Jefferson's composite score of 63.0 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 13 points, placing it in the above-average tier of U.S. counties. Strong income metrics drive this solid nationwide positioning.
2 / 5
Below Colorado's average livability
Jefferson ranks below Colorado's state average with a score of 63.0 versus 71.8, reflecting below-average performance among state peers. The gap primarily reflects housing cost pressures in this populated Front Range county.
3 / 5
Highest incomes among all measured counties
Jefferson dominates on income with a score of 53.7 and median household earnings of $107,800—significantly above other counties in this group. An 88.9 tax score provides reasonable tax efficiency for higher earners.
4 / 5
Housing costs strain even high incomes
Despite strong earnings, Jefferson's cost score of just 45.8 reflects steep housing burdens with median homes at $604,400 and rent at $1,792 monthly—the highest across all eight counties. This suburban Front Range location commands premium pricing that erodes purchasing power.
5 / 5
Best for affluent professionals near Denver
Jefferson suits dual-income professional households and established executives whose high earnings can absorb premium housing costs. The county's proximity to Denver employment centers justifies costs for those prioritizing urban access and career advancement over affordability.
Jefferson's composite score of 63.0 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 13 points, placing it in the above-average tier of U.S. counties. Strong income metrics drive this solid nationwide positioning.
Below Colorado's average livability
Jefferson ranks below Colorado's state average with a score of 63.0 versus 71.8, reflecting below-average performance among state peers. The gap primarily reflects housing cost pressures in this populated Front Range county.
Highest incomes among all measured counties
Jefferson dominates on income with a score of 53.7 and median household earnings of $107,800—significantly above other counties in this group. An 88.9 tax score provides reasonable tax efficiency for higher earners.
Housing costs strain even high incomes
Despite strong earnings, Jefferson's cost score of just 45.8 reflects steep housing burdens with median homes at $604,400 and rent at $1,792 monthly—the highest across all eight counties. This suburban Front Range location commands premium pricing that erodes purchasing power.
Best for affluent professionals near Denver
Jefferson suits dual-income professional households and established executives whose high earnings can absorb premium housing costs. The county's proximity to Denver employment centers justifies costs for those prioritizing urban access and career advancement over affordability.
Score breakdown
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🏛88.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
At 0.474%, Jefferson's effective tax rate exceeds the national median of 0.52% but sits in a middle-upper range at roughly the 65th percentile. Jefferson homeowners pay more in property taxes than most Americans relative to their homes' values.
Jefferson ranks among Colorado's highest taxed
Jefferson's 0.474% rate is the highest among Colorado's counties examined here and well above the state average of 0.393%, placing it around the 75th percentile statewide. Jefferson residents bear significantly heavier tax burdens than typical Colorado homeowners.
Jefferson's rate far exceeds mountain neighbors
Jefferson's 0.474% rate dwarfs Gilpin (0.23%), Grand (0.348%), and Gunnison (0.282%), reflecting Jefferson's more densely developed suburban/urban character versus rural mountain counties. The metro Denver county maintains the highest effective rate in this comparison group.
Median home: $2,867 annual property tax
With a median home value of $604,400, Jefferson County homeowners pay approximately $2,867 per year in property taxes. That's $177 above the national median tax bill despite homes being worth more than double the U.S. average.
Jefferson homeowners should appeal systematically
Large counties like Jefferson often miss assessment overvaluation issues across thousands of properties, making appeals especially worthwhile. With tax bills exceeding $2,800 annually, even modest percentage reductions yield significant savings.
Jefferson County residents enjoy the state's highest median income at $107,800—44% above the national median—allowing them to absorb a rent-to-income ratio of 19.9%. Strong earnings put Jefferson among the nation's most economically resilient housing markets.
Colorado's most affluent county
Jefferson's rent-to-income ratio of 19.9% sits just below Colorado's 20.2% state average, and its $107,800 median income far outpaces every other county examined. This combination of high income and moderate housing burden creates genuine affordability for residents.
Jefferson's income, not cheap rents
Jefferson's median rent ($1,792) is the state's highest, but residents earn enough ($107,800) to absorb it comfortably. Median home values ($604,400) are also highest, reflecting a wealthy county where affordability stems from income, not low costs.
High earners, high costs, solid balance
Renters in Jefferson spend $1,792 monthly (19.9% of $107,800 annual income), while owners pay $1,937 (21.6%)—both within healthy ranges. Strong household incomes ensure residents aren't squeezed by housing, even at premium price points.
Jefferson rewards high earners
Jefferson County offers Colorado's strongest job market and highest incomes, making it ideal if you can command competitive wages. If your income aligns with the county's $107,800 median, you'll find housing genuinely affordable despite higher absolute costs.
Jefferson County's median household income of $107,800 towers 44% above the national median of $74,755. This commanding advantage places Jefferson among the most affluent counties in the United States, reflecting the county's strong role as a Denver metro employment hub.
Colorado's wealthiest county
Jefferson County's median household income of $107,800 is $33,008 above Colorado's state average of $74,792, making it the highest-earning county in the state. The county's proximity to Denver and concentration of tech, aerospace, and professional services jobs drive superior earnings.
Outearning all Colorado rivals
Jefferson's $107,800 median dramatically exceeds every other county profiled—nearly $19,000 more than Gilpin County's $88,654. The county's metropolitan position and economic diversity create unmatched earning power across Colorado.
Wealth in balance with costs
Jefferson's rent-to-income ratio of 19.9% keeps housing costs at a comfortable level despite the median home value of $604,400. Strong incomes fully support high housing costs while leaving room for savings and investments.
Strategic wealth building opportunity
Jefferson County households should maximize wealth-building strategies including maxed retirement accounts, diversified investments, and real estate portfolios. The county's high income levels create unique capacity for long-term financial independence planning.
At 78.9 years, Jefferson County's life expectancy nearly matches the U.S. average of 78.3 years and exceeds Colorado's 78.2-year state average. Just 12.6% report poor or fair health, reflecting a mid-range health profile for this large Front Range county.
Solid middle performer in Colorado
Jefferson County's 78.9-year life expectancy slightly exceeds Colorado's 78.2-year state average, while its 12.6% poor/fair health rate sits comfortably in the middle range of Colorado counties. As the state's largest county by population, this reflects a diverse and resilient community.
Behind mountain counties, ahead of struggling peers
Jefferson's 78.9-year life expectancy trails Grand (83.9 years) and Gunnison (82.9 years) by several years but significantly outperforms Huerfano (72.5 years). Its 12.6% poor/fair health rate exceeds mountain peers but beats Jackson and Kiowa counties.
Excellent provider access, strong coverage rate
Jefferson County boasts 88 primary care providers and 497 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—among Colorado's best provider density. With just 6.3% uninsured, Jefferson residents have strong insurance coverage and robust access to both primary and mental health care.
Jefferson leading—ensure coverage stays strong
Jefferson's low uninsured rate and strong provider network show residents are engaged with healthcare. Review your coverage annually at healthcare.gov or your employer's plan portal to confirm your family maintains quality, affordable protection.
With a composite risk score of 94.94, Jefferson County far exceeds the national average and earns a "Relatively High" rating. This suburban Denver county faces significant exposure across nearly all major hazard types.
Colorado's riskiest county overall
Jefferson's 94.94 score dwarfs Colorado's state average of 40.67, making it the state's highest-risk county by a substantial margin. Urban density combined with wildfire proximity creates compounded hazards.
Far riskier than all neighboring counties
Jefferson's 94.94 score vastly exceeds nearby Gilpin County (6.36), Gunnison County (44.97), and all other neighbors. Its position at the western edge of the Denver metro makes it uniquely exposed.
All hazards pose significant threats
Jefferson faces exceptionally high wildfire risk (99.52), tornado risk (96.50), flood risk (93.45), and earthquake risk (84.03)—all well above state and national norms. This multi-hazard exposure requires comprehensive preparation.
Comprehensive coverage is non-negotiable
Jefferson County residents must secure wildfire, flood, and earthquake coverage through riders or separate policies—standard homeowner insurance won't suffice. Given the county's exceptional risk profile, full coverage across all major hazards is essential.