countyscore
55.2
County Score
Property Tax 88.3Safety 76.9Disaster Risk 63.2

County Report Card

About Yuma County, Colorado

Yuma slightly outpaces national median

Yuma's composite score of 55.2 exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top 53% of U.S. counties. Strong safety and reasonable affordability provide a stable foundation for rural living.

Solid performer above state average

Yuma scores 55.2 versus Colorado's 51.2 average, ranking in the upper-middle tier statewide. Its profile represents balanced rural livability, though without distinctive strengths.

Safety and affordability lead

Yuma delivers strong safety (76.9) and true affordability with median rent of $897 and home values of $215,600. Reasonable tax burden (88.3) and stable risk profiles (63.2) round out practical livability.

Low incomes limit opportunity

Median income of just $60,051 (39.2 score) constrains economic mobility and consumer spending. School quality (20.5) and health outcomes (54.6) both lag, signaling limited educational and medical resources.

Home for budget-conscious farmers

Yuma County suits agricultural workers, ranchers, and retirees seeking safe, affordable small-town life. Limited career pathways and weak schools make it less attractive to ambitious families or those prioritizing educational excellence.

2040608010088.342.676.954.620.539.263.241.536.5Tax88.3Cost42.6Safety76.9Health54.6Schools20.5Income39.2Risk63.2Water41.5Weather36.555.2/100
This county
National avg
3 above average4 below average

Yuma County DNA

Foverall

How Yuma County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Yuma County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Property Tax (88.3/100) but notably weak in Schools (20.5/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
88.3+36.3
Cost
42.6
Safety
76.9+21.900000000000006
Health
54.6
Schools
20.5-33.5
Income
39.2-11.799999999999997
Risk
63.2+16.200000000000003
Water
41.5-16.5
Weather
36.5-19.5
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$215,600

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$897/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$215,600/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$35,880/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.6x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $60,051/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

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

Cheyenne County
Kansas
54.9
Phillips County
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60
Dundy County
Nebraska
73.1
Chase County
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Washington County
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Sedgwick County
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Logan County
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Kit Carson County
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Deep Dives

Yuma County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Yuma County

via TaxByCounty

Yuma's high rate, modest absolute taxes

Yuma County's effective tax rate of 0.475% ranks among Colorado's highest, exceeding the state average of 0.393% by 21%, yet its median property tax of $1,025 remains 62% below the national median of $2,690. The county's lower home values of $215,600 limit absolute tax obligations.

Second-highest rate in Colorado

Yuma County's 0.475% effective rate ranks second only to Weld County's 0.504% among Colorado's 64 counties, placing residents in the state's higher-tax group. Yet the county's rural character keeps median taxes at just $1,025, well below state averages.

Second-highest rate on plains region

Yuma County's 0.475% rate trails only Weld County's 0.504%, exceeding Washington County's 0.408% and Sedgwick County's 0.470%. Despite its elevated effective rate, Yuma's median tax of $1,025 remains lower than Weld's due to modest property values.

Median annual tax: approximately $1,025

On Yuma County's median home value of $215,600, residents pay $1,025 annually in property taxes. With a mortgage, that rises to $1,186; without, it drops to $852—a $334 annual difference tied to assessment methodology.

High rates justify assessment reviews

Yuma County's above-average effective tax rates make assessment appeals worthwhile for homeowners, particularly those in declining agricultural markets. A successful appeal could yield annual savings in the hundreds.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Yuma County

via CostByCounty

Yuma County delivers deep rural affordability

Yuma County's 17.9% rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below both Colorado's 20.2% state average and national benchmarks, delivering exceptional housing affordability. Residents earning $60,051 median income pay just $897 monthly rent—$356 below Colorado's state average—a bargain found only in Colorado's most rural counties.

Among Colorado's most affordable counties

Yuma County's 17.9% rent-to-income ratio ranks among Colorado's lowest, trailing only Sedgwick County in affordability despite lower median income at $60,051. The $897 median rent captures the economics of Colorado's far eastern plains, where housing supply far outpaces demand.

Slightly pricier than Sedgwick plains

Yuma's $897 rent edges above Sedgwick's rock-bottom $728 but falls well short of urban-adjacent Washington County's $991, reflecting its isolation on Colorado's eastern edge. At $215,600, Yuma's median home value sits between Sedgwick ($142,700) and Washington ($218,300), offering modest ownership pathways.

Housing costs nearly identical

Yuma renters pay $897 monthly while homeowners pay $883—virtually identical costs reflecting limited market differentiation in rural plains counties. On a $60,051 median income, both renting (17.9%) and buying (17.6%) remain accessible, making either tenure viable for Yuma households.

For deep rural living on tight budgets

Yuma County suits households earning $60,000-plus who embrace isolated eastern plains life and can access $897 rent or $215,600 home purchases. If you prioritize maximum housing affordability over urban amenities and don't mind significant distance from Colorado's population centers, Yuma offers unbeatable economics.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Yuma County

via IncomeByCounty

Yuma lags national earning levels

Yuma County's median household income of $60,051 falls $14,704 short of the national median of $74,755, placing this agricultural county among lower-earning U.S. communities. The per capita income of $34,352 also trails national averages, indicating limited economic diversity.

Lower earner in Colorado rankings

Yuma County ranks in the lower third of Colorado's 64 counties with a median household income of $60,051, trailing the state average of $74,792 by $14,741. Its per capita income of $34,352 significantly lags Colorado's state average of $43,584.

Rural county with limited earning power

Yuma's median household income of $60,051 exceeds only Sedgwick at $52,833 among these eight counties, falling substantially short of Washington at $65,164. The county reflects the earnings challenges of rural, agriculture-dependent communities across the plains.

Affordability advantage in limited market

Yuma's rent-to-income ratio of 17.9% provides solid affordability, with a median home value of $215,600 representing reasonable access to homeownership. The low median income of $60,051 still strains broader household budgeting despite housing affordability.

Maximize affordable housing advantage

Yuma households earning $60,051 benefit from exceptionally affordable housing that creates opportunity for savings despite lower incomes. Focus on building emergency reserves, exploring agricultural or local employment opportunities for income growth, and disciplined long-term investing.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Yuma County

via CrimeByCounty

Elite Safety Levels in Yuma

Yuma County features an excellent safety score of 99.1. Its total crime rate of 553.5 per 100,000 is roughly one-fourth of the national average of 2,385.5.

A Leader in Colorado Safety

Yuma's safety score of 99.1 is much higher than the Colorado state average of 97.1. Its crime rate of 553.5 is far lower than the state average of 1,834.6.

A Regional Safety Benchmark

Yuma is significantly safer than neighboring Washington County, which has a crime rate of 1,370.2. It remains one of the most secure counties in eastern Colorado.

Low Rates Across All Categories

Violent crime is low at 90.6 per 100,000, while property crime stands at 462.9. Both metrics are substantially better than national and state averages.

Simple Steps for Continued Peace

Residents can maintain this high level of safety by staying alert and reporting suspicious activity. Basic home security measures like window locks and porch lighting are effective deterrents.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Yuma County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Balanced Rural Education Network

Yuma County operates nine public schools across four school districts, educating 1,850 total students. The system is distributed across three elementary, one middle, and three high schools, plus two other specialized facilities.

Steady Performance in Eastern Colorado

The county maintains an 82.9% graduation rate, sitting just below the state average of 83.1%. With a school score of 48.5 and per-pupil spending of $6,422, the county provides a consistent educational experience on a conservative budget.

Yuma and Wray Districts Lead

Yuma 1 School District is the largest with 886 students, followed closely by Wray RD-2 with 724. There are currently no charter schools in the county, with all students attending traditional district campuses.

A Blend of Rural and Town Life

Schools are split between rural and town locales, with an average campus size of 206 students. Wray Elementary is the largest school in the county with 412 students, providing a vibrant center for the local community.

Make a Home in a Solid School Community

Yuma County offers a stable and community-oriented school system for families looking to settle in Eastern Colorado. Review the school districts in Yuma and Wray to find the right neighborhood for your move.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Yuma County

via RiskByCounty

Yuma's risk sits near the national average

Yuma County scores 36.80, earning a Very Low rating but sitting slightly below the national average. The county faces moderate hazard exposure relative to most U.S. peers.

Moderate risk in Colorado context

Yuma's 36.80 score falls just below the Colorado state average of 40.67, placing it in the middle-to-lower tier of state counties. It faces more exposure than its northeast neighbors but less than Summit or Teller.

Riskier than most plain counties

Yuma ranks higher than Sedgwick (6.52) and Washington (11.99), but lower than Weld County (89.15). It represents the moderate-risk profile of Colorado's eastern plains.

Tornadoes and wildfire lead the hazards

Tornado risk (45.32) is Yuma's highest individual hazard score, reflecting its High Plains location and spring storm exposure. Wildfire (60.18) poses moderate threat; flooding (12.95) and earthquakes (16.95) remain lower risks.

Tornado and wildfire protection matter most

Yuma County residents should ensure homeowner's policies include comprehensive wind and hail coverage for tornado season, and verify wildfire damage is covered or add a rider. A weather-safe room or shelter plan is also advisable given the county's tornado exposure.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Yuma County

via WaterByCounty

Yuma County Receives Below-Average Quality Grade

Yuma County carries a 'D' grade for drinking water, with two health violations recorded in the last five years. Its violation rate of 29.6 per 100,000 residents is still much better than the Colorado state average of 292.1. However, the low grade suggests that the violations were significant or persistent within the local systems.

Low Oxygen and Bacteria Plaguing Watersheds

In the 2022 cycle, 46.0% of the county's 50 assessed water bodies were listed as impaired. The primary issues are related to pH levels, E. coli, and low dissolved oxygen. This impairment rate is significantly higher than the Colorado average of 35.4%.

Very Limited Monitoring Limits Water Visibility

Yuma County has only 5 active monitoring sites, recording just 550 measurements over the past five years. Most data comes from inorganic and biological counts, providing a minimal overview of environmental health. This low monitoring density makes it difficult to track emerging water quality threats.

No Active USGS Streamgages for Yuma

There are currently no representative USGS streamgages providing live discharge data in Yuma County. Residents lack real-time information on how current stream levels compare to historical averages. Drinking water compliance records provide the primary source of available water intelligence for this area.

Watch for Biological and pH Hazards

High rates of E. coli and dissolved oxygen issues in the watershed suggest a need for caution with surface water contact. The 'D' drinking water grade emphasizes the importance of following local system advisories and maintaining household filtration. Regular private well testing is recommended given the lack of extensive public monitoring.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Yuma County

via WeatherByCounty

Yuma runs warmer than most U.S. counties

Yuma County averages 51.3°F annually, nearly 4°F above the U.S. median of 47°F, claiming a warm-temperate plains climate. At 18.2 inches of annual precipitation, Yuma matches the national average, supporting grasslands and ranching despite its semi-arid nature.

Colorado's warmest county by temperature

At 51.3°F, Yuma ranks as one of Colorado's warmest counties—5.3°F above the state average of 46.0°F. This elevation advantage and southern plains position make Yuma distinctly hotter than most of the state.

Hottest of the northeast plains trio

Yuma's 51.3°F tops both Sedgwick (49.8°F) and Washington (49.8°F), with Weld County (48.6°F) running noticeably cooler. Yuma also leads in extreme heat days with 53 annually, nearly 10% more than Weld, reflecting its southern exposure and lower elevation.

Hottest summers, coldest range in region

Yuma's July reaches 75.8°F—the warmest of its regional neighbors—while January drops to 29.5°F, creating a 46-degree annual swing. The county records 53 extreme heat days per year and 28.6 inches of snow, balancing intense summer heat with reliable winter precipitation.

Air conditioning essential for comfort and safety

With 53 days exceeding 90°F annually, Yuma residents must prioritize robust air conditioning and heat-mitigation strategies for homes and vehicles. Winter snow of 28.6 inches requires standard cold-weather preparation, while the county's overall warmth means heating costs stay relatively moderate compared to mountain regions.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Yuma County

via SoilByCounty

Alkaline Sandy Plains of Yuma

Yuma County exhibits alkaline soil with an average pH of 7.31. This exceeds the state average of 7.29 and is significantly more alkaline than the 6.5 national median. Such levels are common in the arid eastern plains where minerals accumulate more readily.

A High-Sand, Fast-Draining Mix

With a high sand content of 60.3% and only 13.5% clay, this soil is exceptionally coarse and easy to work. While this mix allows for rapid drainage, it poses challenges for retaining nutrients and moisture compared to heavier soils. Gardeners may find that organic amendments are necessary to build better soil structure.

Optimizing Lean Soil Capacity

Organic matter stands at 1.60%, trailing the state average of 2.18%. The available water capacity is 0.124 in/in, which is lower than the 0.139 state average, indicating a significant need for consistent irrigation. Improving these levels is the key to increasing the county's already impressive agricultural output.

Navigating Rapid Water Movement

The high sand percentage implies very rapid drainage, even though specific hydrologic groups are not listed. Farmers and gardeners must account for this fast-moving water when planning nutrient applications to prevent leaching. This soil profile requires frequent, smaller watering sessions rather than occasional heavy soaking.

Deep-Rooted Success in Zone 5b

Yuma County sits in hardiness zone 5b, supporting robust corn, potato, and grain production under irrigation. Embrace the sandy soil by planting deep-rooted perennials and vegetables that can find water deep in the subsoil. Your garden can thrive with proper moisture management and a bit of care.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Yuma County

via LawnByCounty

Favorable Growing Conditions in Yuma

Yuma County is a standout for Colorado lawn care, earning a difficulty score of 47.0, which is nearly ten points higher than the state average. While still a challenge compared to the national median of 50.0, it is a hospitable environment for Zone 5b gardening. Success here is largely a matter of managing summer heat and soil drainage.

The Hot Hub of the Eastern Plains

Yuma faces 53 days of extreme heat above 90°F, the highest in this group and nearly double the state average. This heat, paired with 18.2 inches of annual precipitation, necessitates a rigorous watering schedule. With 3,195 growing degree days, your grass will grow quickly, but it will also require significant moisture to stay green.

Sandy Soils and Alkaline pH

The soil in Yuma is very sandy (60.3%), which provides excellent drainage but requires more frequent, shorter watering bursts. A pH of 7.31 is slightly alkaline, so you may need to add elemental sulfur to bring it closer to the ideal 6.5 range. Low clay content (13.5%) means the soil doesn't hold nutrients well, so frequent light fertilization is best.

Navigating Abnormally Dry Spells

Yuma has experienced 19 weeks of drought over the past year and currently remains 100% abnormally dry. However, the county is currently free of severe (D2+) drought, offering a reprieve from the worst water restrictions. Mulch-mowing your clippings back into the lawn can help retain moisture and nitrogen in the sandy soil.

Capitalizing on a Long Season

Heat-tolerant grasses like Turf-Type Tall Fescue are the best choice to survive Yuma's 53 days of extreme heat. You have a generous growing window, with the last frost on May 4 and the first frost not arriving until October 9. Take advantage of the early May start to establish a deep root system before the July heat arrives.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Yuma County's county score?
Yuma County, Colorado has a composite county score of 55.2 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 Yuma County rank among counties in Colorado?
Yuma County ranks #27 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 Yuma County, Colorado?
The median annual property tax in Yuma County is $1,025, with an effective tax rate of 0.48%. This earns Yuma County a tax score of 88.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Yuma County?
The median household income in Yuma County, Colorado is $60,051 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Yuma County earns an income score of 39.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Yuma County, Colorado a good place to live?
Yuma County scores 55.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #27 in Colorado. The best way to evaluate Yuma 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 Yuma County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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