Kiowa
Colorado

What stands out

Against every county in America, Kiowa County is unusual in three ways: population growth is among the fastest shrinking in America (-3.5% a year), unemployment is among the lowest in America (1.8%), and the school test score is among the highest in America (3.70 where 3.0 is grade level). Within Colorado it ranks 1st of 64 counties for population growth, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Kiowa County, Colorado. 1,347 people live here with you, so most faces are familiar. The population shrank 3.5% last year, and more Americans moved out than in (net -50).

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 $45,250 a year, lower than 88% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $44,375. Unemployment runs 1.8%, lower than almost every county in America. 2% of workers work from home.

Colorado takes 4.4% of that median income in state income tax, about $1,991 a year.

Home

The median home costs $178K, cheaper than 72% of American counties, about 2.1 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $908 a month. Property tax is 0.64% of home value, roughly $821 a year on that median home, lower than 72% of American counties. 74% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 3.8 per 1,000 residents, lower than 52% of American counties.

There are 0 active physicians in the county, about 0.0 per 10,000 people; the nearest doctor is in another county. 11.7% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 3.63 where 3.0 is national grade level, higher than almost every county in America. 91% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 77 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 86% 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 54°F, highs near 70 and lows near 39, colder than 56% of American counties. About 16 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 3 out of 100, safer than 97% of American counties; the county has had 11 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 238 Mbps down, faster than 68% of American counties. There are 2 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 1 National Park Service site.