Chaffee County, Colorado
10 ZIP codes · Avg score 55/100 · Grade C · Updated 2026-06-03
Unlike top-rated counties, Chaffee County's 10 ZIP codes carry a fair number of documented violations — chlorine compliance and disinfection byproduct limits are the categories most often cited in recent data.
How Chaffee County Compares
How Chaffee County Compares
Chaffee County scores 5 points below the Colorado state average (60/100) and 13 points below the national average (68/100).
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
ZIP Code Risk Map
Water Quality Map: Chaffee County, Colorado
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Key Risk Factors
Health risk index: 12.4 (asthma 10.9%, diabetes 10.9%)
Estimated additional annual cost per homeowner: $669, driven primarily by energy_code_gap
Infrastructure: 0.33% avg pipe failure probability, 11% of ZIPs at high risk
47% of homes built before 1978 (lead paint era)
Violation History (2023–2024)
→ Stable trendEPA violation counts by year across Chaffee County water systems. Health-based shown in red, total in blue.
Peak year: 2024 with 3 violations. Past 5 years: 4 total (4 health-based).
Source: EPA SDWIS historical violations. Data may lag 6–12 months for the most recent year.
County Health Indicators vs National Average
Black markers indicate national averages. Source: CDC PLACES, Census ACS.
Infrastructure Overview
Sources: Census ACS (housing age), EPA SDWIS (infrastructure risk model), state bridge inspection data.
Compound Risk Breakdown
Estimated additional annual cost per homeowner: $669
Bar widths proportional to share of total annual risk cost. Source: compound risk model (FEMA, EPA, USGS).
Housing Age Distribution
13,323 housing units in Chaffee County
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034 (Year Structure Built).
Water Safety Affordability
How much it costs to fix water issues relative to home values in Chaffee County
Remediation costs are relatively manageable for most homeowners in Chaffee County, representing a small fraction of property value.
Remediation includes water filtration, lead abatement, radon mitigation, and flood protection where applicable. Source: Census ACS, EPA SDWIS.
Health Outcomes vs National Average
CDC PLACES data for Chaffee County residents
Black markers = national averages. Red = above national avg. Green = below. Source: CDC PLACES, Census ACS.
Water Systems with Most Violations
Top 5 systems in Chaffee County ranked by EPA violation count.
| # | Water System | Population | Violations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | City of Salida | 5,666 | 35 |
| 2 | Mountain Vista Village | 100 | 33 |
| 3 | Eastside Mhp | 40 | 33 |
| 4 | BUENA VISTA TOWN OF | 3,776 | 5 |
| 5 | Buena Vista Correctional Facility | 1,700 | 5 |
13 total water systems serve Chaffee County.
All ZIP Codes in Chaffee County
10 ZIP codes tracked in Chaffee County.
| # | ZIP Code | City | Safety Score | Grade | Violations | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 81201 | Salida | 69 | C | 33 (1 health) | $632K |
| 2 | 81211 | Buena Vista | 68 | C | 5 | $566K |
| 3 | 81242 | Poncha Springs | 66 | C | 2 (1 health) | $479K |
| 4 | 81236 | Nathrop | 63 | C | 3 | $656K |
| 5 | 80449 | Hartsel | 53 | D | 0 | $412K |
| 6 | 81222 | Coaldale | 53 | D | 0 | $336K |
| 7 | 81233 | Howard | 53 | D | 0 | $387K |
| 8 | 81227 | Monarch | 40 | D | 0 | — |
| 9 | 81228 | Granite | 40 | D | 0 | — |
| 10 | 81248 | Sargents | 40 | D | 0 | — |
Recommended Buyer Guides for Chaffee County
Filtered against federal data, fitted to local risks.
- Best Radon Test Kits — EPA Radon Zone 1 (highest risk) dominant in county
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Chaffee County, Colorado
Overview
Chaffee County in Colorado covers 10 ZIP codes with an average Home Safety Score of C (55/100).
4 of 10 ZIP codes have recorded EPA violations. 2 health-based violations have been documented.
← Back to Colorado water quality report
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Home values: U.S. Census Bureau ACS (median estimates by ZCTA)
Updated daily.