countyscore
47.8
County Score
Income & Jobs 99.8Health 99.1Property Tax 80.7

County Report Card

About Douglas County, Colorado

Douglas scores near the national midpoint

Douglas County's composite score of 47.8 sits slightly below the national median of 50.0, reflecting a mixed livability profile with significant strengths but notable affordability constraints. The county's scores are heavily weighted by income and health excellence.

Slightly below Colorado's state average

Douglas ranks just below the state average composite score of 51.2, placing it in the middle tier of Colorado counties. Its above-median income and health metrics are offset by cost and safety concerns.

Highest incomes and exceptional health outcomes

Douglas leads the cohort with the highest median household income at $145,737 (income score: 99.8) and outstanding health scores of 99.1, indicating strong economic vitality and healthcare access. Tax burden is also favorable at 0.550% effective rate (tax score: 80.7).

Housing costs and safety concerns remain

Douglas faces severe housing affordability challenges, with a cost score of just 0.8, median home values at $674,000, and gross rent at $2,095/month—among the highest in the state. Safety scores lag at 33.2, and schools at 38.3, indicating room for improvement in both public order and education.

Built for wealthy families with strong priorities

Douglas is best suited for affluent families who can afford premium housing and prioritize excellent health infrastructure and high-income communities. Those seeking safety, school quality, or affordability should explore other Colorado options.

Score breakdown

Tax80.7Cost0.8Safety33.2Health99.1Schools38.3Income99.8Risk11.3Water52.5Weather43.8
🏛80.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠0.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼99.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡33.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤99.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓38.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡11.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧52.5
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤43.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱34.7
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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Counties with similar scores

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Lancaster County
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Concho County
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Nearby counties

Jefferson County
Colorado
40
Denver County
Colorado
33.8
Teller County
Colorado
51.2
Elbert County
Colorado
60.3
El Paso County
Colorado
35.2
Broomfield County
Colorado
45.5
Boulder County
Colorado
43.4
Gilpin County
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47.9

Deep Dives

Douglas County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Douglas County

via TaxByCounty

Douglas County taxes rank in top 25%

Douglas County's effective rate of 0.550% places it in the 75th percentile nationally, making it a high-tax county by American standards. Homeowners pay a median of $3,707 annually, the highest among Colorado's major counties, on a median home value of $674,000.

Douglas has Colorado's steepest tax rate

Douglas County's 0.550% effective rate is the highest in Colorado, exceeding the state average of 0.393% by 40%. The median tax of $3,707 is more than double Colorado's median of $1,560, reflecting the county's affluent, rapidly growing suburbs.

Douglas towers over nearby Denver suburbs

Douglas's 0.550% rate far exceeds neighboring Denver (0.443%), El Paso (0.411%), and Elbert (0.449%), making it Colorado's most expensive county for property taxes. This premium reflects Douglas's investment in schools and rapid suburban development.

Douglas homeowners pay $3,707 annually

On the median home value of $674,000, a typical Douglas County property owner pays approximately $3,707 in property taxes each year. Homeowners with mortgages pay $3,730; those without pay $3,630.

High-value Douglas properties warrant review

In high-growth counties like Douglas, assessment lags can benefit newer homeowners, but overassessment is still common on older properties. A professional assessment review or appeal can identify if your property is overvalued, potentially saving hundreds annually.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Douglas County

via CostByCounty

Douglas County's high earners, low burden

Douglas County residents spend just 17.3% of income on rent—significantly better than national averages and among the most affordable in Colorado. With a median household income of $145,737 (nearly double the national average of $74,755), the county offers exceptional affordability for its residents.

Most affordable county in Colorado

Douglas County's 17.3% rent-to-income ratio is the lowest in the state, well below Colorado's 20.2% average. This affluent suburb's combination of high incomes and relatively moderate rent burdens makes it the state's most affordable market.

Highest rents, highest incomes balance out

Douglas County's median rent of $2,095 is the highest among peer counties, yet its median household income of $145,737 dwarfs every neighbor. Elbert County ($129,477) comes closest, but Douglas residents have more cushion for housing costs.

Upper-income households dominate affordably

Renters pay $2,095 monthly while homeowners face $2,524 on a median home value of $674,000, but these costs represent just 17.3% and 20.8% of the $145,737 median income respectively. Douglas County households have the most financial flexibility of any county studied.

Perfect for high-earning relocators

If you're moving to Colorado with a six-figure income, Douglas County offers the state's most comfortable housing economics and growing suburban communities. Families and professionals earning $130,000+ will find exceptional affordability here.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Douglas County

via IncomeByCounty

Douglas leads the nation in income

Douglas County's median household income of $145,737 towers 95% above the U.S. median of $74,755, making it one of the nation's most affluent counties. This explosive earning power reflects suburban Denver's prosperity and influx of high-wage professionals.

Colorado's highest-earning county

Douglas County claims the top spot in Colorado with a median household income of $145,737, nearly double the state average of $74,792. No other Colorado county comes close to this level of household earning.

Douglas far exceeds surrounding areas

Douglas County's $145,737 dwarfs Denver's $91,681 and Elbert County's $129,477, establishing it as the undisputed income leader in the Front Range. Even Eagle County's mountain wealth of $103,174 pales in comparison.

Premium incomes support premium housing

Douglas County's 17.3% rent-to-income ratio—the lowest among these counties—reflects exceptional housing affordability despite a $674,000 median home value. High household incomes comfortably support substantial home purchases and ownership costs.

Build generational wealth aggressively

With household income nearly double the national average, Douglas County residents possess unparalleled capacity for aggressive investing, college savings, and wealth transfer. Strategic financial planning can transform this earning advantage into multi-generational prosperity.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Douglas County

via CrimeByCounty

Suburban Safety Outperforms the Nation

Douglas County earns a high safety score of 97.5 out of 100. Its total crime rate of 1,564.4 per 100K is well below the national average of 2,385.5.

Leading the State in Security

The county's safety score of 97.5 exceeds the Colorado average of 97.1. Four different reporting agencies collaborate to maintain this high level of public safety.

Safe Haven Near Denver Metro

Douglas County's crime rate is lower than the state average of 1,834.6 per 100K. It provides a secure suburban alternative to the higher-activity urban centers to its north.

Focusing on Property Protection

Property crime accounts for 1,418.9 incidents per 100K, while violent crime remains low at 145.5. Most incidents involve non-violent property issues rather than physical threats.

Smart Security for Suburban Homes

Residents can maintain this high safety level by securing vehicles and installing doorbell cameras. These tools are effective at deterring the property crimes that make up the bulk of local reports.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Douglas County

via HealthByCounty

Douglas County leads nation in longevity

Douglas County residents live to 82.5 years—3.6 years longer than the U.S. average of 78.9 years—with the lowest poor or fair health rate at just 9.8%. This Denver suburb ranks among America's healthiest counties overall.

Colorado's healthiest county by far

Douglas County's 82.5-year life expectancy vastly exceeds Colorado's 78.2-year state average—a 4.3-year gap that places the county at the top of state rankings. Only 9.8% report poor or fair health, the best rate statewide.

Dramatically outpaces Denver and El Paso

Douglas County residents live 5.1 years longer than Denver (77.4) and 6.3 years longer than El Paso (76.2). Its 4.0% uninsured rate is less than half the uninsured rate in either neighboring urban county.

Affluent suburbs with solid healthcare access

Douglas County has 70 primary care providers per 100,000 and 197 mental health providers per 100K, reflecting robust suburban infrastructure. With just 4.0% uninsured—well below the state average of 9.7%—healthcare access remains strong across the county.

Maintain coverage for Douglas County families

Even in Colorado's healthiest county, periodic coverage reviews ensure continuous protection. Visit Connect for Health Colorado to confirm employer, marketplace, or Medicaid eligibility each year.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Douglas County

via SchoolsByCounty

Expansive Education Systems in Douglas County

This massive infrastructure includes 91 public schools serving over 64,400 students within a single, high-capacity district. The system features a wide variety of options, including 61 elementary schools and 16 high schools.

High Graduation Rates with Efficient Spending

Douglas County achieves an impressive 91.0% graduation rate, significantly outpacing the state average of 83.1%. The county manages these results with a per-pupil expenditure of $6,205, which is lower than both the state and national averages.

Douglas County District No. Re 1 Profile

The Douglas County School District No. Re 1 serves 62,341 students across 88 diverse campuses. Charter schools play a major role here, with 21 different charters representing over 23% of the county's total school count.

Suburban Life with Large-Scale Schools

Most students attend one of the 78 suburban schools, where the average campus size is a robust 708 students. Large institutions like American Academy and Rock Canyon High School serve over 2,300 students each.

Join a District of Excellence

High graduation rates make Douglas County a top destination for families prioritizing academic outcomes in their home search. The blend of high-performing suburban schools and charter flexibility offers options for every type of learner.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Douglas County

via RiskByCounty

Douglas County faces substantial multi-hazard risk

Douglas County scores 88.71 on composite disaster risk, rated Relatively Moderate—more than double Colorado's state average of 40.67. This reflects exposure across flood, wildfire, tornado, and earthquake hazards simultaneously.

Third-highest risk tier in Colorado

Douglas County ranks among the top most-threatened counties in Colorado, primarily due to rapid suburban growth in hazard-prone areas. Its location south of Denver puts it in a convergence zone for tornadoes, flooding, and wildfire.

High risk even among Front Range counties

Douglas's score of 88.71 closely matches El Paso (94.05) and exceeds Denver (95.23) in some hazard categories. It is substantially riskier than Elbert (36.58) and Fremont (68.58) to the south and west.

Wildfire and tornado threats dominate

Douglas residents face wildfire risk of 98.38 and tornado risk of 93.35—both near-critical levels. Flooding is also significant at 86.93, driven by drainage patterns in this rapidly developing county.

Invest in triple-layer protection

Douglas County homeowners should secure flood insurance, review wind/hail coverage, and maintain defensible space against wildfire. Given the county's explosive growth, verify that your insurance reflects current home value and replacement cost.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Douglas County

via WeatherByCounty

Douglas runs slightly above national average

At 49.2°F annual temperature, Douglas County sits 3.2°F above the U.S. median, placing it in a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. With 18.5 inches of annual precipitation, the county receives nearly half the national average of 38.7 inches, creating a semi-arid environment.

Among Colorado's warmer counties

Douglas County's 49.2°F annual temperature ranks it among the state's warmer regions, 3.2°F above Colorado's 46.0°F average. Its 18.5 inches of precipitation exceeds the state average of 16.0 inches, making it one of the wetter counties in the Denver metro area.

Warmer and wetter than El Paso

Douglas County is 3°F warmer than nearby El Paso County (46.2°F) and receives slightly less precipitation (18.5 vs. 19.7 inches). It maintains similar precipitation levels to Elbert County (17.3 inches) while running 1°F cooler, reflecting its closer proximity to the Front Range foothills.

Snowy winters, hot summer days

January averages 31.1°F and July reaches 71.3°F, with 26 days annually exceeding 90°F. The county receives 71.6 inches of snow annually, making winter equipment and snow removal a significant seasonal consideration for residents.

Stock up on snow gear and AC

With 71.6 inches of annual snowfall, residents need reliable snow tires, shovels, and driveway management systems. Summer heat requires quality air conditioning—26 days above 90°F demand efficient HVAC systems and shaded outdoor spaces for recreation.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Douglas County

via SoilByCounty

Front Range Alkaline Baselines

Douglas County lacks specific local soil taxonomy data in this record, though it likely follows Colorado's alkaline trends. The state average pH of 7.29 is significantly higher than the national median of 6.5.

Test for Local Texture Needs

Sand and clay percentages are not specified for this area, requiring residents to perform manual tests for texture. Knowing your local mix is the first step toward effective nutrient and water management.

Aiming for State Average Water Capacity

Organic matter levels for Douglas County are currently unavailable, but the state average of 2.18% serves as a useful benchmark. Residents should aim to match or exceed the state’s 0.139 in/in water capacity through composting.

Monitoring Moisture on the Site

Local drainage classes and hydrologic groups are not listed in the current data set. Gardeners and builders must rely on site-specific assessments to understand how the land handles heavy rainfall and snowmelt.

Hardy Natives for Zone 5b

Hardiness zone 5b means you face chilly winters and a shorter growing season. Focus on native plants and cool-season crops that can withstand the Front Range's unpredictable weather patterns.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Douglas County

via LawnByCounty

The Douglas County Lawn Challenge

Douglas County earns a 34.7 difficulty score, making it slightly more challenging than the state average for lawn care. Its zone 5b hardiness level means plants must withstand colder winter temperatures than many neighboring areas.

Balancing Rainfall and Early Frosts

The county receives 18.5 inches of annual precipitation, which is higher than the state average but still well below the lawn-ideal 30 inches. Homeowners must manage 2,480 growing degree days effectively before the first frost arrives in early October.

Building a Strong Soil Base

Local soil data is currently limited, but the region's topography typically demands attention to drainage and aeration. Testing your specific yard for nutrient deficiencies is a critical first step before applying any seasonal fertilizers.

Managing Severe Drought Periods

With 32 weeks spent in drought this past year and 55.2% of the county in severe drought, water conservation is essential. Modernizing your sprinkler system with rain sensors can prevent wasted water during the limited rainy periods.

Best Grasses for Zone 5b

Fine fescue and perennial ryegrass are excellent picks for the cooler zone 5b climate found here. Plan your planting window between the last frost on May 9 and the first frost on October 2 for optimal establishment.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Douglas County's county score?
Douglas County, Colorado has a composite county score of 47.8 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 Douglas County rank among counties in Colorado?
Douglas County ranks #39 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 Douglas County, Colorado?
The median annual property tax in Douglas County is $3,707, with an effective tax rate of 0.55%. This earns Douglas County a tax score of 80.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Douglas County?
The median household income in Douglas County, Colorado is $145,737 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Douglas County earns an income score of 99.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Douglas County, Colorado a good place to live?
Douglas County scores 47.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #39 in Colorado. The best way to evaluate Douglas 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 Douglas County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛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.