Archuleta County
CO · Pop. 13,730 · Rural County
Archuleta County, Colorado covers 1,350 square miles with a population of 13,730 and a density of 10.2 people per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated weak, built on hay, haylage, garlic. The median home price is $451,000, with an effective property tax rate of 0.34%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 5b with a 93-day growing season, average summer highs of 81.5°F and average winter lows of 7.4°F. Annual rainfall averages 21 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. Pagosa Springs Medical Center is 3.8 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 77.3% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is high, wildfire risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A low effective property tax rate of 0.34% holds annual carrying costs down.
- Pagosa Springs Medical Center, with an emergency room, is just 3.8 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
- At 10.2 people per square mile, land is available with genuine space and privacy.
- A low unemployment rate of 3.7% reflects a stable local job base.
- A low poverty rate of 8.3% signals a relatively stable local economy.
Cons
- Wildfire risk is very high, requiring defensible space, fire-resistant construction, and an evacuation plan.
- A 93-day growing season limits crop diversity and calls for season-extension tools.
- Annual rainfall of just 21 inches means irrigation and water storage are core requirements.
- A median home price of $451,000 raises the cost of entry relative to more affordable rural markets.
- Broadband reaches only 77.3% of homes, a real gap for remote work or online sales.
At a glance
Archuleta County, CO is a challenging place to homestead on the data.
- Homestead score
- 38/100
- Median home price
- $451k
- Property tax
- 0.34%
- Growing season
- 93 days (zone 5b)
- Annual rainfall
- 21"
- Broadband
- 77.3%
- Nearest hospital
- Pagosa Springs Medical Center, 3.8 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Archuleta County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Archuleta County?
- Archuleta County is in USDA hardiness zone 5b with a 93-day growing season, average summer highs of 81.5°F, and average winter lows of 7.4°F. The established crops are hay, haylage, garlic.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $451,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.34%. Per-acre raw-land prices vary widely by parcel here, so check active listings for current rates.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 77.3% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Pagosa Springs Medical Center is 3.8 miles away and includes an emergency room; there is 1 hospital in the county.
Explore Colorado Resources
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LandWatch
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Lands of America
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AcreTrader
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More counties in Colorado
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The closest counties to Archuleta County by distance, including across state lines.
Data sources
Verified
Figures are sourced from public datasets: U.S. Census Bureau — ACS 5-year & Gazetteer, USDA NASS Census of Agriculture, USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals (1991–2020), FEMA National Risk Index, FCC Broadband Data Collection, BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics, HIFLD Hospitals. Always confirm specifics locally before relying on them. See our methodology for how the homestead score is calculated.
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