Huerfano County
CO · Pop. 6,946 · Rural County
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.
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
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
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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More counties in Colorado
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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.