countyscore
38.4
County Score
Income & Jobs 93.1Property Tax 85.3Health 71.4

County Report Card

About Weld County, Colorado

Weld underperforms national baseline

Weld's composite score of 38.4 falls notably below the national median of 50.0, ranking in just the 23rd percentile nationally. High incomes cannot compensate for severe safety and school quality deficits.

Struggling compared to Colorado peers

Weld scores 38.4 against Colorado's 51.2 average, ranking among the state's weaker performers. Despite strong income growth, systemic challenges in safety and education drag overall livability down sharply.

Strong income drives economic vitality

Weld boasts the second-highest median income in this group at $93,287 (93.1 score), reflecting robust energy and agricultural sectors. Health outcomes (71.4) are respectable, and water availability (55.2) is adequate.

Safety and schools are critical gaps

Weld's safety score of 16.2 is alarmingly low, and schools rank near-bottom at 18.3—severe liabilities for families. Risk mitigation also struggles (10.8), and housing costs remain high despite low affordability scores.

Better for earners than families

Weld County suits individual workers and couples drawn by employment opportunities in energy and agriculture, willing to tolerate safety concerns. Families with school-age children should seek counties with stronger educational and safety profiles.

2040608010085.35.616.271.418.393.110.855.235.5Tax85.3Cost5.6Safety16.2Health71.4Schools18.3Income93.1Risk10.8Water55.2Weather35.538.4/100
This county
National avg
3 above average5 below average

Weld County DNA

Foverall

How Weld County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Weld County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Income (93.1/100) but notably weak in Cost of Living (5.6/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
85.3+33.3
Cost
5.6-42.4
Safety
16.2-38.8
Health
71.4+21.400000000000006
Schools
18.3-35.7
Income
93.1+42.099999999999994
Risk
10.8-36.2
Water
55.2
Weather
35.5-20.5
Sponsored

Compare mortgage rates in Weld County

Whether buying or refinancing in Weld County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

See Today's Rates

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$444,500

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,469/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$444,500/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$58,760/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum4.8x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $93,287/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

12.0

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 Weld County with Worth County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Worth County
Georgia
Median income: $57,201
38.4
Saline County
Kansas
Median income: $63,316
38.4
St. Joseph County
Michigan
Median income: $64,707
38.4
Lewis and Clark County
Montana
Median income: $74,543
38.4
Tompkins County
New York
Median income: $73,012
38.4
Tulsa County
Oklahoma
Median income: $67,317
38.4
Hill County
Texas
Median income: $63,147
38.4
Jim Hogg County
Texas
Median income: $42,230
38.4

Nearby counties

Broomfield County
Colorado
45.5
Boulder County
Colorado
43.4
Larimer County
Colorado
40.5
Denver County
Colorado
33.8
Morgan County
Colorado
37.9
Adams County
Colorado
30.4
Arapahoe County
Colorado
43.1
Jefferson County
Colorado
40

Deep Dives

Weld County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Weld County

via TaxByCounty

Weld's highest rate creates substantial taxes

Weld County's effective tax rate of 0.504% is Colorado's highest among these eight counties and exceeds the state average of 0.393% by 28%. The median property tax of $2,242 approaches the national median of $2,690, reflecting both high rates and above-average property values.

Colorado's highest effective tax rate

Weld County ranks highest among all 64 Colorado counties by effective tax rate at 0.504%, well above the state average of 0.393%. This 29% premium translates to $2,242 in median annual taxes versus the state average of $1,560.

Heaviest tax burden in the region

Weld County's 0.504% rate and $2,242 median tax far exceed neighboring Washington County at 0.408% and Yuma County at 0.475%. Weld residents bear the region's highest absolute tax obligation due to both elevated rates and strong property values.

Median annual tax: over $2,240

On Weld County's median home value of $444,500, residents pay $2,242 annually in property taxes. With a mortgage, that rises to $2,389; without, it drops to $1,862—a $527 annual difference reflecting Colorado's mortgage assessment distinctions.

High taxes make appeals worth pursuing

Weld County homeowners face Colorado's highest effective tax rates, making property assessment appeals particularly valuable. Even small percentage reductions on six-figure properties can save substantial amounts annually.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Weld County

via CostByCounty

Weld County balances growth with affordability

Weld County's 18.9% rent-to-income ratio sits modestly below Colorado's 20.2% state average despite rapid urban growth and a strong $93,287 median household income. At $1,469 monthly rent, Weld residents enjoy northern Colorado's boom towns while maintaining solid housing affordability relative to earnings.

Growing county, stable affordability

Weld County's 18.9% rent-to-income ratio outperforms Colorado's 20.2% state average, securing above-average affordability despite being home to booming Greeley and Fort Collins suburbs. The $1,469 median rent reflects urban pressures yet remains $216 below the state average, balancing growth with accessibility.

Premium over plains, discount versus mountains

Weld's $1,469 rent sits $478 above Sedgwick ($728) and $572 above Yuma ($897), reflecting its status as Colorado's fastest-growing county, yet trails every mountain county sampled. Home values at $444,500 roughly match Teller County's $445,000, positioning Weld as Colorado's value-conscious growth play.

Ownership hits harder than renting

Weld renters pay $1,469 monthly (18.9% of income) while homeowners dedicate $1,826 (23.5% of income) to monthly costs, showing the ownership premium. At $93,287 median income, Weld households can handle both paths, though renting remains the budget-conscious choice for recent arrivals.

Colorado's growth sweet spot

Weld County delivers northern Colorado's hottest job markets (Greeley, Fort Collins suburbs) with 18.9% rent-to-income affordability matching or beating most competitors. If you earn $93,287-plus and want urban amenities, Tech Corridor access, and reasonable housing costs, Weld County's rapid growth makes it Colorado's most compelling relocation target.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Weld County

via IncomeByCounty

Weld's earnings significantly exceed nation

Weld County's median household income of $93,287 towers $18,532 above the national median of $74,755, placing this growing county among the top earning regions across the United States. The per capita income of $41,661 approaches the national standard, reflecting solid earnings distribution.

Colorado's second-strongest earner

Weld County ranks second among Colorado's 64 counties with a median household income of $93,287, trailing only Summit's $106,255 by $12,968 while exceeding the state average of $74,792 by $18,495. Its per capita income of $41,661 sits near the state average.

Premium earner among regional peers

Weld's median household income of $93,287 substantially exceeds most Colorado counties except Summit, outpacing San Miguel at $80,117 and all rural counties examined. The county's strong position reflects robust employment in energy, agriculture, and manufacturing sectors.

Strong income supports homeownership

Weld's rent-to-income ratio of 18.9% provides healthy affordability, with a median home value of $444,500 well-matched to the $93,287 median income. Households here maintain favorable housing costs while preserving capital for other financial priorities.

Strong earnings position for wealth growth

Weld households earning $93,287 enjoy above-state-average income and moderate housing costs that create robust wealth-building capacity. Prioritize diversified investment portfolios, long-term retirement planning, and wealth diversification strategies that leverage your regional economic strength.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Weld County

via CrimeByCounty

Monitoring Safety in Weld County

Weld County has a safety score of 96.3, which is lower than the national average. Its total crime rate of 2,315.1 per 100,000 is very close to the national mark of 2,385.5.

Weld vs the Colorado Average

Weld's safety score of 96.3 falls below the state average of 97.1. Its total crime rate of 2,315.1 is higher than the Colorado statewide average of 1,834.6.

High Activity Relative to Neighbors

Weld County's crime rate of 2,315.1 is significantly higher than nearby Washington County at 1,370.2. As a major population center, it experiences more frequent reported incidents than its rural neighbors.

Breaking Down Weld's Crime Rates

The county reports a violent crime rate of 328.2 and a property crime rate of 1,986.9. While violent crime is lower than the national average, property crime is nearly equal to the national figure.

Modern Security for Growing Areas

In areas with higher property crime, professional home security monitoring is a wise investment. Integrated camera systems and reinforced entryways provide an extra layer of protection.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Weld County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Massive and Diverse Education Hub

Weld County manages an expansive system of 111 public schools across 13 districts. This infrastructure supports a massive enrollment of 59,770 students, ranging from urban centers to remote rural plains.

Efficient Scaling in a Large System

The county achieves an 85.3% graduation rate, which is higher than the Colorado state average of 83.1%. Impressively, these results come despite a lean per-pupil expenditure of $5,845, well below the state average of $7,447.

Greeley District 6 and Choice Options

Greeley School District No. 6 is the largest, serving 22,200 students across 35 schools. Weld County also offers significant choice, with 15 charter schools like University Schools and Frontier Charter Academy making up 13.5% of the school mix.

Urban Centers to Rural Outposts

The county features incredible locale diversity with 46 rural, 27 city, 20 town, and 18 suburban schools. Average enrollment is 543 students, though Greeley West High School handles nearly 1,900 students at its peak.

Find Your Perfect Fit in Weld County

Whether you want a large urban high school or a small rural elementary, Weld County’s 111 schools offer every possible environment. Explore home listings to find the right district for your family’s specific needs.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Weld County

via RiskByCounty

Weld ranks among America's highest-risk counties

Weld County scores 89.15, earning a Relatively Moderate rating and more than doubling the national average. The county faces the most comprehensive natural hazard exposure of any area analyzed here.

Colorado's riskiest county

Weld's 89.15 score is more than double the Colorado state average of 40.67, making it the state's most hazard-exposed county. Its risk profile stands apart across all major categories.

Significantly riskier than all adjacent counties

Weld dramatically outranks neighboring counties: Washington (11.99), Yuma (36.80), and even Summit County (60.21) are far safer. Its combination of plains hazards and urban exposure is unique in the region.

All hazards pose substantial threats

Weld faces elevated risk across all four measured hazard types: tornado (95.07), flood (88.45), wildfire (87.69), and earthquake (77.83). No single hazard dominates; residents face compound exposure.

Comprehensive insurance coverage is essential

Weld County residents should secure homeowner's policies covering wind, hail, and tornado damage, plus separate flood insurance through FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program. Wildfire coverage should also be verified or added, and an evacuation plan for multiple hazard types is critical.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Weld County

via WaterByCounty

Weld County Maintains Strong Per Capita Compliance

Weld County earns a 'C' grade with 37 health violations reported over the last five years. Despite the high violation count, its rate of 10.3 per 100,000 residents is far below the state average of 292.1. This indicates that the vast majority of the county's large population receives water meeting safety standards.

Weld Watersheds Face Significant Impairment

Nearly half of the county's water bodies—48.9%—are classified as impaired, well above the Colorado average of 35.4%. The 2022 assessment identifies arsenic, E. coli, and copper as the primary pollutants in 92 assessed segments. This high impairment level reflects the county's intensive agricultural and industrial land use.

Extensive Monitoring Tracks Nutrients and Pesticides

A robust network of 119 monitoring sites has generated 51,240 measurements in the past five years. Data collection focuses heavily on nutrients, physical properties, and pesticides, providing deep insight into agricultural impacts. This is one of the most thoroughly monitored counties in the state.

South Platte River Flows Below Average

The South Platte River at Fort Lupton currently flows at 190 cfs, which is 47% of its long-term mean. This discharge is less than half the historical average of 408 cfs for this time of year. Reduced flows often lead to higher concentrations of nutrients and bacteria from surface runoff.

Manage Risks from E. Coli and Runoff

With nearly 50% of water bodies impaired and low flows in the South Platte, bacterial contamination like E. coli is a significant concern. Residents should be aware of how agricultural runoff might affect local water quality during these dry periods. Robust filtration is recommended to handle the diverse contaminants identified in local monitoring.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Weld County

via WeatherByCounty

Weld's temperature hits national average

Weld County averages 48.6°F annually, just 1.6°F below the U.S. median of 47°F, placing it squarely in temperate continental climate. At 14.9 inches of annual precipitation, Weld runs drier than the national average of 16.5 inches, reflecting its location on Colorado's semi-arid plains.

Slightly warmer than Colorado overall

Weld's 48.6°F average edges 2.6°F above Colorado's state mean of 46.0°F, reflecting its plains elevation and southern exposure. The county ranks among Colorado's warmer regions, though cooler than the state's true hot spots.

Coolest of the three plains counties

Weld's 48.6°F ranks slightly cooler than neighboring Sedgwick (49.8°F) and Washington (49.8°F), yet warmer than mountainous regions to the west. All three share similar extreme heat patterns, with Weld logging 39 heat days—fewer than its neighbors—due to slightly lower summer averages.

Warm summers, cold winters, light snow

July temperatures reach 72.7°F while January drops to 27.9°F, a 45-degree swing typical of plains climate. Weld records 31.2 inches of snow annually and 39 days above 90°F, making it the driest and least extreme of Weld's region.

Cooling recommended, moderate winter prep needed

With 39 days of 90°F+ heat and lower annual precipitation (14.9 inches), Weld residents benefit from air conditioning and dust mitigation during dry seasons. Winter snow of 31 inches is manageable with standard equipment, and the county's relative moderation makes it less climatically demanding than neighbors.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Weld County

via SoilByCounty

Agricultural Heritage and Unmapped Soils

Although Weld is a powerhouse of agriculture, specific county-wide soil pH and taxonomic data are missing from this dataset. Local growers should compare their own soil test results against the national median pH of 6.5. These alkaline-leaning plains typically require careful management to optimize crop yields.

Measuring the Plains' Foundation

Precise sand, silt, and clay percentages are not recorded in this data, despite the county's extensive farming history. These ratios are critical for determining the nutrient-holding capacity and water needs of the vast regional acreage. Most local soils range from sandy to clay loams depending on the specific basin.

Fertility Trends on the Farm

Soil organic matter and available water capacity data are currently unavailable for Weld County in this profile. For reference, the Colorado average for organic matter is 2.18% and water capacity is 0.139 in/in. Maintaining high organic matter is a top priority for local farmers to ensure long-term soil health.

Managing Water on Productive Lands

Official records do not list a dominant drainage class or hydrologic group for the county. Local farmers typically manage drainage and runoff through precise irrigation techniques and land leveling. Site-specific surveys are necessary for any new building foundations or large-scale drainage projects.

Abundant Growth in Zone 5b

Weld County falls into hardiness zone 5b, supporting everything from pumpkins and onions to peppers and corn. With a long history of agricultural success, this is a prime location to start a diverse home vegetable garden. Your plants will flourish with consistent water and the region's ample sunshine.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Weld County

via LawnByCounty

High Difficulty on the Weld Plains

Weld County presents a tough environment for lawns, with a difficulty score of 31.1, well below the Colorado state average. This Zone 5b county requires intensive management to keep grass green against the elements. You will likely spend more time and money on your lawn here than in neighboring Washington County.

Low Moisture and Sustained Heat

With only 14.9 inches of annual precipitation, Weld is one of the driest counties in the region, falling far short of the 30-50 inches lawns thrive on. You also face 39 days of extreme heat above 90°F and a July average of 72.7°F. This combination of dry air and heat creates high evaporative stress for any traditional turfgrass.

Customizing Your Soil Prep

Specific soil data is not available, but regional trends suggest a mix of clay and alkaline conditions. It is essential to test your soil pH, as levels above 7.0 can lock out vital nutrients like iron, causing grass to turn yellow. Aeration is particularly important in Weld to combat soil compaction and improve water penetration.

Frequent Drought Impacts Large Areas

Weld County has endured 36 weeks of drought over the past year, with nearly 45% of the area currently in severe drought. Strict adherence to local watering restrictions is necessary, as is the use of drought-tolerant grass species. Shifting to a 'cycle and soak' watering method can help prevent runoff in these parched conditions.

Sowing for the Weld Climate

Buffalo grass or Blue Grama are excellent native alternatives for Zone 5b that handle the low 14.9-inch rainfall better than traditional sod. If you prefer Kentucky Bluegrass, plant after May 12 to avoid late spring freezes. Be sure your lawn is hardened off before the first fall frost, which typically arrives by September 29.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Weld County's county score?
Weld County, Colorado has a composite county score of 38.4 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 Weld County rank among counties in Colorado?
Weld County ranks #57 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 Weld County, Colorado?
The median annual property tax in Weld County is $2,242, with an effective tax rate of 0.50%. This earns Weld County a tax score of 85.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Weld County?
The median household income in Weld County, Colorado is $93,287 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Weld County earns an income score of 93.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Weld County, Colorado a good place to live?
Weld County scores 38.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #57 in Colorado. The best way to evaluate Weld 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 Weld 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.