Custer
Colorado

What stands out

Three things set Custer County apart from the other 3,142 counties: the overdose death rate is among the lowest in America (-999 per 100,000), the share working from home is among the highest in America (23%), and high-school completion is among the highest in America (97%). Within Colorado it ranks 4th of 64 counties for the overdose death rate, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Custer County, Colorado. 4,885 people live here with you, so most faces are familiar. The population grew 3.7% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +215).

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 $66,250 a year, higher than 65% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $44,456. Unemployment runs 2.9%, lower than 67% of American counties. 23% of workers work from home.

Colorado takes 4.4% of that median income in state income tax, about $2,915 a year.

Home

The median home costs $417K, pricier than 88% of American counties, about 4.5 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $950 a month. Property tax is 0.37% of home value, roughly $1,196 a year on that median home, lower than 96% of American counties. 87% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 3.3 per 1,000 residents, lower than 81% of American counties.

A child born here can expect to live 80.9 years, longer than 95% of American counties. There is 1 active physician in the county, about 2.0 per 10,000 people. 9.4% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 3.26 where 3.0 is national grade level, higher than 86% of American counties. 97% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 38 points. 87% 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 44°F, highs near 57 and lows near 30, colder than 94% of American counties. About 18 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 7 out of 100, safer than 93% of American counties; the county has had 13 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 57 Mbps down, slower than 97% of American counties. There are 2 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 1.0 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people.