Otero
Colorado

What stands out

If you had to describe Otero County in numbers, start here: rainfall is in the bottom 2% of American counties (10 inches a year), winter sunshine is in the top 3% of American counties (2.2 on the USDA scale), and the property tax rate is in the bottom 4% of American counties (0.37%). Within Colorado it ranks 2nd of 64 counties for rainfall, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Otero County, Colorado. 18,580 people live here with you. The population shrank 1.0% last year, and more Americans moved out than in (net -98).

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 $47,500 a year, lower than 84% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $46,375. Unemployment runs 4.2%, higher than 74% of American counties. 4% of workers work from home.

Colorado takes 4.4% of that median income in state income tax, about $2,090 a year.

Home

The median home costs $161K, cheaper than 80% of American counties, about 2.1 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $753 a month. Property tax is 0.37% of home value, roughly $491 a year on that median home, lower than 96% of American counties. 70% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 4.4 per 1,000 residents, higher than 78% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 21 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 70.9 years, shorter than 94% of American counties. There are 20 active physicians in the county, about 10.8 per 10,000 people. 11.4% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.86 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 78% of American counties. 88% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 23 points. 71% 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 54% of American counties. About 10 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 17 out of 100, safer than 83% of American counties; the county has had 9 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 149 Mbps down, slower than 71% of American counties. There are 4 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.9 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people, 1 National Park Service site.