countyscore
64.6
County Score
Property Tax 99.3Health 88Income & Jobs 84

County Report Card

About San Miguel County, Colorado

San Miguel beats U.S. median handily

San Miguel's composite score of 64.6 surpasses the national median of 50.0, placing the county in the top 35% nationally. Strong income levels and exceptional health outcomes drive this above-average livability rating.

Top-performing Colorado county

With a score of 64.6, San Miguel ranks among Colorado's best, significantly ahead of the state average of 51.2. Its combination of high income ($80,117) and excellent health (88.0) sets it apart from most statewide peers.

Income and health are stellar

San Miguel shines with an income score of 84.0 and exceptional health score of 88.0, reflecting affluent, well-served residents. Nearly perfect tax efficiency (99.3) and strong safety (73.6) complete a picture of prosperity.

Housing and water limitations sting

The cost score of just 12.3 reflects median home values of $613,100—among Colorado's priciest—making homeownership inaccessible to many. Water constraints are severe (10.7), signaling potential long-term resource challenges.

Perfect for wealthy outdoor enthusiasts

San Miguel attracts high-earning professionals and families unconcerned by premium housing costs, drawn by exceptional health care, safety, and mountain lifestyle. Its affordability limitations ensure it remains exclusive and demographically narrow.

Score breakdown

Tax99.3Cost12.3Safety73.6Health88Schools67.3Income84Risk80.9Water10.7Weather49.7
🏛99.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠12.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼84
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡73.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤88
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓67.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡80.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧10.7
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤49.7
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱30.6
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

Dolores County
Colorado
60.8
Montrose County
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43
Ouray County
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67.3
San Juan County
Colorado
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Montezuma County
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La Plata County
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Hinsdale County
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Delta County
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Deep Dives

San Miguel County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in San Miguel County

via TaxByCounty

San Miguel taxes far below national levels

San Miguel County's effective tax rate of 0.261% ranks in the bottom 10% nationally, meaning homeowners here pay far less than the $2,690 national median tax despite owning properties worth 117% more than the national average. This county offers exceptional tax efficiency for high-value homes.

Second-lowest tax rate in Colorado

San Miguel County's 0.261% effective rate is Colorado's second-lowest, trailing only San Juan County's 0.294%. At $1,599 median annual taxes, San Miguel residents enjoy rates 34% below the state average of 0.393%.

Regional tax champion for high-value homes

San Miguel County's 0.261% rate beats neighboring San Juan County's 0.294%, making it Colorado's lowest-taxed county overall. This advantage matters most for the county's affluent residents, whose median home value of $613,100 is the highest in this eight-county comparison.

Median annual tax: under $1,600

On San Miguel County's median home value of $613,100, residents pay just $1,599 annually—remarkably low for such expensive properties. This equates to less than $133 per month, among the nation's lowest tax burdens for high-value real estate.

Appeal overassessments today

San Miguel County homeowners frequently discover their properties are assessed above fair market value, creating appeal opportunities. Given the county's low tax rate, even modest assessment reductions can yield meaningful annual savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in San Miguel County

via CostByCounty

San Miguel keeps housing costs reasonable

San Miguel County's 17.6% rent-to-income ratio rivals the nation's most affordable housing markets, slightly below the national average. Residents earning $80,117 median income spend just $1,173 monthly on rent, only $80 above Colorado's state average despite mountain-region living.

Second-tier affordability in Colorado

San Miguel's 17.6% rent-to-income ratio places it comfortably below Colorado's 20.2% state average, ranking among the more affordable counties. The county's higher median income of $80,117 gives households a cushion that many Colorado counties lack.

Pricier than nearby San Juan, cheaper than Summit

San Miguel's $1,173 rent sits $97 above San Juan County but nearly $700 below Summit County's mountain premium of $1,851. For homebuyers, San Miguel's $613,100 median home value positions it as the priciest in this mountain cluster, reflecting its desirability and higher household incomes.

Owners bear the heavier burden here

San Miguel renters pay $1,173 monthly, but homeowners face a steeper $1,531 cost, reflecting the county's higher property values and ownership expenses. With median income of $80,117, renters allocate 17.6% to housing while owners dedicate 23%—a meaningful gap that favors renting for budget-conscious households.

Mountain charm without the price tag

San Miguel County offers Colorado mountain living at more rational costs than Summit or Telluride-adjacent areas, with an $80,117 median income supporting both renting and ownership. If you earn in this range, test your budget: $1,173 rent or a $613,100 home purchase could both work depending on your down payment and savings.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in San Miguel County

via IncomeByCounty

San Miguel outearns the nation

San Miguel County's median household income of $80,117 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by $5,362, placing this county in the upper-middle tier of American earning power. The county's per capita income of $64,164 nearly matches the state average, reflecting strong individual earnings across the community.

Above-average earner in Colorado

San Miguel County ranks in the upper third of Colorado's 64 counties with a median household income of $80,117, outpacing the state average of $74,792 by $5,325. Its per capita income of $64,164 significantly exceeds Colorado's state average of $43,584, indicating robust individual earnings.

Wealthy regional player

San Miguel's $80,117 median household income trails only Summit County's $106,255 among nearby mountain communities, but substantially exceeds the state average. The county's elevated per capita income of $64,164 suggests more equitable wealth distribution than many affluent Colorado regions.

Higher incomes face steep housing costs

Despite strong earnings at $80,117, San Miguel's rent-to-income ratio of 17.6% remains healthy, though the median home value of $613,100 demands significant household commitment. Buyers here typically allocate substantial portions of income to housing, requiring careful financial planning.

Leverage above-average earnings strategically

San Miguel households earning $80,117 enjoy above-national-average income that creates strong wealth-building capacity beyond housing costs. Prioritize diversified investments, retirement optimization, and long-term wealth strategies that compound your regional earning advantage.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in San Miguel County

via CrimeByCounty

Top-Tier Safety in San Miguel

San Miguel County boasts an elite safety score of 99.0, reflecting a very secure environment. The total crime rate of 631.1 per 100,000 is nearly four times lower than the national average.

Strong Ranking Among Colorado Counties

The county easily outperforms the Colorado average safety score of 97.1. Its total crime rate of 631.1 is roughly one-third of the statewide average of 1,834.6.

Safety Leader in the Region

San Miguel is safer than its neighbor San Juan County, which has a higher crime rate of 869.5. This low rate makes it one of the most secure destinations in the San Juan Mountains.

Minimal Violent Crime Reported

The violent crime rate is exceptionally low at 61.9, far below the national average of 369.8. Property crime stands at 569.2, making up nearly the entire local crime profile.

Proactive Protection for Your Property

While crime is infrequent, securing vacation rentals and permanent residences is a smart local practice. Smart locks and visible security cameras help maintain the peace in this high-safety zone.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in San Miguel County

via HealthByCounty

San Miguel leads nation in longevity

San Miguel County residents live to an average of 86.5 years—a full decade longer than the national average of 76.4 years, making it one of America's healthiest communities. Just 12.4% report poor or fair health, well below the U.S. average of 13%, suggesting exceptional wellness across the population.

Colorado's longevity champion

At 86.5 years, San Miguel's life expectancy towers 8.3 years above Colorado's state average of 78.2 years. Only a handful of Colorado counties rival this achievement, positioning San Miguel among the state's most resilient health communities.

Outpacing even Summit County

San Miguel's 86.5-year life expectancy trails only Summit County (92.4 years) among Colorado's high-altitude communities. With 12.4% in poor/fair health—below state average—San Miguel achieves rare balance between challenging terrain and exceptional longevity.

Strong coverage, solid care access

San Miguel's 7.5% uninsured rate beats Colorado's state average of 9.7%, meaning most residents have healthcare access when they need it. The county offers 87 primary care providers per 100,000 and 331 mental health providers per 100,000, supporting preventive care and behavioral health needs.

Keep coverage strong year-round

San Miguel's high insurance rate reflects a community engaged with healthcare—maintain that advantage by reviewing your coverage annually. Visit connectforhealthco.com to ensure your plan still fits your needs and family situation.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in San Miguel County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Small-Scale Mountain Education System

San Miguel County supports a compact education network consisting of five public schools across two school districts. This infrastructure serves a total enrollment of 1,084 students with a mix of two elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school.

High Performance with Strong Investment

The county boasts an 89.0% graduation rate, which exceeds both the Colorado state average of 83.1% and the national benchmark of 87.0%. While per-pupil expenditure of $10,556 is below the national average, it remains significantly higher than the state average of $7,447, contributing to a high school score of 60.7.

Telluride Leads the Local District Mix

Telluride School District No. R-1 is the primary provider, educating 895 students across four schools. The county currently offers no charter schools, maintaining a traditional public school structure for its student population.

Rural Schools with an Intimate Feel

Every school in the county is classified as rural, creating a close-knit environment with an average school size of just 217 students. Telluride High School is the largest campus with 335 students, while Telluride Middle School serves the smallest cohort with 130 students.

Establish Roots in High-Performing Districts

Families seeking top-tier graduation rates and small class sizes should consider the unique educational landscape of this mountain community. Explore local real estate to find a home within reach of these high-achieving rural schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in San Miguel County

via RiskByCounty

San Miguel's risk is nearly half the national average

At 19.12, San Miguel County's composite risk score earns a Very Low rating and sits well below the national average. The county remains among America's safer jurisdictions for natural disaster exposure.

Mid-range risk within Colorado

San Miguel's 19.12 score is less than half the Colorado state average of 40.67, reflecting notably lower overall hazard exposure. The county ranks in the lower-to-middle tier among its peers statewide.

Less risky than mountain neighbors

San Miguel scores lower than Summit County (60.21) and Teller County (38.84), but higher than nearby San Juan (10.69) and Sedgwick (6.52). It represents a moderate risk profile for the southwestern Colorado region.

Wildfire dominates, followed by flooding

Wildfire risk (80.12) is San Miguel's primary concern, ranking very high on the county's hazard profile. Flooding (31.55) and earthquake (31.36) risks are moderate, while tornadoes (3.40) pose minimal threat.

Wildfire insurance is essential here

San Miguel's elevated wildfire score (80.12) makes it critical to ensure your homeowner's policy covers fire damage or to add a wildfire rider. Flood insurance is also advisable given moderate flood risk; residents in mapped flood zones should verify coverage through their lender or agent.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in San Miguel County

via WeatherByCounty

High country: cold alpine climate with steady snow

San Miguel County's 43.4°F annual average is 3.1°F cooler than the national median of 46.5°F, placing it in the cool alpine continental zone typical of Colorado's mountain counties. With 18.4 inches of annual precipitation and 88.9 inches of snowfall, San Miguel captures significant winter moisture while maintaining moderate overall precipitation.

Colorado mountain county with steady snow profile

San Miguel's 43.4°F ranks it among Colorado's cooler counties, sitting 2.6°F below the state average of 46.0°F, with substantial snowfall (88.9 inches) typical of the southwestern mountains. The county's 8,000+ foot elevation places it firmly in Colorado's alpine climate zone.

Snow bridge between high and lower peaks

San Miguel's 43.4°F and 88.9 inches of snow fall between Routt County's extreme 142.9 inches to the north and San Juan County's 172.6 inches to the south. Its temperature sits between Rio Blanco's 45.0°F to the northeast and the much colder San Juan's 34.7°F to the south.

Cool summers, long winters, substantial snowfall

San Miguel records only 5 extreme heat days annually, while winters average 24.8°F with January at 23.5°F and July reaching 64.8°F. Summer temperatures average 62.4°F with 88.9 inches of annual snowfall creating an extended 7+ month winter/shoulder season.

Mountain living: heating and snow are year-round

With 88.9 inches of annual snowfall and winter temperatures near 25°F, residents need robust heating systems, advanced weatherproofing, and professional snow management for most of the year. The only 5 extreme heat days annually means air conditioning is unnecessary, but summer planning around avalanche terrain and mountain weather unpredictability is essential.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in San Miguel County

via SoilByCounty

Undocumented Foundations in San Miguel

Detailed soil taxonomic and pH data for San Miguel County are currently unavailable in federal datasets. This makes it difficult to compare local acidity to the national median pH of 6.5 without a private laboratory test. The county's geography suggests a transition from alkaline valley floors to more acidic mountain forests.

Diverse Textures Across the Canyons

Survey records do not provide specific percentages for sand, silt, and clay for this diverse terrain. The lack of data reflects the difficulty of mapping such varied landscapes, from red-rock canyons to high peaks. Residents should expect significant variation in drainage and workability depending on their specific elevation.

Organic Potential and Water Storage

Organic matter and water capacity metrics remain unrecorded for the county. While the state average organic matter is 2.18%, local fertility depends heavily on the specific vegetation cover and historical land use. Adding organic mulch can help stabilize water capacity in these unmapped mountain soils.

Navigating Hydrology Without Data

Official drainage classes and hydrologic groups are not documented for this region. Homeowners and farmers should consult local geologists or perform their own drainage tests before starting major projects. Understanding local water movement is key to preventing erosion in this high-altitude landscape.

Resilient Gardening in Zone 5b

The county is located in hardiness zone 5b, offering a slightly longer growing season than its higher-altitude neighbors. Home gardeners often find success with cool-weather vegetables and native Colorado wildflowers. Consider using raised beds to better control soil quality and temperature in this variable climate.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in San Miguel County

via LawnByCounty

Tough Turf Conditions in San Miguel

San Miguel County presents a significant challenge for lawn enthusiasts with a difficulty score of 30.6, well below the state average of 37.4. Located in Hardiness Zone 5b, the environment demands constant attention to overcome low moisture and high altitude. Achieving a lush green space here requires more effort than in half the rest of the country.

Low Precipitation and a Short Season

The county averages just 18.4 inches of precipitation annually, making supplemental irrigation essential for traditional turf. While you only face 5 days of extreme heat over 90°F, the growing season is compressed between a late May frost and early October freeze. With 1,517 growing degree days, you have a moderate window to establish and maintain growth.

Building a Better Soil Base

Detailed soil metrics for the county are currently unavailable, suggesting a need for individual site assessments. Most mountain soils in this region benefit from the addition of compost to improve water retention and nutrient availability. Testing for alkalinity is recommended, as many Colorado soils skew higher than the ideal 6.0-7.0 pH range.

Persistent Dryness Demands Smart Watering

The county has spent every week of the past year in some form of drought, though severe levels affect less than 1% of the area. To build resilience, keep grass height at three inches or taller to shade the soil and reduce evaporation. Grouping plants with similar water needs can help you prioritize where to use your limited resources.

Sow Early for Fall Success

Stick with cool-season grasses like Kentucky Bluegrass or Turf-Type Tall Fescue that can handle the 5b winter lows. Aim to seed after the last frost on May 26, ensuring the lawn is established before the first freeze on October 1. Using a starter fertilizer can provide the necessary boost for quick germination in the short growing season.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is San Miguel County's county score?
San Miguel County, Colorado has a composite county score of 64.6 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 San Miguel County rank among counties in Colorado?
San Miguel County ranks #7 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 Miguel County, Colorado?
The median annual property tax in San Miguel County is $1,599, with an effective tax rate of 0.26%. This earns San Miguel County a tax score of 99.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in San Miguel County?
The median household income in San Miguel County, Colorado is $80,117 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. San Miguel County earns an income score of 84/100 on CountyScore.
Is San Miguel County, Colorado a good place to live?
San Miguel County scores 64.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #7 in Colorado. The best way to evaluate San Miguel 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 Miguel County with other counties side by side.

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🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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