countyscore
60
County Score
Safety 91.2Disaster Risk 87.7Property Tax 86.6

County Report Card

About Phillips County, Colorado

Phillips County outpaces the nation

With a composite score of 59.9, Phillips County ranks above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 70th percentile nationally. This rural northeast Colorado county is delivering a livability profile that exceeds typical American counties by roughly 20 percent.

A solid performer in Colorado

Phillips County scores 59.9, well above Colorado's state average of 51.2, ranking it in the upper tier among the state's counties. This positions it as a reliable, above-average choice within Colorado's diverse county landscape.

Safety and taxes are the draw

Phillips County excels in safety (91.2) and risk management (87.7), reflecting a secure, stable community. Its tax burden is exceptionally low at 0.495 percent effective rate, giving residents favorable financial conditions.

Water access and housing affordability lag

The county's water score of just 19.0 signals constraints on water availability or quality that deserve attention. Housing affordability (41.4) and health outcomes (44.5) also trail state performance, suggesting limited access to medical services and moderate housing costs.

Best for safety-conscious families

Phillips County suits families and retirees prioritizing safety, low taxes, and rural stability over urban conveniences. This county rewards those seeking a secure, affordable small-town lifestyle in northeast Colorado.

Score breakdown

Tax86.6Cost41.4Safety91.2Health44.5Schools44Income40.4Risk87.7Water19Weather35.8
🏛86.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠41.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼40.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡91.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤44.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓44
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡87.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧19
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤35.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨34.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱48.5
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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Deep Dives

Phillips County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Phillips County

via TaxByCounty

Phillips County taxes rank low nationally

Phillips County's effective tax rate of 0.495% sits below the national median effective rate, meaning homeowners here pay a smaller percentage of their property value in taxes than most Americans. The median property tax of $1,263 is less than half the national median of $2,690, placing the county in roughly the 30th percentile nationally.

Above average for Colorado

Phillips County's effective rate of 0.495% exceeds Colorado's state average of 0.393%, ranking it in the higher half of the state's 64 counties. Residents pay a median property tax of $1,263 compared to the state median of $1,560, reflecting both the county's higher rate and slightly lower home values.

Higher taxes than eastern plains peers

Phillips County's 0.495% rate outpaces neighboring Prowers County (0.327%) and Rio Blanco County (0.344%), making it one of the pricier places to own property in Colorado's rural northeast. Among comparable rural counties, only Pueblo County at 0.508% taxes residents more aggressively.

What $255,300 homes cost annually

A homeowner with a median-valued property of $255,300 in Phillips County pays approximately $1,263 per year in property taxes. With a mortgage, that figure rises to $1,327; without, it drops to $1,133 due to homestead exemptions.

Many Phillips County owners may overpay

Studies show that 15–25% of residential properties across Colorado are assessed above market value, and Phillips County homeowners should verify their assessments through county records. If your property's assessed value seems high compared to recent sales of similar homes, you may have grounds to file a formal appeal and reduce your tax burden.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Phillips County

via CostByCounty

Phillips County Beats National Housing Costs

Phillips County renters spend 18.8% of income on rent, well below the national average and significantly lower than Colorado's state average of 20.2%. At $947 monthly, the median rent here is $306 cheaper than the state median, making it one of Colorado's more affordable rental markets.

Affordable Housing Across the Board

Phillips County ranks favorably statewide for housing affordability, with a rent-to-income ratio that beats the state average. Both renters and homeowners benefit from costs well below Colorado's typical burden, positioning the county as a budget-friendly option for those seeking stability.

Better Deals Than Surrounding Areas

Compared to nearby counties, Phillips offers reasonable pricing: renters pay less than Pueblo County ($1,059) and homeowners face lower costs than most neighbors. The $255,300 median home value provides entry into ownership without the premium prices seen in mountain resort counties.

Housing Takes Just Under 19% of Income

With a median household income of $60,372, Phillips County residents allocate roughly 18.8% to rent or 16.8% to mortgage payments—both well within the 30% affordability threshold. The gap between rent ($947) and ownership costs ($847) is modest, giving households flexibility in their housing choice.

Consider Phillips for True Affordability

If housing costs are squeezing your budget, Phillips County delivers genuine relief: rents are a third cheaper than state average, and ownership remains accessible. Compare this stability to pricier mountain towns and discover why Phillips appeals to cost-conscious families and remote workers.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Phillips County

via IncomeByCounty

Phillips County earns below national median

Phillips County's median household income of $60,372 sits 19% below the nation's $74,755 median. While the county trails most U.S. households, it reflects economic conditions common in rural Colorado's agricultural and energy-dependent communities.

Ranked near Colorado's lower third

Phillips County's $60,372 median income places it below Colorado's state average of $74,792. The county ranks among the lower-earning regions statewide, though it maintains stability through diversified rural employment.

Similar to peers, ahead of Saguache

Phillips County ($60,372) outearns Saguache County ($54,283) and Prowers County ($57,601), sitting squarely in the regional middle tier. Neighboring Rio Blanco County ($72,620) leads the immediate region, while Pitkin and Routt counties far exceed all peer earnings.

Housing remains affordable here

Phillips County's 18.8% rent-to-income ratio indicates solid housing affordability, well below the 30% threshold that signals strain. With a median home value of $255,300, homeownership remains accessible for median-income households.

Building stability in rural Colorado

Households earning $60,372 should prioritize emergency savings and retirement contributions, starting with employer 401(k) matching if available. Consider working with a financial advisor to develop a wealth-building plan suited to agricultural or energy sector income patterns.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Phillips County

via CrimeByCounty

One of the Nation's Safest Counties

Phillips County boasts an exceptional safety score of 99.8 out of 100. Its total crime rate of 155.8 per 100,000 residents is a mere fraction of the national average of 2,385.5. This makes it one of the most secure regions in the entire country.

Outperforming the Colorado Average

The county's safety score of 99.8 easily surpasses the Colorado state average of 97.1. With a total crime rate roughly 12 times lower than the state average of 1,834.6, local law enforcement maintains a very high standard of public security.

Leading Rural Colorado in Safety

Phillips County maintains a significantly lower crime profile than many of its rural neighbors. Its reporting agencies documented far fewer incidents than the state average for small-population counties. This trend positions the county as a regional leader in crime prevention.

Low Rates Across All Categories

Both violent and property crimes remain extremely rare here. The property crime rate of 89.0 is less than 5% of the national average, while the violent crime rate sits at just 66.8. These numbers represent only a handful of actual incidents annually.

Maintaining a Secure Community

Despite the low crime rates, basic home security remains a smart practice. Use outdoor lighting and smart locks to ensure Phillips County stays one of the safest places in America. Community vigilance helps keep these impressive numbers stable year after year.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Phillips County

via HealthByCounty

Phillips County's health gap

At 76.3 years, Phillips County's life expectancy trails the U.S. average of 76.4 years by a margin, placing it squarely at the national median. Nearly 20% of residents report poor or fair health, compared to the national rate of about 18%, signaling slightly elevated health challenges in this rural community.

Below state health benchmarks

Phillips County ranks below Colorado's state life expectancy of 78.2 years, a gap of 1.9 years that reflects persistent health disparities. The county's 12.8% uninsured rate also exceeds Colorado's 9.7% average, leaving more residents without stable healthcare access.

Rural health challenges shared

Compared to neighboring Prowers County (73.7 years) and Rio Grande County (72.3 years), Phillips County performs better on life expectancy. However, its uninsured rate (12.8%) sits between better-insured Rio Blanco (9.5%) and the less-insured Prowers (13.0%).

Primary care access is adequate

With 89 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, Phillips County maintains reasonable physician coverage for a rural area, supported by 112 mental health providers per 100,000. Yet 12.8% of residents remain uninsured, meaning thousands lack a consistent path to preventive and urgent care.

Find your coverage option today

If you're among Phillips County's uninsured, Colorado's marketplace, Medicaid, and employer plans offer real pathways to coverage. Visit healthcare.gov or Colorado's Connect for Health to explore options that fit your budget and health needs.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Phillips County

via SchoolsByCounty

Focused Education in Phillips County

Phillips County operates a streamlined system of 5 public schools serving 886 students. These schools are managed by two districts and include two elementary and three high school programs.

High Scores and Efficient Spending

The county achieves a strong school score of 52.9, outperforming the state average of 50.2. Phillips County also invests $8,639 per student, which is over $1,000 more than the Colorado per-pupil average.

Holyoke Leads the County Districts

The Holyoke School District No. Re-1J is the largest, educating 552 students across three schools. There are no charter schools in the county, but one alternative school serves the Holyoke community.

Quiet Rural Campus Life

All five schools are located in rural locales, fostering a peaceful and community-oriented environment. Holyoke Elementary is the largest school with 285 students, contributing to a county-wide average size of 177.

Discover Quality Schools in Holyoke

With school scores above the state average and high per-pupil spending, Phillips County is a hidden gem for education. Explore the real estate market in Holyoke and Haxtun to find your next home near these quality schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Phillips County

via RiskByCounty

Phillips County's risk picture

Phillips County's composite risk score of 12.34 puts it well below the national average, earning a "Very Low" rating. This means residents face significantly lower exposure to natural disasters than most American counties.

Among Colorado's safest counties

With a composite score of 12.34, Phillips County ranks among Colorado's lowest-risk counties—substantially below the state average of 40.67. This positions the county as one of the more resilient areas in Colorado.

Safer than surrounding areas

Phillips County's score of 12.34 is notably lower than nearby Prowers County (48.60) and Rio Blanco County (37.60). The county's low-risk profile makes it one of the safest places in northeastern Colorado.

Main hazards to monitor

Tornado risk (32.95) and wildfire risk (31.52) pose the most significant natural disaster threats in Phillips County, though both remain below state averages. Flood risk (8.27) is minimal, reflecting the county's geographic and climate advantages.

Smart coverage for Phillips County

While overall risk is low, homeowners should maintain standard property insurance and consider coverage for tornado and wildfire damage. Regular home maintenance and awareness of weather alerts provide essential protection in this low-risk environment.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Phillips County

via WeatherByCounty

Phillips runs warm with above-average moisture

Phillips County's 48.9°F annual temperature exceeds the U.S. median of 47.5°F, while its 17.9 inches of precipitation sit above the national average. This combination creates a semi-humid plains climate, relatively wet for northeastern Colorado.

Warmest tier, above-average precipitation

At 48.9°F, Phillips County ranks among Colorado's warmest counties, sitting 2.9°F above the state average of 46.0°F. Its 17.9 inches of annual precipitation actually exceed the state average of 16.0 inches, making it one of Colorado's wetter plains counties.

Twin-like climate to Montezuma and Montrose

Phillips (48.9°F) sits nearly identical to Montezuma (48.8°F) and just 0.7°F above Montrose (48.2°F), but its precipitation of 17.9 inches surpasses both neighbors significantly. This extra moisture creates slightly greener plains than its western counterparts.

Moderate summers, cold snaps, manageable snow

Phillips averages 70.7°F in summer with 40 days of 90°F-plus heat—notably higher than Montezuma but lower than Morgan's 58 days. Winter averages 28.1°F with 30.4 inches of snow, making it moderately snowy with respectable precipitation year-round.

Balanced climate calls for moderate HVAC prep

With 40 extreme heat days annually and 17.9 inches of precipitation, Phillips residents need solid air conditioning but benefit from the extra moisture reducing dust and fire risk. Standard snow removal equipment suffices for 30 inches of annual snowfall, and the relatively balanced climate allows year-round outdoor planning with seasonal adjustments.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Phillips County

via SoilByCounty

Slightly Alkaline High-Plains Soils

Phillips County features an average pH of 7.15, which is notably more alkaline than the national median of 6.5. This pH level sits slightly below the Colorado state average of 7.29, making it relatively balanced for the region. While the taxonomic order is not specified in the current data, these soils represent a significant part of the state's agricultural landscape.

A Sandy Mix for Easy Working

The soil composition is dominated by 60.6% sand, followed by 25.9% silt and 13.6% clay. This high sand content ensures the ground is easy to work and provides excellent aeration for root systems. However, the lower clay percentage means the soil may require more frequent fertilization to maintain nutrient levels.

Steady Organic Matter with Moderate Storage

Organic matter content stands at 2.00%, matching the national average exactly but trailing the Colorado state average of 2.18%. The available water capacity is 0.125 in/in, which is slightly below the state benchmark of 0.139. Overall, the county earns a soil score of 34.6, outperforming the state average of 31.3.

Relying on High Sand for Drainage

Specific drainage classes and hydrologic groups are not recorded in this dataset for Phillips County. However, the high sand percentage of 60.6% typically suggests rapid drainage and low runoff potential for local fields. This composition generally prevents waterlogging but may require careful irrigation management.

Productive Gardening in Zone 5b

With a USDA Hardiness Zone of 5b, this county is ideal for growing hardy vegetables like sugar beets, corn, and sunflowers. The sandy texture provides a great foundation for root crops that struggle in heavier clays. Start your garden with confidence knowing your soil quality exceeds the state average.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Phillips County

via LawnByCounty

A Fair Playing Field in Phillips County

Phillips County earns a lawn difficulty score of 48.5, sitting comfortably above the state average of 37.4 and near the national median of 50.0. Homeowners here benefit from Hardiness Zone 5b conditions, which provide a more manageable environment than many of Colorado's high-altitude neighbors.

Managing High Heat and Limited Rain

With only 17.9 inches of annual precipitation, local lawns fall short of the 30-inch ideal, requiring consistent supplemental irrigation. The county also faces 40 extreme heat days per year, which is significantly higher than the state average of 27 days.

Sandy Foundations and Stable pH

The soil here is 60.6% sand and 13.6% clay, ensuring rapid drainage that may require more frequent, light watering. A pH level of 7.15 is very close to the ideal range, meaning most grasses won't need heavy chemical adjustments to thrive.

Staying Green Through Severe Dry Spells

Currently, 62.5% of the county experiences severe drought, with 15 weeks of drought recorded over the past year. To protect your turf, experts recommend deep-soaking the sandy soil early in the morning to minimize evaporation during peak heat.

Start Your Lawn After the Spring Frost

Kentucky Bluegrass and Fine Fescue are reliable choices for Zone 5b and the local frost-free window starting May 11. Plan your seeding or sodding projects before the first fall frost arrives on October 3 to ensure deep root establishment.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Phillips County's county score?
Phillips 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 Phillips County rank among counties in Colorado?
Phillips County ranks #18 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 Phillips County, Colorado?
The median annual property tax in Phillips County is $1,263, with an effective tax rate of 0.49%. This earns Phillips County a tax score of 86.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Phillips County?
The median household income in Phillips County, Colorado is $60,372 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Phillips County earns an income score of 40.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Phillips County, Colorado a good place to live?
Phillips County scores 60/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #18 in Colorado. The best way to evaluate Phillips 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 Phillips County with other counties side by side.

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