: $58,750
Greenlee County
Arizona
80.9
Median income: $75,239

Deep Dives

Rich County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Rich County

via TaxByCounty

Rich County taxes well below national average

Rich County's effective tax rate of 0.290% ranks in the bottom 15% nationally, meaning homeowners here pay significantly less than the U.S. median property tax of $2,690. The county's median tax bill of $846 is less than a third of what Americans typically owe, reflecting both lower property values and a light tax hand.

Utah's lightest tax burden

Rich County has the lowest effective tax rate among all 29 Utah counties at 0.290%, compared to the state average of 0.498%. With a median tax of just $846 versus the statewide median of $1,815, Rich County residents enjoy the state's most affordable property tax environment.

Significantly cheaper than surrounding areas

Rich County's 0.290% rate stands out dramatically against nearby Uintah County (0.535%) and Daggett County to the north. Even compared to other rural Utah counties, Rich's tax burden remains the lightest in the region and state.

Median home costs $846 annually in taxes

A typical Rich County home valued at $291,200 generates an annual property tax bill of $846. Whether you own your home outright or carry a mortgage, your tax obligation remains remarkably stable at around $840–$870 per year.

Review your assessment—overages are common

Even in low-tax counties like Rich, homeowners occasionally face inflated assessments that don't match market reality. If your tax bill feels high relative to comparable homes, filing an appeal with the county assessor's office could uncover savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Rich County

via CostByCounty

Rich County beats the national average

At 11.6%, Rich County's rent-to-income ratio is well below the national benchmark, meaning renters here spend less of their paychecks on housing than typical Americans. The county's median household income of $76,875 also outpaces the national median of $74,755, creating more breathing room in family budgets.

Utah's most affordable housing market

Rich County ranks as Utah's most affordable county, with a rent-to-income ratio of 11.6% compared to the state average of 16.6%. At just $743 per month for median rent—well below Utah's $1,101 state average—renters here enjoy significantly more housing affordability than their peers statewide.

Outpacing nearby mountain counties

Rich County's $743 monthly rent is substantially lower than similar mountain communities like Sevier County ($878) and Uintah County ($914). The county's 11.6% rent-to-income ratio significantly beats Summit County's 17.2%, even though Summit attracts higher earners.

Where your income goes in Rich County

Renters spend $743 monthly on housing while homeowners pay $850, leaving most of a median $76,875 household income available for other needs. Together, these housing costs consume just 11.6% to 13.3% of monthly income—among the lowest burdens in Utah.

Consider Rich County for affordability

If housing costs are pushing your budget tight elsewhere, Rich County offers stable affordability with incomes above the national average and rents well below state levels. The county's median home value of $291,200 and low rent-to-income ratio make it a compelling option for renters and buyers alike.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Rich County

via IncomeByCounty

Rich County exceeds national income benchmark

Rich County's median household income of $76,875 edges above the national median of $74,755, placing it firmly in the upper-middle tier nationally. This $2,120 advantage reflects the county's economic resilience compared to the average American household.

Below Utah's prosperous state average

Rich County ranks below Utah's state median of $80,176 by about $3,300, placing it in the middle tier of Utah's 29 counties. The per capita income of $29,074 also trails the state average of $35,055, indicating wage growth opportunity in the region.

Competing regionally with similar counties

Rich County's $76,875 median income sits between Sevier County ($73,765) and Uintah County ($69,861), positioning it as a moderate earner in its peer group. Its $291,200 median home value is competitive with neighboring counties of similar economic profiles.

Housing costs remain comfortably affordable

Rich County's 11.6% rent-to-income ratio is among the healthiest in Utah, well below the 30% threshold that signals affordability strain. This means households spend roughly $745 monthly on rent relative to median income, leaving substantial room for savings and other expenses.

Build on your solid income foundation

With median income slightly above national levels and excellent housing affordability, Rich County residents are positioned to invest in wealth-building vehicles like retirement accounts and home equity. Consider working with a financial advisor to maximize the gap between income and housing costs.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Rich County

via HealthByCounty

Rich County lives longer than most Americans

At 83.7 years, Rich County's life expectancy outpaces the U.S. average of 76.4 years by over seven years. Just 15.6% of residents report poor or fair health, matching the national median and suggesting strong overall wellness despite the county's rural character.

Utah's longest-living county

Rich County ranks among Utah's healthiest by life expectancy, exceeding the state average of 77.9 years by 5.8 years. This longevity advantage reflects the county's consistently strong health outcomes across its small population.

Outliving nearby mountain counties

Rich County's 83.7-year life expectancy significantly exceeds Summit County (84.0 years, comparably high) and vastly outpaces San Juan County (72.8 years). The 11-year gap underscores stark regional health disparities within Utah.

Healthcare access data limited

Rich County's 11.4% uninsured rate sits slightly above Utah's state average of 10.2%, meaning roughly 1 in 9 residents lack coverage. Primary care provider data is unavailable for the county, though 38 mental health providers per 100,000 residents suggest modest mental health capacity.

Check your health insurance options

With 11.4% of Rich County residents uninsured, exploring coverage through Healthcare.gov or Utah's state marketplace could improve access to preventive care and medications. Talking to a local health department representative can clarify eligibility for subsidies or community health programs.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Rich County

via RiskByCounty

Rich County's disaster risk stays very low

With a composite risk score of 0.83, Rich County sits far below the national average and ranks among America's safest counties for natural disasters. This very low rating reflects minimal exposure to most major hazard types across the region.

Utah's second-safest county

Rich County's score of 0.83 is dramatically lower than Utah's state average of 36.19, making it one of the state's most resilient counties. Only one Utah county outperforms Rich in overall disaster safety.

Safer than nearby mountain counties

Rich County's risk profile is significantly lower than neighboring Summit County (60.08) and Tooele County (48.89). This advantage stems from lower exposure to flooding, tornadoes, and earthquakes across the region.

Wildfire remains the primary concern

Wildfire risk at 75.89 is Rich County's highest hazard exposure, though still manageable with standard precautions. Earthquake risk (36.77) and flood risk (3.02) pose minimal threats to most residents.

Standard homeowners insurance protects you

Given Rich County's very low overall risk, standard homeowners insurance provides adequate protection for most properties. Consider adding wildfire coverage or a separate policy if your home is in a forested area or near wildland-urban interfaces.

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.