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Huerfano County

CO · Pop. 6,946 · Rural County

57/100Homestead Score

Huerfano County, Colorado covers 1,591 square miles with a population of 6,946 and a density of 4.4 people per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated weak, built on hay, haylage. A median home price of $257,000 and an effective property tax rate of 0.28% set the cost of entry. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 6a with a 146-day growing season, average summer highs of 84.3°F and average winter lows of 19.9°F. Annual rainfall averages 18 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. Spanish Peaks Regional Health Center is 9.3 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 72.7% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is high, wildfire risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.

Property Tax: 0.28%
Growing Season: 146 days
Broadband: 72.7%
Density: 4.4/sq mi

Pros

  • A low effective property tax rate of 0.28% holds annual carrying costs down.
  • Spanish Peaks Regional Health Center, with an emergency room, is just 9.3 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
  • At 4.4 people per square mile, land is available with genuine space and privacy.

Cons

  • Wildfire risk is very high, requiring defensible space, fire-resistant construction, and an evacuation plan.
  • A 146-day growing season limits crop diversity and calls for season-extension tools.
  • Annual rainfall of just 18 inches means irrigation and water storage are core requirements.
  • Broadband reaches only 72.7% of homes, a real gap for remote work or online sales.
  • The agricultural economy is rated weak, so local farm markets, suppliers, and services are limited.

At a glance

Huerfano County, CO is a solid homesteading option with some tradeoffs.

Homestead score
57/100
Median home price
$257k
Property tax
0.28%
Growing season
146 days (zone 6a)
Annual rainfall
18"
Broadband
72.7%
Nearest hospital
Spanish Peaks Regional Health Center, 9.3 mi

Taxes & Cost of Living

Property Tax Rate0.28%
Median Household Income$52,139
Poverty Rate17.5%

Land & Building

Median Home Price$257K

Climate & Growing

USDA Zone6a
Growing Season146 days
Annual Rainfall18 inches
Avg Summer High84.3°F
Avg Winter Low19.9°F
Top CropsHay, Haylage

Natural Disaster Risk

Drought3/10
Wildfire9/10
Tornado2/10
Flood5/10

Healthcare

Nearest HospitalSpanish Peaks Regional Health Center (9.3 mi)
Emergency RoomYes
Healthcare Facilities1

Infrastructure & Community

Broadband Coverage72.7%

Business & Employment

Unemployment Rate6.6%
Ag EconomyWeak

Homesteading in Huerfano County: FAQ

What is the growing season like in Huerfano County?
Huerfano County is in USDA hardiness zone 6a with a 146-day growing season, average summer highs of 84.3°F, and average winter lows of 19.9°F. The established crops are hay, haylage.
How affordable is land and property here?
The median home price is $257,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.28%. County-level per-acre prices aren't published, so compare current local listings for raw land.
Is broadband internet available?
Broadband reaches 72.7% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
How close is healthcare?
Spanish Peaks Regional Health Center is 9.3 miles away and includes an emergency room; there is 1 hospital in the county.

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Nearby counties

The closest counties to Huerfano 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.