countyscore
38
County Score
Property Tax 88.9Health 45.4Lawn Care 41.8

County Report Card

About Logan County, Colorado

Logan County underperforms national average

Logan County's composite score of 38.0 falls substantially below the national median of 50.0, ranking in the lower third of U.S. counties. Multiple livability dimensions, particularly safety and schools, drive this below-average rating.

Below Colorado average with systemic gaps

At 38.0, Logan ranks in the bottom tier of Colorado counties, nearly 13 points below the state average of 51.2. The county faces interconnected challenges across safety, education, and income.

Taxes and affordability provide foundation

Logan County scores 88.9 on Tax with an effective rate of 0.470%, and maintains relative affordability with median homes at $228,100 and rent at $1,027/month. These fundamentals offer some shelter for cost-conscious residents.

Safety, schools, and health need urgent attention

Logan's Safety Score of 13.7 and School Score of 22.5 are deeply concerning, while Health Score of 45.4 and Income Score of 25.1 (median income $55,074) signal systemic challenges. These gaps compound each other, affecting quality of life across the board.

Suitable only for specific niche populations

Logan County's profile suits primarily remote workers or retirees indifferent to local schools and safety who can bootstrap their own services. Families and job-dependent residents should seek stronger county alternatives.

2040608010088.93513.745.422.525.141.327.733.4Tax88.9Cost35Safety13.7Health45.4Schools22.5Income25.1Risk41.3Water27.7Weather33.438/100
This county
National avg
1 above average6 below average

Logan County DNA

Foverall

How Logan County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Logan County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Safety (13.7/100), though Property Tax (88.9/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
88.9+36.900000000000006
Cost
35-13
Safety
13.7-41.3
Health
45.4
Schools
22.5-31.5
Income
25.1-25.9
Risk
41.3
Water
27.7-30.3
Weather
33.4-22.6
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$228,100

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,027/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$228,100/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$41,080/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum4.1x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $55,074/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

4.7

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
Compare Logan County with Yolo County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

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Median income: $88,818
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Montcalm County
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Washtenaw County
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Ross County
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Stark County
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Whatcom County
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Dane County
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Median income: $88,108
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Nearby counties

Cheyenne County
Nebraska
41.4
Phillips County
Colorado
60
Sedgwick County
Colorado
61.2
Kimball County
Nebraska
52.3
Deuel County
Nebraska
61.2
Morgan County
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37.9
Washington County
Colorado
53.6
Yuma County
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55.2

Deep Dives

Logan County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Logan County

via TaxByCounty

Logan County taxes stay below national norm

Logan County's effective tax rate of 0.470% precisely matches the national median, placing it in the 50th percentile—exactly at America's midpoint. The median property tax of $1,072 remains well below the national median of $2,690, reflecting Logan's rural character and lower property values ($228,100 median). Logan represents the national average tax structure.

Slightly above Colorado's average

Logan's 0.470% effective rate exceeds Colorado's state average of 0.393%, positioning the county among the state's somewhat higher-taxed rural areas. The median tax of $1,072 sits below the state median of $1,560, confirming Logan's rural status. Residents pay state-above-average rates but below-state-average bills.

Middle-ground taxes for rural Colorado

Logan's 0.470% rate sits between Las Animas County (0.244%) and Kit Carson County (0.515%), offering a moderate rural option. The $1,072 median tax represents middle-ground pricing in the eastern plains region. Logan provides balanced taxation for rural communities.

What a Logan County homeowner pays

The median Logan County home valued at $228,100 generates an estimated annual property tax of $1,072. With a mortgage, homeowners typically pay approximately $1,157, while those owning outright pay around $933. Logan's taxes represent a manageable annual expense for rural property owners.

Appeals can lower your rural bill

Logan County properties sometimes receive standardized assessments that don't reflect individual property characteristics or recent local sales data. Request a reassessment if you believe your valuation exceeds comparable sales in your area. Even modest reductions on Logan's moderate tax bills can yield meaningful savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Logan County

via CostByCounty

Logan County: Affordability gap widens here

Logan County residents spend 22.4% of household income on rent, exceeding Colorado's 20.2% state average and straining the national affordability baseline. With median income at $55,074—nearly $20,000 below the U.S. median—the county faces a notable affordability pressure.

Among Colorado's tighter markets

Logan's 22.4% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the state's least affordable, driven by modest incomes that don't keep pace with regional housing cost growth. The county shows how rising rents can outpace wage growth in rural Colorado communities.

Northeast plains rent surge

Logan's median rent of $1,027/month runs $173 above Colorado's state average, a significant jump for a county with the state's lowest earning potential. The median home value of $228,100 remains reasonable, but rental market pressures exceed ownership opportunities.

Renting strains, ownership offers relief

Renters pay $1,027 monthly while owners spend only $871—a $156 gap showing that purchasing dramatically improves affordability in Logan County. At 22.4% of the $55,074 median income, rent consumes an outsized household share, making homeownership the financial priority.

Buying makes sense in Logan County

Relocators to Logan County should prioritize homeownership over renting, as the rent-to-income gap is among Colorado's worst. With median income at $55,074, first-time buyers will find the $228,100 median home value far more manageable than renting at market rates.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Logan County

via IncomeByCounty

Logan County trails national income levels

Logan County's median household income of $55,074 falls roughly $20,000 below the national median of $74,755. This gap is typical of agricultural and energy-dependent rural counties across the Great Plains.

Among Colorado's lower-income counties

At $55,074, Logan County earns 26% less than Colorado's state average of $74,792, ranking in the lower half statewide. The county's economy remains rooted in agriculture, cattle ranching, and declining oil-and-gas employment.

Comparable to Lincoln and Kit Carson

Logan's $55,074 median income falls between Lincoln ($54,257) and Kit Carson ($59,810) counties across Colorado's rural northeast. All three counties face similar economic constraints from sparse population and limited industry diversity.

Highest rent burden among peers

Logan County renters spend 22.4% of income on housing, the highest ratio among comparable rural counties and approaching affordability concerns. A median home value of $228,100 remains achievable relative to other Colorado counties, easing the path to homeownership.

Strategic savings for Logan families

Residents should prioritize building emergency funds and exploring low-cost investment options suited to modest incomes. Consulting a financial advisor about budgeting, saving, and long-term wealth building can help Logan County families strengthen financial security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Logan County

via CrimeByCounty

Logan County Near National Averages

Logan County has a total crime rate of 2,473.9 per 100K, slightly higher than the national average of 2,385.5. It maintains a solid safety score of 96.1.

Safety Levels Compared to State Average

The county's crime rate is higher than the state average of 1,834.6 per 100K. However, its safety score remains relatively close to the state benchmark of 97.1.

Comparing Safety in Northeast Colorado

Logan experiences more crime than rural Kit Carson but is slightly safer than Larimer County. Two reporting agencies handle the public safety needs of the area.

A Closer Look at Local Crime

Property crime accounts for 2,154.7 incidents per 100K residents. Violent crime, at 319.2 per 100K, remains below the national average of 369.8.

Investing in Home Protection

A modern security system can help reduce local property crime rates. Secure your perimeter and ensure all entry points are well-fortified to deter unwanted visitors.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Logan County

via SchoolsByCounty

Northeast Colorado School Network

Logan County hosts 13 public schools across four districts, supporting 2,685 students in the northeast plains. The infrastructure includes 6 elementary schools and 5 high schools, providing balanced coverage for the region.

Steady Educational Investment

The county maintains an 82.0% graduation rate and a composite school score of 48.7. Local districts spend an average of $6,718 per pupil, slightly below the state average of $7,447 but focused on rural results.

Focus on the Valley District

School District No. Re-1 Valley is the dominant provider, managing 7 schools and 1,972 students. Traditional public schools make up 100% of the county's options, as no charter schools currently operate in the area.

Rural Roots and Town Hubs

Nine of the county's schools are in rural locales, while four serve the larger town of Sterling. The average school size is 207 students, but Sterling High School serves as a primary hub with 433 students.

Explore Homes in Sterling

Sterling offers the perfect balance of town amenities and rural school charm for growing families. With four districts to choose from, Logan County provides diverse living options near dependable local schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Logan County

via RiskByCounty

Logan County faces above-average disaster risk

With a composite risk score of 58.75 and a Relatively Low rating, Logan County experiences notably more disaster exposure than the typical U.S. county. Tornado and wildfire risks drive this elevated profile, with both hazards scoring substantially above national norms.

Mid-range risk among Colorado counties

Logan County's 58.75 score exceeds Colorado's 40.67 state average by roughly 45%, placing it in the higher-risk tier of Colorado communities. While not the state's riskiest, Logan residents face significantly greater hazard exposure than those in lower-risk counties.

Riskier than plains peers, safer than mountains

Logan (58.75) faces substantially more risk than Kit Carson (32.47) and Lincoln (7.47) to the south and east, yet less than Larimer (90.14) to the northwest. Among northeastern Colorado's high-plains counties, Logan carries the second-highest composite risk.

Tornadoes and wildfires pose clear threats

Tornado risk scores 73.31—high for Colorado—reflecting Logan's position on the spring severe-weather corridor where conditions frequently spawn tornadoes and hail. Wildfire risk at 63.58 reflects grassland fuel and drought-prone conditions; both hazards can develop and impact the county with little warning.

Secure wind and wildfire coverage

Homeowners in Logan County should prioritize comprehensive coverage for tornado, wind, and hail damage—the county's tornado risk is among Colorado's highest. Add wildfire and grass-fire protection to standard policies, maintain a home emergency kit with supplies for rapid evacuation, and identify a safe room for severe weather.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Logan County

via WaterByCounty

Logan County Faces Failing Compliance Grade

Thirteen health violations over the last five years have resulted in an F grade for Logan County's drinking water. The violation rate of 77.3 per 100,000 residents is elevated, though still below the state average of 292.1. These numbers reflect persistent challenges in meeting Safe Drinking Water Act standards.

Arsenic and E. Coli Plague Waterways

Logan County reports that 43.2% of its 88 assessed water bodies are impaired, exceeding the state average of 35.4%. The 2022 ATTAINS cycle identifies arsenic and E. coli as the top causes for these environmental failures. Agricultural runoff and natural mineral deposits both contribute to these impairment levels.

Nutrient Monitoring Across 24 Sites

The county tracks water quality through 24 monitoring sites, with 4,526 measurements recorded recently. Efforts are primarily focused on nutrients, inorganics, and physical characteristics. This data is critical for managing the South Platte River corridor as it moves through the plains.

Real-Time Flow Data Unavailable

No active USGS streamgages are currently reporting live data within Logan County. Without real-time flow information, watershed health indicators like the 43.2% impairment rate provide the best available context for water conditions. Residents should also prioritize the drinking water compliance signal, which currently indicates an F grade.

Addressing E. Coli and Arsenic Risks

High rates of E. coli and arsenic in the watershed mean that private well owners should test their water annually. Municipal users should review their utility's plan to address the 13 health violations that led to the current F grade. Consider UV or specialized carbon filters to mitigate bacterial and mineral risks.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Logan County

via WeatherByCounty

Logan County slightly warmer than U.S. norm

At 50.4°F annually, Logan County marginally exceeds the U.S. median of 50.5°F, placing it in a temperate semi-arid climate zone. The county receives 16.6 inches of precipitation annually, just above the national median.

Colorado's warmest county overall

Logan County's 50.4°F average runs 4.4 degrees above Colorado's state average of 46.0°F, making it among the state's warmest counties. Its plains location and lower elevation drive this warmer profile relative to Colorado's mountain-dominated geography.

Warmest on the eastern plains

Logan County averages 50.4°F, matching or exceeding nearby Lincoln County's 49.5°F and running warmer than Moffat County's 45.1°F to the northwest. The county's plains position distinguishes it from cooler mountain neighbors.

Hottest summers, moderate winters, 53 heat days

July averages 75.2°F with 53 days reaching 90°F annually—the highest extreme heat frequency in the dataset. January averages 28.6°F with modest 33.0 inches of annual snowfall, offering relatively mild winters.

Peak cooling demands, minimal snow challenges

Air conditioning is essential with 53 annual days hitting 90°F; over-sizing systems is prudent for peak summer loads. Winter preparation is light—33.0 inches of annual snow is manageable—but water conservation and heat stress management dominate planning priorities.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Logan County

via SoilByCounty

Neutral and Productive Soils

Logan County features a pH of 7.05, which is closer to the neutral national median of 6.5 than the state average. Its overall soil score of 38.7 ranks significantly higher than the Colorado average of 31.3.

The Perfect Silt and Sand Balance

The soil contains 48.8% sand, 29.8% silt, and 17.5% clay. This combination offers a manageable texture that provides both structural stability for roots and good drainage for irrigation.

Healthy Levels of Organic Matter

At 1.88%, the organic matter content is strong for the region, though slightly below the national average of 2.0%. The available water capacity of 0.137 in/in sits right at the state average of 0.139.

Efficient Water Management

While specific drainage classes are missing from the data, the balanced texture supports the county's reputation for high agricultural output. These soils are well-suited for the irrigated farming common in the South Platte Valley.

Top-Tier Growing in Zone 5b

Falling into USDA Hardiness Zone 5b, Logan County is ideal for sugar beets, corn, and sunflowers. With such a high soil score, it is the perfect place to start a productive backyard vegetable garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Logan County

via LawnByCounty

Managing High Summer Heat

Logan County's score of 41.8 sits comfortably above the state average of 37.4, though it remains more difficult than the national median. This Zone 5b county provides a solid foundation for lawns if you can handle the summer heat.

Intense Heat and Fast Growth

The county faces 53 extreme heat days, which is nearly double the state average of 27 days. While 16.6 inches of rain helps, the 3,016 growing degree days mean your grass will grow fast and need frequent mowing.

Nearly Perfect Soil Balance

The soil pH of 7.05 is nearly perfect for lawn health, falling right at the edge of the ideal 6.0-7.0 range. A balanced mix of 48.8% sand and 17.5% clay provides decent drainage without losing all moisture too quickly.

Severe Localized Drought

Conditions are currently tough with 100.0% of the area abnormally dry and over half in severe drought. After 30 weeks of drought this past year, focusing on water-efficient irrigation is vital for lawn survival.

Best Seeding for Logan

Turf-type Tall Fescue is a great choice to withstand the 53 days of high heat in this Zone 5b region. Start your lawn after May 10th to avoid the last spring frost and ensure steady growth.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Logan County's county score?
Logan County, Colorado has a composite county score of 38 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 Logan County rank among counties in Colorado?
Logan County ranks #58 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 Logan County, Colorado?
The median annual property tax in Logan County is $1,072, with an effective tax rate of 0.47%. This earns Logan County a tax score of 88.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Logan County?
The median household income in Logan County, Colorado is $55,074 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Logan County earns an income score of 25.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Logan County, Colorado a good place to live?
Logan County scores 38/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #58 in Colorado. The best way to evaluate Logan 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 Logan County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.