countyscore
60.3
County Score
Income & Jobs 99.3Property Tax 90.7Safety 90.3

County Report Card

About Elbert County, Colorado

Elbert tops this cohort, exceeds national median

Elbert County's composite score of 60.3 significantly exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in the upper third of all U.S. counties. This exurban county delivers strong overall livability through balanced excellence across multiple dimensions.

Colorado's top performer in this analysis

Elbert ranks above the state average composite score of 51.2 and is the highest-scoring county in this cohort of eight, demonstrating its strong position within Colorado's livability landscape. It combines rural character with suburban affluence.

Exceptional safety, health, and high incomes

Elbert excels across multiple fronts: outstanding safety (90.3), strong health outcomes (87.9), and the second-highest median household income in the cohort at $129,477 (income score: 99.3). Tax burden is favorable at 0.449% effective rate, and moderate disaster risk at 63.4 is acceptable.

Water and school resources lag expectations

Elbert's primary limitations are water infrastructure at 37.0 and school quality at 30.5, suggesting both arid constraints and underfunded education systems. Gross rent is moderate at $1,436/month, but median home values at $664,600 may stretch some budgets.

Ideal for affluent families seeking safety

Elbert suits high-income families drawn to safe, healthy exurban living and strong community cohesion, though parents should evaluate schools carefully. Remote workers and empty-nesters benefit most from this county's balanced profile.

Score breakdown

Tax90.7Cost4.6Safety90.3Health87.9Schools30.5Income99.3Risk63.4Water37Weather45.9
🏛90.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠4.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼99.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡90.3
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤87.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓30.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡63.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧37
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤45.9
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱47.2
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

Lake County
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Median income: $93,655
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Brown County
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Eddy County
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Dickens County
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Jackson County
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Bradford County
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Allamakee County
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Nearby counties

Arapahoe County
Colorado
43.1
Adams County
Colorado
30.4
El Paso County
Colorado
35.2
Douglas County
Colorado
47.8
Denver County
Colorado
33.8
Lincoln County
Colorado
60
Teller County
Colorado
51.2
Jefferson County
Colorado
40

Deep Dives

Elbert County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Elbert County

via TaxByCounty

Elbert County taxes in top 30% nationally

Elbert County's effective rate of 0.449% ranks in the 70th percentile nationally, placing it solidly in the higher end of American property tax rates. The median annual tax of $2,981 exceeds the national median of $2,690, driven by Elbert's median home value of $664,600.

Elbert ranks high among Colorado counties

At 0.449% effective rate, Elbert exceeds Colorado's state average of 0.393%, placing it in the upper quarter of the state's 64 counties. The median tax of $2,981 nearly doubles Colorado's median of $1,560, reflecting Elbert's character as an upscale exurban community.

Elbert taxes higher than Denver metro peers

Elbert's 0.449% rate exceeds Denver's 0.443%, El Paso's 0.411%, and Fremont's 0.383%, making it the most expensive tax county in its region. Only Douglas County's 0.550% surpasses Elbert's burden among Colorado's major counties.

Elbert residents pay $2,981 per year

On Elbert County's median home value of $664,600, property owners pay approximately $2,981 in annual taxes at the 0.449% rate. Homeowners with mortgages pay $3,128; those without mortgages pay $2,640.

Elbert's growth means reassessment opportunities

Rapid development in Elbert County can cause assessments to lag behind market values for some properties while exceeding them for others. Filing an assessment appeal is free and can be especially valuable if your property hasn't sold recently.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Elbert County

via CostByCounty

Elbert County's wealthy face lowest burden

Elbert County residents spend just 13.3% of income on rent—the lowest ratio among all counties studied and far better than national benchmarks. With a median household income of $129,477 (73% above the national average of $74,755), the county offers exceptional housing affordability.

Second-best affordability in Colorado

Elbert County's 13.3% rent-to-income ratio is second only to Douglas County (17.3%), placing it in Colorado's most affordable tier. The county's high-income households and moderate median rent of $1,436 create substantial financial flexibility.

High incomes offset modest rent premium

Elbert County's median rent of $1,436 rivals Fremont County ($1,036) and trails Garfield County ($1,515), but the $129,477 median income dwarfs all peer counties. This income advantage makes Elbert's housing costs negligible by comparison.

Affluent households carry minimal burden

Renters allocate just $1,436 monthly (13.3%) of the $129,477 income, while homeowners spend $2,214 (20.6%) on a $664,600 median home value. Elbert County offers the most housing comfort of any county analyzed.

Prime market for high-net-worth relocators

If you're moving to Colorado and earning $120,000+, Elbert County combines exceptional affordability with exurban charm and proximity to Denver. The county suits affluent professionals and remote workers seeking space without urban price tags.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Elbert County

via IncomeByCounty

Elbert ranks among nation's highest earners

Elbert County's median household income of $129,477 towers 73% above the U.S. median of $74,755, placing it in the nation's top tier of affluent counties. This suburban Denver county has emerged as a prosperity hotspot in recent years.

Second-highest income in Colorado

Elbert County ranks second statewide in median household income at $129,477, trailing only Douglas County's $145,737 by $16,260. The county's income exceeds Colorado's state average of $74,792 by 73%.

Elbert rivals the state's richest counties

Elbert County's $129,477 comes remarkably close to Douglas County's $145,737 and dwarfs Denver's $91,681 and El Paso's $87,470. Only Eagle County's $103,174 poses any competition among neighboring affluent areas.

Lowest rent burden among all counties

Elbert County's rent-to-income ratio of just 13.3%—the lowest here—demonstrates exceptional housing affordability despite a $664,600 median home value. High household incomes easily support property ownership and maintenance.

Maximize wealth-building at maximum capacity

With the second-highest household income in Colorado and the lowest rent burden, Elbert County residents enjoy unmatched financial flexibility for investing and saving. Strategic asset allocation and long-term planning can transform this advantage into substantial intergenerational wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Elbert County

via CrimeByCounty

Exceptional Safety Levels in Elbert

Elbert County features a near-perfect safety score of 99.7 out of 100. Its total crime rate of 189.0 per 100K is a tiny fraction of the 2,385.5 national average.

Among the Safest in Colorado

Elbert significantly outperforms the state safety average of 97.1. Three reporting agencies coordinate to maintain this remarkably low crime environment.

Remarkably Low Regional Crime

The county's crime rate of 189.0 is nearly ten times lower than the state average of 1,834.6 per 100K. It stands as a beacon of safety for the entire region.

Minimal Violent and Property Crime

Violent crime is extremely rare at 18.9 per 100K, and property crime is only 170.1. Residents here face some of the lowest risks of criminal activity in the country.

Maintaining a Secure Community

While crime is very low, basic security measures like locking doors and windows are always recommended. Strong community ties and watchful neighbors help keep Elbert County safe.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Elbert County

via HealthByCounty

Elbert County exceeds national life expectancy

Elbert County residents live to 80.7 years, surpassing the U.S. average of 78.9 years by 1.8 years. With only 12.6% reporting poor or fair health, this exurban county demonstrates strong health outcomes.

Above Colorado average in rural setting

At 80.7 years, Elbert County's life expectancy exceeds Colorado's 78.2-year state average by 2.5 years. This rural county just east of Denver ranks favorably among Colorado communities.

Outperforms Denver and El Paso by wide margins

Elbert County residents live 4.5 years longer than El Paso (76.2) and 3.3 years longer than Denver (77.4), despite exurban location. The 12.6% poor/fair health rate ranks well against urban peers.

Severe primary care provider shortage

Elbert County has just 11 primary care providers per 100,000—among the lowest in the state—forcing residents to seek care in nearby Denver. However, 122 mental health providers per 100K and a 7.2% uninsured rate suggest stable coverage among the rural population.

Verify coverage and plan for travel

Elbert County's low provider density means many residents travel to Denver for primary care. Ensure your health plan covers out-of-county care, and visit Colorado.gov/hcpf to verify Medicaid or marketplace coverage.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Elbert County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Wide-Open Rural Learning Environment

Elbert County manages 17 public schools across five different districts, serving a total of 3,411 students. The infrastructure includes five high schools and seven elementary schools scattered throughout the rural landscape.

High Success Rates in Small Schools

Students here achieve an 86.9% graduation rate, nearly matching the national average and easily beating the state's 83.1%. This performance comes despite a per-pupil expenditure of $6,668, which is below state and national averages.

Spotlight on Elizabeth School District

The Elizabeth School District is the county's largest, managing seven schools and 2,379 students. The county hosts one charter school, Legacy Academy, which provides a K-8 option for 415 students.

Exclusively Rural and Personal Education

Every single school in Elbert County is classified as rural, resulting in a small average school size of 201 students. Elizabeth High School is the largest campus with 679 students, providing a more personalized experience than city peers.

Discover Rural Academic Success

Families looking for high graduation rates and a rural lifestyle gravitate toward the Elizabeth area. The district's strong performance makes Elbert County a standout choice for those seeking small-town community values.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Elbert County

via RiskByCounty

Elbert County has low overall disaster risk

Elbert County scores 36.58 on composite disaster risk, rated Very Low—slightly below Colorado's state average of 40.67. Its rural, semi-arid character limits exposure to most major hazard categories.

Second-safest county in Colorado

Elbert ranks among Colorado's lowest-risk counties, exceeded only by Dolores. Sparse population and vast open plains reduce the concentrated impact of natural disasters.

Substantially safer than nearby Front Range

Elbert's risk score of 36.58 is dramatically lower than neighboring El Paso (94.05) and Douglas (88.71). The county sits east of the Front Range mountains, avoiding some terrain-driven hazards.

Wildfire is Elbert's primary concern

Wildfire risk in Elbert is elevated at 95.07, reflecting rangeland and grassland conditions. Flood, tornado, and earthquake risks all remain well below state averages.

Wildfire preparedness protects your investment

Elbert residents should prioritize defensible space, roof screening, and gutter maintenance to reduce wildfire vulnerability. Standard homeowners insurance typically covers wildfire; verify limits match your home's current replacement cost.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Elbert County

via WeatherByCounty

Elbert runs slightly above U.S. average

At 48.3°F annual temperature, Elbert County sits 2.3°F above the U.S. median of 46°F, placing it in a temperate zone. With 17.3 inches of annual precipitation, the county remains significantly drier than the national average of 38.7 inches.

Among Colorado's warmer regions

Elbert County's 48.3°F annual temperature ranks it 2.3°F above Colorado's state average of 46.0°F. Its 17.3 inches of annual precipitation slightly exceeds the state average of 16.0 inches, positioning it as a relatively balanced county climatically.

Warmer than El Paso, cooler than Douglas

Elbert County sits between El Paso County (46.2°F) to the south and Douglas County (49.2°F) to the north, running 2.1°F warmer than El Paso. Its precipitation of 17.3 inches aligns closely with these neighbors, reflecting consistent Front Range moisture patterns.

Mild winters, moderate heat days

January averages 29.8°F while July reaches 70.7°F, with 20 days annually hitting 90°F or hotter. The county receives 49.1 inches of snowfall annually, providing a moderate winter experience compared to higher-elevation Colorado counties.

Prepare for variable spring weather

Residents should maintain standard snow removal equipment for the 49.1 inches of annual snowfall and keep air conditioning functional for 20 hot days per year. The county's location on the eastern plains means sudden weather shifts in spring; layered clothing and flexible outdoor scheduling are essential.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Elbert County

via SoilByCounty

High Plains Soil Trends

Elbert County’s soil characteristics are not specifically detailed in this report, though high alkalinity is common in the area. Most Colorado soils average a pH of 7.29, well above the 6.5 national median.

Searching for Sandy Loams

Data regarding the sand, silt, and clay percentages for this county is currently missing. Residents often encounter the sandy loams of the plains, which offer different challenges than mountain soils.

Enhancing the Plains' Productivity

Organic matter percentages and water capacity figures are unavailable for Elbert County. Improving your soil to meet the state average of 2.18% organic matter will significantly boost your growing potential.

Understanding Local Water Movement

Specific drainage and hydrologic group data are not listed for this region. Local observations are your best tool for understanding how your land manages water during the rainy season.

Resilient Planting in Zone 5b

A hardiness zone of 5b requires plants that can handle cold winters and a brisk growing season. Select wind-resistant and drought-tolerant varieties to thrive on the open plains of Elbert County.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Elbert County

via LawnByCounty

Steady Success in Elbert County

Elbert County scores a 47.2 for lawn difficulty, placing it well above the Colorado average of 37.4. It is nearly as easy to maintain a lawn here as it is across the rest of the nation, thanks to a more moderate climate.

Managing 20 Days of Summer Heat

The county experiences 20 extreme heat days annually, which is lower than the state average and helps prevent turf burnout. Combined with 17.3 inches of rain, the climate supports steady growth during the primary season.

Focusing on Soil Preparation

Soil data for Elbert is limited, but local gardeners generally find success by adding compost to balance moisture. A simple test kit can help you determine if your specific location needs lime or sulfur to stabilize the pH.

A Strong Year for Moisture

The area only spent 15 weeks in drought this past year, with most of the county currently clear of dry conditions. To keep this advantage, practice deep watering early in the morning to minimize evaporation and discourage fungal growth.

Seeding Your Zone 5b Lawn

Select cold-tolerant grass varieties like fine fescue to survive the zone 5b winters. Planting after May 16 ensures your seeds avoid the last frost and can establish roots before the first fall frost on October 2.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Elbert County's county score?
Elbert County, Colorado has a composite county score of 60.3 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 Elbert County rank among counties in Colorado?
Elbert County ranks #14 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 Elbert County, Colorado?
The median annual property tax in Elbert County is $2,981, with an effective tax rate of 0.45%. This earns Elbert County a tax score of 90.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Elbert County?
The median household income in Elbert County, Colorado is $129,477 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Elbert County earns an income score of 99.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Elbert County, Colorado a good place to live?
Elbert County scores 60.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #14 in Colorado. The best way to evaluate Elbert 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 Elbert 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.