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Colorado · Front Range · #210 Most Populous County in the US
Boulder County, Colorado
Colorado's progressive, outdoor-oriented university county - from the University of Colorado's campus and the Flatirons backdrop to Pearl Street Mall's independent retail scene, Longmont's growing tech base, and the open space network protecting the Front Range foothills. Property tax, courts, public records, and senior services for Boulder County residents.
Affiliate disclosure: This page contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you use them, at no extra cost to you. Our editorial recommendations are independent of these relationships.
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Boulder County's assessment ratio means effective tax rates are low — but incorrect appraisals still cost money. Ownwell manages the appeal with no upfront cost.
Office: Boulder County OEM – (303) 441-3530 | bouldercounty.gov/oem
Alert System: CO-WARN; BoCo Emergency Notifications; NOAA Weather Radio; City of Boulder OEM
Shelter Info: Multiple shelter locations; Boulder County Fairgrounds (Longmont); contact OEM; Red Cross Colorado
FEMA Region: Region 8
Notes: Front Range county between Denver and Fort Collins; Boulder is county seat; wildfire risk (EXTREME – 2021 Marshall Fire destroyed over 1,000 homes and structures in Louisville and Superior – the most destructive wildfire in Colorado history; driven by hurricane-force Chinook winds on December 30, 2021; a shocking suburban fire that changed Colorado’s understanding of wildfire risk; ongoing extreme risk in the urban-wildland interface); flooding (2013 Boulder County Flood – a 1,000-year flood event that killed 10, damaged thousands of roads, bridges, and homes across Boulder County; September 2013 was a catastrophic multi-county flood event); earthquakes (some seismicity along the Rampart Range); Chinook wind events create extreme fire conditions; University of Colorado Boulder drives significant community dynamics
Roads & Utilities
ROADS & TRANSPORTATION
County Roads: Boulder County Transportation – (303) 441-3900
Transit: RTD – Boulder area service (JUMP Bus; Flatiron Flyer BRT between Boulder and Union Station; extensive bus routes); Boulder B-Cycle bike share; extensive bike trail network; Bustang; Greyhound
Airport: Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (Broomfield – Jefferson County border); Denver International Airport (DIA – 45 miles)
Notes: US-36 (Boulder Turnpike – heavily used commuter highway to Denver; the Flatiron Flyer BRT parallels this route); SR-119 (to Longmont); Canyon Boulevard/SR-119 (Boulder Canyon to Nederland); SR-72 (Peak-to-Peak Highway to Estes Park and Rocky Mountain NP); Diagonal Highway (US-119 to Longmont); Boulder is renowned for its cycling culture – it consistently ranks among the best cycling cities in the US; Pearl Street Mall (pedestrian mall) anchors downtown
Business & Permits
BUILDING & PERMITS
Office: Boulder County Community Planning and Permitting – (303) 441-3930 | bouldercounty.gov/planning
Services: Unincorporated county permits; Boulder (city – very active; separate), Longmont (very active; separate), Erie, Lafayette, Louisville, Superior, Broomfield (partly), Nederland, Lyons, Jamestown have separate permits
Notes: Boulder is one of Colorado’s most desirable and expensive communities – building permits are extensively scrutinized; Boulder County has aggressive growth management policies including Boulder’s Service Area restrictions and the urban growth boundary; post-Marshall Fire rebuilding in Louisville and Superior was an enormous permit activity – hundreds of homes being rebuilt to new fire-resistant standards; Erie and Longmont are more actively growing; oil and gas development in eastern Boulder County (Weld County border) is active and controversial
Veterans Services
VETERANS SERVICES
Office: Boulder County Veterans Services – (303) 441-1163
VA Medical: VA Eastern Colorado (Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center, Aurora – accessible); Boulder VA CBOC (1170 S. Broadway, Boulder)
Services: Benefits claims, VA healthcare enrollment; Boulder CBOC provides local outpatient access; University of Colorado veteran student services
Notes: Boulder CBOC provides local outpatient access for Boulder County veterans; Aurora VAMC accessible via US-36 and I-225; University of Colorado Boulder has veteran student programs; significant veteran community in Boulder County
Libraries
LIBRARIES
System: Boulder Public Library – (303) 441-3100 | boulderlibrary.org (city); Boulder County Libraries serve unincorporated areas; Longmont Public Library (separate – excellent); Nederland Mountain Library; Lyons Regional Library
Services: Books, e-books, public computers, Wi-Fi, genealogy, local history and environmental collections, maker spaces, digital media studios, children’s programs; outstanding digital collections; seed library; bicycle repair station (Boulder library only)
Notes: Boulder Public Library is outstanding – the main library on Canyon Boulevard (overlooking Boulder Creek) is a beautiful and well-equipped facility; the seed library and bicycle repair station reflect Boulder’s distinctive culture; University of Colorado Libraries (Norlin Library) are world-class academic resources; Longmont Public Library is well-funded and progressive; Boulder County’s extremely high education levels drive sophisticated library usage; the local history collections document Boulder’s evolution from mining town to university city to one of America’s most desirable communities
Parks & Recreation
PARKS & RECREATION
County Parks: Boulder County Parks and Open Space – (303) 678-6200 | bouldercounty.gov/open-space; 100,000+ acres of open space (one of the most extensive county open space systems in the Mountain West); Sawhill Ponds; Rabbit Mountain; Hall Ranch (Lyons – exceptional mountain biking); Heil Valley Ranch; Walker Ranch; Eldorado Canyon State Park (adjacent)
City Open Space: City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks – (303) 441-3440 (46,000+ acres surrounding Boulder; the Flatirons are on city open space; world-class rock climbing (the Flatirons are a iconic Boulder landmark and climbing destination); hiking; NCAR (National Center for Atmospheric Research) on Table Mesa with I.M. Pei building
State Parks: Eldorado Canyon State Park (Boulder – “The Gunks of Colorado”; world-class rock climbing; canyon walls; South Boulder Creek); Barker Reservoir (Nederland)
Federal: Rocky Mountain National Park accessible via SR-72 (Peak-to-Peak Highway) through Boulder County; James Peak Wilderness; Indian Peaks Wilderness
Notable: Pearl Street Mall (Boulder’s pedestrian commercial core – one of Colorado’s most vibrant; street performers; restaurants; galleries; outdoor seating; the quintessential Boulder experience); Colorado Chautauqua (National Historic Landmark – one of the few surviving Colorado Chautauqua communities; historic cottages at the base of the Flatirons; summer programming including concerts, lectures, films; an extraordinary preserved piece of American cultural history); CU Boulder campus (one of America’s most beautiful university campuses – Collegiate Gothic red sandstone buildings; Flatirons backdrop; Norlin Quadrangle; Folsom Field); Celestial Seasonings (Longmont – tours of the tea factory)
Notes: Boulder is one of America’s most extraordinary mountain cities; the Flatirons – dramatic tilted sandstone slabs rising from the Boulder Mountain Parks – are one of the most iconic urban landscapes in the country; the combination of world-class rock climbing, hiking, cycling, and outdoor recreation with a major research university, arts scene, and sophisticated food and restaurant culture makes Boulder uniquely livable; the Colorado Chautauqua is a National Historic Landmark that preserves a summer resort and cultural education tradition from the early 20th century; the city’s open space system (which surrounds the city and prevents sprawl) is one of Colorado’s most enlightened land use policies; Celestial Seasonings (headquartered in Longmont) gives free factory tours including the “Mint Room” (you have to sign a waiver for the overwhelming concentration of peppermint oil)
GIS & Maps
GIS & MAPS
GIS Portal: Boulder County GIS – bouldercounty.gov/gis | (303) 441-3570; open data at opendata-bouldercounty.hub.arcgis.com; 2013 flood damage mapping; Marshall Fire damage mapping; USGS earthquake monitoring; NCAR atmospheric modeling
Notes: Excellent GIS system; Marshall Fire damage and rebuilding tracking (extensive – hundreds of properties); 2013 flood damage maps; Flatirons geological mapping; open space boundary mapping; NCAR’s atmospheric modeling data; oil and gas well locations
Animal Services
ANIMAL SERVICES
Shelter: Boulder County Animal Services – (303) 441-4444; Boulder Humane Society; Longmont Humane Society
Services: Stray intake, adoptions, owner surrenders, spay/neuter, microchipping; wildlife management (mountain lions – Front Range presence is increasing; black bears; coyotes; prairie dogs; 2021 Marshall Fire displaced significant wildlife)
Notes: Mountain lion activity on Boulder’s open space is increasing – the Front Range’s development and the excellent deer population on open space attracts lions; Boulder County Animal Services works with Colorado Parks and Wildlife on lion management; the Marshall Fire displaced enormous numbers of animals (both domestic and wild) and rescue operations were significant; Boulder’s progressive community has very strong animal welfare programs; Longmont Humane Society is well-established; prairie dog protection is a contentious issue – some Boulder open space prairie dog colonies are protected; black bear encounters in foothill communities are common and increasing
Environmental & Waste
ENVIRONMENTAL / WASTE MANAGEMENT
Solid Waste: Boulder County Resource Conservation Division – (303) 441-3950; city collection programs; eco-cycle (one of Colorado’s leading waste reduction organizations); zero waste programs
Recycling: Boulder County is Colorado’s leader in recycling and zero waste; eco-cycle operates a comprehensive materials recovery facility; composting programs; repair cafes; extensive programs reflecting the community’s environmental values
Air Quality: Colorado Air Pollution Control Division; Boulder County air quality is generally good but is affected by regional oil and gas production (ozone), fire smoke, and Chinook wind events
Environmental: Colorado DPHE; Boulder Creek watershed; South Boulder Creek; St. Vrain Creek; 2013 flood recovery (completed but ongoing monitoring); Marshall Fire soil and stormwater contamination management; NCAR climate and atmospheric research; Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC) oversight of oil and gas drilling in eastern Boulder County
Notes: The 2021 Marshall Fire created significant environmental challenges beyond the immediate structure loss; the fire burned synthetic materials, vehicles, and homes releasing toxic compounds into the soil; post-fire soil contamination testing and remediation was required for many properties; stormwater runoff from the burned area carried toxics; Louisville and Superior implemented comprehensive environmental testing programs for rebuilding; the 2013 flood’s environmental legacy (road and bridge debris, altered creek channels, sediment loads) required extensive watershed restoration; Boulder County’s oil and gas drilling in the eastern portions (fracking in the Weld County border area) has been a major community controversy – Boulder has fought to regulate and restrict drilling near homes and schools; COGCC’s 2019 legislation (SB 181) gave local governments more authority over oil and gas development; NCAR’s atmospheric research at the Table Mesa campus is internationally significant for understanding climate change and weather prediction
About Boulder County
Boulder County is Colorado’s eighth most populous county and the 210th most populous in the United States, covering 742 square miles of the Front Range from the plains east of Boulder west to the Continental Divide.
Boulder (population ~105,000, the county seat) is one of the most consistently high-ranked quality-of-life cities in the United States – a combination of the University of Colorado (flagship campus, enrollment ~35,000), extraordinary outdoor recreation (the Flatirons rock formations rising directly behind downtown, 300+ miles of trails in the Open Space and Mountain Parks system), and a technology and startup economy anchored by NCAR (National Center for Atmospheric Research), NOAA, NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology), and dozens of aerospace, software, and natural foods companies. The Pearl Street Mall pedestrian corridor is one of the most successful downtown retail environments in the country.
Boulder’s aggressive open space preservation program – funded by a sales tax since 1967 – has protected over 45,000 acres surrounding the city from development, permanently limiting the city’s growth boundary and contributing to consistently high property values by constraining supply.
Longmont (population ~94,000) is Boulder County’s second city and its most affordable large community – a rapidly growing tech hub with a diverse population and significant manufacturing (including Seagate data storage and Envision Solar). Longmont’s growth has accelerated as workers priced out of Boulder seek alternatives within the county.
Lafayette (population ~30,000) and Louisville (population ~21,000) are established middle-tier suburbs between Boulder and Denver with strong schools and residential demand.
Superior (population ~13,000) was devastated by the Marshall Fire of December 2021 – the most destructive wildfire in Colorado history, destroying over 1,000 homes in Superior and Louisville on New Year’s Eve in winter conditions. The fire’s speed (driven by hurricane-force winds) and suburban location shocked Colorado’s understanding of wildfire risk and triggered significant changes to insurance availability and building standards.
All Services
Browse every category and topic available for this county.
Colorado assesses residential property at 6.95% of actual value (legislative rate). The Boulder County Assessor determines actual value through biennial reappraisal, mailing Notices of Valuation in May of reassessment years.
The appeal process: Protest with the Boulder County Assessor by June 8. If dissatisfied, appeal to the Boulder County Board of Equalization, then to the Colorado Board of Assessment Appeals within 30 days.
Colorado has no estate tax and no inheritance tax.
OWNWELL CTA: Boulder County Notice of Valuation protest: June 8. Boulder City among Colorado’s highest residential values – open space policy constrains supply. Marshall Fire rebuild costs affect Superior and Louisville assessments. No CO estate or inheritance tax. Ownwell manages the appeal with no upfront cost.
Recommended
Boulder County Notice of Valuation protest: June 8. Boulder City among Colorado's highest residential values - open space policy constrains supply. Marshall Fire rebuild costs affect Superior and Louisville assessments. No CO estate or inheritance tax. Ownwell manages the appeal with no upfront cost.
Courts & Legal
Courts & Legal
District Court (Probate): The Boulder County District Court – 20th Judicial District at 1777 6th Street, Boulder, CO 80302, phone 303-441-3750, handles probate, estate administration, guardianships, and all civil and criminal matters.
Clerk and Recorder: The Boulder County Clerk and Recorder at 1750 33rd Street, Boulder, CO 80301, phone 303-413-7750, maintains real property records and election rolls. Land records searchable online.
Senior Services
The Boulder County Area Agency on Aging at 3482 Broadway, Boulder, CO 80304, phone 303-441-3570, serves the county’s senior population with in-home services, caregiver support, nutrition programs, and transportation. Boulder Community Health and UCHealth provide significant geriatric care.
Recommended
Assisted living, memory care, and independent living across Boulder County - from Boulder and Longmont to Lafayette, Louisville, Superior, and the mountain communities.
Marriage & Vital Records
Marriage licenses, divorce records, and birth & death certificates are handled by the following office(s):
CLERK & RECORDER (Deeds, Marriage Licenses, Elections)
1750 33rd St., Boulder, CO 80301
(303) 413-7740
Genealogy
County-level record sources
Boulder County District Court, both locations (marriage licenses, will and estate case files – see Probate section above)
Local societies
Boulder Genealogical Society, c/o Carnegie Library for Local History, Boulder, CO
Longmont Genealogical Society, Longmont, CO
Probate & Estate
Losing someone and having to deal with courts and paperwork at the same time is hard. This section won’t make that easier, but it should tell you what to expect, what it costs, and where to go – so at least you’re not walking in blind.
Where to go
Boulder County has two courthouse locations – file in whichever is more convenient.
Boulder County Justice Center – 1777 6th Street, Boulder, CO 80302. Boulder County Combined Court, Longmont – 1035 Kimbark Street, Longmont, CO 80501. (720) 564-2522. Hours (both): Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Step 1: figure out which path applies
Colorado follows the Uniform Probate Code, one of the more streamlined, less court-intensive systems in the country.
Small Estate Affidavit (personal property) – for estates where personal property totals less than roughly $86,000 (twice the “exempt property” amount under C.R.S. § 15-11-403, which adjusts annually for inflation – always confirm the current year’s figure with the court). Available starting 10 days after the death. No court filing required; present the affidavit (Form JDF 999) directly to whoever holds the property.
Summary Administration for small real property – a separate, roughly parallel threshold applies to real property equity. This route does require a court filing.
Informal Probate – the standard path for most estates with a will or clear heirs and no disputes. Handled largely by the court Registrar with minimal hearings.
Formal Probate – required for contested wills, disputed appointments, or complicated estates.
If using the small estate affidavit (personal property)
Wait at least 10 days after the death.
Confirm the fair market value of the decedent’s property (less liens) doesn’t exceed the current statutory threshold, and that no probate has already been opened.
Complete Form JDF 999, Collection of Personal Property by Affidavit.
Present it, along with a certified death certificate, to the bank or institution holding the property – no court filing needed.
If filing for informal or formal probate
File the appropriate application with the Boulder County District Court, at either location: Form JDF 910 (with a will) or JDF 908 (without one). For formal probate, file JDF 920 or the intestate equivalent. Filing fee is $199.
The court (or Registrar, for informal cases) appoints a personal representative and issues Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration.
In informal probate, the personal representative then manages the estate largely independently.
Creditors have 4 months from first publication of notice to file claims.
The estate closes once debts are paid and assets are distributed.
What it costs
Small estate affidavit: no court filing fee.
Informal or formal probate filing fee: $199.
Personal representative compensation: “reasonable compensation” – no fixed statutory percentage.
No Colorado state estate tax or inheritance tax.
Probate filings, estate administration, and guardianship matters are handled by the following office(s):
Public Safety & Arrests
Arrest records, inmate search, and law enforcement services are handled by the following office(s):
SHERIFF
5600 Flatiron Pkwy., Boulder, CO 80301
(303) 441-4444
Elections & Voting
Voter registration, polling locations, and elections information are handled by the following office(s):
CLERK & RECORDER (Deeds, Marriage Licenses, Elections)
1750 33rd St., Boulder, CO 80301
(303) 413-7740
Health & Human Services
Offices & Contacts
Health services, social services, and assistance programs are handled by the following office(s):
Health Dept
(303) 441-1100
Human Services
(303) 441-1000
CO Benefits / PEAK
(800) 536-5298
Public Health Information
PUBLIC HEALTH
Office: Boulder County Public Health – (303) 441-1100 | bouldercounty.gov/health
Services: Comprehensive county health department; immunizations; WIC; STI/HIV testing; behavioral health; environmental health; restaurant inspections; wildfire smoke health monitoring; post-Marshall Fire mental health; reproductive health services (Boulder is notable for its strong reproductive health service network)
Hospital: UCHealth Boulder Medical Center; Longmont United Hospital (Centura Health); AdventHealth Louisville (near Marshall Fire area); UCHealth Broomfield Hospital
Notes: Boulder County has outstanding healthcare infrastructure reflecting its wealth and university presence; UCHealth and Centura Health provide strong hospital services; post-Marshall Fire mental health care has been a major community investment; Boulder’s progressive politics drive strong reproductive health services; behavioral health has been a significant investment; the University of Colorado’s health-related research programs (CU Boulder’s environmental health, atmospheric science) contribute to local public health knowledge; Boulder County has some of the best health outcomes in Colorado reflecting its wealth, education levels, and outdoor recreation culture
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