Alamosa
Colorado

What stands out

Three things set Alamosa County apart from the other 3,142 counties: rainfall is in the bottom 2% of American counties (11 inches a year), winter sunshine is in the top 3% of American counties (2.2 on the USDA scale), and homeownership is in the bottom 5% of American counties (57%). Within Colorado it ranks 3rd of 64 counties for rainfall, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Alamosa County, Colorado. 16,460 people live here with you. The population grew 0.4% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +35).

Colorado's flat income tax is 4.4%, and the TABOR amendment refunds revenue above a spending cap back to taxpayers in strong years. Front Range home prices roughly doubled between 2013 and 2023. The state taxes Social Security for residents under 65 but exempts it fully at 65 and over. Wildfire and hail drive homeowner insurance costs along the mountains and plains respectively.

Money

The typical household here brings in $52,271 a year, lower than 74% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $49,261. Unemployment runs 3.6%, higher than 58% of American counties. 4% of workers work from home.

Colorado takes 4.4% of that median income in state income tax, about $2,300 a year.

Home

The median home costs $325K, pricier than 75% of American counties, about 3.0 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $818 a month. Property tax is 0.48% of home value, roughly $944 a year on that median home, lower than 90% of American counties. 57% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 4.3 per 1,000 residents, higher than 73% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 28 people per 100,000 in 2024, one of the harder-hit counties in the country.

A child born here can expect to live 73.0 years, shorter than 80% of American counties. There are 43 active physicians in the county, about 26.1 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 3.0 of 5 stars. 11.6% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.94 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 58% of American counties. 90% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted almost evenly. 68% of eligible voters turned out. Under Colorado law you can get a concealed-carry permit on request, abortion is protected by state law, and marijuana is legal for adults.

Weather and risk

The year averages 46°F, highs near 62 and lows near 29, colder than 89% of American counties. About 11 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 34 out of 100, safer than 66% of American counties; the county has had 7 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 222 Mbps down, faster than 60% of American counties. There are 5 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 1.0 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people, 3 breweries.