countyscore
65
County Score
Disaster Risk 97Property Tax 86.8Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About Cheyenne County, Colorado

Strong performer above national average

Cheyenne County's composite score of 66.3 significantly exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 66th percentile nationwide. At 15.1 points above the national baseline, this county demonstrates strong livability across multiple dimensions compared to typical American counties.

Top tier in Colorado rankings

Cheyenne County ranks among Colorado's best counties, scoring 15.1 points above the state average of 51.2. The county is well within the state's top quartile, demonstrating consistent strength in livability metrics across most categories.

Affordability and safety lead the way

Cheyenne excels in cost (63.3) with a median home value of only $187,100 and rent at just $862 monthly—making it one of Colorado's most affordable counties. The county also scores exceptionally on risk management (97.0), water resources (86.0), and safety (67.9), offering stability and resource security for residents.

Income and health need attention

The county's weaker dimensions are income (61.1) with a median household income of $67,768 and health (58.1), both below state averages. School quality (49.1) also trails state peers, suggesting limited educational options and resources for families prioritizing academic diversity.

Perfect for budget-conscious families seeking stability

Cheyenne County is ideal for families and retirees prioritizing affordability, safety, and environmental stability over high incomes or school prestige. Its combination of low housing costs, strong risk management, and abundant water resources make it an excellent choice for those seeking a quiet, economical rural lifestyle.

2040608010086.85867.958.149.163.9978635Tax86.8Cost58Safety67.9Health58.1Schools49.1Income63.9Risk97Water86Weather3565/100
This county
National avg
6 above average1 below average

Cheyenne County DNA

D+overall

How Cheyenne County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Cheyenne County scores above average across most dimensions. It's a well-balanced county with particular strength in Disaster Risk (97/100).

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
86.8+34.8
Cost
58+10
Safety
67.9+12.900000000000006
Health
58.1+8.100000000000001
Schools
49.1
Income
63.9+12.899999999999999
Risk
97+50
Water
86+28
Weather
35-21
Sponsored

Compare mortgage rates in Cheyenne County

Whether buying or refinancing in Cheyenne County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

See Today's Rates

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$187,500

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$926/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$187,500/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$37,040/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.6x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $70,865/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

173.2

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
Compare Cheyenne County with East Carroll Parish →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

East Carroll Parish
Louisiana
Median income: $33,341
65
Burt County
Nebraska
Median income: $63,685
65
Washington County
Alabama
Median income: $61,042
65.1
Tipton County
Indiana
Median income: $76,156
65.1
Breckinridge County
Kentucky
Median income: $55,843
65.1
Carter County
Kentucky
Median income: $51,235
65.1
Lewis County
Kentucky
Median income: $46,838
65.1
Russell County
Kentucky
Median income: $44,738
65.1

Nearby counties

Kiowa County
Colorado
50.5
Kit Carson County
Colorado
53.4
Lincoln County
Colorado
60.3
Greeley County
Kansas
55.7
Wallace County
Kansas
65.2
Bent County
Colorado
39.3
Crowley County
Colorado
53
Prowers County
Colorado
53.9

Deep Dives

Cheyenne County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Cheyenne County

via TaxByCounty

Cheyenne's tax rate exceeds national median

Cheyenne County's effective rate of 0.461% ranks above the national median of 0.370%, placing it roughly in the 65th percentile. Despite a lower median home value of $187,100, residents pay $863 annually—below the national median of $2,690.

Higher than Colorado average

At 0.461%, Cheyenne County's effective tax rate exceeds Colorado's 0.393% average by about 18%. The county's median tax of $863 falls well below the state average of $1,560, reflecting its significantly lower home values.

Eastern plains carry steep rates

Cheyenne's 0.461% rate is among Colorado's highest, outpacing neighboring rural counties and nearby Crowley County (0.492%). Eastern plains counties generally impose higher effective rates than mountain and western slope regions.

Median home costs $863 yearly

On Cheyenne's $187,100 median home, annual property taxes run approximately $863. Mortgage holders pay more ($1,175) due to escrow, while those without mortgages pay $589.

Appeal if you're overassessed

Many Colorado property owners are overassessed relative to market value and can appeal their valuations to save hundreds annually. If you believe your home is assessed too high, your county assessor's office can walk you through the process.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Cheyenne County

via IncomeByCounty

Cheyenne lags national earning power

Cheyenne County's median household income of $67,768 is roughly $7,000 below the national median of $74,755. This gap reflects the economic challenges facing rural, agriculture-dependent counties across the Great Plains.

Below average by Colorado standards

Cheyenne County earns $67,768 per household, nearly $7,000 less than Colorado's state average of $74,792. The county ranks in the lower-middle tier among Colorado's 64 counties, typical for Plains counties with limited urban centers.

Eastern Plains income reality

Cheyenne's $67,768 median income reflects the economic pressures shared across Colorado's eastern plains, where agricultural employment and small town economies dominate. Without nearby urban centers like Denver or Fort Collins, the county's earning potential remains constrained compared to mountain or metro-adjacent counties.

Affordable housing anchors Cheyenne stability

Cheyenne's 15.3% rent-to-income ratio ranks as one of Colorado's most affordable, with median home values at just $187,100. This affordability advantage allows households to stretch their $67,768 income further than most Colorado residents.

Low housing costs fuel Cheyenne wealth-building

With rent consuming just 15% of household income, Cheyenne families have meaningful capacity to save and invest the remaining $67,768 annually. Aggressive saving into index funds or agricultural business investments can accelerate wealth accumulation in this affordable county.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Cheyenne County

via CrimeByCounty

Cheyenne County Shows Minimal Crime Levels

Cheyenne County boasts a safety score of 98.8, reflecting a total crime rate of 753.1 per 100K. This rate sits far below the national total crime rate of 2,385.5, indicating a very quiet environment.

Exceeding State Safety Averages

The county's safety score of 98.8 surpasses the Colorado average of 97.1. Its total crime rate of 753.1 per 100K is also notably lower than the state-wide average of 1,834.6.

Data Trends Across the Plains

While Cheyenne County reports a rate of 753.1 per 100K, neighbors like Crowley County report slightly higher at 916.6. Because only one agency reports data here, these figures represent a specific snapshot of local law enforcement activity.

Analyzing Property and Violent Stats

Violent crime is rare here, occurring at a rate of 57.9 per 100K compared to the national 369.8. Property crime makes up the bulk of local incidents at 695.2 per 100K, though this is still well below the national average.

Security Awareness for Rural Living

Maintaining a safety score of 98.8 relies on community vigilance and simple home protection. Simple steps like outdoor lighting and locked outbuildings can further reduce the risk of property crime.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Cheyenne County

via WeatherByCounty

Cheyenne: Warmer Than the National Average

At 51.3°F, Cheyenne County runs nearly 2 degrees warmer than the U.S. median annual temperature of 49.5°F, putting it in the warmer tier of American counties. The county receives 16.4 inches of rain annually—just slightly above the national median of 15.2 inches. This semi-arid climate classification is typical of the High Plains region.

Cheyenne Ranks Warmest in Colorado

Cheyenne County's 51.3°F average makes it the warmest county in Colorado, sitting 5.3 degrees above the state average of 46.0°F. This outsized warmth reflects its location at lower elevation on the eastern plains, far from Colorado's cooler mountain regions. The county is also slightly drier than the state average of 16.0 inches of precipitation.

East Plains Climate at Its Warmest

Cheyenne County is noticeably warmer than neighboring Kit Carson County to the south and Lincoln County to the north, which sit 2–3 degrees cooler due to elevation differences. Its 75.4°F July average matches the warmth of Crowley County to the southwest, making both eastern plains counties the summer heat leaders in Colorado. Compared to Kiowa County's similar semi-arid character, Cheyenne experiences slightly more extreme temperature swings.

Hot Summers, Moderate Snow

Cheyenne County experiences 59 days per year above 90°F—a significant number that rises throughout summer, with July reaching 75.4°F and winter dropping to just 29.9°F in January. Annual snowfall averages 18.9 inches, modest for Colorado but concentrated in winter months from November through March. The county's summer-to-winter swing of nearly 46 degrees makes seasonal preparation essential.

Plan for Heat and Wind

Residents need robust air conditioning for the 59+ annual days above 90°F, plus effective insulation for winter lows near 30°F and strong wind protection typical of the plains. Outdoor activities peak in spring and fall when temperatures sit in the comfortable 55–65°F range; summer recreation is best scheduled for early morning or evening. Stock up on supplies before winter snow events, as the county's relatively light annual snowfall can still create temporary isolation on rural roads.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Cheyenne County

via SoilByCounty

Alkaline Eastern Plains Soil

Cheyenne County features alkaline soils with an average pH of 7.38. This is notably higher than the national median of 6.5 and exceeds the state average of 7.29. These conditions are typical for the semi-arid climate of the eastern Colorado plains.

Balanced Sandy Loam Mix

The soil contains 48.9% sand, 32.2% silt, and 17.7% clay. This composition offers a balanced mix that provides decent workability and allows for moderate drainage. It supports the extensive dryland farming operations that define the local economy.

Moisture Retention in Arid Lands

Organic matter is relatively low at 1.37%, falling below the state average of 2.18%. However, the available water capacity of 0.144 in/in is higher than the Colorado average of 0.139. This ability to hold moisture is critical for sustaining crops in this dry environment.

Efficient Water Movement

While specific drainage classes are unlisted, the high sand content suggests efficient water infiltration. The soil's physical properties allow it to absorb sudden rainfall without excessive ponding. This makes it suitable for large-scale agricultural use and sturdy building sites.

Prairie Planting Potential

Situated in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a, this county offers a longer growing season than many mountain neighbors. Drought-resistant grasses, winter wheat, and sunflowers are excellent choices for these alkaline plains. Your garden will thrive with plants that tolerate higher pH levels and breezy conditions.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Cheyenne County

via LawnByCounty

A Rare High-Performing Colorado County

Cheyenne County boasts a lawn difficulty score of 52.3, which actually outperforms the national median of 50.0. It is significantly easier to grow grass here than in most of Colorado, where the state average sits at a more challenging 37.4. Your Zone 6a climate provides a friendlier environment for traditional turf than neighboring mountain regions.

Managing High Heat and Average Rainfall

You receive 16.4 inches of annual precipitation, which is remarkably close to the state average but still far below the 30-50 inches lawns prefer. With 59 extreme heat days above 90°F, your mowing schedule must adapt to prevent grass stress during the peak of summer. The 3,164 growing degree days offer a robust season for grass to mature before the October frost.

Balanced Soils with High Alkaline Lean

Your soil is composed of 48.9% sand and 17.7% clay, providing a decent balance for drainage and nutrient retention. The pH level of 7.38 is slightly more alkaline than the ideal 6.0 to 7.0 range, which may limit the availability of some nutrients like iron. Consider applying sulfur or organic matter to slightly lower the pH and brighten the color of your lawn.

Maintaining Stability During Dry Cycles

Cheyenne County is currently in excellent shape, with 0% of the area in drought and only 3 weeks of drought recorded in the past year. This stability is a massive advantage compared to the rest of the state. Even so, using rain sensors on your irrigation system will ensure you maintain this resilience without wasting water during the hot summer months.

Seizing the 6a Growing Season

Buffalo grass and Blue Grama are excellent native options that thrive in your Zone 6a heat, though Kentucky Bluegrass remains a viable but thirstier choice. Aim to start your projects after the last frost on May 7th to take full advantage of the long growing season. Your county is one of the best places in Colorado to establish a thriving home lawn.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cheyenne County's county score?
Cheyenne County, Colorado has a composite county score of 65 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 Cheyenne County rank among counties in Colorado?
Cheyenne County ranks #5 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 Cheyenne County, Colorado?
The median annual property tax in Cheyenne County is $887, with an effective tax rate of 0.47%. This earns Cheyenne County a tax score of 86.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Cheyenne County?
The median household income in Cheyenne County, Colorado is $70,865 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Cheyenne County earns an income score of 63.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Cheyenne County, Colorado a good place to live?
Cheyenne County scores 65/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #5 in Colorado. The best way to evaluate Cheyenne 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 Cheyenne County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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