CountyScore

San Juan County

Colorado · CO

#6 in Colorado
78.2
County Score

County Report Card

About San Juan County, Colorado

San Juan Outpaces the National Average

San Juan County scores 77.8 out of 100 on the CountyScore livability index, significantly higher than the national median of 50.0. This places the county in the top tier nationally, reflecting strong economic and fiscal fundamentals compared to typical American counties.

Above-Average in Colorado Rankings

San Juan County ranks above the Colorado state average of 71.8, putting it among the stronger-performing counties statewide. The 6-point margin above the state baseline demonstrates this county's competitive position within Colorado's diverse county landscape.

Tax Burden and Housing Affordability Lead

San Juan excels with a 94.0 tax score, reflecting an exceptionally low 0.294% effective tax rate. The cost score of 77.1 pairs well with a median home value of $406,900 and rent of $1,076/month, making it attractive for budget-conscious families.

Income Growth Lags Behind Peers

With an income score of just 31.6, San Juan's $73,889 median household income trails what many similarly-scored counties achieve. Data on safety, health, schools, and water quality remain unavailable, leaving important livability dimensions unmeasured.

Best for Retirees and Tax-Conscious Families

San Juan County suits people prioritizing fiscal responsibility and reasonable housing costs over high earning potential. The combination of low taxes and moderate housing expenses appeals to retirees, remote workers, and families seeking economic stability in a high-value county.

Score breakdown

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

Tax94Cost77.1SafetyComing SoonHealth75.6SchoolsComing SoonIncome31.6Risk89.3WaterComing Soon
🏛94
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠77.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼31.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤75.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡89.3
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 San Juan County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Cheyenne County
Colorado
78.3
Median income: $67,768
Cameron Parish
Louisiana
78.3
Median income: $72,500
Garfield County
Montana
78.3
Median income: $61,750
McPherson County
Nebraska
78.3
Median income: $61,316
Floyd County
Virginia
78.3
Median income: $61,401

Deep Dives

San Juan County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in San Juan County

via TaxByCounty

San Juan taxes well below national average

San Juan County's effective tax rate of 0.294% is less than half the national median of $2,690 on a median home, placing it in the bottom 20% nationally for tax burden. The county's median property tax of $1,195 reflects significantly lower rates than most U.S. counties despite higher home values.

Colorado's lightest-taxed county

San Juan County ranks last among all Colorado counties with an effective rate of 0.294%, compared to the state average of 0.393%. This makes San Juan homeowners the biggest tax savers in Colorado by rate, though not by absolute dollars.

Lowest among San Juan Valley peers

San Juan County's 0.294% rate significantly undercuts neighboring San Miguel County at 0.261% effective rate but lower dollar taxes. Both counties outpace the state average, positioning the region as a tax-friendly area within Colorado's mountain west.

Median annual tax: under $1,200

On San Juan County's median home value of $406,900, a typical homeowner pays $1,195 annually in property taxes. With a mortgage, that figure rises to $1,596; without one, it drops to just $600—reflecting how assessment practices differ by ownership type.

Review your assessment for savings

Many San Juan County homeowners are overassessed relative to market value and can appeal their property valuations. Even small reductions in assessed value can save hundreds of dollars yearly on property taxes.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in San Juan County

via CostByCounty

San Juan rents are below the national norm

San Juan County residents spend just 17.5% of household income on rent, beating the national average and signaling strong affordability. At $1,076 per month, median rent here runs $177 below Colorado's state average of $1,253, giving renters real breathing room in their budgets.

Among Colorado's most affordable counties

With a rent-to-income ratio of 17.5%, San Juan County ranks among the state's most housing-friendly markets compared to Colorado's 20.2% average. This advantage reflects both modest rental costs and a median household income of $73,889 that aligns closely with national benchmarks.

Competitive with mountain county peers

San Juan's $1,076 rent undercuts neighboring San Miguel County's $1,173 and significantly undercuts Summit County's $1,851, making it an affordable gateway to Colorado's high country. Home values tell a similar story: San Juan's median of $406,900 sits between Sedgwick County's $142,700 and San Miguel's $613,100.

Rent eats less than owners pay

San Juan renters dedicate $1,076 monthly while homeowners pay $772—a rare reversal where renting costs more than mortgage payments. With median income at $73,889 annually, housing (whether rent or mortgage) consumes a healthy 12-18% of household earnings, leaving room for other necessities.

Thinking of mountain living? Start here.

If you're relocating to Colorado's mountains, San Juan County delivers outdoor access without the cost shock of Summit County. Compare your $73,889 median income benchmark against your household earnings, then explore whether San Juan's $406,900 median home value or $1,076 rent fits your budget.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in San Juan County

via IncomeByCounty

San Juan's income tracks national average

San Juan County's median household income of $73,889 sits just below the national median of $74,755, placing this mountain community in the middle of the American income distribution. While the county trails its state average by $903, it performs solidly compared to the broader U.S. economy.

Middle-tier income ranking statewide

San Juan County ranks squarely in the middle of Colorado's 64 counties for median household income, earning $73,889 against the state average of $74,792. The per capita income of $46,192 exceeds the state average of $43,584, suggesting more balanced earning across households.

Competitive with nearby mountain counties

San Juan's $73,889 median income falls between Summit County's wealthy $106,255 and the state average, but substantially outpaces neighboring Sedgwick County at $52,833. The county's per capita income of $46,192 remains healthy compared to similar rural Colorado communities.

Housing costs remain manageable here

San Juan's rent-to-income ratio of 17.5% signals healthy affordability, well below the 30% threshold that signals housing stress. With a median home value of $406,900, households earning $73,889 annually can reasonably access homeownership in this market.

Build on solid income foundation

San Juan households earning close to the national median have a strong platform for wealth-building through consistent saving and investment. Consider maximizing retirement accounts and exploring long-term wealth strategies that match your stable local economy.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in San Juan County

via HealthByCounty

San Juan's health picture unclear

While national life expectancy sits at 76.4 years, San Juan County's specific figure isn't available—but we do know that 15.1% of residents report poor or fair health, slightly above the U.S. average of 13%. This snapshot suggests health challenges worth monitoring in this mountain community.

Health status lags Colorado average

Colorado's state life expectancy stands at 78.2 years, but San Juan's figure remains unreported. With 15.1% of residents in poor or fair health, the county trails the state's typical wellness patterns and warrants closer attention to preventive care and health infrastructure.

Surrounded by better health outcomes

San Juan sits among Colorado's highest-elevation counties, where neighbors like San Miguel (86.5 years life expectancy) and Summit (92.4 years) dramatically outpace the state average. San Juan's 15.1% poor/fair health rate places it among the state's most challenged communities for health outcomes.

Healthcare access stretched thin

One in seven San Juan residents—13.5%—lack health insurance, nearly 40% above Colorado's state average of 9.7%. Data on primary care providers is limited, but the county boasts 374 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, suggesting effort to address behavioral health needs in this remote mountain region.

Explore coverage options now

With 13.5% uninsured, San Juan residents should review Colorado's Connect for Health marketplace and Medicaid eligibility immediately. Even basic coverage dramatically improves health outcomes—visit connectforhealthco.com to find a plan that works for your budget.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in San Juan County

via RiskByCounty

San Juan's disaster risk is well below average

San Juan County scores 10.69 on the composite risk scale, earning a Very Low rating and placing it far below the national average. This score reflects relatively modest exposure to natural hazards compared to most U.S. counties.

Among Colorado's safest counties

San Juan ranks near the bottom of Colorado's risk spectrum, with its 10.69 score significantly lower than the state average of 40.67. The county faces substantially less overall disaster risk than most of its neighbors across the state.

Safest in a moderate-risk region

San Juan's risk profile stands out favorably against surrounding counties—it scores lower than San Miguel (19.12) and Montrose, making it one of the region's safer areas. Only Sedgwick County (6.52) and Washington County (11.99) rank lower statewide.

Wildfire and earthquakes matter most

Wildfire risk (33.62) dominates San Juan's hazard profile, followed by earthquake exposure (10.97). Flooding and tornado risks remain minimal, each scoring under 5.

Homeowners should prioritize wildfire coverage

While San Juan's overall risk is low, wildfire damage is possible and often excluded from standard policies—verify your homeowner's insurance covers wildfire or purchase a separate rider. Earthquake coverage is also available and worth evaluating, especially given the county's moderate seismic activity.

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.