CountyScore

Arapahoe County

Colorado · CO

#62 in Colorado
60.3
County Score

County Report Card

About Arapahoe County, Colorado

Arapahoe meets national standard

Arapahoe County scores 61.4 on the composite index, just above the national median of 50.0 and ranking in the 61st percentile. While respectable, this score reflects a county balancing higher incomes against significant housing affordability challenges.

Below Colorado's typical standard

At 61.4, Arapahoe County falls below Colorado's state average of 71.8, placing it in the lower-middle range of state counties. The gap is driven primarily by housing costs that significantly outpace income and tax advantages.

Strong incomes and favorable taxes

Arapahoe County boasts an income score of 46.8 paired with a tax score of 87.5, translating to a median household income of $97,215 and an effective tax rate of 0.526%. These factors support solid earning potential and tax efficiency for families.

Housing costs outpace income

The county's cost score of 45.5 reflects median home values of $526,000 and median rent of $1,812 per month—among Colorado's priciest markets. Comprehensive data on safety, health, schools, and other quality-of-life dimensions is not yet available.

For affluent metro dwellers

Arapahoe County suits higher-earning professionals and families who can absorb steep housing costs in exchange for strong income potential and suburban proximity to Denver. This is a county for the financially comfortable, not budget seekers.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax87.5Cost45.5SafetyComing SoonHealth75.5SchoolsComing SoonIncome46.8Risk6.2WaterComing Soon
🏛87.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠45.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼46.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤75.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡6.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Arapahoe County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Duval County
Florida
60.3
Median income: $68,447
Finney County
Kansas
60.3
Median income: $72,437
Bee County
Texas
60.3
Median income: $56,075
Ogle County
Illinois
60.2
Median income: $79,244
Tulsa County
Oklahoma
60.2
Median income: $67,317

Deep Dives

Arapahoe County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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