countyscore
40.6
County Score
Property Tax 92.9Cost of Living 55.5Disaster Risk 54.2

County Report Card

About Rio Grande County, Colorado

Rio Grande below national standards

Rio Grande County's composite score of 40.6 falls below the national median of 50.0, ranking in the 35th percentile nationally. This San Luis Valley county faces livability headwinds that merit serious consideration.

Trailing Colorado's average performance

At 40.6, Rio Grande County underperforms Colorado's state average of 51.2, placing it among the lower-performing counties statewide. Its score profile reflects concentrated challenges in specific dimensions.

Low taxes and moderate affordability

Rio Grande County offers a low effective tax rate of 0.415 percent and reasonable housing costs, with median rent at $782 monthly and median home value at $215,400. These financial advantages provide some foundation for residents.

Schools, safety, and health underperform

Rio Grande County faces severe school challenges (7.3), among the state's worst, alongside poor safety metrics (11.5) and below-average health outcomes (36.3). These deficits signal significant gaps in educational and public health infrastructure.

Best for those with specific ties

Rio Grande County's profile suggests it suits primarily those with family or employment connections to the region rather than those choosing freely. Prospective residents should weigh substantial educational and safety challenges carefully.

Score breakdown

Tax92.9Cost55.5Safety11.5Health36.3Schools7.3Income45.7Risk54.2Water23.9Weather51.8
🏛92.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠55.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼45.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡11.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤36.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓7.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡54.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧23.9
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤51.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱34.3
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

Mineral County
Colorado
69.2
Saguache County
Colorado
58
Conejos County
Colorado
64.2
Archuleta County
Colorado
57.4
Alamosa County
Colorado
37
Hinsdale County
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72.1
Costilla County
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San Juan County
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69.1

Deep Dives

Rio Grande County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Rio Grande County

via TaxByCounty

Rio Grande tax rate near national norm

Rio Grande County's effective tax rate of 0.415% sits slightly above the national median, putting homeowners in roughly the 55th percentile nationwide. The median property tax of $893 is just 33% of the national median of $2,690, thanks to Rio Grande's lower home values.

Slightly above Colorado's average

Rio Grande County's effective rate of 0.415% modestly exceeds Colorado's state average of 0.393%, placing it in the upper-middle tier of the state's tax burden. The median property tax of $893 falls well short of the state median of $1,560 due to smaller home values.

Moderate tax rate for southern Colorado

Rio Grande County's 0.415% rate ranks between Saguache County (0.340%) and Phillips County (0.495%), occupying the middle ground among these eight counties. The tax burden here reflects a balance between rates and property values.

Median $215,400 home costs $893

A homeowner with the median-valued property of $215,400 in Rio Grande County pays approximately $893 per year in property taxes. With a mortgage, that increases to $988; without, it drops to $648.

Assessment review protects your equity

Rio Grande County homeowners should periodically compare their assessed values to recent sales of similar properties in the county and surrounding areas. A modest overassessment can still represent hundreds of dollars in unnecessary annual payments—worth investigating.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Rio Grande County

via CostByCounty

Rio Grande County Delivers Rare Affordability

Rio Grande County's 15.1% rent-to-income ratio ranks among Colorado's lowest, with residents spending just $782 monthly on rent—38% below the state median. Despite income roughly 17% below the national average, families here enjoy housing costs that don't consume their paychecks.

Colorado's Secret Affordability Champion

Rio Grande County ranks second only to Prowers for statewide affordability, with rents and ownership costs that undercut most Colorado markets. The $215,400 median home value and $782 monthly rent position it as a true budget alternative in a high-cost state.

Outvalues Most Regional Peers

Rio Grande's $782 rent costs $177 less than Pueblo and $142 less than Phillips County, making it the San Luis Valley's affordability leader. Homeownership at $875 monthly also beats nearby options, delivering consistent value across all housing types.

Housing Takes Just 15% of Budgets

Rio Grande residents allocate only 15.1% of their $62,166 median income to rent and 16.9% to ownership—both exceptionally low. The $93 gap between rent and ownership costs gives households genuine flexibility without financial compromise.

Rio Grande: True Mountain Affordability

Rio Grande County combines San Luis Valley beauty with some of Colorado's lowest housing costs—renters save $471 monthly versus state average. Consider Rio Grande if you're priced out of Front Range markets and want authentic rural Colorado living without the financial strain.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Rio Grande County

via IncomeByCounty

Rio Grande County below national median

Rio Grande County's median household income of $62,166 trails the nation's $74,755 median by 17%. The county's agricultural and small-business economy reflects income patterns of rural San Luis Valley communities.

Lower-middle earner in Colorado

Rio Grande County's $62,166 median income ranks 17% below Colorado's state average of $74,792. The county sits in Colorado's lower-middle tier, typical of rural agricultural regions.

Matches Pueblo, exceeds southern peers

Rio Grande County ($62,166) nearly matches Pueblo County ($62,250) and significantly outearns Saguache County ($54,283). The county anchors the San Luis Valley economy alongside its southern neighbors.

Outstanding housing affordability

Rio Grande County's 15.1% rent-to-income ratio ranks among Colorado's best, indicating exceptional affordability. With a median home value of $215,400, homeownership is highly accessible for median-income families.

Building wealth in rural valleys

Households earning $62,166 should take advantage of Rio Grande County's exceptional housing affordability to build home equity. Start with employer retirement plans and explore local community development resources designed to support rural economic growth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Rio Grande County

via CrimeByCounty

Crime Rates Above National Average

Rio Grande County faces higher crime levels than the national norm, with a total rate of 2,648.2 per 100,000 residents. This exceeds the U.S. average of 2,385.5. The county holds a safety score of 95.8, reflecting these challenges.

Struggling Against State Averages

The county's safety score of 95.8 is lower than the Colorado state average of 97.1. Rio Grande's total crime rate of 2,648.2 also sits well above the statewide average of 1,834.6. Local agencies report more incidents per capita than the typical Colorado county.

Elevated Activity in San Luis Valley

Compared to its rural neighbors, Rio Grande County experiences a higher volume of reported crime. Both the violent crime rate (279.7) and property crime rate (2,368.5) are higher than the averages for many neighboring communities. This indicates a more active crime environment in the local valley area.

Property Crime Drives Local Numbers

Property crime is the primary driver of these statistics, with a rate of 2,368.5 per 100,000 residents. Violent crime, while higher than the state average at 279.7, is still lower than the national violent crime rate of 369.8. Residents are more likely to experience theft than personal harm.

Vigilance for Your Property

Because property crime rates are elevated, home security should be a priority for Rio Grande residents. Install motion sensors and secure all entry points to deter theft. Active community participation in reporting suspicious activity helps local law enforcement respond effectively.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Rio Grande County

via HealthByCounty

Rio Grande County's health deficit

At 72.3 years, Rio Grande County's life expectancy is 4.1 years below the U.S. average of 76.4 years, placing it among the nation's lowest. With 16.7% of residents reporting poor or fair health and 14.1% uninsured, the county faces both disease burden and care access barriers.

Second-lowest in Colorado

Rio Grande County's 72.3-year life expectancy is just 0.2 years above Pueblo County's, ranking it second-worst in Colorado—5.9 years below the state average. Its 14.1% uninsured rate is the highest among all eight profiled counties, a critical barrier to addressing the county's health crisis.

Worst-insured in the region

Rio Grande County's 14.1% uninsured rate is the highest among all eight counties and its 72.3-year life expectancy is near the bottom. Only Pueblo (72.5 years) and Prowers (73.7 years) approach Rio Grande's health burden, but none match its uninsured rate.

Provider access amid insurance gaps

Rio Grande County has 96 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, but a severe shortage of mental health providers at just 54 per 100,000—the lowest of all eight counties. With 14.1% uninsured, thousands of residents cannot access even the limited primary care available, let alone specialized behavioral health support.

Close the coverage gap now

Rio Grande County's 14.1% uninsured rate is a health emergency; nearly 4,000 residents lack stable coverage. Contact Colorado's Connect for Health at 1-855-752-6749 or visit healthcare.gov to enroll in Medicaid or marketplace plans—your ticket to the primary and mental health care the county desperately needs.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Rio Grande County

via SchoolsByCounty

Valley Schools Serving Three Local Districts

Rio Grande County operates 11 public schools across three districts, educating 1,741 students. The landscape is split between four elementary schools, four high schools, and two middle schools, providing full coverage for the San Luis Valley area.

Growth Opportunities in Local Academic Scores

The county's graduation rate currently stands at 77.5%, trailing the state average. Spending is also lower than state benchmarks, with a per-pupil expenditure of $5,643 used to support the local student body.

Focusing on the Monte Vista Community

Monte Vista School District No. C-8 is the primary provider, managing six schools and 1,033 students. No charter schools exist in the county, meaning traditional districts are the central pillar of the local education system.

Small-Town Feel and Rural Roots

Learning here takes place in 6 rural and 5 town-based schools, where the average enrollment is a modest 158 students. Bill Metz Elementary is the largest school with 269 students, ensuring most children learn in very small cohorts.

Connect with Local San Luis Valley Schools

Homes in Monte Vista and Del Norte offer direct access to these intimate, community-focused schools. Families looking for small class sizes and a rural lifestyle will find plenty of options in Rio Grande County.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Rio Grande County

via RiskByCounty

Rio Grande County's disaster risk

Rio Grande County's composite risk score of 45.77 rates as "Relatively Low" but slightly exceeds the national average, indicating moderate natural hazard exposure. The county faces above-average risk compared to typical U.S. regions.

Moderate risk within Colorado

Rio Grande County's score of 45.77 sits slightly above Colorado's state average of 40.67, placing it among the state's moderate-risk counties. The county experiences natural disaster exposure comparable to Colorado's median.

Mid-range risk in southern region

Rio Grande County (45.77) faces lower risk than Pueblo County (82.51) but higher than Routt County (33.37) and Saguache County (14.25). The county's south-central location creates moderate exposure compared to neighboring areas.

Earthquakes and wildfires loom

Earthquake risk (68.80) and wildfire risk (63.61) pose the greatest threats to Rio Grande County residents, both significantly above state averages. Flood risk (54.93) presents a secondary concern, while tornado risk (13.87) remains relatively low.

Multi-hazard insurance strategy

Rio Grande County residents should maintain comprehensive homeowners insurance covering earthquake, wildfire, and flood damage, potentially through multiple policies. Structural reinforcement for seismic activity and defensible space management provide additional critical protection.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Rio Grande County

via WeatherByCounty

High-altitude desert climate, quite rare for U.S.

Rio Grande County's 42.2°F annual average is 4.3°F cooler than the national median of 46.5°F, and its 8.7 inches of precipitation is dramatically drier than the national average of 18.2 inches. This high-altitude San Luis Valley location creates one of Colorado's most extreme desert climates, with minimal precipitation and intense cold winters.

Colorado's coldest and driest county pair

Rio Grande ranks among Colorado's coldest counties at 42.2°F, sitting 3.8°F below the state average of 46.0°F, and its 8.7 inches of annual precipitation is the driest in this dataset. Only San Juan County (34.7°F) is significantly colder, making Rio Grande the state's extreme high-altitude desert anchor.

Isolated cold and dry in the San Luis Valley

Rio Grande's 42.2°F and 8.7 inches of precipitation are markedly colder and drier than Pueblo County (52.3°F, 16.2 inches) to the northeast and significantly drier than Routt County's 20.0 inches to the northwest. The county's valley location isolates it from mountain weather moderation, creating unique conditions within Colorado.

Frigid winters, cool summers, almost no extreme heat

Rio Grande experiences only 1 day per year with temperatures at or above 90°F, while summers average a cool 61.7°F and winters plunge to 20.7°F. January temperatures average just 18.1°F while July reaches only 63.8°F, creating a massive seasonal gap with minimal extreme heat stress.

Extreme cold and drought dominate planning

With winter averages near 21°F and only 8.7 inches of annual precipitation, residents need heavy-duty heating systems, extensive insulation, and year-round water conservation strategies. The rare extreme heat days (just 1 annually) mean air conditioning is unnecessary, but winter vehicle winterization and avalanche awareness in nearby mountains are critical safety priorities.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Rio Grande County

via SoilByCounty

San Luis Valley Soil Character

Specific taxonomic data and pH levels are currently unavailable for Rio Grande County in this survey. Located in the unique San Luis Valley, these soils are part of an ancient lakebed environment. Regional trends suggest slightly alkaline conditions, though local pockets can vary significantly.

Texture Data in the Valley

Percentages for sand, silt, and clay are not recorded for the county in this specific dataset. The valley floor is known for its sandy textures, which contribute to its reputation as a premier potato-growing region. These loose soils provide excellent drainage and allow for easy root expansion.

Productivity Without the Data

Organic matter and available water capacity metrics remain unlisted against the 2.18% state average. Despite the lack of data, this region is agriculturally vital and relies heavily on groundwater for fertility. Adding organic materials can help boost the water-holding capacity of the naturally porous soil.

Hydrology of the Valley Floor

Hydrologic groups and drainage classes are currently unmapped for this county. The high water table in parts of the San Luis Valley creates unique drainage challenges that differ from the surrounding mountains. Proper water management is the most critical factor for success in this landscape.

Potato Country in Zone 5b

Falling within USDA Hardiness Zone 5b, Rio Grande County is perfect for potatoes, barley, and root vegetables. The cool nights and sunny days provide an ideal climate for crops that thrive in well-drained soil. Join the local tradition and start your own high-altitude vegetable patch today.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Rio Grande County

via LawnByCounty

Taming the High Desert in Rio Grande

Rio Grande County faces a lawn difficulty score of 34.3, slightly below the Colorado average. While the Hardiness Zone 5b is standard for the region, the extremely low rainfall makes traditional turf a high-maintenance endeavor.

A Short and Very Dry Season

This is one of the driest counties in the state, receiving only 8.7 inches of annual precipitation compared to the state average of 16.2. Despite the lack of rain, extreme heat is rare with only 1 day over 90°F per year.

Focusing on Moisture Retention

With limited regional soil data available, homeowners should focus on the clear challenges presented by the arid climate. Mulching and adding high-quality topsoil can help offset the lack of natural moisture and support the 1395 growing degree days.

Adapting to Arid Realities

The county has endured 39 weeks of drought in the past year, and 99.7% of the area is currently classified as abnormally dry. Irrigation is mandatory here, as the natural rainfall provides less than a third of what a healthy lawn needs.

Time Your Seeding Carefully

The growing window starts after May 24 and closes quickly by September 24, leaving exactly four months for growth. Because heat is not an issue, cool-season grasses can thrive if you manage the significant irrigation demands.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Rio Grande County's county score?
Rio Grande County, Colorado has a composite county score of 40.6 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 Rio Grande County rank among counties in Colorado?
Rio Grande County ranks #51 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 Rio Grande County, Colorado?
The median annual property tax in Rio Grande County is $893, with an effective tax rate of 0.41%. This earns Rio Grande County a tax score of 92.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Rio Grande County?
The median household income in Rio Grande County, Colorado is $62,166 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Rio Grande County earns an income score of 45.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Rio Grande County, Colorado a good place to live?
Rio Grande County scores 40.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #51 in Colorado. The best way to evaluate Rio Grande 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 Rio Grande County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

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Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.