countyscore
30.4
County Score
Income & Jobs 92.6Property Tax 73.8Water Quality 60.4

County Report Card

About Adams County, Colorado

Adams lags national livability median

Adams County's composite score of 30.4 falls well below the national median of 50.0, placing it in the bottom 30th percentile nationally. The county faces significant headwinds across multiple livability dimensions that offset its stronger tax and income profiles.

Below average for Colorado overall

With a score of 30.4, Adams ranks below Colorado's state average of 51.2, indicating weaker livability conditions compared to most other Colorado counties. This gap reflects particular challenges in housing affordability and public safety that distinguish the county within the state.

Strong income and low tax burden

Adams residents earn a median household income of $91,387—well above state norms—and benefit from a low effective tax rate of 0.604%, earning an income score of 92.6 and tax score of 73.8. These economic strengths make the county attractive for working professionals seeking favorable tax treatment.

Housing costs and safety lag significantly

Housing affordability poses the county's most severe challenge, with a cost score of just 3.6 and median home values reaching $458,400 on median incomes of $91,387. Public safety concerns are also acute, with a safety score of 0.6 indicating substantial vulnerability in this dimension.

For high earners willing to invest

Adams County suits affluent workers and established professionals who can absorb high housing costs and prioritize income stability and tax efficiency over safety and community services. The county's low livability score suggests potential trade-offs for newcomers without strong financial cushions.

Score breakdown

Tax73.8Cost3.6Safety0.6Health51.1Schools19.9Income92.6Risk8.8Water60.4Weather35.6
🏛73.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠3.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼92.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡0.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤51.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓19.9
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡8.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧60.4
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤35.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨31.4
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱47.6
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

Arapahoe County
Colorado
43.1
Elbert County
Colorado
60.3
Denver County
Colorado
33.8
Morgan County
Colorado
37.9
Broomfield County
Colorado
45.5
Douglas County
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47.8
Weld County
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Jefferson County
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40

Deep Dives

Adams County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Adams County

via TaxByCounty

Adams taxes rank high nationally

Adams County's effective tax rate of 0.604% significantly exceeds the national median of 0.52%, placing it in the top 25% of U.S. counties by burden. The median property tax here is $2,770, slightly above the national median of $2,690, despite homes being pricier than average.

Highest rate in Colorado

Adams County has the highest effective property tax rate among Colorado's 64 counties at 0.604%, nearly 54% above the state average of 0.393%. Its median tax of $2,770 is 78% higher than Colorado's median of $1,560.

Outpaces metro neighbors

Adams County's 0.604% rate far exceeds Arapahoe County (0.526%) and Boulder County (0.535%), despite similar home values in the Denver metro region. Only Broomfield County (0.616%) taxes at a higher rate in the immediate area.

What your $458k home costs

A median-valued home in Adams County at $458,400 generates approximately $2,770 in annual property taxes. With mortgage tax deductions, your effective cost rises to $2,902 per year.

Appeal your assessment today

Many Adams County homeowners are assessed above fair market value and could recover hundreds annually through a formal appeal. Check your assessment against recent comparable sales in your neighborhood—the appeal process is free and straightforward.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Adams County

via CostByCounty

Adams rents cost more than most

Adams County renters spend 22.5% of their income on rent, outpacing the nation's typical 22% threshold for affordability. The median household income of $91,387 is 22% higher than the national average of $74,755, yet housing costs still claim a significant share of family budgets.

Above average in Colorado's market

Adams County's 22.5% rent-to-income ratio ranks it above Colorado's state average of 20.2%, placing it among the more expensive counties statewide. While median rents of $1,713 exceed the state average of $1,253 by 37%, median home values of $458,400 reflect the county's suburban growth.

Pricier than eastern plains, cheaper than boulder

Adams County rents run $809 higher than Bent County's $854 monthly median but fall well below Boulder County's $1,893. Homeownership costs are also notably higher here at $1,874/month compared to rural neighbors like Baca County at $608/month.

Housing eats 22.5% of paychecks

An Adams County renter earning the median $91,387 annually pays $1,713 monthly in rent, while a homeowner with the median mortgage expense of $1,874 spends roughly the same. Together, these figures show renters and owners investing similar percentages of income in housing despite vastly different equity outcomes.

Denver's gateway with solid income

If you're relocating to the Denver metro area, Adams County offers above-average household incomes and suburban accessibility without the premium prices of central Denver. Compare your salary expectations here—$91,387 median—against the $1,713 monthly rent before making your move.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Adams County

via IncomeByCounty

Adams earns well above US average

Adams County's median household income of $91,387 runs 22% ahead of the national median of $74,755, placing it solidly in the upper-middle tier nationally. This strong performance reflects the county's proximity to Denver's job market and growing suburban workforce.

Ranked 6th richest in Colorado

Among Colorado's 64 counties, Adams ranks 6th for median household income at $91,387—well above the state average of $74,792. This positions Adams as a high-income county, though it trails the Denver metro's wealthiest communities.

Outpaces peers in Denver metro

Adams's $91,387 median household income edges ahead of Denver County and slightly trails Arapahoe County's $97,215. Among metro neighbors, only Boulder and Broomfield counties command higher median incomes than Adams.

Rent takes manageable 22.5% of income

At a 22.5% rent-to-income ratio, Adams County households allocate a healthy share of earnings to housing while staying below the 30% affordability threshold. With median home values at $458,400, homeownership requires discipline but remains within reach for median-income families.

Strong income foundation for wealth building

Adams County's $91,387 median household income provides a solid platform for saving and investing, especially when housing costs consume under 23% of earnings. Consider maximizing retirement accounts, building emergency savings, and exploring real estate investment as wealth-building strategies in this appreciating market.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Adams County

via CrimeByCounty

Adams County Faces Elevated Crime Rates

Adams County reports a total crime rate of 8,981.1 per 100,000 residents, nearly quadruple the national average of 2,385.5. This high incident frequency results in a safety score of 85.8 out of 100, reflecting significant security challenges.

Safety Below the Colorado Average

The county's safety score of 85.8 falls well behind the Colorado state average of 97.1. Ten different law enforcement agencies provide data, revealing a safety profile that is more volatile than the state as a whole.

Regional Safety Disparity

Adams County sees much higher crime activity than neighboring Arapahoe County, where the rate is just 1,999.4 per 100,000. This disparity highlights localized safety issues within the northern Denver metropolitan area.

Property Crime Drives Local Figures

Property crimes reach 7,603.6 per 100,000, dwarfing the violent crime rate of 1,377.5. These numbers indicate that theft and burglary represent the primary safety concerns for residents.

Securing Your Adams County Property

Enhanced home security is essential given the high rate of property-related offenses. Residents should install smart locks and motion-activated lighting to discourage potential intruders.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Adams County

via HealthByCounty

Adams life expectancy lags behind nation

At 76.9 years, Adams County residents live about 2.5 years shorter than the U.S. average of 79.3 years. Nearly 1 in 5 Adams residents (19.1%) report poor or fair health, compared to the national average of 16.7%, signaling higher rates of chronic disease and health challenges across the county.

Adams ranks below Colorado's health average

Adams County's 76.9-year life expectancy falls 1.3 years short of Colorado's 78.2-year state average, placing it in the lower half of Colorado counties. The county's 11.4% uninsured rate also exceeds the state average of 9.7%, meaning more Adams residents lack health coverage than typical Coloradans.

Adams trails metro Denver health leaders

Arapahoe County, just east of Adams, boasts a 79.1-year life expectancy and 14.2% poor/fair health rate—both significantly better than Adams's 76.9 years and 19.1%. Adams has fewer primary care providers (52 per 100K) than Arapahoe (83 per 100K), suggesting access gaps in the county's healthcare infrastructure.

One in nine Adams residents lacks insurance

Adams County's 11.4% uninsured rate means roughly 47,000 residents likely skip preventive care due to cost. With only 52 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, wait times for appointments stretch longer here than in better-resourced counties, forcing many to rely on emergency rooms instead of routine check-ups.

Check your coverage options today

If you're among the 11.4% of Adams residents without health insurance, Colorado's marketplace and Medicaid expansion make coverage more affordable than ever. Visit Colorado.gov/HCPF or CoverColorado.com to explore plans that fit your budget and family's needs.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Adams County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Robust Urban-Suburban Educational Network

Adams County maintains a massive infrastructure of 166 public schools, including 93 elementary and 31 high schools. A total of 87,473 students are enrolled across 10 different school districts, reflecting the county's significant scale.

Tracking Progress Against State Standards

The county's graduation rate of 81.2% trails the state average of 83.1% and the national benchmark of 87.0%. With per-pupil expenditure at $6,571, investment levels sit below the Colorado average of $7,447 and the national median of $13,000.

Large Districts and Charter Diversity

Aurora Joint District No. 28 and Adams 12 Five Star Schools are the largest providers, serving over 73,000 students combined. The county also offers 24 charter schools, which account for roughly 14.5% of the total school landscape.

Suburban Focus with High-Capacity Campuses

Most students attend one of the 116 suburban schools, where the average enrollment is 527 students. Horizon High School and Westminster High School lead the county in size, each supporting over 2,020 students.

Establishing Roots Near Major Districts

Families often target homes within the Adams 12 Five Star district to access established school communities. Prioritizing proximity to high-performing campuses like Horizon High can be a vital factor in local real estate decisions.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Adams County

via RiskByCounty

Adams faces moderate disaster risk nationwide

Adams County scores 91.19 on the composite risk scale, placing it well above the national average and indicating relatively moderate overall hazard exposure. This score reflects significant vulnerabilities across multiple disaster types, from tornadoes to earthquakes, making preparedness essential for residents.

Adams ranks among Colorado's riskiest counties

With a composite risk score of 91.19 compared to Colorado's state average of 40.67, Adams County faces more than double the typical hazard risk for the state. Only a handful of Colorado counties experience comparable disaster exposure.

Higher risk than surrounding metro area counties

Adams County's 91.19 score substantially exceeds Broomfield County (34.70) to the north and significantly outpaces many rural neighbors. Among the Denver metro region, Adams stands out for its elevated multi-hazard profile.

Tornadoes and floods lead Adams' hazards

Tornadoes pose the greatest threat with a risk score of 93.45, followed closely by flooding at 87.21—both among the highest in the state. Earthquakes (84.38) and wildfires (80.95) add layers of vulnerability that require year-round awareness.

Secure coverage against multiple hazard types

Adams residents should prioritize flood insurance beyond standard homeowner policies, as the county's 87.21 flood risk far exceeds typical coverage. Given tornado exposure of 93.45, reinforcing safe rooms and understanding shelter options is equally critical for family safety.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Adams County

via WeatherByCounty

Adams: Warmer than the nation's middle

Adams County averages 50.7°F annually, running 4.7 degrees warmer than the U.S. median of 46°F. The county sits in a semi-arid climate zone, receiving 15.0 inches of precipitation per year—below the national average of 38 inches—making it drier and more temperature-driven than most American counties.

Warmest counties in Colorado

At 50.7°F, Adams ranks among Colorado's warmest counties, sitting 4.7 degrees above the state average of 46°F. This elevation and latitude advantage makes Adams substantially warmer than mountain counties while staying cooler than the state's high-plains extremes.

Metro sprawl shapes regional climate

Adams County (50.7°F) runs warmer than neighboring Boulder County (44°F) and slightly cooler than Arapahoe County (50.8°F), reflecting its Front Range location. The county's proximity to Denver's urban heat island and lower elevation than western neighbors creates a distinct mid-range climate for the region.

Hot summers, cold snowy winters

Summer temperatures average 71.5°F while winters drop to 31.2°F, with 50 days per year hitting 90°F or higher. The county receives 40.7 inches of snow annually, creating a genuine four-season climate with meaningful winter precipitation.

Plan cooling and winter readiness

Residents should budget for robust air conditioning—50 extreme heat days annually demand reliable HVAC systems and summer cooling strategies. Winter snow management and adequately insulated heating systems are equally critical, with 40+ inches of annual snowfall and winter lows around 31°F.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Adams County

via SoilByCounty

Adams County’s Balanced pH Profile

Adams County features a pH of 6.91, which is notably closer to the national median of 6.5 than the Colorado state average of 7.29. The county’s soil score of 31.4 aligns almost perfectly with the state average of 31.3.

A Sandy Foundation for Growth

The soil is 50.0% sand, providing excellent aeration for root systems in a semi-arid climate. This high sand content, combined with 16.7% clay and 25.7% silt, suggests a soil that is easy to work but drains rapidly.

Managing Organic Matter Deficits

Organic matter sits at 1.41%, trailing both the state average of 2.18% and the national average of 2.0%. The available water capacity of 0.126 in/in also indicates these fields hold slightly less moisture than the typical Colorado soil.

Limited Data on Hydrologic Flow

While specific drainage and taxonomic data are limited for this region, the high sand percentage generally suggests fast percolation. Urban developers and farmers should test local plots to confirm specific site hydrology before construction.

Thriving in Hardiness Zone 6a

Adams County sits in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a, offering a robust growing window for local gardeners. Focus on hardy vegetables and drought-resistant perennials to make the most of this sandy, well-aerated landscape.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Adams County

via LawnByCounty

Navigating Average Difficulty in Adams County

Adams County earns a 47.6 lawn difficulty score, which is slightly more challenging than the national median of 50.0 but easier than the Colorado average of 37.4. Homeowners manage turf in a USDA Zone 6a environment that requires specific attention to high-altitude sun exposure.

Watering Through Fifty Heat Days

With only 15.0 inches of annual precipitation compared to the 30-50 inches lawns prefer, irrigation is a constant necessity. The county faces 50 extreme heat days per year, making mowing and watering schedules critical during the peak growing degree day total of 2,938.

Ideal pH for Nutrient Uptake

The soil pH sits at a near-perfect 6.91, falling right within the ideal 6.0 to 7.0 range for most grass species. The ground is composed of 50.0% sand and 16.7% clay, providing a decent base that benefits from added organic matter.

Managing Severe Drought Conditions

Currently, 47.0% of the county experiences severe drought, and the region has endured 22 weeks of drought over the past year. To conserve water, residents should aerate frequently and maintain a higher grass height to protect soil moisture.

Planning Your Zone 6a Lawn

Kentucky Bluegrass and Tall Fescue are top choices for this climate, thriving if established between the May 3rd last frost and October 7th first frost. Start your seeding projects in late summer to allow roots to take hold before the winter freeze.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Adams County's county score?
Adams County, Colorado has a composite county score of 30.4 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Adams County rank among counties in Colorado?
Adams County ranks #64 among all counties in Colorado on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Adams County, Colorado?
The median annual property tax in Adams County is $2,770, with an effective tax rate of 0.60%. This earns Adams County a tax score of 73.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Adams County?
The median household income in Adams County, Colorado is $91,387 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Adams County earns an income score of 92.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Adams County, Colorado a good place to live?
Adams County scores 30.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #64 in Colorado. The best way to evaluate Adams County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Adams County with other counties side by side.

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Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.