Saguache
Colorado

What stands out

If you had to describe Saguache County in numbers, start here: home internet speed is in the bottom 2% of American counties (50 Mbps), the average temperature is in the bottom 3% of American counties (42°F), and winter sunshine is in the top 3% of American counties (2.2 on the USDA scale). Within Colorado it ranks 2nd of 64 counties for home internet speed, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Saguache County, Colorado. 6,454 people live here with you, so most faces are familiar. The population grew 0.9% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +73).

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 $51,946 a year, lower than 75% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $42,969. Unemployment runs 3.4%, higher than 51% of American counties. 17% of workers work from home; for the rest the average commute is 16 minutes each way.

Colorado takes 4.4% of that median income in state income tax, about $2,286 a year.

Home

The median home costs $240K, pricier than 52% of American counties, about 2.8 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $693 a month. Property tax is 0.44% of home value, roughly $733 a year on that median home, lower than 93% of American counties. 73% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 4.0 per 1,000 residents, higher than 60% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 29 people per 100,000 in 2024, one of the harder-hit counties in the country.

A child born here can expect to live 78.6 years, longer than 81% of American counties. There are 5 active physicians in the county, about 7.7 per 10,000 people. 15.7% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.87 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 60% of American counties. 88% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Democratic by 14 points. 67% 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 42°F, highs near 56 and lows near 27, colder than 97% of American counties. About 16 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 8 out of 100, safer than 92% of American counties; the county has had 9 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 50 Mbps down, slower than 98% of American counties. There are 5 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 1.0 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people, 1 National Park Service site.