countyscore
69.1
County Score
Property Tax 98.5Schools 97.3Disaster Risk 89.3

County Report Card

About San Juan County, Colorado

San Juan outpaces national average

With a composite score of 69.1, San Juan County ranks well above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top 38% of U.S. counties. This strong performance reflects a county that delivers livability across multiple dimensions, from tax burden to school quality.

Third-best performer in Colorado

San Juan's score of 69.1 substantially exceeds Colorado's state average of 51.2, ranking it among the top counties statewide. Few Colorado counties combine its level of tax efficiency with strong schools and stable housing markets.

Tax haven with excellent schools

San Juan excels with a near-perfect tax score of 98.5 (effective rate just 0.294%) and outstanding schools (97.3), making it ideal for tax-conscious families. Strong income levels at $73,889 median and low risk exposure (89.3) create a stable economic environment.

Housing costs remain steep

The cost score of 40.1 reflects median home values of $406,900—limiting affordability for first-time buyers. Health outcomes (52.5) also lag, suggesting room for improvement in medical services or preventative care infrastructure.

Best for established families

San Juan County suits affluent families prioritizing tax efficiency and quality schools over bargain housing prices. Its balanced livability profile makes it especially attractive to professionals and retirees seeking stable communities with minimal tax burden.

2040608010098.540.162.352.597.375.389.38650Tax98.5Cost40.1Safety62.3Health52.5Schools97.3Income75.3Risk89.3Water86Weather5069.1/100
This county
National avg
5 above average

San Juan County DNA

C-overall

How San Juan County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

San Juan County excels in 5 of 9 measured dimensions, led by Property Tax (98.5/100). A few areas trail the national average, including Cost of Living (40.1/100).

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
98.5+46.5
Cost
40.1
Safety
62.3
Health
52.5
Schools
97.3+43.3
Income
75.3+24.299999999999997
Risk
89.3+42.3
Water
86+28
Weather
50
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$406,900

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,076/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$406,900/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$43,040/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum5.5x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $73,889/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

144.9

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
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Nearby counties

Hinsdale County
Colorado
72.1
Ouray County
Colorado
67.3
San Miguel County
Colorado
64.6
Dolores County
Colorado
60.8
La Plata County
Colorado
45.4
Mineral County
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Montezuma County
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Montrose County
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43

Deep Dives

San Juan County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 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

Safety in San Juan County

via CrimeByCounty

A High Safety Standard in San Juan

San Juan County maintains a high safety score of 98.6 out of 100. Its total crime rate of 869.5 per 100,000 residents is less than half the national average of 2,385.5.

Leading the Pack in Colorado

The county's safety profile exceeds the Colorado state average safety score of 97.1. With a total crime rate of 869.5, it remains significantly more secure than the state average of 1,834.6.

Comparing Rates with Mountain Neighbors

San Juan's crime rate of 869.5 is slightly higher than neighboring San Miguel County, which reports a rate of 631.1. However, it remains much safer than more populated mountain hubs like Summit County.

Understanding the Local Crime Mix

Violent crime is rare at 144.9 per 100,000 residents, well below the national mark of 369.8. Property crime accounts for the majority of local incidents at a rate of 724.6.

Keeping High-Country Homes Secure

Even in safe areas, home security remains a vital precaution for residents and seasonal owners. Basic measures like motion-activated lighting can further deter property crimes in this quiet county.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in San Juan County

via SchoolsByCounty

Colorado's Most Intimate School District

San Juan County operates just three public schools, all contained within a single school district. This micro-system serves exactly 87 students across one elementary, one middle, and one high school.

Maximum Investment per Student

The county spends an impressive $13,639 per pupil, exceeding both state and national spending averages. While graduation data is not available due to the tiny class sizes, the financial commitment to each student is among the highest in the state.

The Silverton School District

The Silverton School District No. 1 is the sole provider of education for the entire county. There are no charter schools, as the district offers a highly personalized experience for every student in the community.

A Truly One-of-a-Kind Rural Experience

All three schools are located in a rural setting with an average of only 29 students per school. Silverton High School is remarkably small with just 20 students, providing a level of mentorship rarely seen in public education.

Small Town Life with Personalized Schooling

If you want your child to be part of a school where they receive 1-on-1 attention, Silverton is unmatched. Explore homes in this historic mountain town to experience the ultimate in small-scale public education.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Water Quality in San Juan County

via WaterByCounty

San Juan Achieves Top Drinking Water Grade

San Juan County maintains an impressive 'A' grade with zero health violations over the last five years. Its violation rate of 0.0 per 100,000 residents stands in stark contrast to the state average of 292.1. This performance indicates a highly reliable drinking water infrastructure compared to national benchmarks.

Mining Legacy Impacts Mountain Watershed Health

The 2022 assessment shows that 27.2% of the county's 320 water bodies are impaired, which is better than the Colorado average of 35.4%. Arsenic, cadmium, and zinc remain the primary pollutants affecting these high-altitude streams. These impairments reflect the historical mining activity common in the San Juan Mountains.

Robust Monitoring Tracks Local Mineral Trends

A dense network of 248 monitoring sites has generated 35,832 measurements over the past five years. Experts focus heavily on inorganic minerals and metals to track the impact of natural and industrial runoff. This high level of scrutiny provides an exceptionally clear picture of local water chemistry.

Animas River Flows Above Typical Levels

The Animas River below Silverton currently records a discharge of 410 cfs, reaching 157% of its long-term mean. This significant volume far exceeds the typical historical average of 262 cfs for this time of year. Higher flows can alter the concentration of dissolved metals originating from upstream sites.

Protecting Your High-Altitude Water Sources

While drinking water compliance is perfect, residents should remain aware of metal impairments like arsenic in raw environmental water. During current high-flow periods, increased turbidity may affect private well users or recreation. Consider periodic testing for heavy metals if you rely on private or untreated sources.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in San Juan County

via WeatherByCounty

San Juan: America's coldest county climate zone

San Juan County's 34.7°F annual average is a striking 11.8°F cooler than the national median of 46.5°F, making it one of the coldest climates in the contiguous United States. Its 23.9 inches of annual precipitation and 172.6 inches of snow create an alpine arctic climate found only in Colorado's highest peaks.

Colorado's coldest county by far

San Juan's 34.7°F annual average sits 11.3°F below Colorado's state average of 46.0°F, making it unquestionably the state's coldest county and one of the most extreme climates in the United States. The county's high-elevation San Juan Mountains location creates this unique arctic-alpine environment.

Dramatically colder than all regional peers

San Juan's 34.7°F is 8.8°F colder than Rio Grande County to the east and 8.7°F colder than San Miguel County to the north, making it a climate island among Colorado counties. Its 172.6 inches of snowfall also vastly exceeds regional neighbors, creating a truly unique weather regime.

Zero extreme heat days, perpetual winter threat

San Juan County records zero days per year with temperatures at or above 90°F, while winters plunge to a brutal 15.1°F average with January at 14.3°F and July reaching only 56.5°F. Summer temperatures average just 53.8°F, and the 172.6 inches of annual snowfall—the highest in the dataset—dominate the climate calendar.

Alpine survival mode: extreme cold and snow mandatory

With winter averaging 15°F and 172.6 inches of annual snowfall, residents need industrial-grade heating, advanced insulation, and permanent avalanche/snow management infrastructure. The zero extreme heat days mean air conditioning is completely unnecessary, but year-round winter preparedness, high-altitude vehicle winterization, and emergency supplies are non-negotiable survival priorities.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in San Juan County

via SoilByCounty

High-Altitude Soil Identity in San Juan

San Juan County currently lacks specific taxonomic and pH data in federal soil surveys due to its rugged mountain terrain. This unique landscape presents distinct challenges compared to the national median pH of 6.5. Local gardeners should conduct site-specific tests to determine their soil's exact chemical profile.

A Landscape of Uncharted Composition

Precise sand, silt, and clay percentages remain unrecorded for this alpine region. Without these metrics, the exact drainage and nutrient retention levels are difficult to predict for the county as a whole. The physical workability of the ground is often defined more by rocky mountain slopes than fine-earth fractions.

Fertility Potential in the High Peaks

Soil organic matter and available water capacity data are missing for this county. While the Colorado state average organic matter sits at 2.18%, alpine soils here typically feature thin topsoil layers. Amending the soil with local compost is essential for establishing any productive garden beds.

Steep Slopes and Undocumented Drainage

The county's specific hydrologic groups and drainage classes are not officially documented. High-elevation slopes generally lead to rapid runoff, which builders must account for during any construction project. Site-specific percolation tests are highly recommended for understanding how water moves through your local plot.

Growing Success in Zone 5a

San Juan County falls into USDA hardiness zone 5a, where the growing season is short but intense. Cold-hardy greens and high-altitude berries thrive in this rugged environment. Start your seeds indoors to maximize the brief summer window for a successful harvest.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in San Juan County

via LawnByCounty

High-Altitude Grass Struggles in San Juan

Maintaining a lawn in San Juan County is significantly tougher than average, with a lawn difficulty score of 35.5 compared to the national median of 50.0. This USDA Hardiness Zone 5a region sits below the state average score of 37.4, reflecting the intense alpine conditions. Homeowners here face a unique battle against extreme cold and a short, though wet, growing window.

Cool Temps and Zero Summer Heat

San Juan receives a generous 23.9 inches of annual precipitation, which is high for Colorado but still well below the 30-50 inches lawns prefer. With zero days reaching 90°F and a low 447 growing degree days, grass grows slowly and requires minimal mowing. However, the average annual temperature of 34.7°F means the ground remains frozen for much of the year.

Managing Unknown Soil Foundations

Specific soil data for this rugged mountain terrain is limited, requiring local testing to identify pH and drainage needs. In these alpine environments, organic matter is often thin, making soil amendments vital before planting. Gardeners should prioritize aeration and high-quality topsoil to compensate for the rocky local landscape.

Severe Drought Grips the High Country

Despite the precipitation, San Juan spent all 53 weeks of the past year in drought, with 93% of the area facing severe conditions. Water conservation is critical, so focus on deep, infrequent watering during the early morning hours. Utilizing rain barrels can help supplement municipal water limits during these prolonged dry spells.

Cold-Hardy Varieties for the Peaks

Fine fescues and Kentucky Bluegrass are the best bets for Zone 5a, provided you time your planting with the short summer window. Because specific frost dates are highly variable in the mountains, monitor soil temperatures closely before seeding. Focus on building a strong root system quickly to survive the long, 14-degree winters.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is San Juan County's county score?
San Juan County, Colorado has a composite county score of 69.1 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 San Juan County rank among counties in Colorado?
San Juan County ranks #3 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 San Juan County, Colorado?
The median annual property tax in San Juan County is $1,195, with an effective tax rate of 0.29%. This earns San Juan County a tax score of 98.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in San Juan County?
The median household income in San Juan County, Colorado is $73,889 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. San Juan County earns an income score of 75.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is San Juan County, Colorado a good place to live?
San Juan County scores 69.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #3 in Colorado. The best way to evaluate San Juan 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 San Juan 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.