Kit Carson
Colorado

What stands out

Three things set Kit Carson County apart from the other 3,142 counties: unemployment is in the bottom 3% of American counties (1.9%), the average commute is in the bottom 3% of American counties (14 minutes), and winter sunshine is in the top 6% of American counties (1.8 on the USDA scale). Within Colorado it ranks 4th of 61 counties for unemployment, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Kit Carson County, Colorado. 7,039 people live here with you, so most faces are familiar. The population held steady at 0.2% last year, and more Americans moved out than in (net -17).

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 $58,992 a year, lower than 55% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $47,531. Unemployment runs 1.9%, lower than 97% of American counties. 8% of workers work from home; for the rest the average commute is 14 minutes each way.

Colorado takes 4.4% of that median income in state income tax, about $2,596 a year.

Home

The median home costs $241K, pricier than 53% of American counties, about 2.5 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $964 a month. Property tax is 0.54% of home value, roughly $978 a year on that median home, lower than 84% of American counties. 67% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 4.0 per 1,000 residents, higher than 57% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 15 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 76.2 years, longer than 54% of American counties. There are 4 active physicians in the county, about 5.7 per 10,000 people. 14.9% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.53 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 92% of American counties. 88% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 64 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 76% 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 53°F, highs near 67 and lows near 38, colder than 63% of American counties. About 19 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 50 out of 100, riskier than 50% of American counties; the county has had 7 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 115 Mbps down, slower than 83% of American counties. There are 4 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 1.3 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people.