countyscore
51.2
County Score
Property Tax 95.9Health 86.6Income & Jobs 84.6

County Report Card

About Teller County, Colorado

Teller matches national average exactly

Teller's composite score of 51.2 equals the national median precisely, ranking it at the 50th percentile. High incomes and excellent health offset substantial housing and water challenges.

Right at Colorado's statewide mean

Teller's score of 51.2 matches Colorado's state average exactly, signaling a county neither leading nor lagging. It represents the median Colorado experience—balanced strengths and weaknesses across multiple livability dimensions.

Income and health stand strong

Teller delivers strong incomes at $80,666 (84.6 score) and excellent health (86.6), reflecting a prosperous, well-served population. Tax efficiency (95.9) is also excellent, with an effective rate of just 0.356%.

Housing and water strain residents

Median home values of $445,000 produce a cost score of just 7.0, limiting accessibility for working families. Critical water shortage (6.1) poses serious concerns for long-term habitability and growth.

Good fit for established couples

Teller suits affluent couples or retirees drawn to mountain communities with strong healthcare and tax advantages. Young families should consider water limitations and school quality (29.0) carefully before relocating.

Score breakdown

Tax95.9Cost7Safety48.5Health86.6Schools29Income84.6Risk61.2Water6.1Weather51.3
🏛95.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼84.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡48.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤86.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓29
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡61.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧6.1
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤51.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱46.5
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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Compare Teller County with Alpine County →Share on X

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Nearby counties

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Fremont County
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Douglas County
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Park County
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Jefferson County
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Elbert County
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Denver County
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Deep Dives

Teller County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Teller County

via TaxByCounty

Teller's moderate rate, below-average taxes

Teller County's effective tax rate of 0.356% falls below Colorado's state average of 0.393%, landing residents in the bottom 35% nationally for tax burden. The median property tax of $1,583 remains 41% below the national median of $2,690.

Below average in Colorado rankings

Teller County's 0.356% effective rate ranks in Colorado's lower third, making it a moderately tax-friendly county. With median taxes of $1,583 versus the state average of $1,560, Teller homeowners pay virtually in line with state norms despite a lower effective rate.

Middle ground among regional counties

Teller County's 0.356% rate falls between Summit County's 0.310% and Washington County's 0.408%, making it moderate within the region. Its median tax of $1,583 reflects a balanced position between mountain luxury markets and plains agricultural counties.

Median annual tax: approximately $1,583

On Teller County's median home value of $445,000, residents pay $1,583 annually in property taxes. Homeowners with mortgages pay $1,637, while those without mortgages pay $1,424—a $213 annual difference.

Verify assessments for accuracy

Teller County homeowners should review their property assessments, as overvaluation is common and creates appeal opportunities. With moderate property values, even modest assessment corrections can save hundreds in annual taxes over time.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Teller County

via CostByCounty

Teller County's rent affordability problem

Teller County's 26.0% rent-to-income ratio far exceeds both Colorado's 20.2% average and national norms, signaling a serious affordability squeeze for renters. At $1,746 monthly rent on an $80,666 median income, Teller residents pay a larger share of earnings for housing than peers nationwide.

Colorado's least affordable for renters

Teller County's 26.0% rent-to-income ratio is the highest in this eight-county sample and significantly above Colorado's 20.2% state average, making it the state's toughest rental market. Despite a respectable $80,666 median income, renters here dedicate more to housing than almost any Colorado county.

Mountain rents with Plains-level income

Teller's $1,746 rent rivals Summit County's mountain premium but on an income ($80,666) far below Summit's $106,255, creating affordability stress absent elsewhere. Even compared to San Miguel ($1,173) and San Juan ($1,076), Teller renters pay 50% more while earning similar incomes—an unsustainable mismatch.

Renters squeezed, owners more stable

Teller renters face the region's worst squeeze, dedicating 26% of income to $1,746 monthly rent, while homeowners pay a more manageable $1,422 (21% of income). This 5-percentage-point gap suggests renting in Teller is a losing proposition compared to ownership for households able to purchase.

Consider ownership or reconsider location

Teller County works only for homebuyers earning $80,666-plus who can access a $445,000 home purchase; renters face unaffordable $1,746 monthly costs. If you're relocating as a renter, nearby San Juan or San Miguel counties offer mountain proximity with dramatically better rent-to-income ratios.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Teller County

via IncomeByCounty

Teller exceeds national earning average

Teller County's median household income of $80,666 surpasses the national median of $74,755 by $5,911, positioning this county among above-average American earners. The per capita income of $46,242 closely mirrors the state average, indicating balanced earning across the population.

Upper-middle earner within Colorado

Teller County ranks in the upper third of Colorado's 64 counties with a median household income of $80,666, exceeding the state average of $74,792 by $5,874. Its per capita income of $46,242 aligns closely with the state average of $43,584.

Solid earner among regional peers

Teller's median household income of $80,666 matches San Miguel County at $80,117 while trailing Summit's $106,255, positioning it among the region's stronger-earning communities. The county outpaces state averages while maintaining moderate earning distribution.

Housing costs strain budget despite good income

Teller's rent-to-income ratio of 26.0% stands as the highest among these eight counties, signaling significant housing cost burden despite the $80,666 median income. The median home value of $445,000 demands exceptional commitment from households, leaving less flexibility for other expenses.

Manage housing costs to unlock savings

Teller households earning $80,666 carry outsized housing commitments that reduce wealth-building capacity compared to peers with lower housing ratios. Reassess housing affordability, refinancing options, and alternative strategies to free capital for retirement savings and long-term investment.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Teller County

via CrimeByCounty

Teller County Safety Overview

Teller County earns a strong safety score of 98.2. Its total crime rate of 1,155.2 per 100,000 is roughly half the national average of 2,385.5.

Outperforming State Safety Norms

The county's safety score of 98.2 beats the Colorado average of 97.1. Local residents enjoy a crime rate of 1,155.2, which is significantly lower than the state average of 1,834.6.

Comparing Teller to Regional Peers

Teller's crime rate of 1,155.2 is lower than Summit County's 1,873.7. However, it is higher than the very low rates found in more remote areas like San Miguel County.

Analyzing Violent vs Property Crime

Violent crime in Teller stands at 214.1, while property crime is reported at 941.1 per 100,000. Both categories remain lower than the national benchmarks for these crimes.

Smart Security for Hillside Homes

Securing entry points and using smart monitoring systems can further reduce the risk of property crime. These proactive steps ensure that Teller County remains a safe place to live.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Teller County

via HealthByCounty

Teller matches national health baseline

Teller County's life expectancy of 78.4 years exceeds the national average of 76.4 years by 2 years, placing it in the healthier half of U.S. counties. With 12.8% reporting poor or fair health—just below America's 13% average—the county maintains solid wellness across its population.

Slightly above Colorado average

Teller's 78.4-year life expectancy edges out Colorado's state average of 78.2 years by just 0.2 years, positioning it as a typical Colorado county. The 12.8% poor/fair health rate matches state patterns, reflecting middle-of-the-road health outcomes for the region.

Average among Colorado peers

Teller's 78.4-year life expectancy sits between Washington County (74.0 years) and Weld County (78.8 years), reflecting typical Colorado health performance. Its 12.8% poor/fair health rate broadly aligns with San Miguel County and Summit County, suggesting consistent regional wellness.

Strong coverage, limited primary care

Teller boasts Colorado's lowest uninsured rate at 6.3%—well below the state average of 9.7%—meaning most residents access care easily. However, the county offers just 36 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, requiring residents to sometimes travel for routine medical services.

Celebrate success, stay insured

Teller's exceptional uninsured rate shows what community engagement achieves—keep that strength by maintaining coverage year-round. Visit connectforhealthco.com to renew or update your plan annually.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Teller County

via SchoolsByCounty

Diverse Schooling in a Growing County

Teller County maintains seven public schools across two districts, serving a total of 2,057 students. The landscape features four elementary schools, one middle school, and two high schools to support local families.

Academic Challenges and Local Results

The graduation rate sits at 81.5%, trailing the state average of 83.1% and the national 87% benchmark. The county invests $7,252 per pupil, which is slightly below the state average of $7,447, resulting in a school score of 49.6.

Woodland Park Leads County Enrollment

Woodland Park School District No. Re-2 is the largest district, educating 1,744 students across five schools. The remaining students are served by the Cripple Creek-Victor School District, and there are currently no charter schools in operation.

Town and Mountain School Settings

Schools are divided between town and rural locales, with an average enrollment of 294 students. Woodland Park High School serves as the county's largest campus with 579 students, while Columbine Elementary is the smallest with 227 students.

Relocate Near Teller County Schools

From the heights of Cripple Creek to the hub of Woodland Park, local schools define the community character. Consider school proximity as you search for your next home in this scenic mountain county.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Teller County

via RiskByCounty

Teller's wildfire risk pushes it above average

Teller County scores 38.84, earning a Very Low overall rating but sitting just below the national average. The county's elevated wildfire exposure distinguishes it from lower-risk peers.

Mid-tier risk among Colorado counties

Teller's 38.84 score falls just below the Colorado state average of 40.67, placing it in the middle of the state's risk distribution. It faces moderate hazard exposure compared to its statewide peers.

Riskier than most nearby counties

Teller ranks higher than San Juan (10.69), San Miguel (19.12), and Sedgwick (6.52), but lower than Summit County (60.21). Its wildfire profile sets it apart in the central mountain region.

Wildfire is the dominant concern

Wildfire risk (97.04) is exceptionally high in Teller County, among the state's most vulnerable areas. Tornado (27.96) and earthquake (23.35) risks are moderate; flooding remains low at 15.94.

Wildfire insurance is non-negotiable

Teller County's wildfire risk of 97.04 makes comprehensive fire coverage essential—verify your homeowner's policy includes wildfire damage or purchase a dedicated rider immediately. Creating defensible space around your home and developing an evacuation plan are equally important steps.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Teller County

via WeatherByCounty

Teller's high-altitude climate runs cool

Teller County averages 41.0°F annually, about 6°F below the U.S. median of 47°F, reflecting its mountain location south of Colorado Springs. Annual precipitation of 16.5 inches falls mostly as snow due to elevation, creating a true alpine climate.

Well below Colorado's average, above Summit

At 41.0°F, Teller runs 5°F colder than Colorado's state average of 46.0°F, though it ranks warmer than high-alpine Summit County. This positioning makes Teller a transitional zone between plains and mountain climates.

Warmer plains meet colder peaks here

Teller's 41.0°F sits between Summit County's frigid 37.0°F and the warmer plains counties like Sedgwick (49.8°F), reflecting its position on the Front Range. The county's extreme heat days are zero, shared only with Summit among the region.

Cold winters, mild summers, heavy snow

January averages 23.4°F while July reaches only 61.3°F, a moderate 37-degree spread compared to plains counties' wider swings. Teller receives 58.9 inches of snow annually—nearly 5 feet—and zero days above 90°F, meaning cooling is never a concern.

Invest in snow removal and winter heating

With almost 59 inches of annual snowfall and sub-zero winter nights, Teller residents need reliable four-wheel drive, snow tires, and dependable heating systems. Summer's mild 61°F average means outdoor recreation extends longer than in true high country, but snow can arrive any month of the year.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Teller County

via SoilByCounty

Granite Foundations in Teller County

Teller County's specific soil taxonomic orders and pH levels are not currently included in federal surveys. Without this data, it is impossible to pinpoint exactly how local soil acidity compares to the 6.5 national median. The region's granite-rich geology often suggests a unique mineral profile for local residents.

Coarse Textures of the High Country

There are no official records for the specific sand, silt, and clay percentages within the county borders. The Pikes Peak region is known for decomposed granite, which typically creates a gravelly or coarse soil texture. This results in fast drainage but potentially low nutrient retention for local plants.

Evaluating Forested Soil Fertility

Soil organic matter and available water capacity are not currently documented for this region. While the Colorado average organic matter is 2.18%, Teller's forested soils may vary significantly based on local pine and aspen cover. Adding compost can help bridge the gap for any high-altitude vegetable gardening.

Practical Drainage in Rocky Soil

The county lacks specific data on dominant drainage classes or hydrologic groups in this dataset. Site-specific assessments are recommended for anyone planning drainage systems or foundation work in the local decomposed granite. Understanding how your specific plot handles heavy snowmelt is vital for land management.

Mountain Hardy Planting in Zone 5b

Located in hardiness zone 5b, Teller County supports a variety of mountain-hardy perennials and native grasses. Focus on drought-tolerant species that can handle the high-altitude sun and cool evening temperatures. With a little patience, your mountain garden can become a thriving sanctuary.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Teller County

via LawnByCounty

Teller County Leads the Region

Teller County is a bright spot for Colorado lawn care with a difficulty score of 46.5, significantly easier than the state average of 37.4. While it remains just below the national median of 50.0, it offers some of the most favorable conditions in the state. This Zone 5b region provides a manageable balance of cool temperatures and reasonable growth potential.

Mild Summers and Modest Rainfall

The climate is exceptionally mild, with zero extreme heat days and an average July temperature of 61.3°F. You only receive 16.5 inches of annual precipitation, which is the primary hurdle for maintaining a lush lawn. With 1,036 growing degree days, the mowing frequency remains low, saving you time and effort compared to hotter counties.

Inconsistent Soil Requires Local Testing

Data on soil pH and texture is not available at the county level, so a private soil test is your first step for success. Most Teller County soils benefit from phosphorus and nitrogen supplements to jumpstart growth in the spring. Ensuring your soil is properly aerated will help the limited rainfall reach the roots instead of running off the mountain slopes.

Relatively Stable Drought Conditions

While much of Colorado struggles, only 0.5% of Teller County is in severe drought, with only 14 weeks of drought over the past year. This makes lawn maintenance more predictable here than in neighboring counties. Regular mulching and maintaining a high cutting height can further insulate your lawn against future dry spells.

Selecting the Right Alpine Mix

Traditional cool-season grasses like Kentucky Bluegrass or Perennial Ryegrass thrive in this Zone 5b environment. Since specific frost dates are not recorded, watch for the soil to warm consistently in late spring before starting new seed. Fall is also an excellent time for overseeding, taking advantage of the cool temperatures to establish roots before winter.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Teller County's county score?
Teller County, Colorado has a composite county score of 51.2 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 Teller County rank among counties in Colorado?
Teller County ranks #33 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 Teller County, Colorado?
The median annual property tax in Teller County is $1,583, with an effective tax rate of 0.36%. This earns Teller County a tax score of 95.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Teller County?
The median household income in Teller County, Colorado is $80,666 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Teller County earns an income score of 84.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Teller County, Colorado a good place to live?
Teller County scores 51.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #33 in Colorado. The best way to evaluate Teller 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 Teller County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

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