Northeast Jefferson and West Adams are both vibrant counties in the beautiful state of Colorado. Each offers a unique living and visiting experience. Northeast Jefferson is lauded for its safety and standout educational system while West Adams has a more affordable cost of living along with great economic stability. Both share the scenic beauty of Colorado and have good infrastructure, although vary vastly in terms of cultures, industries, and occupations.
Northeast Jefferson is known for its lower crime rate compared to the national average, creating a safer atmosphere for both residents and tourists. It’s a community-focused area where law enforcement and residents work closely together. In contrast, West Adams has a slightly above-average crime rate, but the strong tight-knit community counters this with various neighborhood watch programs and safety initiatives.
Cost of Living
While Northeast Jefferson is more affluent, the cost of living is consequently higher, from housing prices to daily expenses. West Adams, on the other hand, offers more affordable living, attracting families, and young professionals looking for economic stability.
Income Tax
Colorado state income tax applies uniformly across all counties, including Northeast Jefferson and West Adams. Thus, it's not a differentiating factor in considering the two locations.
Property Tax
With more expensive real estate, property taxes in Northeast Jefferson are generally higher than in West Adams. This is an important consideration for individuals looking to purchase property.
Sales Tax
Both Northeast Jefferson and West Adams have a sales tax rate that hovers around Colorado's state average. While slight variance may occur between the two, it's generally not a deciding factor for relocation.
Income
Type
Northeast Jefferson
West Adams
Estimated median household income
$91,025
$86,329
Estimated per capita income
$46,835
$37,504
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
119.7
117.6
If you make $50,000 in West Adams, you will have to make $50,893 in Northeast Jefferson to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Both counties boast typical Colorado landscapes – beautiful open spaces, mountains, and parks. West Adams, being less developed, has more rural charm and open spaces, while Northeast Jefferson has a mix of well-developed urban areas and natural beauty.
Geographical information
Type
Northeast Jefferson
West Adams
Land area
172.8 sq. miles
74.5 sq. miles
Population density
2,615.1 people per sq. mile
4,165.7 people per sq. mile
Relative area comparison
Northeast Jefferson, CO West Adams, CO
Education
Northeast Jefferson shines in the education sector with highly-rated schools, a well-educated population, and multiple universities in the surrounding areas. West Adams offers decent education though it doesn't exactly parallel Northeast Jefferson’s academic prestige.
Despite being smaller, Northeast Jefferson has an impressive economy that thrives on diverse industries. West Adams' economy is also thriving, particularly due to its real estate development and service industry. Both counties offer good job opportunities for residents and a solid economic base for businesses.
Biggest Employers
Some of the largest employers in Northeast Jefferson are from the financial and tech sector. In West Adams, retail giants and service industries form the largest employers.
In Northeast Jefferson (Jefferson County), 51.6% voted for Democrats and 46.7% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In West Adams (Adams County), 57.3% voted for Democrats and 40.4% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Northeast Jefferson
West Adams
Northeast Jefferson
West Adams
Northeast Jefferson
West Adams
2020
58.3%
57.1%
39.7%
40.7%
2.0%
2.2%
2016
49.2%
50.1%
42.3%
41.6%
8.6%
8.3%
2012
51.6%
57.3%
46.7%
40.4%
1.8%
2.3%
2008
54.0%
58.5%
44.9%
40.1%
1.1%
1.4%
2004
46.9%
50.7%
52.1%
48.4%
1.0%
0.9%
2000
43.0%
50.3%
51.1%
44.2%
5.9%
5.5%
1996
42.7%
51.3%
48.4%
38.9%
8.9%
9.8%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Northeast Jefferson
West Adams
Northeast Jefferson
West Adams
CATHOLIC CHURCH
15.0%
16.0%
5.1%
4.5%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
1.7%
0.4%
4.2%
2.5%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
1.2%
0.7%
7.5%
7.8%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
1.1%
0.7%
3.3%
3.3%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.5%
0.1%
2.7%
1.2%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.4%
0.4%
2.1%
3.3%
Weather
Both Northeast Jefferson and West Adams boast the typical Colorado weather marked by a moderate climate and 300+ days of sunshine. Winters can be cold with sporadic snowstorms, but this makes both places favored destinations for winter sports like skiing and snowboarding.
Weather and climate
Type
Northeast Jefferson
West Adams
Temperature - Average
47.9°F
49.9°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
50.6%
50.6%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
20%
20%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
55%
55%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
35%
35%
Precipitation - Yearly average
17.2 in
13.3 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
114 in
114 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
19.2%
19.2%
Sunshine amount - Average
75.6%
75.6%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
10%
10%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
74%
74%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
64%
64%
Wind speed - Average
8.6 mph
8.6 mph
Average climate in Northeast Jefferson, Colorado
Average climate in West Adams, Colorado
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Northeast Jefferson
West Adams
Northeast Jefferson
West Adams
Northeast Jefferson
West Adams
Northeast Jefferson
West Adams
Northeast Jefferson
West Adams
Northeast Jefferson
West Adams
Northeast Jefferson
West Adams
Northeast Jefferson
West Adams
2018
104
104
0.40
0.31
22.3
18.6
34.9
27.9
N/A
N/A
29.2
29.2
8.4
9.2
0.7
0.8
2017
97
97
0.40
0.31
22.5
18.8
34.5
27.6
N/A
N/A
22.0
22.0
8.2
8.9
0.8
0.9
2016
90
90
0.44
0.40
24.4
20.9
34.3
26.6
N/A
N/A
22.6
22.6
7.8
8.4
1.0
0.9
2015
101
101
0.45
0.42
24.1
19.7
32.8
25.9
N/A
N/A
21.0
20.2
9.5
9.4
1.0
1.1
2014
94
94
0.45
0.38
23.4
19.1
33.1
27.4
N/A
N/A
25.0
19.3
10.1
10.1
1.3
1.2
2013
84
83
0.40
0.37
21.0
17.3
33.6
27.5
N/A
N/A
24.3
18.7
N/A
N/A
1.5
1.3
2012
91
90
0.34
0.37
18.9
18.9
33.4
27.4
N/A
N/A
24.4
23.5
N/A
N/A
1.3
0.9
2011
90
90
0.34
0.35
18.1
18.1
32.0
28.0
N/A
N/A
23.8
24.0
N/A
N/A
1.5
1.4
2010
79
78
0.42
0.37
16.3
16.3
29.2
26.6
N/A
N/A
26.5
27.1
N/A
N/A
1.0
1.0
2009
76
76
0.38
0.35
14.1
14.1
27.9
26.6
0.005
0.005
22.5
23.0
N/A
N/A
1.3
1.3
2008
85
85
0.42
0.39
17.3
17.3
30.8
27.9
0.008
0.008
25.5
25.9
N/A
N/A
1.6
1.6
2007
96
96
0.39
0.46
20.6
20.6
29.0
25.4
0.007
0.007
29.1
27.8
N/A
N/A
1.2
1.2
2006
89
89
0.46
0.49
19.0
19.0
29.5
24.1
0.027
0.034
28.0
28.0
N/A
N/A
1.4
1.4
2005
86
86
0.51
0.56
21.3
21.3
26.0
21.4
0.119
0.124
29.6
29.5
N/A
N/A
1.5
1.5
2004
82
82
0.53
0.59
21.2
21.2
24.2
19.4
0.043
0.051
28.6
28.6
N/A
N/A
1.8
1.9
2003
106
106
0.52
0.55
21.2
21.2
25.9
21.1
0.046
0.055
32.6
32.6
N/A
N/A
1.9
1.9
2002
86
86
0.60
0.56
19.2
19.2
25.6
20.9
0.031
0.034
35.7
35.7
N/A
N/A
2.4
2.4
2001
95
95
0.69
0.69
20.8
24.6
23.7
17.7
0.034
0.040
32.6
32.6
N/A
N/A
2.6
2.5
2000
94
94
0.70
0.67
11.7
14.1
24.5
19.0
0.037
0.042
12.2
12.2
N/A
N/A
2.1
2.1
Natural disasters
Type
Northeast Jefferson
West Adams
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
118.6%
130.2%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
826.6%
809.2%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
12%
11%
Transportation
Both counties have well-established public transportation systems and commuting infrastructure. Northeast Jefferson benefits from proximity to Denver, opening more options for commuters. West Adams, although slightly more rural, still holds reliable methods of transportation.
Transport
Type
Northeast Jefferson
West Adams
Amtrak stations nearby
1
3
Means of transportation to work
Type
Northeast Jefferson
West Adams
Bicycle
0.3%
0.2%
Bus
3.2%
4.2%
Carpooled
10%
13.1%
Car alone
80.3%
77.4%
Motorcycle
0.1%
0.2%
Walked
1.1%
1.1%
Average travel time to work
Type
Northeast Jefferson
West Adams
Average
26.6 min
28.2 min
Real Estate
Real estate in Northeast Jefferson is relatively pricier given its affluent nature. West Adams offers more affordable housing options, making it a popular choice for families and young professionals.
Neighborhoods
Northeast Jefferson and West Adams both offer an array of neighborhoods each with their own unique charm. Northeast Jefferson's neighborhoods tend to be more peaceful and family-oriented, while West Adams offers a more urban feel.
Houses and residents
Type
Northeast Jefferson
West Adams
Houses
180,978
96,976
Average household size (people)
2.4
2.7
Houses occupied
176,726 (97.7%)
94,294 (97.2%)
Houses occupied by owners
125,208 (70.8%)
68,196 (72.3%)
Houses occupied by renters
51,518 (29.2%)
26,098 (27.7%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,659
$1,683
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$884,573
$576,371
Estimated median house or condo value
$522,903
$438,983
Median number of rooms in apartments
4
4.1
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
7.3
6.8
Renting percentage
31.3%
35.7%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,047.5
1,301.4
Household income disparities
40.7%
38.2%
Housing units without a mortgage
21,689 (19.3%)
8,555 (15.5%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
469 (0.4%)
181 (0.3%)
Housing units with a mortgage
90,716 (80.7%)
46,792 (84.5%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
9,124 (8.1%)
4,321 (7.8%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
16,287 (14.5%)
10,023 (18.1%)
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
0.6%
0.3%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
0.3%
0.3%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Northeast Jefferson
West Adams
One, detached
63.9%
59.8%
One, attached
9.2%
6.8%
Two
1.4%
0.7%
3 or 4
3.2%
2.7%
5 to 9
5.3%
4.4%
10 to 19
6.7%
7.1%
20 to 49
5.5%
5.9%
50 or more
4.0%
3.0%
Mobile homes
0.7%
9.6%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
15,916
6,415
State government workers
7,028
3,185
Unpaid family workers
382
326
Industries and Occupations
Northeast Jefferson is home to a variety of industries including tech, finance, and healthcare, offering diverse job opportunities. In contrast, West Adams is more rooted in real estate, retail, services, and light manufacturing.
Overall, Northeast Jefferson has an edge in healthcare, with well-regarded hospitals and higher per capita availability of healthcare professionals. Health care in West Adams is competent but faces challenges due to its more rural nature.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Northeast Jefferson
West Adams
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
In terms of infrastructure, Northeast Jefferson is a bit more developed with well-maintained roads, parks, and public facilities. West Adams, while a bit less developed, still boasts commendable infrastructure.
Infrastructure
Type
Northeast Jefferson
West Adams
TV stations
19
17
Culture and Food
Culturally, both counties have their specialties. Northeast Jefferson offers a blend of urban sophistication, while West Adams boasts a unique local culture steeped in vintage charm. In terms of food, both are home to a variety of gourmet restaurants and cozy cafes.
Sports Teams
While neither county has a home sports team, both are in proximity to Denver, home to several major league sports teams. This gives sports enthusiasts numerous options for viewing professional games.
Northeast Jefferson, CO
West Adams, CO
