Colorado
Texas

What stands out

Against every county in America, Colorado County is unusual in three ways: the average temperature is in the top 2% of American counties (72°F), the uninsured rate is in the top 4% of American counties (20.7%), and home internet speed is in the bottom 8% of American counties (83 Mbps). Within Texas it ranks 38th of 254 counties for the average temperature.

Where you are

You live in Colorado County, Texas. 20,582 people live here with you. The population grew 1.4% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +271).

Texas has no income tax and no estate tax, and its constitution prohibits an income tax without a statewide vote. Property taxes are among the highest in the country and are the main source of local school funding; the 2023 legislature raised the homestead exemption to $100,000 to offset that. Homeowner insurance costs are high along the Gulf coast and rising statewide after hail and freeze events. The grid is independent of the rest of the country.

Money

The typical household here brings in $63,352 a year, higher than 58% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $53,442. Unemployment runs 3.5%, higher than 54% of American counties. 3% of workers work from home; for the rest the average commute is 29 minutes each way.

Texas has no state income tax, so none of that goes to the state.

Home

The median home costs $300K, pricier than 70% of American counties, about 2.4 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $911 a month. Property tax is 1.26% of home value, roughly $2,174 a year on that median home, higher than 75% of American counties. 82% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 4.0 per 1,000 residents, higher than 56% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 17 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 74.4 years, shorter than 66% of American counties. There are 24 active physicians in the county, about 11.7 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 2.0 of 5 stars. 20.7% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.96 where 3.0 is national grade level, higher than 68% of American counties. 84% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 54 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 66% of eligible voters turned out. Under Texas law you can carry a concealed handgun without a permit, abortion is banned with narrow exceptions, and marijuana is medical only.

Weather and risk

The year averages 72°F, highs near 83 and lows near 62, warmer than 98% of American counties. About 30 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 69 out of 100, riskier than 70% of American counties; the county has had 20 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 83 Mbps down, slower than 92% of American counties. There are 5 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.6 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people.