Pitkin
Colorado

What stands out

Against every county in America, Pitkin County is unusual in three ways: the median home price is among the priciest in America ($2.6M), the home price against local income is among the most stretched in America (7.4 years of income), and high-school completion is among the highest in America (98%). Within Colorado it ranks 1st of 62 counties for the median home price.

Where you are

You live in Pitkin County, Colorado. 17,325 people live here with you. The population shrank 1.2% last year, and more Americans moved out than in (net -299).

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 $96,123 a year, higher than 96% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $78,151. Unemployment runs 3.3%, lower than 54% of American counties. 14% of workers work from home.

Colorado takes 4.4% of that median income in state income tax, about $4,229 a year.

Home

The median home costs $2.6M, pricier than almost every county in America, about 7.4 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $2,058 a month. Property tax is 0.44% of home value, roughly $4,030 a year on that median home, lower than 92% of American counties. 65% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 2.6 per 1,000 residents, lower than almost every county in America. Drug overdoses killed 18 people per 100,000 in 2024.

There are 62 active physicians in the county, about 35.8 per 10,000 people. 7.7% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 3.19 where 3.0 is national grade level, higher than 70% of American counties. 98% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Democratic by 52 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 85% 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 40°F, highs near 52 and lows near 27, colder than almost every county in America. About 20 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 46 out of 100, safer than 54% of American counties; the county has had 6 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 229 Mbps down, faster than 64% of American counties. There are 2 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 4.1 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people, 1 brewery.