countyscore
60
County Score
Property Tax 95Disaster Risk 92.6Safety 66.6

County Report Card

About Lincoln County, Colorado

Lincoln exceeds national livability median

Lincoln County's composite score of 60.0 outperforms the national median of 50.0 by a full 10 points, placing it in the upper 40th percentile of U.S. counties. This marks a county with genuinely strong fundamental livability.

Top tier performer in Colorado

At 60.0, Lincoln ranks in the upper third of Colorado counties, nearly 9 points above the state average of 51.2. The county represents one of Colorado's more livable rural communities.

Affordability and risk resilience stand out

Lincoln County shines with a Cost Score of 51.6 reflecting genuine affordability (median home $232,100, rent $854/month) and a Risk Score of 92.6 indicating exceptional environmental resilience. Tax efficiency also rates highly at 95.0 with a 0.382% effective rate.

Income levels lag regional peers

With an Income Score of just 23.5 and median household income of $54,257, Lincoln's earning potential is limited. This constrains opportunities for income growth and higher-wage professionals, though costs remain manageable.

Perfect for budget-conscious rural families

Lincoln County suits retirees, remote workers, and rural families prioritizing affordability, low taxes, and environmental stability over high local wages. The combination of cheap housing and resilience makes it a rare rural gem.

Score breakdown

Tax95Cost51.6Safety66.6Health64.8Schools35.6Income23.5Risk92.6Water37.4Weather35.8
🏛95
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠51.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼23.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡66.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤64.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓35.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡92.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧37.4
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤35.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨30.5
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱51.2
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

Phillips County
Colorado
Median income: $60,372
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Georgia
Median income: $36,838
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Idaho County
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Ness County
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Woodson County
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Taylor County
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Trigg County
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Oregon County
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Nearby counties

Crowley County
Colorado
51.9
Kiowa County
Colorado
48.5
Cheyenne County
Colorado
66.3
Elbert County
Colorado
60.3
Kit Carson County
Colorado
51.7
Otero County
Colorado
40.3
El Paso County
Colorado
35.2
Arapahoe County
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43.1

Deep Dives

Lincoln County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Lincoln County

via TaxByCounty

Lincoln County taxes run lower than average

Lincoln County's effective tax rate of 0.382% sits below the national median of 0.470%, placing it in roughly the 35th percentile nationally. The median property tax of $886 represents just 33% of the national median of $2,690, reflecting the county's rural character and modest home values ($232,100 median). Lincoln residents enjoy below-average national tax burdens.

Slightly below Colorado's typical rate

Lincoln's 0.382% effective rate sits just below Colorado's state average of 0.393%, positioning the county as slightly more tax-friendly than typical. The median tax of $886 falls well below the state median of $1,560, confirming Lincoln's status as a lower-tax Colorado county. Residents here pay below-state-average property taxes.

Lower taxes in the eastern plains

Lincoln's 0.382% rate sits between Las Animas County (0.244%) and Kit Carson County (0.515%), offering a middle-ground option in the eastern region. The $886 median tax bill is the second-lowest surveyed after Las Animas. Lincoln provides rural residents with reasonable tax efficiency.

What a Lincoln County homeowner pays

The median Lincoln County home valued at $232,100 generates an estimated annual property tax of $886. With a mortgage, homeowners pay approximately $970, while those owning outright pay around $592. Lincoln's tax bills remain among the state's most affordable for typical rural properties.

Rural assessments need checking too

Rural properties like Lincoln County's often face less frequent reassessments, allowing outdated valuations to persist and inflate taxes. If your assessment hasn't changed in several years despite local market shifts, request a reassessment. An appeal could unlock additional savings on an already-affordable tax bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Lincoln County

via CostByCounty

Lincoln: Eastern plains affordability champ

Lincoln County residents spend 18.9% of household income on rent, beating both Colorado's 20.2% state average and the national norm by a meaningful margin. At $54,257 median income, the county achieves rare affordability by pairing low housing costs with realistic earnings.

Colorado's most affordable county option

Lincoln's 18.9% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the state's best affordability outcomes, with housing consuming the smallest share of income among comparable Colorado counties. The combination of low rent and reasonable income creates exceptional household financial breathing room.

Eastern plains leader in value

Lincoln's median rent of $854/month runs $399 below Colorado's state average, making it the cheapest renting option in this county set. The median home value of $232,100 similarly anchors Lincoln as the region's most accessible market for buyers.

Both renters and owners find value

Renters pay just $854 monthly while owners spend $815—both well below state norms and reflecting genuine rural affordability. With 18.9% of income going to housing, Lincoln residents enjoy the largest affordability cushion in this county comparison.

Maximum affordability, no compromise

Lincoln County is Colorado's best bet for households with modest incomes seeking stable housing without compromise or stretch—no high-tech income requirements or sacrifice of quality of life. Remote workers earning $50,000+ will find Lincoln dramatically cheaper than any front-range alternative.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Lincoln County

via IncomeByCounty

Lincoln County income trails national average

Lincoln County's median household income of $54,257 falls roughly $20,500 below the national median of $74,755. This gap reflects the economic realities of rural Colorado's sparse population and limited employment diversity.

Well below Colorado's median income

At $54,257, Lincoln County earns 28% less than Colorado's state average of $74,792, ranking among the state's lowest-income counties. The county's ranching and oil-and-gas economies support limited household wealth.

Similar to other rural plains counties

Lincoln's $54,257 median mirrors Kit Carson ($59,810) and Logan ($55,074) counties across Colorado's eastern plains. All three rural counties struggle with income levels below state and national benchmarks.

Rent affordable on limited incomes

At 18.9%, Lincoln County renters spend a reasonable share of income on housing, below the 30% caution threshold. A median home value of $232,100 remains accessible relative to some rural counties, though still challenging for median-income households.

Financial stability in Lincoln County

Residents should focus on building emergency reserves and exploring community financial resources to strengthen household stability. A financial advisor familiar with rural economies can help develop realistic savings and wealth-building strategies tailored to local income levels.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Lincoln County

via CrimeByCounty

One of the Nation's Safest Counties

Lincoln County is exceptionally safe, earning a 98.8 safety score. Its total crime rate of 788.1 per 100K is less than one-third of the national average.

Setting the Standard for Colorado Safety

This county is a standout in Colorado, easily beating the state average safety score of 97.1. It ranks as one of the most secure counties in the entire region.

A High-Safety Rural Oasis

Lincoln is even safer than Kit Carson and significantly more secure than Logan or Mesa. It maintains a very low profile for both violent and property-related incidents.

Minimal Crime Across All Categories

The violent crime rate is just 71.6 per 100K, a fraction of the national 369.8 average. Property crime is also very low, recorded at only 716.5 per 100K.

Preserving a Safe Community

While risk is minimal, maintaining good habits keeps Lincoln County safe for everyone. Simple steps like locking vehicles and lighting dark corners provide excellent protection.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Lincoln County

via HealthByCounty

Lincoln County trails U.S. health averages

At 77.5 years, Lincoln County residents live 1.4 years below the U.S. average of 78.9 years. The county's 18.0% poor/fair health rate exceeds national norms, indicating persistent health challenges across the population.

Below Colorado's health median

Lincoln County's 77.5-year life expectancy falls 0.7 years below Colorado's state average of 78.2 years. The county's 18.0% poor/fair health rate ranks among Colorado's more vulnerable counties.

Mixed results in rural context

Lincoln County's 77.5-year life expectancy exceeds Las Animas (74.0) and Logan (74.0) but trails El Paso (78.9) and other more developed counties. The county's 106 primary care providers per 100,000 offer moderate access compared to rural peers.

Moderate insurance coverage with limited providers

Lincoln County's 8.0% uninsured rate—slightly below Colorado's 9.7% average—provides some coverage stability. However, 106 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and 201 mental health providers remain stretched thin for a rural population.

Strengthen healthcare access for Lincoln

Even with relatively strong insurance coverage at 8.0%, Lincoln residents benefit from reviewing their plans annually. Visit connect.colorado.gov or call 1-855-PLANS-CO to confirm you have coverage that matches your family's evolving health needs.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Lincoln County

via SchoolsByCounty

Plains Education Infrastructure

Lincoln County operates five public schools across three districts, serving a total of 721 students. The system is streamlined, consisting of two elementary schools, two high schools, and one PK-12 campus.

Consistently Beating State Averages

Lincoln County achieves an 85.5% graduation rate, outpacing the Colorado average of 83.1%. The county invests $7,252 per pupil, nearly matching the state's average spending and earning a school score of 51.7.

Limon and Genoa-Hugo Districts

Limon School District No. Re 4J is the largest in the county, educating 457 students. The Genoa-Hugo and Karval districts manage the remaining students, with no charter schools currently operating in the area.

True Rural Schooling

Every school in Lincoln County is classified as rural, offering students an intimate learning environment with an average school size of 144. Limon Junior-Senior High is the largest school at 242 students, while Karval's campuses serve just 20 students each.

Small Classes on the Plains

Lincoln County is a prime choice for families prioritizing high graduation rates and small, rural classroom settings. The Limon area offers a stable community environment with consistent investment in its local students.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Lincoln County

via RiskByCounty

Lincoln County sits among America's safest

With a composite risk score of just 7.47 and a Very Low rating, Lincoln County ranks in the lowest tier of U.S. counties for natural disaster exposure. This exceptional safety reflects a combination of geography, climate, and relative isolation from major hazard zones.

Colorado's safest county by composite risk

Lincoln County's 7.47 score is the lowest in the entire state—dramatically below Colorado's 40.67 average. This ranking reflects minimal exposure across the full spectrum of natural disasters compared to virtually all other Colorado communities.

Far safer than surrounding high-plains areas

Lincoln (7.47) faces a tiny fraction of the risk in Logan County (58.75) to the north and Kit Carson (32.47) to the east. Its position as Colorado's lowest-risk county reflects relative protection from flooding, wildfire, tornado, and seismic activity.

Wildfire the only notable hazard exposure

Wildfire risk scores 58.43—Lincoln's highest hazard—though still moderate in absolute terms and reflecting the county's grassland and semi-arid landscape. All other hazards score significantly lower, with tornadoes at 25.06 and earthquakes at 18.58 remaining minimal concerns.

Basic coverage adequate for most residents

Lincoln County's exceptionally low-risk profile means standard homeowner insurance provides adequate protection for most properties. Consider adding wildfire coverage as an affordable supplement given the county's landscape, and maintain routine roof and gutter maintenance to minimize fire risk from external sources.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Lincoln County

via WeatherByCounty

Lincoln County: slightly above U.S. median

At 49.5°F annually, Lincoln County falls just 1 degree below the U.S. median of 50.5°F, placing it in a temperate semi-arid climate zone. The county receives 14.4 inches of precipitation annually—below national median—making it notably drier than typical American climates.

Warmer than Colorado average by 3.5 degrees

Lincoln County's 49.5°F average runs 3.5 degrees above Colorado's state average of 46.0°F, positioning it in the warmer tier of Colorado counties. This reflects its eastern plains location and lower elevation.

Similar to Logan County, drier than most

Lincoln County averages 49.5°F—nearly identical to nearby Logan County's 50.4°F—but receives less precipitation (14.4 inches vs. 16.6 inches). Both counties occupy Colorado's semi-arid plains with comparable temperature regimes.

Hot summers, cold winters, 42 extreme days

July averages 73.1°F with 42 days reaching 90°F annually, delivering sustained summer heat. January averages 29.4°F, and the county receives only 24.3 inches of annual snowfall—the driest snow accumulation among high-heat counties.

Cooling essential, minimal winter snow concern

With 42 days annually hitting 90°F, air conditioning is non-negotiable and should be sized for peak demand. Water conservation and drought planning are critical given 14.4 inches of annual precipitation; winter snow removal is minimal concern with just 24.3 inches annually.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Lincoln County

via SoilByCounty

Balanced Alkaline Plains Soil

Lincoln County's soil pH of 7.22 is slightly more alkaline than the national median of 6.5. This level is nearly identical to the Colorado average of 7.29, reflecting the consistent chemistry of the state's eastern plains.

High Sand for Easy Drainage

The soil is composed of 52.2% sand, 28.7% silt, and 18.3% clay. This sand-heavy mix provides excellent drainage and ease of workability, though it may require more frequent watering than heavier soils.

Consistent Water Capacity

Organic matter content is 1.53%, which trails the state average of 2.18%. However, the available water capacity of 0.136 in/in is almost exactly the same as the statewide average of 0.139.

Managing Water in Sandy Soil

Specific hydrologic groups are not listed, but the 52.2% sand content suggests that water moves quickly through the profile. This reduces the risk of root rot but makes nutrient retention a key focus for local farmers.

Plains-Hardy Growth in Zone 5b

In USDA Hardiness Zone 5b, Lincoln County provides a great environment for drought-resistant vegetables and grains. Start your garden today to make the most of the region's sunny and reliable summers.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Lincoln County

via LawnByCounty

Top-Tier Colorado Lawn Ease

Lincoln County offers some of the best lawn conditions in the state with a score of 51.2, beating the national average. Despite the semi-arid climate, this Zone 5b county is more forgiving than its western neighbors.

Low Rain but High Growth

Annual precipitation is low at 14.4 inches, meaning supplemental watering is a must for green turf. You must manage 42 extreme heat days per year, which can quickly dry out the landscape during summer.

Optimal pH and Sandy Drainage

The soil pH of 7.22 is very close to the ideal range, while a 52.2% sand content ensures excellent drainage. This sandy foundation means you may need to fertilize more frequently to prevent nutrient leaching.

Strong Drought Resilience

The county is currently in great shape with only 4.3% of the area classified as abnormally dry and zero severe drought. With only 5 weeks in drought last year, it is one of the most water-stable regions in Colorado.

Resilient Grasses for Lincoln

Blue Grama or Buffalo grass are perfect for this 5b zone as they require less water than traditional Kentucky Bluegrass. Schedule your seeding for mid-May once the threat of the May 9th frost has passed.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lincoln County's county score?
Lincoln County, Colorado has a composite county score of 60 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 Lincoln County rank among counties in Colorado?
Lincoln County ranks #17 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 Lincoln County, Colorado?
The median annual property tax in Lincoln County is $886, with an effective tax rate of 0.38%. This earns Lincoln County a tax score of 95/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Lincoln County?
The median household income in Lincoln County, Colorado is $54,257 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Lincoln County earns an income score of 23.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Lincoln County, Colorado a good place to live?
Lincoln County scores 60/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #17 in Colorado. The best way to evaluate Lincoln 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 Lincoln 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.