San Miguel County Public RecordsColorado

San Miguel County, CO, has 6 public schools serving K-12, including Telluride High School, which ranks among the top 10% in the state with a graduation rate of 98%. Approximately 56% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, well above the national average. The student-teacher ratio averages 12:1, and school safety measures are robust, with zero major incidents reported in recent years. Diverse educational programs—such as AP, STEM, and arts—are available. Overall, schools receive an average GreatSchools rating of 7 out of 10, reflecting strong academic performance and community involvement.

San Miguel County, CO, had an unemployment rate of approximately 2.4% in 2023. Major employment sectors include accommodation and food services (28%), construction (15%), and arts, entertainment, and recreation (14%). Most common occupations are in food preparation and serving (19%), management (13%), and construction/extraction (10%). Roughly 69% of workers live and work within the county, while about 31% commute from neighboring counties. The average commute time is 15 minutes, reflecting the county’s rural and tourism-driven economy centered around Telluride.

San Miguel County, CO, with a median home value around $1.1 million (2023), features high property prices, especially in Telluride. Homeownership rate is near 60%, while median gross rent averages $1,600/month. The market shows sustained demand and rising values, though price growth has moderately slowed. Housing options include condos, single-family homes, and luxury properties, concentrated in Telluride, Mountain Village, and Norwood. Property taxes are relatively low, averaging 0.31% of assessed value. Short-term rentals are common in resort areas, impacting availability and affordability for locals.

San Miguel County, Colorado, had 6,981 registered voters as of 2023, with affiliations roughly 47% Democratic, 18% Republican, and 35% Unaffiliated. The county holds general, primary, and coordinated elections, with 2022 turnout at 74%. In recent general elections, Democratic candidates have overwhelmingly won; for example, Biden received 75% of the 2020 vote. Polling locations include County Clerk’s offices in Telluride and Norwood, plus multiple ballot drop boxes. Major issues include affordable housing and climate policy. Elections are managed by the County Clerk and Recorder, with administration adhering to Colorado’s mail-in voting system.

As of 2022, San Miguel County, Colorado, has a population of approximately 8,085. The median age is about 41.3 years. The gender split is nearly even, with 50.4% male and 49.6% female. Racially, the population is 87.7% White, 7.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Asian, 0.2% Black or African American, 0.7% Native American, and 2.8% identifying with two or more races.

San Miguel County, CO, maintains a relatively low crime rate compared to national averages. According to recent FBI data, the overall crime rate is about 15.6 crimes per 1,000 residents annually. Violent crimes, such as assault and robbery, are rare, averaging 1.2 per 1,000 people, while property crimes, including burglary and theft, stand at approximately 14.4 per 1,000. The county emphasizes strong community policing and encourages public reporting, with over 90% of incidents resolved or documented. This proactive approach supports a strong sense of safety for residents and visitors.