countyscore
49.6
County Score
Property Tax 97.8Income & Jobs 96.7Health 79.3

County Report Card

About Summit County, Colorado

Summit meets national baseline narrowly

Summit's composite score of 49.6 sits just below the national median of 50.0, placing it near the 45th percentile nationally. High incomes ($106,255) cannot fully offset severe housing affordability challenges.

Below Colorado average despite wealth

Summit scores 49.6, slightly below Colorado's 51.2 average—a striking result given its median income of $106,255. The paradox reflects extreme housing costs (median $850,700) and safety concerns that suppress overall livability.

Wealth and low taxes dominate

Summit leads with the highest median income of any county here ($106,255, score 96.7) and near-perfect tax efficiency (97.8). Health outcomes (79.3) are strong, supporting active, affluent lifestyles.

Housing crisis and safety concerns

The cost score of 3.0—driven by median home values of $850,700—makes this county prohibitively expensive for all but the wealthiest. Safety (24.6) and risk (39.8) also rank poorly, suggesting volatile conditions or transient populations.

Only for ski-season wealth

Summit County suits only elite earners or vacation-home investors drawn to world-class skiing and pristine scenery. For permanent residents of ordinary means or those seeking stable, safe communities, the housing costs and safety profile present insurmountable barriers.

Score breakdown

Tax97.8Cost3Safety24.6Health79.3Schools53.3Income96.7Risk39.8Water54Weather49.6
🏛97.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼96.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡24.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤79.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓53.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡39.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧54
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤49.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱33.4
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

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Deep Dives

Summit County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Summit County

via TaxByCounty

Summit's premium homes, moderate tax rates

Summit County's effective tax rate of 0.310% sits below Colorado's state average of 0.393%, placing residents in the bottom 30% nationally for tax burden despite median home values of $850,700—three times the national average. The county's median tax of $2,641 approaches the national median despite its lower rate.

Mid-range rate for Colorado's luxury market

Summit County ranks in Colorado's lower half by effective tax rate at 0.310%, yet produces the highest absolute tax bills among these eight counties at $2,641 median. This reflects the county's status as a premier mountain resort destination with exceptionally high property values.

Highest taxes in the mountain west region

Summit County's median tax of $2,641 far exceeds neighboring Teller County at $1,583 and San Miguel County at $1,599, despite Teller's higher effective rate. Summit's ultra-high property values create the region's largest absolute tax obligations.

Median annual tax: nearly $2,650

On Summit County's median home value of $850,700, residents pay $2,641 annually in property taxes. With a mortgage, that figure drops to $2,527; without one, it rises to $2,951—reflecting the county's high-value market dynamics.

High-value properties merit appeals

Summit County's affluent homeowners should prioritize property assessment appeals, as small percentage reductions on million-dollar properties yield substantial annual savings. Even a 1% reduction in assessed value saves approximately $85 yearly.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Summit County

via CostByCounty

Summit County's premium mountain prices

Summit County's 20.9% rent-to-income ratio slightly exceeds Colorado's 20.2% state average despite earning a top-tier $106,255 median household income. Renters pay $1,851 monthly—48% above the national median—a premium justified by world-class skiing and mountain prestige.

Among Colorado's pricier counties

Summit County's 20.9% rent-to-income ratio ranks above Colorado's 20.2% average, placing it among the state's more expensive housing markets despite stellar household incomes. The $1,851 median rent runs $598 above the state average, reflecting Summit's status as a resort-driven economy.

Summit commands the mountain premium

Summit's $1,851 rent towers over San Juan ($1,076) and San Miguel ($1,173), nearly double what nearby mountain counties charge for housing. The $850,700 median home value is the highest in this eight-county set, capturing the destination desirability and limited land supply that define Colorado's premier ski resort county.

High earners, high housing costs

Summit renters pay $1,851 monthly while homeowners face $1,874—virtually identical costs as the county attracts high-income households willing to pay for mountain access. At $106,255 median income, both renting and buying consume roughly 21% of household earnings, requiring six-figure salaries to maintain comfortable budgets.

For serious mountain pursuits only

Summit County demands the highest income threshold in this group: plan to earn at least $106,255 annually to comfortably afford $1,851 rent or an $850,700 home purchase. If ski culture and high-altitude living justify the premium for you, Summit delivers unmatched mountain access—but only for well-compensated relocators.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Summit County

via IncomeByCounty

Summit commands top earning tier nationally

Summit County's median household income of $106,255 ranks well above the national median of $74,755, placing this mountain community in the top earning tier across the United States. The county's per capita income of $58,219 also substantially exceeds the national average, reflecting consistently strong earnings.

Colorado's highest-earning county

Summit County ranks at the very top of Colorado's 64 counties with a median household income of $106,255, towering $31,463 above the state average of $74,792. Its per capita income of $58,219 substantially exceeds Colorado's state average of $43,584.

Dramatically outearns comparable counties

Summit's median household income of $106,255 far exceeds every comparable mountain county, outpacing San Miguel at $80,117 by $26,138 and San Juan at $73,889 by $32,366. This premium reflects Summit's status as an elite ski resort destination with high-wage employment.

High income cannot offset housing costs

Despite exceptional earnings at $106,255, Summit's rent-to-income ratio of 20.9% is elevated for the region, reflecting a median home value of $850,700. Households here dedicate the highest percentage of income to housing among these eight counties, requiring sophisticated financial planning.

Premium income demands premium strategy

Summit households earning $106,255 occupy the top earning tier, providing exceptional capacity for wealth accumulation beyond housing costs. Implement comprehensive financial planning including tax optimization, diversified investment strategies, and estate planning tailored to high-net-worth households.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Summit County

via CrimeByCounty

Resort Safety in Summit County

Summit County holds a safety score of 97.0, placing it slightly below the national average for safety. Its total crime rate of 1,873.7 per 100,000 remains lower than the national figure of 2,385.5.

Aligning with Colorado Averages

The county's safety score of 97.0 is almost identical to the Colorado state average of 97.1. Its crime rate of 1,873.7 is very close to the state average of 1,834.6.

Higher Activity than Rural Neighbors

Summit has a more active crime profile than nearby Teller County, which reports a lower rate of 1,155.2. Higher tourism and population density likely contribute to this regional difference.

Property Crime Drives the Numbers

Property crime is the primary concern here at 1,670.2 per 100,000 residents. Violent crime is relatively low at 203.5, which is well below the national average of 369.8.

Securing Your Mountain Retreat

With property crime being the most common issue, high-quality deadbolts and alarm systems are recommended. These measures help protect against the seasonal fluctuations in local activity.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Summit County

via HealthByCounty

Summit achieves extraordinary longevity

Summit County residents average 92.4 years of life—nearly 16 years longer than the U.S. average of 76.4 years, making it a global outlier in human longevity. Just 12.8% report poor or fair health, well below America's 13% average, reflecting sustained wellness across the population.

Colorado's longevity leader

At 92.4 years, Summit County's life expectancy exceeds Colorado's state average of 78.2 years by a remarkable 14.2 years. This achievement positions Summit among the world's highest life-expectancy regions, a distinction shared by only a handful of U.S. counties.

Regional health outlier

Summit's 92.4-year life expectancy dwarfs San Miguel County (86.5 years) and dramatically outpaces state peers like Teller County (78.4 years) and Weld County (78.8 years). The county stands alone in Colorado—and among America—for sustained, exceptional longevity.

Excellent coverage and provider access

Summit's 10.4% uninsured rate is just slightly above Colorado's 9.7%, ensuring broad healthcare access despite mountain terrain. The county supports 81 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and an impressive 417 mental health providers per 100,000, enabling comprehensive preventive and behavioral health care.

Maintain coverage to sustain success

Summit's exceptional health outcomes stem partly from strong insurance enrollment and healthcare engagement—keep that momentum by reviewing coverage annually. Visit connectforhealthco.com to confirm your plan meets your family's current needs.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Summit County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Unified System for Mountain Families

Summit County operates nine public schools under a single consolidated school district, serving 3,633 students. The infrastructure includes six elementary schools, one middle school, and two high schools to support the growing resort communities.

Excellent Outcomes and Steady Funding

The county reaches an impressive 90.0% graduation rate, significantly higher than both the state and national averages. With a school score of 54.9 and per-pupil spending of $7,657, the county successfully translates its investment into high academic achievement.

Summit School District No. Re 1

As the sole provider, Summit School District No. Re 1 manages all 3,633 students in the county. The district maintains a traditional curriculum without any charter schools, though it does offer one alternative school for specialized learning.

A Mix of Town and Rural Locales

Schools are split between town and rural settings, with an average enrollment of 404 students per campus. Summit High School is a major hub with 1,132 students, while Upper Blue Elementary offers a smaller setting with 237 students.

Find Your Home Near Top-Tier Schools

With graduation rates hitting the 90% mark, Summit County is a premier destination for families prioritizing education quality. Explore homes in Dillon, Silverthorne, and Breckenridge to join this successful unified district.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Summit County

via RiskByCounty

Summit's mountain hazards elevate national risk ranking

Summit County scores 60.21, earning a Relatively Low rating but placing it significantly above the national average. The county's high elevation and mountain geography drive exposure to multiple hazard types.

Higher risk than most Colorado counties

Summit's 60.21 score exceeds Colorado's state average of 40.67, ranking it in the upper half of Colorado counties. Its mountain terrain and ski-resort infrastructure create unique hazard concentrations.

Riskier than most mountain neighbors

Summit ranks higher than San Juan (10.69) and San Miguel (19.12), but lower than Weld County (89.15). It faces notably higher exposure than surrounding rural counties due to elevation and topography.

Flooding and wildfire top the list

Flood risk (65.43) is Summit's dominant hazard, driven by snowmelt and mountain runoff, followed by wildfire (53.56) and earthquake (46.95). Tornado risk remains lower at 21.79.

Flood and wildfire coverage are critical

Summit County residents should prioritize flood insurance—standard homeowner's policies exclude flooding, and mountain properties face substantial snowmelt and runoff risk. Wildfire coverage is equally essential; ensure your policy includes fire damage or add a rider, particularly if you're near forested areas.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Summit County

via WeatherByCounty

Summit's alpine climate stands apart nationally

Summit County's 37.0°F annual average is nearly 10°F colder than the U.S. median of 47°F, placing it firmly in a subalpine climate zone. Despite only 17.7 inches of annual precipitation, the county's extreme elevation means nearly all moisture falls as snow, not rain.

Colorado's coldest inhabited county

Summit ranks as one of Colorado's coldest counties, at 37.0°F—a full 9°F below the state average of 46.0°F. This dramatic temperature difference reflects Summit's high elevation (average above 9,000 feet) and mountain geography.

Significantly colder than Teller County peaks

Summit's 37.0°F average is 4°F colder than nearby Teller County (41.0°F), despite both being mountain regions, because Summit sits at higher elevations. This temperature gap expands seasonally: Summit's summer only reaches 56.6°F compared to Teller's 59.0°F.

Extreme winter dominance with no summer heat

Summit records zero days above 90°F annually, while January plunges to 16.0°F and July peaks at just 59.1°F. The county receives a remarkable 150.1 inches of snow per year—more than 12 feet—making winter the defining season.

Prepare for brutal snow, never for heat

Summit residents must invest in robust snow removal equipment and avalanche mitigation, as 150+ inches annually can paralyze transportation. Heavy-duty insulation, backup heating systems, and tire chains are year-round necessities; air conditioning is virtually never required.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Summit County

via SoilByCounty

Alpine Soils in the High Peaks

High-altitude Summit County lacks comprehensive soil survey data for dominant textures and taxonomic orders. This mountainous terrain likely differs significantly from the 6.5 national median pH due to its unique mineral history. Local testing is the only way to confirm if your soil leans acidic or alkaline.

Rocky Foundations and Uncharted Textures

Precise measurements for sand, silt, and clay are not currently available for this alpine environment. The physical workability of the ground is often dictated more by rocky debris than by fine soil particles. Homeowners should expect stony conditions that require significant amendment for traditional gardening.

Thin Soils and Limited Capacity

Data for organic matter and water capacity are missing, though state averages sit at 2.18% and 0.139 in/in respectively. Local mountain soils often have thin topsoil layers that dry out quickly in the high-altitude sun. Supplementing with organic matter is the best way to improve growing potential here.

Managing High-Altitude Water Runoff

Dominant drainage classes and hydrologic groups are not officially recorded in the current dataset. The steep topography of the county generally leads to high runoff rates regardless of the underlying soil texture. Proper drainage management is critical for preventing erosion around mountain homes and gardens.

Frost-Resistant Planting in Zone 5a

Summit County is in hardiness zone 5a, where frost-resistant plants are a necessity for survival. Stick to short-season crops like kale, radishes, and native wildflowers to make the most of the brief mountain summer. Your garden can thrive with the right protection and cold-hardy varieties.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Summit County

via LawnByCounty

Uphill Battles for Summit Lawns

Summit County's lawn difficulty score of 33.4 reflects the harsh reality of high-altitude gardening in Hardiness Zone 5a. This score falls below the Colorado average of 37.4 and far below the national baseline. Keeping grass green here requires navigating a very short season and intense drought cycles.

Cool Breezes and Dry Skies

With an average annual temperature of 37°F and zero days reaching 90°F, heat stress is never an issue in Summit County. However, the 17.7 inches of annual precipitation is less than half of what a standard lawn needs to thrive. The low 758 growing degree days indicate a slow growth rate, meaning recovery from wear or damage takes longer than usual.

Preparing Rugged Mountain Soil

Soil data for this region is sparse, but typical mountain profiles are rocky and nutrient-poor. Homeowners should test their specific plots, as mountain soil can vary wildly between acidic and alkaline. Incorporating several inches of compost before laying sod is the best way to improve the foundation for any new lawn.

Severe Drought Affects the Entire County

The past year saw 35 weeks of drought, and currently, 100% of the county faces severe drought conditions. Outdoor water use should be strictly managed to prioritize deep root growth rather than surface moisture. Consider converting low-traffic lawn areas to native xeriscaping to reduce your overall water footprint.

Short Season Turf Strategies

Hardy, cool-season grasses like Fine Fescue or specialized mountain mixes are essential for the Zone 5a climate. Because frost dates are unpredictable and can happen nearly any month, planting in the heart of summer is often safest. Focus on maintaining a healthy lawn through the winter, as temperatures regularly dip to a 16°F average in January.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Summit County's county score?
Summit County, Colorado has a composite county score of 49.6 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 Summit County rank among counties in Colorado?
Summit County ranks #35 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 Summit County, Colorado?
The median annual property tax in Summit County is $2,641, with an effective tax rate of 0.31%. This earns Summit County a tax score of 97.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Summit County?
The median household income in Summit County, Colorado is $106,255 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Summit County earns an income score of 96.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Summit County, Colorado a good place to live?
Summit County scores 49.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #35 in Colorado. The best way to evaluate Summit 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 Summit County with other counties side by side.

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