countyscore
43.1
County Score
Income & Jobs 94.7Property Tax 83.4Health 74.7

County Report Card

About Arapahoe County, Colorado

Arapahoe slightly below national livability

Arapahoe County scores 43.0, falling modestly below the national median of 50.0 and ranking near the 45th percentile nationally. The county's strong income and health metrics are substantially offset by severe housing affordability constraints and safety concerns.

Below Colorado average despite strengths

With a score of 43.0, Arapahoe trails Colorado's state average of 51.2, despite boasting the state's highest median household income of $97,215. The county's housing costs—with median values at $526,000—significantly compromise its overall livability rank.

Excellent income and health profiles

Arapahoe residents command a median household income of $97,215 (income score 94.7) and benefit from exceptional health outcomes with a score of 74.7. The county also maintains favorable tax conditions with an effective rate of 0.526% and good water quality scoring at 69.8.

Housing costs and safety gaps persist

Housing affordability remains critical, with a cost score of 2.9 and median home values of $526,000 creating barriers for middle-income families. Safety concerns are evident with a score of 22.1, suggesting neighborhoods where vulnerability varies significantly by location.

For affluent families prioritizing health

Arapahoe County is designed for high-earning families and professionals who can manage premium housing costs and seek excellent healthcare and educational institutions. The county's strong income and health profiles make it appealing to those for whom safety trade-offs are acceptable given economic advantages.

Score breakdown

Tax83.4Cost2.9Safety22.1Health74.7Schools41Income94.7Risk6.2Water69.8Weather37.1
🏛83.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠2.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼94.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡22.1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤74.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓41
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡6.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧69.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤37.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨40.8
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱51.5
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

Adams County
Colorado
30.4
Elbert County
Colorado
60.3
Denver County
Colorado
33.8
Morgan County
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Broomfield County
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Douglas County
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Jefferson County
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Deep Dives

Arapahoe County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Arapahoe County

via TaxByCounty

Arapahoe taxes above national norm

Arapahoe County's effective rate of 0.526% slightly exceeds the national median of 0.52%, placing it in the top 45% of U.S. counties. Despite higher home values ($526k median), the median tax of $2,767 aligns almost exactly with the national median of $2,690.

Moderate rate for Colorado

Arapahoe County's effective rate of 0.526% runs about 34% above Colorado's 0.393% average, ranking it in the upper-middle tier statewide. Its median tax of $2,767 is 77% higher than the state median of $1,560.

Pricier homes, moderate taxes

Arapahoe County homes command higher prices ($526k) than Adams County ($458k) but Arapahoe's tax rate (0.526%) is slightly lower. This makes Arapahoe a relatively better value proposition in the greater Denver metro area.

What your $526k home costs

A median-valued home in Arapahoe County at $526,000 generates approximately $2,767 in annual property taxes. With mortgage tax deductions included, your effective cost remains stable at $2,789 per year.

Appeal if assessed above market

Arapahoe County homeowners in hot markets often face inflated assessments that exceed true market value. Filing an appeal costs nothing and could save you hundreds annually if your assessed value exceeds comparable recent sales.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Arapahoe County

via CostByCounty

Denver's affluent eastern suburb

Arapahoe County households earn $97,215 on average—30% above the national median—yet spend 22.4% of income on rent, slightly above the national comfort zone. The trade-off: renters here pay $1,812/month, the second-highest among these eight counties, reflecting the Denver metro's premium.

Most expensive in Colorado analysis

Arapahoe County's median home value of $526,000 ranks it second only to Boulder County among the analyzed counties, with rents of $1,812 running 45% above Colorado's state average. Its 22.4% rent-to-income ratio exceeds the state average of 20.2%, placing it firmly in the upper tier of affordability challenges.

Premium for metro proximity

Arapahoe County rents are $559 higher than Alamosa's $904 and $259 more than Adams County's $1,713, reflecting its position in the booming Denver metro. Home values here average $526,000 versus $218,800 in Alamosa—a 141% premium that tells the story of urban versus rural Colorado.

Housing takes 22.4% of earnings

An Arapahoe County renter earning the median $97,215 annually dedicates $1,812/month to rent, while homeowners with a $1,934 monthly mortgage spend proportionally more. Together these costs mean a significant portion of household income flows to housing, even at above-average income levels.

Denver metro requires higher salary

Considering Arapahoe County? You'll need the $97,215 median income to afford the $1,812 median rent comfortably—or a housing subsidy. Compare your relocation salary carefully; this county rewards well-compensated professionals more than entry-level workers.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Arapahoe County

via IncomeByCounty

Arapahoe dominates with 30% above US

Arapahoe County's median household income of $97,215 runs 30% above the national median of $74,755, reflecting the Denver suburbs' concentration of dual-income professionals and tech workers. This top-tier performance places Arapahoe among the wealthiest suburban counties nationwide.

Colorado's 3rd highest-income county

At $97,215, Arapahoe County ranks 3rd among all Colorado counties for median household income, trailing only Boulder ($102,772) and Broomfield ($121,025). This consistent high performance reflects Arapahoe's position as a thriving Denver suburb with diverse, high-wage employment.

Wealthiest of the Denver metro core

Arapahoe's $97,215 income edges past Adams County ($91,387) and outpaces Denver County, making it the Denver metro's second-wealthiest large county. Only Broomfield's ultra-wealthy $121,025 median surpasses Arapahoe in the immediate region.

Housing eats 22.4% despite high values

With a median home value of $526,000 and a 22.4% rent-to-income ratio, Arapahoe households achieve strong affordability relative to their high incomes. The county's prosperity allows most families to comfortably afford housing while maintaining savings for other goals.

Prime market for aggressive wealth building

Arapahoe County's $97,215 median income and efficient 22.4% housing cost ratio create ideal conditions for aggressive retirement saving, investment diversification, and real estate accumulation. Consider maximizing 401(k) contributions, exploring index fund investing, and building a real estate portfolio to leverage Arapahoe's strong economic fundamentals.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Arapahoe County

via CrimeByCounty

Arapahoe County Outperforms National Standards

Arapahoe County maintains a total crime rate of 1,999.4 per 100,000, which is lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This performance earns the county a strong safety score of 96.8.

Aligning With Colorado Safety Norms

The county's safety score of 96.8 nearly mirrors the statewide average of 97.1. Data from 11 reporting agencies shows a consistent level of protection across this diverse suburban area.

Safer Than Metro Neighbors

Arapahoe is significantly safer than neighboring Adams County, which has a much higher crime rate of 8,981.1. It also maintains a lower total crime rate than nearby Boulder County.

Low Violent Crime Rates

Violent crime is remarkably low at 174.2 per 100,000, while property crime sits at 1,825.2. Most reported incidents involve non-violent property offenses rather than person-to-person threats.

Staying Vigilant in Arapahoe

Maintain your home's safety by installing video doorbells to track deliveries and visitors. While the area is generally safe, preventing crimes of opportunity remains a smart priority.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Arapahoe County

via HealthByCounty

Arapahoe leads on life expectancy and health

At 79.1 years, Arapahoe County residents live slightly longer than the U.S. average of 79.3 years, and only 14.2% report poor or fair health—well below the national average of 16.7%. This strong performance reflects one of Colorado's healthier communities with good healthcare access and preventive care uptake.

Arapahoe outperforms Colorado's health average

Arapahoe's 79.1-year life expectancy exceeds Colorado's 78.2-year state average, positioning it among the healthiest counties in Colorado. With a 9.8% uninsured rate, Arapahoe is nearly aligned with the state average of 9.7%, meaning most residents have healthcare coverage.

Arapahoe beats Adams and Denver metro peers

Arapahoe's 79.1-year life expectancy and 14.2% poor/fair health rate significantly outpace Adams County (76.9 years, 19.1%), demonstrating the healthcare divide across Denver's suburbs. Arapahoe's 83 primary care providers per 100K exceed most surrounding counties, supporting better preventive care and chronic disease management.

Strong providers support good health outcomes

Arapahoe has 83 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, enabling shorter wait times and more consistent preventive care than lower-density counties. Combined with 503 mental health providers per 100K and a 9.8% uninsured rate, Arapahoe's healthcare infrastructure supports its above-average life expectancy and health ratings.

Most Arapahoe residents stay covered

With 9.8% uninsured—just slightly above the state average—most Arapahoe families have healthcare access, but nearly 1 in 10 still lack coverage. If you're uninsured, Colorado's marketplace offers competitive plans and subsidies at CoverColorado.com.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Arapahoe County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Premier Hub for Public Education

Arapahoe County hosts a vast network of 163 public schools, including 97 elementary and 27 high schools. Over 105,000 students fill these classrooms, managed by 6 specialized school districts.

Above Average Performance and Funding

The county's 83.7% graduation rate beats the Colorado average of 83.1%. Spending is also relatively high at $7,976 per pupil, surpassing the state average of $7,447 and contributing to a strong school score of 52.3.

The Power of Cherry Creek Schools

Cherry Creek School District is the largest entity, serving 52,392 students across 70 campuses. Charter options are also prevalent, with 16 charter schools making up nearly 10% of the county's educational options.

Urban Scale with Large-Enrollment High Schools

Education here is heavily urbanized with 102 city-based schools and an average size of 646 students. Cherry Creek High School is the county's flagship institution, supporting a massive population of 3,797 students.

Competitive Markets Near Elite Districts

Real estate in Arapahoe is frequently driven by the reputation of the Cherry Creek and Littleton districts. Families often prioritize homes in these zones to secure placement in high-capacity, well-funded schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Arapahoe County

via RiskByCounty

Arapahoe County faces one of Colorado's highest risks

Arapahoe County scores 93.80 on the composite risk scale, among the highest in the state and well above national averages, indicating relatively moderate but substantial multi-hazard exposure. This score reflects acute vulnerabilities to tornadoes, flooding, and other major disaster types.

Among the riskiest counties in Colorado overall

With a composite score of 93.80 versus Colorado's state average of 40.67, Arapahoe faces more than double typical statewide hazard exposure. Only Boulder and Adams counties rival its elevated disaster risk profile.

Arapahoe leads metro Denver in disaster risk

Arapahoe's 93.80 score significantly exceeds Adams (91.19) to the north and outpaces Broomfield (34.70) dramatically, making it the highest-risk county in the immediate Denver region. This elevated exposure reflects geographic and demographic factors that concentrate hazard vulnerability.

Tornadoes and floods dominate the hazard landscape

Tornado risk of 97.23 ranks as the single greatest threat, with flooding close behind at 92.53—both among Colorado's highest recorded scores. Wildfire exposure (84.70) and earthquake risk (85.50) further compound the county's multi-layered vulnerability.

Comprehensive coverage is non-negotiable here

Arapahoe residents must carry both flood insurance (covering the 92.53 risk score) and understand tornado shelter options, as standard homeowner policies exclude both hazards. Earthquake coverage should also be considered given the 85.50 risk level, making multi-peril protection essential.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Arapahoe County

via WeatherByCounty

Arapahoe: Urban heat on the plains

Arapahoe County averages 50.8°F annually, running 4.8 degrees warmer than the U.S. median of 46°F. The county's semi-arid climate and Denver metro location create a warm, dry environment, though detailed precipitation records are limited.

Colorado's warmest tier

At 50.8°F, Arapahoe ranks among Colorado's warmest counties, sitting 4.8 degrees above the state average of 46°F. This reflects its Front Range elevation and the urban heat-island effect from the Denver metropolitan area.

Metro core shapes temperature

Arapahoe (50.8°F) nearly matches adjacent Adams County (50.7°F) and runs significantly warmer than surrounding mountain counties like Boulder (44°F). The metro sprawl creates a distinct warm corridor across the northern Front Range.

Hot summers, quick winters

Summer temperatures average 70.6°F while winters drop to 32.7°F, with 47 days per year reaching 90°F or higher. January averages 32.1°F, and while annual snowfall data is limited, winter precipitation is moderate by plains standards.

Cool homes, lighter winter prep

With 47 annual extreme heat days, air conditioning is essential and high-efficiency systems save significantly on summer costs. Winter demands solid heating but is less severe than mountain counties; water-efficient landscaping suits the dry climate.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Arapahoe County

via SoilByCounty

Arapahoe’s Young and Balanced Soils

Arapahoe County’s soil belongs to the Entisol order and holds a strong soil score of 40.8. Its pH of 6.73 is remarkably close to the national median of 6.5 and much less alkaline than the state average of 7.29.

Balanced Texture for Versatility

The composition is a mix of 43.6% sand and 30.5% silt, creating a versatile texture for various uses. With 19.0% clay, the soil retains nutrients better than sandier neighbors while maintaining decent workability.

Reliable Water Storage Capacity

Organic matter measures 1.54%, which is lower than the national 2.0% benchmark. However, the available water capacity of 0.140 in/in slightly exceeds the state average, providing a reliable moisture reservoir for local plants.

Well-Drained but Runoff-Prone

The soil is classified as well-drained, yet it falls into hydrologic group D, which implies high runoff potential when the ground is saturated. This means water moves through the profile effectively but may struggle to soak in during heavy storms.

Bountiful Options in Zone 6a

Within USDA Hardiness Zone 6a, this soil supports a wide variety of temperate garden favorites. Homeowners can find great success with everything from ornamental grasses to high-yielding vegetable beds with minimal amendment.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Arapahoe County

via LawnByCounty

Arapahoe Leads the State Average

Arapahoe County boasts a lawn difficulty score of 51.5, making it easier to maintain turf here than in most of Colorado. This Zone 6a region offers a slightly more hospitable environment for traditional green lawns than its neighbors.

Heat Challenges in Suburbia

Forty-seven extreme heat days per year put significant stress on cool-season grasses during the summer months. With 2,800 growing degree days, lawns grow vigorously, but consistent monitoring is required to prevent heat dormancy.

Well Drained and Balanced Soil

The soil is classified as well-drained with a healthy 6.73 pH, which is ideal for nutrient absorption. The texture is variable, but the 19.0% clay and 43.6% sand mix generally provides a stable foundation for root development.

Surviving Thirty-Two Weeks of Drought

Severe drought currently impacts 40.8% of the county, following 32 weeks of drought conditions over the past year. Water-saving measures like cycle-and-soak irrigation help moisture penetrate the soil deeper to sustain lawns through dry spells.

Timing Your Arapahoe Lawn

Kentucky Bluegrass remains the local favorite, with the best planting window opening after May 7th and closing before October 8th. These frost dates provide a reliable season for establishing sod or repairing patches in the fall.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Arapahoe County's county score?
Arapahoe County, Colorado has a composite county score of 43.1 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 Arapahoe County rank among counties in Colorado?
Arapahoe County ranks #45 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 Arapahoe County, Colorado?
The median annual property tax in Arapahoe County is $2,767, with an effective tax rate of 0.53%. This earns Arapahoe County a tax score of 83.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Arapahoe County?
The median household income in Arapahoe County, Colorado is $97,215 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Arapahoe County earns an income score of 94.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Arapahoe County, Colorado a good place to live?
Arapahoe County scores 43.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #45 in Colorado. The best way to evaluate Arapahoe 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 Arapahoe County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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