countyscore
64.4
County Score
Property Tax 99.1Health 88Disaster Risk 80.9

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.

2040608010099.112.373.68867.380.280.910.749.7Tax99.1Cost12.3Safety73.6Health88Schools67.3Income80.2Risk80.9Water10.7Weather49.764.4/100
This county
National avg
6 above average2 below average

San Miguel County DNA

D+overall

How San Miguel County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

San Miguel County scores above average across most dimensions. It's a well-balanced county with particular strength in Property Tax (99.1/100).

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
99.1+47.099999999999994
Cost
12.3-35.7
Safety
73.6+18.599999999999994
Health
88+38
Schools
67.3+13.299999999999997
Income
80.2+29.200000000000003
Risk
80.9+33.900000000000006
Water
10.7-47.3
Weather
49.7
Sponsored

Compare mortgage rates in San Miguel County

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

See Today's Rates

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$720,700

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$1,149/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$720,700/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$45,960/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum9.1x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $79,024/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

99.7

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 San Miguel County with Metcalfe County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Metcalfe County
Kentucky
Median income: $51,473
64.4
Jackson Parish
Louisiana
Median income: $44,925
64.4
Moore County
Tennessee
Median income: $66,469
64.4
Webster County
Georgia
Median income: $46,792
64.5
Fulton County
Indiana
Median income: $61,360
64.5
Lyon County
Iowa
Median income: $76,746
64.5
West Feliciana Parish
Louisiana
Median income: $77,452
64.5
Caldwell County
Missouri
Median income: $64,806
64.5

Nearby counties

Dolores County
Colorado
62.6
Montrose County
Colorado
42.8
Ouray County
Colorado
65.9
San Juan County
Colorado
66.1
Montezuma County
Colorado
43.4
La Plata County
Colorado
45.4
Hinsdale County
Colorado
69.7
Delta County
Colorado
40.8

Deep Dives

San Miguel County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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

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

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 64.4 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 $1,900, with an effective tax rate of 0.26%. This earns San Miguel County a tax score of 99.1/100 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 $79,024 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. San Miguel County earns an income score of 80.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is San Miguel County, Colorado a good place to live?
San Miguel County scores 64.4/100 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.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, 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.