countyscore
58.3
County Score
Safety 85.1Cost of Living 74.6Disaster Risk 73.2

County Report Card

About San Juan County, Utah

Solid Performance Above National Benchmarks

San Juan County earns a composite score of 58.3, comfortably exceeding the national median of 50.0. This ranking places the county in a favorable position compared to rural areas across the country. Its profile reflects a stable community with strong fundamental safety metrics.

Exceeding the Utah Average

The county's overall score of 58.3 is higher than the state average of 53.9. While it may not match the wealth of urban centers, it provides a balanced livability profile that many other Utah counties lack. It stands out as a high-performing rural alternative within the state.

Leading in Safety and Affordability

Safety is a hallmark of San Juan County, with a score of 85.1 and an affordable cost score of 74.6. Median home values are accessible at $189,900, which is significantly lower than many neighboring areas. These strengths provide residents with a high degree of physical and financial peace of mind.

Limited Income and Health Access

The county faces challenges in economic growth, with an income score of 24.8 and a median household income of $54,890. Health scores of 23.2 also suggest that medical access or health outcomes lag behind state levels. These dimensions represent the primary areas where local investment could raise the total score.

Ideal for Remote Workers and Retirees

San Juan County is a perfect fit for those with fixed incomes or remote jobs who prioritize safety and low housing costs. The low median rent of $805 makes it an attractive destination for budget-conscious living. It suits individuals who value a secure, quiet environment over a high-pressure corporate landscape.

2040608010049.474.685.123.263.124.873.222.840.1Tax49.4Cost74.6Safety85.1Health23.2Schools63.1Income24.8Risk73.2Water22.8Weather40.158.3/100
This county
National avg
3 above average4 below average

San Juan County DNA

Foverall

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

San Juan County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Safety (85.1/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (22.8/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
49.4
Cost
74.6+26.599999999999994
Safety
85.1+30.099999999999994
Health
23.2-26.8
Schools
63.1+9.100000000000001
Income
24.8-26.2
Risk
73.2+26.200000000000003
Water
22.8-35.2
Weather
40.1-15.899999999999999
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$189,900

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$805/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$189,900/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$32,200/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.5x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $54,890/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

48.4

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

Wayne County
Utah
71.8
Garfield County
Utah
66.8
Kane County
Utah
58.8
Grand County
Utah
48.5
Emery County
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Dolores County
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Montezuma County
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San Miguel County
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64.6

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 has Utah's highest tax rate

San Juan County's effective tax rate of 0.844% ranks in the top 5% nationally and is 69% higher than the state average of 0.498%. Though the median tax bill of $1,603 falls below the national median of $2,690 due to lower home values, the effective rate reveals a heavy local tax burden.

Steepest taxes in all of Utah

San Juan County has the highest effective tax rate among all 29 Utah counties at 0.844%, nearly double the statewide average of 0.498%. Its median tax of $1,603 sits between low-tax rural counties and high-value counties, reflecting the county's unique fiscal structure.

Far exceeds surrounding rural counties

San Juan County's 0.844% rate dwarfs neighboring Emery County and nearby Navajo County, Arizona, and stands well above every other Utah county in the Four Corners region. The rate reflects San Juan's distinct revenue needs as a sparsely populated, resource-dependent area.

Median home carries $1,603 annual tax

A typical San Juan County home valued at $189,900 generates an annual property tax bill of $1,603—the result of the county's elevated rate applied to lower property values. Interestingly, homeowners with mortgages pay $1,776, while outright owners pay $1,346, reflecting assessment variation.

Challenge assessments in this high-rate county

In San Juan's high-tax environment, even small assessment errors can compound into significant yearly costs for homeowners. Filing a formal appeal to verify your assessment's accuracy relative to comparable properties is especially worthwhile in this county.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in San Juan County

via CostByCounty

San Juan struggles with affordability gap

San Juan County's median household income of $54,890 falls 27% below the national average of $74,755, creating significant affordability challenges despite moderate rents. The rent-to-income ratio of 17.6% reflects this income disadvantage—renters here spend a larger share of smaller paychecks on housing.

Low income, high affordability pressure

San Juan County ranks among Utah's least affordable by income level, with a median household income well below the state average and a rent-to-income ratio of 17.6% above Utah's 16.6% state benchmark. The combination of lower wages and modest rent creates a tight squeeze for local families.

Similar challenges to other rural counties

San Juan County's $805 rent is comparable to Sevier County ($878) and Uintah County ($914), but its lower median income of $54,890 makes proportional costs heavier than neighboring areas. The county's 17.6% rent-to-income ratio exceeds most peers despite moderate absolute rental prices.

Rent dominates San Juan budgets

At $805 monthly for renters and $568 for homeowners, housing costs consume 17.6% to 12.4% of a median $54,890 household income. For the typical renting family earning under $55,000 annually, that $805 rent represents a meaningful portion of their budget.

San Juan offers low costs, limited income

If you're relocating to San Juan, factor in the lower median income alongside modest housing costs—the county suits remote workers or those with portable income streams. The affordable rent and home values ($189,900 median) appeal to budget-conscious movers, though local job markets are limited.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in San Juan County

via IncomeByCounty

San Juan faces significant income gap

San Juan County's median household income of $54,890 lags the national median by nearly $20,000, ranking it well below national norms. This 26.6% deficit reflects economic challenges and limited employment diversification in the region.

Utah's lowest-earning county

San Juan County ranks dead last among Utah's 29 counties for median household income, trailing the state average of $80,176 by $25,286. Per capita income of $24,634 is similarly the state's lowest, indicating limited individual earning capacity across the county.

Struggling against regional peers

San Juan County's $54,890 income significantly trails all nearby counties, including Sanpete ($67,459) and Uintah ($69,861). The gap of $12,500-plus relative to neighbors suggests regional economic challenges requiring targeted development efforts.

Housing costs strain tight budgets

San Juan County's 17.6% rent-to-income ratio consumes $803 monthly from median household income, leaving limited flexibility for savings or emergencies. While technically below the 30% affordability threshold, the ratio approaches levels where housing competes heavily with other essential costs.

Strategic planning essential for financial growth

San Juan County residents facing below-average incomes should prioritize emergency savings funds and seek education or training for higher-wage opportunities. Consider community resources and local business development initiatives that might unlock better-paying employment locally.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in San Juan County

via CrimeByCounty

Exceptional Safety Standards in San Juan

San Juan County holds a nearly perfect safety score of 99.5, representing one of the lowest crime areas in the United States. Its total crime rate of 344.3 per 100,000 is a fraction of the national average of 2,385.5.

Leading the State in Low Crime

At 344.3 per 100,000 residents, San Juan's crime rate is roughly 71% lower than the Utah state average of 1,204.8. This high performance yields a safety score of 99.5, comfortably exceeding the state average score of 98.1.

Comparing San Juan and Sevier Counties

San Juan County is significantly safer than Sevier County, which has a total crime rate of 1,615.3 and a safety score of 97.4. While Sevier deals with higher property crime, San Juan maintains extremely low rates across all categories.

Analyzing the Minimal Crime Stats

The county reports just 62.0 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, vastly lower than the national violent crime average of 369.8. Property crimes are similarly low at 282.3, indicating a high level of community security.

Safe Habits for a Secure Community

Even in an area with a 99.5 safety score, basic precautions like locking vehicles and outdoor sheds remain important. Maintaining these simple habits helps preserve the exceptionally low crime rates the county currently enjoys.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in San Juan County

via SchoolsByCounty

Reliable Schooling Across a Vast Terrain

San Juan County operates 12 public schools serving a total of 3,017 students within a single unified district. The landscape features six elementary schools, one middle school, and five high schools spread across the region's unique geography.

Exceptional Graduation and Funding Results

The county achieves an impressive 92.0% graduation rate, far outpacing the national average of 87.0%. Per-pupil expenditure stands at $7,799, which is well above the Utah state average of $6,829, signaling a high priority on student funding.

Unified Leadership in San Juan District

San Juan District is the sole provider for the county, managing all 12 schools and 3,017 students. There are no charter schools in the county, ensuring a consistent and centralized educational experience for all residents.

Small Schools in Rural and Town Settings

Nine schools are located in rural areas while three serve local towns, maintaining an average school size of 251 students. Blanding School is the largest campus with 565 students, providing a central hub for primary education in the area.

Build a Life Near High-Performing Schools

With some of the highest graduation rates in the state, San Juan County is an attractive option for families prioritizing academic outcomes. Explore homes in Blanding or Monticello to stay close to these established educational centers.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in San Juan County

via RiskByCounty

San Juan County remains very low-risk

San Juan County's composite risk score of 26.81 places it well below the national average and in the very low risk category. Despite some localized hazard exposure, the county ranks among safer regions nationally.

Below-average risk across Utah

At 26.81, San Juan County scores comfortably below Utah's state average of 36.19. This positioning reflects relatively moderate exposure to most major disaster types.

Lower risk than Sanpete and Sevier

San Juan County's score of 26.81 sits lower than neighboring Sanpete County (38.61) and Sevier County (22.74). The variation reflects differences in elevation, proximity to water, and seismic activity.

Wildfire and earthquake dominate exposure

Wildfire risk (82.35) and earthquake risk (55.69) are San Juan County's primary concerns, while flood (23.95) and tornado risk (5.44) remain minimal. The combination reflects the county's high-desert plateau terrain and geological setting.

Wildfire and earthquake coverage matters most

Prioritize wildfire protection and earthquake insurance in San Juan County, as these represent your significant exposures. Standard homeowners insurance may not cover all wildfire damage, so verify your policy includes this protection.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in San Juan County

via WaterByCounty

San Juan County Receives Failing Grade

Drinking water in San Juan County earns an F grade, reflecting eight health violations over five years. The violation rate of 103.4 per 100,000 residents exceeds the Utah average of 70.1.

Watershed Health Assessment Pending

This county's water bodies are not yet covered in the federal §303(d) assessment. There is currently no data on impaired water bodies or specific causes of pollution for this reporting cycle.

Extensive Monitoring on San Juan Water

Technicians utilize 131 monitoring sites to track water quality, recording 42,457 measurements since 2019. Primary focus areas include physical characteristics, inorganics, and metal concentrations.

Strong Surge on the Colorado River

The Colorado River at Gypsum Canyon currently flows at 12,000 cfs, reaching 120% of its long-term typical discharge. This exceeds the historical mean of 9,989 cfs for this expansive drainage area.

Address High Compliance Violation Risks

The failing compliance grade suggests residents should stay informed about health violations through local water reports. Consider filtration systems that target inorganic contaminants, which are frequently monitored in local sites.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in San Juan County

via WeatherByCounty

A Typical High Desert Profile

San Juan County's average temperature of 52.9°F aligns closely with the national median. This high-desert region combines moderate annual averages with sharp daily temperature swings.

Warm and Arid Southeast Corner

The county ranks as one of Utah's warmer regions, exceeding the state average of 48.9°F by four degrees. It is significantly drier than the state average, receiving only 10.7 inches of precipitation annually.

Drier than the Interior Basin

San Juan is warmer and drier than its northern neighbors in the interior. Its 25.3 inches of snow is less than half of what Sanpete County receives further to the northwest.

Scorching Summers and Dry Winters

Summers are characterized by 57 days of extreme heat reaching 90°F or higher. Winters are relatively dry and mild for Utah, with a January average of 30.4°F and limited snowfall.

Prioritize Cooling and Water

Cooling systems are a priority to handle nearly two months of extreme summer heat. Residents should also invest in xeriscaping and water storage solutions due to the low 10.7 inches of annual rainfall.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in San Juan County

via SoilByCounty

Red rocks and alkaline desert soils

Local pH measurements are not yet recorded, but they typically exceed the national 6.5 median in this arid landscape. The soil reflects the deep geological history of the Colorado Plateau.

Sand and silt define the canyonlands

Specific composition percentages are missing, though the region is famous for its sandy textures. These materials provide great drainage but often struggle to hold onto vital nutrients.

Low organic matter requires active management

Without specific county numbers, the 2.0% national organic matter average is a more likely baseline than the state average. Focus on building up soil health to overcome the dry, high-desert conditions.

Flash floods highlight drainage importance

Official drainage groups are unmapped, requiring landowners to observe their own site's runoff patterns. Rapid drainage is common in sandy patches, making frequent, light watering necessary for crops.

Thriving in a sunny Zone 7a

Grapes and fruit trees flourish with the long growing season and abundant sunlight. Protect your young plants from the intense desert sun to ensure a successful harvest.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in San Juan County

via LawnByCounty

High Desert Gardening in San Juan

A lawn difficulty score of 34.1 puts San Juan County above the state average, though the arid climate remains a significant hurdle. In USDA Hardiness Zone 7a, the primary challenge is keeping turf alive during scorching summer months. You are fighting against a national median score of 50.0 with significantly less natural rainfall.

Intense Heat and Minimal Rain

Lawns must survive 57 days of extreme heat over 90°F, far exceeding the state average of 43 days. Annual precipitation is sparse at just 10.7 inches, making supplemental irrigation an absolute necessity for traditional grass. The high growing degree days of 3433 mean grass grows rapidly when water is available.

Navigating Unknown Soil Conditions

Data for specific soil textures and pH levels in San Juan is not currently available in the regional database. Residents should prioritize professional soil tests to identify if their ground is too sandy to hold water or too alkaline for nutrient uptake. Adding compost can act as a sponge to help your lawn make the most of every drop.

Fifty-Three Weeks of Dry Conditions

The entire county is experiencing abnormally dry conditions after a full year of drought. While severe drought only covers 4.2% of the area, the cumulative lack of water makes drought-resilient landscaping a smart choice. Consider reducing lawn footprints or using buffalograss to lower your water consumption.

Planting for Heat Resistance

The spring frost usually passes by April 30, opening the door for heat-tolerant grass varieties. Tall fescue or hybrid bermudagrass are excellent choices for the 7a zone and the high number of extreme heat days. Make sure your irrigation system is tuned up and ready before the first heat wave in May.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is San Juan County's county score?
San Juan County, Utah has a composite county score of 58.3 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 Utah?
San Juan County ranks #8 among all counties in Utah 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, Utah?
The median annual property tax in San Juan County is $1,603, with an effective tax rate of 0.84%. This earns San Juan County a tax score of 49.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in San Juan County?
The median household income in San Juan County, Utah is $54,890 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. San Juan County earns an income score of 24.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is San Juan County, Utah a good place to live?
San Juan County scores 58.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #8 in Utah. 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.