Demographics

As of 2022, Summit County, CO, had a population of approximately 30,970. The median age was 39.2 years; 54% were male and 46% were female. Racially, the population was 81% White, 15% Hispanic or Latino, 1.3% Asian, and 0.6% Black or African American, with 2.1% identifying as two or more races.

Education, Employment and Housing

Summit County, CO has 8 public schools, including 1 high school (Summit High), serving about 3,400 students. Around 46% of adult residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Summit High’s graduation rate is approximately 85%, and the district's average test scores are above state average. School safety is a priority, with regular drills and resource officers. Popular educational programs include bilingual education and STEM initiatives. The county also offers adult education and community college courses, supporting lifelong learning.

As of 2023, Summit County, CO boasts an employment rate of approximately 74%. Key industries include Accommodation & Food Services (25%), Retail Trade (13%), and Arts, Entertainment & Recreation (11%). Leading occupation types are Sales & Related (16%) and Food Preparation & Serving (15%). About 82% of employees work within the county, while 18% commute, mainly to Eagle and Lake counties. The median commute time is 18 minutes, notably shorter than the national average.

Summit County, CO, features a median home value of around $920,000 as of 2024. Homeownership rate is approximately 65%, with median monthly rent near $2,900. Property values have steadily increased by about 5% annually, driven by limited supply. Housing options include single-family homes, condos, and townhomes, concentrated in neighborhoods like Breckenridge, Frisco, and Silverthorne. Residential property tax rates average 0.45%, meaning annual taxes on a median-priced home are roughly $4,140. The area is popular with both year-round residents and short-term renters due to seasonal resort activity.

Elections

As of 2024, Summit County, Colorado has approximately 23,400 registered voters. The county participates in general, primary, municipal, and special elections, typically seeing turnout rates above 75% in presidential years. In 2022, Democrats received 67% of the countywide vote, Republicans 30%, and other parties 3%. Voting is mostly by mail-in ballot, with in-person polling locations in Frisco, Breckenridge, Dillon, and Silverthorne. Key issues include housing affordability and environmental preservation. Elections are administered by the Summit County Clerk & Recorder’s Office, and ballots may be dropped at five official drop-box locations countywide.

County Crime & Safety

Summit County, CO, generally reports lower crime rates compared to national averages. In 2022, the property crime rate was approximately 1,280 incidents per 100,000 residents, while violent crime was notably low at 125 per 100,000. Towns like Breckenridge and Frisco maintain robust police presence and active community safety programs. The Summit County Sheriff’s Office, along with local police, encourage prompt crime reporting, contributing to high case clearance rates. Overall, safety levels remain high but residents are advised to secure personal property and stay informed about seasonal trends, especially during busy tourist periods.