CountyScore

Denver County

Colorado · CO

#63 in Colorado
59.8
County Score

County Report Card

About Denver County, Colorado

Denver scores above the national average

Denver County's composite score of 61.9 sits well above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 62nd percentile nationally. This means Denver outperforms roughly six in ten U.S. counties on overall livability metrics currently measured.

Below average for Colorado

Denver's score of 61.9 falls below Colorado's state average of 71.8, ranking it in the lower half of the state's counties. Despite its national strength, Denver faces livability headwinds compared to its state peers.

Tax efficiency is Denver's standout

Denver leads with an exceptional tax score of 89.8 and maintains a low effective tax rate of just 0.443%. The county also captures strong median household income of $91,681, reflecting a professional workforce and economic vitality.

Housing costs strain affordability

Denver's cost score of just 45.6 reflects expensive housing: median home values reach $586,700 and gross rent averages $1,770 monthly. Safety, health, schools, and environmental data remain unavailable, limiting a complete livability picture.

Best for high earners with tax savvy

Denver suits affluent professionals and established families who prioritize tax efficiency and can absorb high housing costs. The county's strong income profile and favorable tax burden offset housing expense concerns for those with robust earning power.

Score breakdown

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

Tax89.8Cost45.6SafetyComing SoonHealth72.6SchoolsComing SoonIncome43.2Risk4.8WaterComing Soon
🏛89.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠45.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼43.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤72.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡4.8
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 Denver County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Dillingham Census Area
Alaska
59.8
Median income: $74,250
Orleans Parish
Louisiana
59.8
Median income: $55,339
Hinds County
Mississippi
59.8
Median income: $49,966
Ontario County
New York
59.8
Median income: $79,814
Clackamas County
Oregon
59.8
Median income: $100,360

Deep Dives

Denver County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Denver County

via TaxByCounty

Denver taxes higher than most Americans

Denver's effective tax rate of 0.443% exceeds the national median of 0.381%, placing the county in approximately the 60th percentile nationally. Homeowners here pay a median of $2,596 annually, which is modest compared to the national median of $2,690, because Denver's median home value of $586,700 sits well above the U.S. average of $281,900.

Denver ranks in Colorado's upper tier

With an effective rate of 0.443%, Denver ranks above Colorado's state average of 0.393%, placing it in the upper half of the state's 64 counties. The county's median tax of $2,596 significantly exceeds Colorado's state median of $1,560, reflecting both higher property values and tax rates.

Denver pays more than mountain neighbors

Denver's 0.443% rate is notably higher than Eagle County's 0.410% and Garfield County's 0.427%, though lower than Douglas County's 0.550%. Among the region's comparable counties, Denver's tax burden sits solidly in the middle range, offering a balance between urban amenities and moderate levy rates.

Typical Denver homeowner pays $2,596 yearly

On Denver's median home value of $586,700, a homeowner pays approximately $2,596 in annual property taxes at the current 0.443% effective rate. This estimate can vary based on specific property assessments and local exemptions.

Denver homeowners can appeal assessments

Research suggests that many Colorado homeowners are overassessed by 5–15%, meaning you may be paying more than your fair share. If your property's assessed value seems high relative to comparable homes, filing an appeal with Denver's assessor's office is free and could reduce your annual tax bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Denver County

via CostByCounty

Denver's rent burden outpaces nation

Denver residents spend 23.2% of their income on rent, compared to the national median of roughly 28-30% for renters nationally, putting the county in moderate territory. With a median household income of $91,681—well above the national average of $74,755—Denverites earn more but also face steeper housing costs than most Americans.

Above average among Colorado counties

Denver's 23.2% rent-to-income ratio exceeds Colorado's state average of 20.2%, placing it in the less affordable tier within the state. The county's median rent of $1,770 is 41% higher than the statewide average of $1,253.

More expensive than most Colorado peers

Denver's median rent of $1,770 edges out Eagle County ($2,032) and Douglas County ($2,095), making it the third-priciest rental market among its peer counties. However, Denver households earn significantly less than Douglas County ($145,737) and Elbert County ($129,477), narrowing its affordability advantage.

Renting costs more than buying here

Renters pay $1,770 monthly while homeowners face $1,979 in monthly costs on a median home value of $586,700. On a $91,681 median income, Denver households dedicate roughly 23% to rent or 26% to mortgage payments, leaving limited room for other expenses.

High earners find Denver reasonable

If you're relocating to Colorado and earning above $90,000, Denver offers urban amenities with manageable housing costs. But renters on smaller incomes should compare El Paso County ($1,609 rent) or Fremont County ($1,036 rent) for significantly lower burden.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Denver County

via IncomeByCounty

Denver earns 22% above the nation

Denver's median household income of $91,681 significantly outpaces the U.S. median of $74,755, placing the county in the upper tier nationally. This $16,926 advantage reflects Denver's role as Colorado's economic engine and a major tech and professional services hub.

Second-highest income in Colorado

Denver ranks second among Colorado's 64 counties in median household income, just behind Douglas County's $145,737. The county's $91,681 exceeds Colorado's state average of $74,792 by 23%, signaling strong earning power.

Denver outearns surrounding counties

Denver's $91,681 median household income substantially exceeds nearby El Paso County ($87,470) and Garfield County ($86,172). Eagle County, another affluent neighbor, reaches $103,174—a reminder that mountain resort communities can rival or exceed metro areas.

Housing costs remain manageable here

At 23.2%, Denver's rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below the 30% threshold that signals affordability stress, despite a median home value of $586,700. Strong median incomes help residents weather Colorado's competitive housing market.

Your income supports long-term wealth building

With median household income 22% above the national average, Denver residents have room to prioritize retirement savings, investment accounts, and homeownership. Financial planners recommend channeling this earning advantage into diversified portfolios and emergency reserves to weather economic shifts.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Denver County

via HealthByCounty

Denver's life expectancy lags national average

At 77.4 years, Denver County residents live slightly shorter lives than the U.S. average of 78.9 years. The county's 17.3% poor or fair health rate exceeds the national benchmark, signaling persistent health challenges in Colorado's largest city.

Below state average despite urban advantages

Denver's 77.4-year life expectancy falls 0.8 years short of Colorado's 78.2-year state average, despite the county's urban resources and population density. This gap reflects concentrated health disparities in the metro core.

Douglas County far outpaces Denver's health

Suburban Douglas County residents live to 82.5 years—5.1 years longer than Denver—with only 9.8% reporting poor or fair health compared to Denver's 17.3%. The contrast highlights how geography and socioeconomic factors drive health outcomes within the metro area.

Mental health providers abundant, primary care stretched

Denver has 792 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—more than 6 times the national median—yet only 130 primary care providers per 100K. With 8.5% of residents uninsured, access barriers persist despite the city's healthcare infrastructure.

Check coverage options for Denver residents

One in 12 Denver residents lacks health insurance. Visit Colorado.gov or Connect for Health Colorado to explore marketplace plans, Medicaid eligibility, and employer coverage options tailored to your situation.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Denver County

via RiskByCounty

Denver's risk profile ranks high nationally

Denver County scores 95.23 on composite disaster risk, classifying it as Relatively High—more than double the state average of 40.67. This puts Denver among the more vulnerable counties nationwide for natural hazards when measured across multiple threat categories.

Second-highest risk in Colorado

Denver ranks near the top of Colorado's counties for disaster risk, trailing only a handful of counties statewide. Its proximity to the Front Range, combined with dense urban infrastructure, amplifies exposure to flooding, seismic activity, and severe weather.

Significantly riskier than surrounding counties

Denver's composite score of 95.23 far exceeds neighboring counties like Elbert (36.58) and El Paso (94.05), which are less densely developed. The concentration of people and property in Denver intensifies the potential impact of any single disaster event.

Tornadoes and earthquakes top the list

Denver faces a tornado risk score of 97.87 and earthquake risk of 91.03—both extreme threats. Flooding is equally concerning at 95.26, with the South Platte River and urban drainage systems creating vulnerability during heavy rainfall events.

Comprehensive coverage is essential here

Standard homeowners policies typically exclude flood and earthquake damage; Denver residents should secure separate policies for both hazards. Given the tornado threat, ensure your policy covers wind damage and consider a safe room or shelter in your home.

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.