Five incorporated municipalities are located within the boundaries of Douglas County: Castle Pines, Castle Rock, Larkspur, Lone Tree and Parker. Each has its own mayor and provides services, many in collaboration with Douglas County.
As part of the County’s collaborative work with other communities, the Partnership of Douglas County Governments is a notable example. Established in 2002, the Partnership today includes the Towns of Castle Rock, Larkspur and Parker, the Cities of Castle Pines and Lone Tree, Douglas County, the Douglas County School District, Douglas County Libraries and the Highlands Ranch Metro District. A nationally recognized model of collaborative statesmanship, the Partnership has successfully sidelined individual agendas in the interest of working collaboratively on issues, projects, and programs for the greater good of Douglas County.
Douglas County is recognized for being one of the most family-friendly communities in Colorado, offering a quality of life unmatched elsewhere in the state. In 2021 Douglas County was named the 2nd healthiest county in America, according to the 2021 Healthy Communities rankings by U.S. News and World Report, released in collaboration with the Aetna Foundation. Douglas County was ranked 2nd in the nation in 2020 and in 2018. The County topped the annual list in 2019.
In 2019, Douglas County ranked in the top ten happiest Counties in the United States.
In 2016, Douglas County ranked as a top Digital County in the U.S. Specifically the County ranked number nine in the top ten of the 117 U.S. Counties in the 250,000-499,999 population category as one of the most technologically innovative counties in the nation for initiatives that save tax dollars; boost transparency; cybersecurity and civic engagement.
Douglas County also ranks particularly well in the household income, homeownership rate, and educational attainment categories. Combine those with our great location, excellent schools, wonderful weather and outstanding recreational and cultural opportunities why more than 300,000 call Douglas County their home.