countyscore
66.3
County Score
Disaster Risk 97Property Tax 89.7Water 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.

Score breakdown

Tax89.7Cost63.3Safety67.9Health58.1Schools49.1Income61.1Risk97Water86Weather35
🏛89.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠63.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼61.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡67.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤58.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓49.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡97
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤35
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨28.5
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱52.3
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

Kiowa County
Colorado
48.5
Kit Carson County
Colorado
51.7
Lincoln County
Colorado
60
Greeley County
Kansas
53.7
Wallace County
Kansas
64.8
Bent County
Colorado
43.1
Crowley County
Colorado
51.9
Prowers County
Colorado
54.8

Deep Dives

Cheyenne County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Cost of Living in Cheyenne County

via CostByCounty

Cheyenne offers rare housing affordability

Cheyenne County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.3% is well below the national average, making it one of Colorado's most affordable rental markets. Renters here spend less than one-sixth of their income on rent, significantly better than typical American households.

Colorado's most affordable county by far

Cheyenne ranks among Colorado's most affordable counties, with a 15.3% rent-to-income ratio beating the state average of 20.2% by 5 percentage points. The median rent of $862 is the lowest among these eight counties and $391 below Colorado's median.

Eastern Colorado's bargain housing market

Cheyenne's $862 median rent is the cheapest in this region, undercutting Conejos County by $138 and Costilla County by $5. This rural eastern county offers unmatched affordability for those willing to embrace a less urban lifestyle.

Just 15% of income goes to rent

On a median household income of $67,768, Cheyenne renters spend only $862 monthly—15.3% of earnings, leaving substantial room for savings and other expenses. Homeowners fare even better, dedicating just 11.4% of income to monthly ownership costs.

Relocating to Cheyenne? You'll save.

This eastern county offers unbeatable housing affordability for remote workers and retirees seeking lower cost of living without Colorado's mountain-town price tags. Median home values of $187,100 make ownership realistic for middle-income households.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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

Health in Cheyenne County

via HealthByCounty

Cheyenne faces longevity gap

At 73.8 years, Cheyenne County residents live nearly 5 years less than the U.S. average of 78.3 years. With 14.6% reporting poor or fair health, the county faces steeper health challenges than most of the nation.

Well below Colorado health standards

Cheyenne County's 73.8-year life expectancy trails Colorado's state average of 78.2 years by more than 4 years, marking one of the state's lowest outcomes. The health disparity signals pressing need for targeted interventions.

Isolation compounds health challenges

Cheyenne's 73.8-year life expectancy falls far short of Custer County (79.2 years) and even distant Clear Creek County (83.6 years). Rural location and limited health data make it harder to assess provider availability and plan care.

Coverage good, data shows gaps

Cheyenne's 9.0% uninsured rate is slightly better than Colorado's 9.7%, yet provider data remains unavailable, limiting visibility into care access. Rural counties often struggle to attract health providers despite good insurance coverage.

Health starts with insurance

Getting covered is your first step toward better health outcomes. Visit Colorado's health marketplace to explore plans and help bridge gaps in your county's care network.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Cheyenne County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Small but Essential Rural Network

Cheyenne County operates a compact education infrastructure with just four public schools serving 278 total students. Two distinct school districts manage these facilities, which include two elementary and two high schools. There are currently no charter schools in the county, focusing resources on traditional district-led education.

High School Scores Despite Lower Graduation Rates

The county earns a school score of 55.9, outperforming the state average of 50.2 and the national median. While the graduation rate of 75% trails both the state (83.1%) and national (87%) benchmarks, per-pupil spending is robust at $11,741. This investment significantly exceeds the Colorado average of $7,447 per student.

Two Focused Districts Serve the Plains

Cheyenne County School District No. Re-5 is the largest in the area, overseeing two schools and 178 students. Kit Carson School District No. R-1 provides a more intimate setting, managing 100 students across its two schools. Both districts are 100% traditional public schools with no charter presence.

Intimate Rural Learning Environments

Every school in Cheyenne County is classified as rural, creating a close-knit community feel for all 278 students. With an average school size of only 70 students, learners receive significant individual attention. Cheyenne Wells Elementary is the largest campus with 110 students, while Kit Carson Elementary serves as the smallest with just 48.

Plant Roots Near Personal Learning Environments

Families seeking small class sizes and personalized attention often look toward Cheyenne County's high-performing rural schools. The low student-to-teacher ratios here are a major draw for home buyers prioritizing individualized academic support. Explore homes in Cheyenne Wells or Kit Carson to join these dedicated school communities.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Cheyenne County

via RiskByCounty

Cheyenne County faces minimal disaster risk

With a composite risk score of just 3.02, Cheyenne ranks in the very low category—far safer than the typical American county. This eastern plains county experiences one of the lowest natural hazard exposures in the nation.

Colorado's safest counties include Cheyenne

Cheyenne's 3.02 score places it among the lowest-risk counties in Colorado, well below the state average of 40.67. Residents here enjoy significantly lower disaster exposure than most of their state neighbors.

Safest county on the eastern plains

Cheyenne (3.02) is substantially safer than Crowley County to the west (3.88) and comparable to other plains counties. The flat terrain and distance from mountain ranges shield this county from major natural hazards.

Wildfire is the one measurable concern

Even Cheyenne's highest-risk hazard—wildfire at 30.38—remains well below county and state averages. Tornado risk is low at 15.17, and flood risk minimal at 3.98.

Standard coverage likely sufficient here

Your county's very low risk profile means standard homeowners insurance typically covers your major exposures. Still review your policy annually and consider brush management around structures as a low-cost preventive measure.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

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 66.3 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 $863, with an effective tax rate of 0.46%. This earns Cheyenne County a tax score of 89.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Cheyenne County?
The median household income in Cheyenne County, Colorado is $67,768 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Cheyenne County earns an income score of 61.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Cheyenne County, Colorado a good place to live?
Cheyenne County scores 66.3/100 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.

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🏛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.