Lake County
CO · Pop. 7,411 · Rural County
Lake County is a rural county in Colorado, spanning 377 square miles with 7,411 residents at a density of 19.7 people per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated weak, built on hay. The median home price is $401,000, with an effective property tax rate of 0.38%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 5a with a 42-day growing season, average summer highs of 67.6°F and average winter lows of 4.2°F. Annual rainfall averages 12.5 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. St Vincent General Hospital District is 3.7 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 77% of homes.
Pros
- A low effective property tax rate of 0.38% holds annual carrying costs down.
- St Vincent General Hospital District, with an emergency room, is just 3.7 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
- At 19.7 people per square mile, land is available with genuine space and privacy.
- A low unemployment rate of 3.5% reflects a stable local job base.
- A low poverty rate of 7.2% signals a relatively stable local economy.
Cons
- A 42-day growing season limits crop diversity and calls for season-extension tools.
- Annual rainfall of just 12.5 inches means irrigation and water storage are core requirements.
- A median home price of $401,000 raises the cost of entry relative to more affordable rural markets.
- Broadband reaches only 77% of homes, a real gap for remote work or online sales.
- Average winter lows of 4.2°F demand serious cold-weather infrastructure for livestock and water systems.
At a glance
Lake County, CO is a mixed homesteading prospect — weigh the tradeoffs.
- Homestead score
- 52/100
- Median home price
- $401k
- Property tax
- 0.38%
- Growing season
- 42 days (zone 5a)
- Annual rainfall
- 12.5"
- Broadband
- 77%
- Nearest hospital
- St Vincent General Hospital District, 3.7 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Lake County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Lake County?
- Lake County is in USDA hardiness zone 5a with a 42-day growing season, average summer highs of 67.6°F, and average winter lows of 4.2°F. The established crops are hay.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $401,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.38%. County-level per-acre prices aren't published, so compare current local listings for raw land.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 77% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- St Vincent General Hospital District is 3.7 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 Lake 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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