Ouray County
CO · Pop. 5,024 · Rural County
Ouray County, Colorado covers 541 square miles with a population of 5,024 and a density of 9.3 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 $670,000 and an effective property tax rate of 0.28% set the cost of entry. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 6a with a 91-day growing season, average summer highs of 80.3°F and average winter lows of 8.4°F. Annual rainfall averages 17 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. Montrose Memorial Hospital is 22.9 miles away, though without an in-county emergency room. Broadband reaches 74.6% of homes. On the hazard side, 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.
- At 9.3 people per square mile, land is available with genuine space and privacy.
- A low poverty rate of 5% signals a relatively stable local economy.
Cons
- Wildfire risk is very high, requiring defensible space, fire-resistant construction, and an evacuation plan.
- A 91-day growing season limits crop diversity and calls for season-extension tools.
- Annual rainfall of just 17 inches means irrigation and water storage are core requirements.
- A median home price of $670,000 raises the cost of entry relative to more affordable rural markets.
- Broadband reaches only 74.6% of homes, a real gap for remote work or online sales.
At a glance
Ouray County, CO is a challenging place to homestead on the data.
- Homestead score
- 27/100
- Median home price
- $670k
- Property tax
- 0.28%
- Growing season
- 91 days (zone 6a)
- Annual rainfall
- 17"
- Broadband
- 74.6%
- Nearest hospital
- Montrose Memorial Hospital, 22.9 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Ouray County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Ouray County?
- Ouray County is in USDA hardiness zone 6a with a 91-day growing season, average summer highs of 80.3°F, and average winter lows of 8.4°F. The established crops are hay, haylage.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $670,000 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 74.6% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Montrose Memorial Hospital is 22.9 miles away, without an in-county emergency room.
Explore Colorado Resources
Partner links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you
LandWatch
Browse rural land, farms, and ranches for sale across every state.
Lands of America
The largest listing site for rural property — farms, ranches, hunting land, and timberland.
AcreTrader
Invest in farmland online — vetted properties with passive income potential.
More counties in Colorado
All Colorado countiesNearby counties
The closest counties to Ouray 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.
Your brand here — Reach our audience of professional directory owners and boost your sales.