countyscore
54.6
County Score
Property Tax 97.2Income & Jobs 96.4Health 83.2

County Report Card

About Routt County, Colorado

Routt County meets national livability marks

Routt County's composite score of 54.6 exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 59th percentile nationally. This northwest Colorado county demonstrates solid, above-average livability fundamentals.

Solid performer above state average

At 54.6, Routt County surpasses Colorado's state average of 51.2, ranking it in the upper-middle tier of Colorado counties. It occupies a stable, competitive position statewide.

Income, health, and low taxes impress

Routt County boasts exceptional median household income of $104,803 (96.4 score) and strong health outcomes (83.2), paired with one of Colorado's lowest tax rates at 0.329 percent. These fundamentals create solid prosperity for residents.

Housing costs and safety are concerns

Housing affordability is severely limited (3.1 score) with median home values exceeding $756,000 and rents at $1,845 monthly, while safety scores lag (37.7). These reflect the pressures of a high-income resort and outdoor recreation economy.

For affluent outdoor lifestyle seekers

Routt County appeals to well-compensated professionals and affluent families seeking excellent health care, outdoor recreation, and strong schools without Pitkin County premiums. This is an ideal county for high earners who value mountain living and work flexibility.

2040608010097.23.137.783.266.596.466.71846.8Tax97.2Cost3.1Safety37.7Health83.2Schools66.5Income96.4Risk66.7Water18Weather46.854.6/100
This county
National avg
5 above average3 below average

Routt County DNA

Foverall

How Routt County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Routt County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Income (96.4/100) but notably weak in Cost of Living (3.1/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
97.2+45.2
Cost
3.1-44.9
Safety
37.7-17.299999999999997
Health
83.2+33.2
Schools
66.5+12.5
Income
96.4+45.400000000000006
Risk
66.7+19.700000000000003
Water
18-40
Weather
46.8-9.200000000000003
Sponsored

Compare mortgage rates in Routt County

Whether buying or refinancing in Routt County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

See Today's Rates

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$756,200

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,845/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$756,200/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$73,800/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum7.2x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $104,803/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

56.0

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
Compare Routt County with Chattahoochee County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Chattahoochee County
Georgia
Median income: $59,221
54.6
Nelson County
Kentucky
Median income: $67,888
54.6
Houghton County
Michigan
Median income: $56,573
54.6
Livingston County
Michigan
Median income: $101,315
54.6
Pike County
Missouri
Median income: $57,572
54.6
Walsh County
North Dakota
Median income: $69,976
54.6
Harrison County
Ohio
Median income: $53,851
54.6
Ellis County
Oklahoma
Median income: $56,992
54.6

Nearby counties

Jackson County
Colorado
60.2
Grand County
Colorado
56
Eagle County
Colorado
49.5
Moffat County
Colorado
42.8
Summit County
Colorado
49.6
Rio Blanco County
Colorado
65.1
Garfield County
Colorado
43.7
Larimer County
Colorado
40.5

Deep Dives

Routt County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 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

Safety in Routt County

via CrimeByCounty

Routt County Remains Consistently Safe

Routt County earns a strong safety score of 97.7 out of 100. Its total crime rate of 1,435.2 per 100,000 people is roughly 40% lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This reinforces its reputation as a safe mountain community.

Beating the Colorado State Average

Routt's safety score of 97.7 is higher than the Colorado average of 97.1. Its total crime rate of 1,435.2 is also significantly better than the state's average of 1,834.6. The county manages to maintain high safety levels despite its popularity as a tourism destination.

Safe Among Resort Communities

Routt County compares favorably to other high-traffic resort counties in the Rocky Mountains. The violent crime rate of 188.4 is well below the state average of 232.1. This highlights the effectiveness of local policing in a county that experiences large seasonal population swings.

Low Violent Crime Risk

Violent crime is low at 188.4 per 100,000 people, roughly half the national average. Property crime makes up the bulk of local incidents at ,1246.8, though this still remains far below the national property crime rate of 2,015.7. Residents generally enjoy a low-risk environment.

Keeping the Community Secure

With property crime being the most common issue, basic security measures like locking cars and homes are important. Smart cameras can provide peace of mind in more remote areas of the county. Routt remains one of Colorado's safer places for families and tourists alike.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Routt County

via SchoolsByCounty

Diverse Schooling in a Mountain Community

Routt County supports 15 public schools and 3,619 students across three different districts. The infrastructure includes seven elementary schools and four high schools, providing ample capacity for the county's growing population.

Superior Graduation Rates for Mountain Students

A graduation rate of 93.2% puts Routt County well ahead of both state and national averages. The county spends $7,648 per pupil, slightly exceeding the state average to ensure high-quality classroom outcomes.

Steamboat Springs Leads the Way

Steamboat Springs School District No. Re 2 is the largest, educating 2,664 students across seven schools. The county also offers school choice through two charter schools, which make up about 13% of the total school count.

A Blend of Town and Rural Learning

Ten of the county's schools are in rural settings, while five serve the more populated town areas. Steamboat Springs High School is the largest campus with 842 students, significantly larger than the county's 241-student average.

Elevated Education in Steamboat Springs

High graduation rates and a variety of school types make Routt County a top tier choice for families. Searching for a home near Steamboat Springs offers access to some of the most successful schools in the Colorado Rockies.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Water Quality in Routt County

via WaterByCounty

Multiple Violations but Moderate Rate

Routt County holds an F grade for water quality with 56 health violations over the last five years. However, its per-capita violation rate of 153.1 remains well below the Colorado state average of 292.1. This suggest that while issues are present, the overall frequency of violations is moderate compared to the rest of the state.

Watershed Health Better Than State Average

Routt County shows a lower impairment rate than many of its neighbors, with 28.3% of 159 assessed water bodies failing standards in 2022. This is significantly better than the Colorado average of 35.4%. Primary stressors in these waters include arsenic, elevated temperatures, and impacts on benthic macroinvertebrates.

Strong Monitoring of Nutrients and Physical Health

The county features a robust monitoring network of 70 sites that have recorded 19,938 measurements over five years. The data focuses heavily on physical characteristics, nutrients, and non-metal inorganics. This consistent oversight provides a high-quality data stream for managing local river health.

Yampa River Experiencing High Flows

The Yampa River above Elkhead Creek is currently flowing at 2,910 cfs, which is 251% of its long-term mean. These high-flow conditions can help dilute certain pollutants but may also increase turbidity and sediment transport. This gauge monitors a drainage area of 1,575 square miles, providing a vital signal for the region.

Watch for High-Flow Water Changes

While Routt County's watershed is relatively healthy, the current high flows in the Yampa River can increase sediment and affect water treatment processes. Residents should be aware of arsenic as a known impairment and consider filtration that addresses both metals and potential runoff. Monitor local updates if water temperatures rise, as this is a recorded stressor for local streams.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Routt County

via WeatherByCounty

Snow country: Routt dwarfs national precipitation norms

Routt County's 41.6°F annual average is 4.9°F cooler than the national median of 46.5°F, but its 142.9 inches of annual snowfall—nearly three times the national average of 50 inches—defines the county's climate. With 20.0 inches of total precipitation, Routt captures moisture primarily as snow due to its 8,000+ foot elevation, creating an alpine continental climate.

Colorado's snowiest county, among coldest

Routt's 41.6°F annual temperature sits 4.4°F below Colorado's state average of 46.0°F, and its 142.9 inches of annual snowfall is by far the highest in the state. The county's high-elevation northwest location makes it one of Colorado's premier snow destinations.

Snow giant towering over neighbors

Routt's 142.9 inches of snow vastly exceeds Rio Blanco County's 47.1 inches to the south and San Miguel County's 88.9 inches to the southwest, making it Colorado's clear snowfall leader. Its 41.6°F average closely matches Rio Blanco and Saguache counties, but precipitation volume sets it apart dramatically.

Brutal winters, short mild summers, minimal heat stress

Routt experiences only 6 days per year above 90°F, while winters average 20.0°F with January dipping to 18.5°F and July reaching just 65.1°F. Summer temperatures average only 62.3°F, making this one of Colorado's coolest climates with extremely compressed warm seasons.

Winter is the dominant planning reality

With 142.9 inches of annual snowfall and winter temperatures near 20°F, residents must invest in commercial-grade snow removal, robust roof designs, and heavy insulation systems designed for sustained alpine conditions. Summer is brief and cool (62.3°F average), so planning around the 6+ month snow season and avalanche terrain is the primary climate priority.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Routt County

via SoilByCounty

Northern Mountain Soil Identity

Routt County lacks specific pH and taxonomic data in the current soil survey. The region's soil identity is heavily influenced by its alpine climate and diverse mountainous terrain. Most soils here are expected to be cooler and potentially more acidic than the state's 7.29 average due to higher rainfall.

Alpine Textures and Mixed Slopes

Composition metrics for sand, silt, and clay are currently unavailable for this county. Mountain soils like these often contain a high percentage of rock fragments and vary greatly from the peaks to the valleys. Testing your specific plot is necessary to understand its unique drainage and workability.

Rich Potential in Mountain Valleys

Organic matter and available water capacity are not recorded for Routt County in this dataset. Colorado’s state average for organic matter is 2.18%, a level often found in lush mountain meadows. High-altitude gardening here relies on capturing the short summer window with nutrient-rich amendments.

Snowmelt and Slope Hydrology

Specific drainage classes and hydrologic groups are unmapped for the soils of Routt County. In this environment, hydrology is dominated by spring snowmelt and steep elevation changes. Effective land use requires a deep understanding of how water moves across the surface during the thaw.

Short Seasons in Zone 5a

In USDA Hardiness Zone 5a, Routt County gardeners focus on frost-tolerant crops and cold-frame techniques. Leafy greens, radishes, and berries thrive in the crisp mountain air and cool soil temperatures. Embrace the short but vibrant growing season by starting your seeds indoors.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Routt County

via LawnByCounty

Routt County's Mountain Lawn Struggle

With a lawn difficulty score of 33.8, Routt County presents a challenging environment for homeowners. The USDA Hardiness Zone 5a classification means lawns must be exceptionally cold-hardy to survive the long, harsh winters.

High Rainfall but Low Heat

Routt receives 20.0 inches of annual precipitation, which is the highest in this group and well above the Colorado average. However, with only 6 extreme heat days and a late spring frost on June 9, the growing season is notably brief.

Building a Mountain Foundation

Local soil data is sparse, but the high annual precipitation suggests a need for well-draining soil to prevent root rot during wet springs. Focus on aeration and organic amendments to make the most of the 1465 growing degree days.

Extreme Drought Despite the Rain

Currently, 100% of Routt County is in severe drought, having faced 45 weeks of drought over the past year. Even with higher-than-average rainfall, the severity of recent dry spells requires homeowners to use water-saving tools like rain sensors.

Plant Fast and Plant Hardy

The window for growth is very narrow, starting June 9 and ending September 12. Focus on cold-tolerant grasses like Kentucky Bluegrass or Fine Fescue that can establish quickly during the fleeting summer months.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Routt County's county score?
Routt County, Colorado has a composite county score of 54.6 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 Routt County rank among counties in Colorado?
Routt County ranks #29 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 Routt County, Colorado?
The median annual property tax in Routt County is $2,490, with an effective tax rate of 0.33%. This earns Routt County a tax score of 97.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Routt County?
The median household income in Routt County, Colorado is $104,803 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Routt County earns an income score of 96.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Routt County, Colorado a good place to live?
Routt County scores 54.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #29 in Colorado. The best way to evaluate Routt 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 Routt County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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