Baca
Colorado

What stands out

Against every county in America, Baca County is unusual in three ways: the overdose death rate is among the lowest in America (-999 per 100,000), unemployment is among the lowest in America (1.7%), and the average commute is among the shortest in America (11 minutes). Within Colorado it ranks 4th of 64 counties for the overdose death rate, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Baca County, Colorado. 3,496 people live here with you, so most faces are familiar. The population shrank 2.6% last year, and more Americans moved out than in (net -52).

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 $42,115 a year, lower than 92% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $40,474. Unemployment runs 1.7%, lower than almost every county in America. 7% of workers work from home; for the rest the average commute is 11 minutes each way.

Colorado takes 4.4% of that median income in state income tax, about $1,853 a year.

Home

A two-bedroom rents for around $600 a month. Property tax is 0.43% of home value, roughly $514 a year on that median home, lower than 93% of American counties. 74% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 4.2 per 1,000 residents, higher than 69% of American counties.

A child born here can expect to live 72.4 years, shorter than 84% of American counties. There are 2 active physicians in the county, about 5.7 per 10,000 people. 14.0% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

86% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 70 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 82% 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 55°F, highs near 71 and lows near 39, colder than 53% of American counties. About 17 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 6 out of 100, safer than 94% of American counties; the county has had 11 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 80 Mbps down, slower than 93% of American counties. There are 3 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.8 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people.