Phillips
Colorado

What stands out

If you had to describe Phillips County in numbers, start here: the overdose death rate is among the lowest in America (-999 per 100,000), unemployment is in the bottom 6% of American counties (2.1%), and winter sunshine is in the top 6% of American counties (1.8 on the USDA scale). Within Colorado it ranks 4th of 64 counties for the overdose death rate, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Phillips County, Colorado. 4,493 people live here with you, so most faces are familiar. The population grew 0.6% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +13).

Colorado's flat income tax is 4.4%, and the TABOR amendment refunds revenue above a spending cap back to taxpayers in strong years. Front Range home prices roughly doubled between 2013 and 2023. The state taxes Social Security for residents under 65 but exempts it fully at 65 and over. Wildfire and hail drive homeowner insurance costs along the mountains and plains respectively.

Money

The typical household here brings in $58,474 a year, lower than 56% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $49,981. Unemployment runs 2.1%, lower than 94% of American counties. 9% of workers work from home; for the rest the average commute is 19 minutes each way.

Colorado takes 4.4% of that median income in state income tax, about $2,573 a year.

Home

The median home costs $264K, pricier than 60% of American counties, about 3.7 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $885 a month. Property tax is 0.49% of home value, roughly $1,259 a year on that median home, lower than 89% of American counties. 75% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 3.8 per 1,000 residents, lower than 54% of American counties.

A child born here can expect to live 77.7 years, longer than 71% of American counties. There are 6 active physicians in the county, about 13.4 per 10,000 people. 12.7% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

89% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 59 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 92% of eligible voters turned out. Under Colorado law you can get a concealed-carry permit on request, abortion is protected by state law, and marijuana is legal for adults.

Weather and risk

The year averages 52°F, highs near 67 and lows near 38, colder than 64% of American counties. About 21 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 28 out of 100, safer than 72% of American counties; the county has had 6 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 131 Mbps down, slower than 78% of American counties. There are 2 airports in the county, counting general aviation.