countyscore
43.4
County Score
Income & Jobs 96.1Health 94.6Property Tax 82.4

County Report Card

About Boulder County, Colorado

Boulder near national livability median

Boulder County scores 43.4, slightly below the national median of 50.0 and ranking near the 48th percentile nationally. The county's world-class health outcomes and top-tier incomes are dramatically undermined by the nation's worst housing affordability crisis in this dataset.

Below Colorado state average overall

Boulder's score of 43.4 trails Colorado's state average of 51.2 despite having the state's highest median household income at $102,772. Housing costs—with median home values at $713,900—create such severe affordability constraints that they depress the county's overall livability ranking.

Health and income lead nationally

Boulder achieves an exceptional health score of 94.6 and median household income of $102,772 (income score 96.1), creating an environment of affluence and excellent medical access. The county's tax burden is also favorable at 0.535% effective rate.

Housing costs create acute crisis

Boulder's cost score of 2.5 is the worst in this dataset, with median home values of $713,900 and gross rents of $1,893 per month making homeownership inaccessible for most workers. Safety concerns also register at 7.4, suggesting localized vulnerability in specific neighborhoods.

For wealthy professionals only

Boulder County is exclusively suited to high-net-worth individuals and established executives who can absorb extreme housing costs to access world-class health services and elite income levels. The county's livability depends almost entirely on financial capacity.

Score breakdown

Tax82.4Cost2.5Safety7.4Health94.6Schools45.1Income96.1Risk9.3Water56.1Weather40
🏛82.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠2.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼96.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡7.4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤94.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓45.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡9.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧56.1
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤40
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱34.8
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

Broomfield County
Colorado
45.5
Gilpin County
Colorado
47.9
Jefferson County
Colorado
40
Denver County
Colorado
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Clear Creek County
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Weld County
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Larimer County
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Douglas County
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Deep Dives

Boulder County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Boulder County

via TaxByCounty

Boulder taxes above national average

Boulder County's effective rate of 0.535% exceeds the national median of 0.52%, placing it in the top 50% of U.S. counties. The median property tax of $3,821 is 42% higher than the national median of $2,690, reflecting both high tax rates and premium home values.

Among Colorado's highest-taxed

Boulder County's effective rate of 0.535% runs 36% above Colorado's 0.393% average, ranking it in the upper tier statewide. Its median tax of $3,821 is 145% above the state median of $1,560—the highest in Colorado.

Highest taxes in metro Denver

Boulder County's 0.535% rate exceeds all nearby Denver metro counties including Adams (0.604%), Arapahoe (0.526%), and Broomfield (0.616%). Only Broomfield's absolute dollars are higher due to even pricier homes ($632k vs. $714k).

What your $714k home costs

A median-valued home in Boulder County at $713,900 generates approximately $3,821 in annual property taxes. With mortgage tax deductions included, your effective cost remains high at $3,842 per year.

Appeal if assessment outpaces market

Boulder County's booming market can trigger aggressive assessments that exceed true market value, especially after sales spikes. File an appeal if your assessed value exceeds recent comparable sales—hundreds of Boulder homeowners recover thousands annually.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Boulder County

via CostByCounty

Colorado's most expensive county

Boulder County households earn $102,772—37% above the national average—yet renters spend 22.1% of income on housing at $1,893/month, the highest rent among these eight counties. Even top earners feel the squeeze of this tech and education hub's premium pricing.

Priciest homes in Colorado sample

Boulder County's median home value of $713,900 shatters the state comparison, running 235% above Alamosa's $218,800 median. With rents of $1,893—51% above Colorado's state average—this county represents the state's upper tier of housing costs.

Silicon Valley of the Rockies

Boulder's $1,893 median rent exceeds every other county analyzed—$1,081 more than Alamosa and $521 more than Arapahoe County. Home values tell the same story: $713,900 versus Arapahoe's $526,000, reflecting Boulder's status as Colorado's most coveted address.

Housing takes 22.1% of top earners

A Boulder County household earning the median $102,772 dedicates $1,893/month to rent, consuming 22.1% of income—or $1,970/month for ownership, eating 23% of earnings. Even at the state's highest incomes, housing claims a substantial share of household budgets.

Premium income required

Boulder County demands the highest salary floor among Colorado counties; you'll need the $102,772 median income to afford $1,893 rents without stretching too thin. This is where remote workers earning six figures and established professionals with equity stakes choose to live.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Boulder County

via IncomeByCounty

Boulder County dominates at 37% above US

Boulder County's median household income of $102,772 towers 37% above the national median of $74,755, placing it among America's wealthiest counties. The Boulder-Broomfield corridor's concentration of tech companies, biotech firms, and educated professionals drives this exceptional performance.

Colorado's 2nd highest-income county

Boulder County ranks 2nd among all Colorado counties for median household income at $102,772, trailing only Broomfield's $121,025. The county's economy of innovation, higher education, and knowledge workers consistently outperforms state and national benchmarks.

Significantly richer than surrounding areas

Boulder's $102,772 median household income vastly exceeds neighboring Broomfield ($121,025—only local peer) and the wider Denver metro, reflecting Boulder's unique position as a wealth concentration hub. The county's university anchor and tech ecosystem create few equals in the region.

High income offsets expensive housing

Boulder County's 22.1% rent-to-income ratio is remarkably efficient given the median home value of $713,900—the state's highest. The exceptional incomes allow even premium housing to remain affordable relative to earnings.

Elite market for wealth acceleration

Boulder County's $102,772 median income and concentrated professional workforce create unparalleled opportunities for aggressive wealth building, investment sophistication, and entrepreneurial ventures. Maximize retirement contributions, explore diversified investment portfolios, consider real estate leverage, and evaluate business ownership to capitalize on the county's exceptional economic fundamentals.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Boulder County

via CrimeByCounty

Boulder County Above National Crime Levels

Boulder County's total crime rate of 3,066.1 per 100,000 exceeds the national average of 2,385.5. This results in a safety score of 95.2, indicating some localized risks.

Trailing the State Safety Average

The safety score of 95.2 is slightly lower than the Colorado state average of 97.1. Eight reporting agencies work to manage safety in this high-activity county.

High Activity Compared to Neighbors

Boulder County reports more crime than neighboring Broomfield (2,822.3) and Arapahoe (1,999.4). This makes it one of the busier areas for law enforcement in the Front Range.

Heavy Emphasis on Property Offenses

Property crime is high at 2,739.0 per 100,000, while violent crime is 327.1. The figures show that residents are much more likely to encounter theft than physical violence.

Deterring Property Theft in Boulder

Install security cameras and lock bicycles or outdoor gear securely. High property crime rates make proactive home and vehicle protection a daily necessity.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Boulder County

via HealthByCounty

Boulder leads nation on life expectancy and health

At 82.3 years, Boulder County residents live 3 years longer than the U.S. average of 79.3 years, and only 11.4% report poor or fair health—well below the national average of 16.7%. Boulder represents one of America's healthiest communities, driven by strong healthcare access, high education levels, and robust preventive care culture.

Boulder is Colorado's healthiest county

Boulder's 82.3-year life expectancy exceeds Colorado's 78.2-year state average by 4.1 years, making it the clear health leader among Colorado counties analyzed. With only a 5.9% uninsured rate—the lowest of any county here—Boulder combines universal coverage and excellent health outcomes.

Boulder dramatically outpaces metro Denver peers

Boulder's 82.3-year life expectancy and 11.4% poor/fair health rate stand far above Arapahoe County (79.1 years, 14.2%) and Adams County (76.9 years, 19.1%). Boulder's 120 primary care providers per 100K and 943 mental health providers per 100K represent the densest healthcare infrastructure in this analysis, enabling prevention-first medicine.

Abundant providers and high coverage sustain health

Boulder's 120 primary care providers per 100K and 943 mental health providers per 100K—the highest density in this group—ensure rapid access to prevention and treatment. Combined with a 5.9% uninsured rate, Boulder's healthcare system catches problems early and supports residents throughout their lifespans.

Boulder's coverage strength benefits all

Boulder's 5.9% uninsured rate is the lowest in Colorado, yet every uninsured family deserves coverage security. If you're among Boulder's remaining uninsured, Colorado's marketplace at CoverColorado.com offers competitive plans—many qualify for subsidies that lower monthly costs dramatically.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Boulder County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Top-Tier Education Destination

Boulder County features a large network of 86 schools, including 51 elementary and 17 high schools. A total of 42,752 students are enrolled across two highly regarded school districts.

Strong Graduation and Academic Scores

The county achieves an 89.6% graduation rate, comfortably beating the state and national averages. Academic success is supported by a school score of 53.7 and per-pupil spending of $7,165, which is near the state average.

St. Vrain and Boulder Valley Leaders

St. Vrain Valley and Boulder Valley districts are roughly equal in size, serving over 60,000 students combined across their regional boundaries. The county also hosts 8 charter schools, including the high-performing Peak to Peak.

Suburban Success and Large High Schools

With 49 suburban and 25 city schools, the average enrollment is 497 students. Boulder High School is the largest campus, hosting 2,074 students and offering a comprehensive urban education experience.

High Demand Near Renowned Schools

Real estate values in Boulder County are strongly linked to district reputation, particularly near Fairview and Boulder High. Exploring homes in these zones ensures access to some of the highest graduation rates in Colorado.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Boulder County

via RiskByCounty

Boulder County faces Colorado's highest disaster risk

Boulder County scores 90.71 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 across tornadoes, wildfire, flooding, and earthquakes.

Third-highest risk county in Colorado overall

Boulder's 90.71 composite score trails only Arapahoe (93.80) and Adams (91.19) in statewide disaster risk, facing more than double Colorado's average (40.67). The county's mountain-valley geography and population density concentrate multiple hazard vulnerabilities.

Boulder leads the Front Range in composite risk

Boulder (90.71) substantially exceeds Broomfield (34.70) to the east and ranks alongside Adams (91.19) and Arapahoe (93.80) as part of Colorado's highest-risk trio. This elevated exposure reflects the county's mountainous terrain and urban concentration.

Wildfire and floods define Boulder's hazard profile

Wildfire risk reaches 97.87—the highest in Colorado—reflecting extensive forests and terrain, while flood risk of 92.24 poses acute danger in canyons and drainages. Tornado exposure (92.59) and earthquake risk (80.50) add further complexity to this multi-peril environment.

Comprehensive multi-peril insurance is essential

Boulder residents must carry flood insurance (92.24 risk) and maintain wildfire defensibility with adequate coverage, as standard policies exclude both hazards. Earthquake insurance should also be considered given the 80.50 risk score, making layered protection critical in this high-risk county.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Boulder County

via WeatherByCounty

Boulder: Mountain cool on the Front Range

Boulder County averages 44°F annually, running 2 degrees cooler than the U.S. median of 46°F. With 22.6 inches of precipitation and only 17 extreme heat days per year, Boulder represents a cooler, wetter mountain climate despite Front Range proximity.

Colorado's cool alpine counties

At 44°F, Boulder ranks among Colorado's coolest counties, sitting 2 degrees below the state average of 46°F. Elevation and mountain terrain create a distinctly cooler pocket on the Front Range.

Mountain cool beats plains warmth

Boulder (44°F) runs 6.8 degrees cooler than neighboring Adams County (50.7°F) and 9.5 degrees cooler than Bent County (54.6°F). The elevation divide between mountain and plains creates dramatic climate contrasts across a short distance.

Snowy winters, cool summers

Summer temperatures average just 62.2°F while winters drop to 27.3°F, with only 17 days per year reaching 90°F. Annual snowfall of 95.9 inches makes Boulder Colorado's snowiest county on this list, creating a genuine alpine winter.

Heavy snow, minimal cooling needs

With nearly 96 inches of annual snowfall and consistently cool summers, residents prioritize winter-grade heating, insulation, and snow removal over air conditioning. Spring and summer outdoor work stretches short; winter preparation and avalanche awareness dominate the calendar in higher areas.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Boulder County

via SoilByCounty

Diverse Soil Origins in Boulder

Boulder County lacks comprehensive county-wide data for dominant soil taxonomic orders or pH levels. Without local figures, the state average pH of 7.29 serves as a general reference for this geographically diverse landscape.

From Plains Clay to Foothill Rock

Data regarding the specific percentages of sand, silt, and clay is currently unavailable. The transition from plains to foothills means soil texture likely varies from heavy clay in the east to rocky debris in the western mountains.

Building Fertility in the Front Range

We do not have specific readings for organic matter or water capacity for this area. To reach the state's 2.18% organic matter average, local gardeners often prioritize composting and cover cropping to boost soil health.

Varied Drainage Across Elevations

Formal drainage classes and hydrologic groups are missing from the current report. Residents should check site-specific surveys, as the county's varied elevation creates vastly different water movement patterns across the region.

A Vibrant Garden Culture in 6a

Boulder County is located in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a, supporting a vibrant and diverse gardening culture. From heirloom tomatoes to native wildflowers, the climate allows for a highly productive and long growing season.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Boulder County

via LawnByCounty

Boulder's Uphill Battle for Turf

Boulder County's lawn difficulty score of 34.8 falls below the Colorado average, indicating a tough environment for traditional grass. Maintaining a green space in this Zone 6a region requires significant effort and resource management.

Moderate Heat but Dry Air

The county receives 22.6 inches of precipitation, which is better than many neighbors, but it still falls short of the ideal 30 inches. With only 17 extreme heat days, the primary challenge is the dry climate rather than thermal stress.

Focusing on Soil Health

Specific soil data for Boulder is not available, but the region is known for varied terrain from plains to mountains. Homeowners should conduct private soil tests to check for the clay-heavy deposits common along the Front Range.

Critical Drought Levels in Boulder

The county is currently 100% in severe drought, following 34 weeks of dry conditions over the past year. Strict adherence to local watering restrictions and the use of wetting agents can help maximize the impact of every gallon used.

Planting Around the Late Spring

Fine Fescues are ideal for Boulder's cooler nights and varied light conditions. Be mindful of the late May 24th spring frost and the relatively early September 23rd fall frost when scheduling your seeding or sodding.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Boulder County's county score?
Boulder County, Colorado has a composite county score of 43.4 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 Boulder County rank among counties in Colorado?
Boulder County ranks #44 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 Boulder County, Colorado?
The median annual property tax in Boulder County is $3,821, with an effective tax rate of 0.54%. This earns Boulder County a tax score of 82.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Boulder County?
The median household income in Boulder County, Colorado is $102,772 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Boulder County earns an income score of 96.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Boulder County, Colorado a good place to live?
Boulder County scores 43.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #44 in Colorado. The best way to evaluate Boulder 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 Boulder County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

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