Adams County is located northeast of Denver and encompasses 1,192 square miles with an elevation of approximately 5,600 feet. It is a thriving group of diverse communities with over 383,000 residents. Adams County has 9 incorporated cities within its boundaries. The climate is generally mild with low humidity. Adams County is the only county in the metro area where five interstates converge.
Adams County has long been a source of natural resources, such as sand and gravel. Also clay deposits suitable for bricks are the richest in the region. The first oil-producing well was drilled in Colorado in 1862 and the first oil refinery was built in Commerce City in 1930. Adams County has grown from mainly an agricultural economy to one that supports all types of businesses, including emerging technologies and telecommunications.
Adams County has a highly educated, well-trained workforce. According to a 2000 Census Bureau report, the region posted the third highest percentage of people with a bachelor's degree in the nation. The region’s major colleges, universities and research facilities are in close proximity to Adams County, as is Denver International Airport.
Sales Tax: Listed below are the nine cities incorporated within the boundaries of Adams County. With the exception of Bennett all of these cities are home rule, which means they have their own guidelines in regards to sales tax. Home rule cities collect and administer their sales tax program and must be contacted directly for licensing and guidelines. The nine cities are listed below. Those marked with an asterisk are home rule and have a contact address and phone number listed.
Commissioners W.R. Skip Fischer, Alice J. Nichol and Larry W. Pace
Adams County Economic Development Bill Becker, President/CEO 12050 Pecos St., Ste. 200 Westminster, CO 80234 P: 303.450.5106 F: 303.252.8230 www.adamscountyed.com
Adams County Government 450 S. 4th Ave. Brighton, CO 80601 P: 303.654.6100 F: 303.659.0577 www.co.adams.co.us
Adams County Sheriffs Office Doug Darr, Sheriff 1901 E. Bridge St. Brighton, CO 80601 P: 303.655.3234 F: 303.655.3296 www.co.adams.co.us
(portions of)1470 South Havana, Aurora 80012(303) 739-7057
Bennett:
355 4th Street, Bennett 80102-7806(303) 644-3249
Brighton:
22 South 4th Avenue, Brighton 80601(303) 655-2006
Commerce City:
P.O. Box 40, Commerce City 80037(303) 289-3628
Federal Heights:
2380 W. 90th Ave., Federal Heights 80221(303) 428-3526
Northglenn:
11701 Community Center Drive, Northglenn 80233(303) 451-8326
Thornton:
9500 Civic Center Drive, Thornton 80229(303) 538-7370
Westminster:
4800 W. 92nd Ave., Westminster 80030 (303) 430-2400 Ext. 2065
Sales Tax Rates:
Community
State
City
County
RTD
Cultural Facilities
Football Stadium
Total Sales Tax
Arvada
2.9
3.21
0.7
0.6
0.1
0.1
7.61%
Aurora
2.9
3.75
0.7
0.6
0.1
0.1
8.15%
Bennett
2.9
2.0
0.7
0.0
0.0
0.0
5.60%
Brighton
2.9
3.75
0.7
0.6
0.1
0.1
8.15%
Commerce City
2.9
3.5
0.7
0.6
0.1
0.1
7.90%
Federal Heights
2.9
4.0
0.7
0.6
0.1
0.1
8.40%
Northglenn
2.9
4.0*/3.5
0.7
0.6
0.1
0.1
8.40/7.90%
Thornton
2.9
3.75
0.7
0.6
0.1
0.1
8.15%
Westminster
2.9
3.85
0.7
0.6
0.1
0.1
8.25%
Unincorporated Areas West of Box
Elder Creek
2.9
0.0
0.7
0.6
0.1
0.1
4.40%
Unincorporated Area East of Box
Elder Creek
2.9
0.0
0.7
0.0
0.0
0.0
3.60%
*Northglenn Sales Tax will be 4.00% excluding food for home consumption, which will remain at 3.50%
Note: Box Elder Creek runs along the eastside of Denver International Airport .To find out in which jurisdiction your address is located, please call 303.654.6300 and we can confirm your tax rate.
Additional Questions If you have additional questions contact Adams County by phone at 303.654.6300 or visit the Fiscal Affairs Department located at 450 S. 4th, Floor 5 in Brighton. Additionally you may contact the Colorado Department of Revenue Taxpayer Service Division at 303.238.7378 or you may also view and/or download forms and information from their website: www.taxcolorado.com or www.revenue.state.co.us/tps_dir/sales.html
