CountyScore

Routt County

Colorado · CO

#46 in Colorado
69.1
County Score

County Report Card

About Routt County, Colorado

Routt balances high incomes with costs

Routt County scores 64.5 out of 100, above the national median of 50.0 but below Colorado's state average of 71.8. The score reflects the trade-off typical of mountain communities: strong incomes tempered by expensive housing.

Below state average despite affluence

With a composite score of 64.5, Routt County ranks below Colorado's average of 71.8 and is the lowest-scoring county in this sample. Like Pitkin County, high incomes are offset by high housing costs.

Strong incomes and excellent tax rates

Routt County shines with an income score of 51.8 (median household income of $104,803) and a tax score of 93.0 (effective rate of 0.329%), the highest incomes in this group. These figures reflect a prosperous, business-friendly community.

Steep housing costs define the challenges

The county's cost score of 46.4 reflects the reality: median home values of $756,200 and monthly rent averaging $1,845. Data on safety, health, schools, and environmental factors remain unavailable.

For affluent professionals in mountain resort areas

Routt County suits high-earning professionals and established families who thrive in mountain resort communities and can afford premium housing costs. Those seeking affordable housing or lower-cost living should look elsewhere.

Score breakdown

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

Tax93Cost46.4SafetyComing SoonHealth81.9SchoolsComing SoonIncome51.8Risk66.7WaterComing Soon
🏛93
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠46.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼51.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤81.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡66.7
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 Routt County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Crawford County
Arkansas
69.1
Median income: $60,362
Johnson County
Arkansas
69.1
Median income: $44,808
Taylor County
Georgia
69.1
Median income: $41,743
Twin Falls County
Idaho
69.1
Median income: $65,338
Lucas County
Iowa
69.1
Median income: $67,921

Deep Dives

Routt County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Routt County

via TaxByCounty

Routt County's low rate, high bills

Routt County's effective tax rate of 0.329% places it in the bottom 10% nationally, yet the median property tax of $2,490 nearly matches the national median of $2,690 due to Routt's staggeringly high home values. The median property here is valued at $756,200—more than 2.7 times the national median.

Second-lowest rate, highest values

Routt County's 0.329% effective rate ranks among Colorado's lowest, falling well below the state average of 0.393%, yet its median property tax of $2,490 is the second-highest among these eight counties. This paradox reflects Routt's boom in high-value resort real estate.

Lowest rate, but resort-driven prices

Routt County's 0.329% rate nearly matches Prowers County (0.327%) and beats Rio Blanco (0.344%), but its $756,200 median home value towers over all comparison counties. A homeowner in Routt pays more in absolute dollars than anywhere else here despite the lowest effective rate.

Median $756,200 home costs $2,490

A homeowner with the median-valued property of $756,200 in Routt County pays approximately $2,490 per year in property taxes. With a mortgage, that drops to $2,409; without, it rises to $2,777.

Resort market requires vigilant appeals

Routt County's ski-town property market moves quickly, and assessment lags can leave homeowners overpaying based on outdated valuations or inflated market assumptions. Property owners should regularly compare their assessments to recent arm's-length sales and file appeals if their assessed value exceeds fair market value.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Routt County

via CostByCounty

Routt County Demands Premium Paychecks

Routt County's 21.1% rent-to-income ratio exceeds both state (20.2%) and national averages, with renters paying $1,845 monthly. However, the county's median household income of $104,803—40% above the national average—helps offset these premium costs.

Colorado's Second-Most Expensive Market

Routt County ranks second only to Pitkin for cost, with a $756,200 median home value and $1,845 monthly rent reflecting its status as a premier mountain resort destination. The county attracts high earners who can absorb these costs as a trade-off for ski access and lifestyle amenities.

Steeper Than Rio Blanco by Far

Routt's $1,845 rent dwarfs neighboring Rio Blanco County's $924—a 99% premium for ski-town living. Even ownership costs nearly double ($1,837 vs. $1,043), making Routt Colorado's costliest option outside of Aspen's Pitkin County.

Housing Takes 21% of Premium Incomes

Despite Colorado's highest-earning median income at $104,803, Routt residents dedicate 21.1% to rent and 21.0% to ownership—both above the healthy 30% threshold. The gap between rental ($1,845) and ownership ($1,837) is negligible, reflecting a luxury resort market where costs are consistently steep.

Routt Works for High-Income Ski Enthusiasts

If household income exceeds $120,000 and world-class skiing is non-negotiable, Routt County's premium lifestyle justifies the costs. Budget-conscious relocators should explore Rio Blanco instead—you'll find similar mountain access at less than half the price.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Routt County

via IncomeByCounty

Routt County leads Colorado earnings

Routt County's median household income of $104,803 exceeds the nation's $74,755 median by 40%, ranking among America's wealthiest counties. The mountain resort economy anchored by Steamboat Springs drives extraordinary regional earnings.

Colorado's highest-earning county

Routt County claims Colorado's top income ranking with a $104,803 median, 40% above the state average of $74,792. Only Pitkin County ($100,318) approaches Routt's exceptional earnings level.

Unmatched wealth in mountain region

Routt County ($104,803) nearly matches Pitkin County ($100,318) and dramatically outpaces all other Colorado counties, including Rio Blanco ($72,620). The two ski resort economies stand alone in Colorado's wealth hierarchy.

High income masks affordability strain

Despite leading Colorado in median income, Routt County's 21.1% rent-to-income ratio and $756,200 median home value reveal persistent housing affordability challenges. Resort-driven real estate inflation means even six-figure households face significant housing costs.

Strategic wealth building at six figures

Six-figure households should work with financial professionals on tax optimization, diversification beyond local real estate, and estate planning. Consider maximizing retirement account contributions and exploring alternative investments to create wealth resilient to seasonal tourism fluctuations.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Routt County

via HealthByCounty

Routt County leads the nation

At 83.3 years, Routt County's life expectancy is nearly 7 years above the U.S. average of 76.4 years—among the highest in the nation. Just 11.6% of residents report poor or fair health, well below the national average of 18%, signaling exceptional population health.

Colorado's second-best performer

Routt County's 83.3-year life expectancy is second only to Pitkin County (94.2 years) in Colorado, towering 5.1 years above the state average of 78.2 years. With a 9.1% uninsured rate just below Colorado's 9.7% average, Routt combines longevity with broad insurance access.

Clear regional health leader

Routt County's 83.3-year life expectancy is the second-highest among all eight counties—5.2 years ahead of Rio Blanco (78.7 years) and 10.8 years ahead of Pueblo (72.5 years). Its 9.1% uninsured rate is among the best in the cohort, reflecting strong health security.

Exceptional health infrastructure

Routt County boasts 132 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and 351 mental health providers per 100,000—among the highest densities in the eight-county group. This robust network ensures residents access preventive, acute, and behavioral care, driving the county's outstanding longevity.

Protect Routt's health advantage

Routt County's exceptional health outcomes rest on strong coverage and provider access. If you're among the 9.1% uninsured, visit healthcare.gov or Colorado's Connect for Health to secure coverage and complete the county's commitment to keeping all residents healthy.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Routt County

via RiskByCounty

Routt County's favorable risk profile

Routt County's composite risk score of 33.37 earns a "Very Low" rating and sits well below the national average. The county offers lower natural disaster exposure than most American counties.

Among Colorado's safest counties

Routt County's score of 33.37 falls below Colorado's state average of 40.67, placing it among the state's lowest-risk counties. Residents enjoy natural disaster exposure significantly better than the Colorado norm.

One of region's safer areas

Routt County (33.37) faces lower risk than Pitkin County (54.10) and Prowers County (48.60), though slightly higher than Rio Blanco County (37.60). The county's northwest position offers strong protection compared to surrounding regions.

Wildfire is main concern

Wildfire risk (80.50) stands as Routt County's primary hazard, ranking among Colorado's highest, while earthquake risk (47.04) presents a secondary threat. Flood risk (57.51) is moderate, and tornado risk (4.29) is minimal.

Focus on wildfire preparation

Routt County residents should prioritize homeowners insurance with comprehensive wildfire coverage and maintain substantial defensible space around properties. Regular vegetation management and emergency evacuation planning provide essential protection in this low-risk but wildfire-exposed area.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

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