Colorado
Category Breakdown
Scores by Category
Colorado vs National Average
12-Month Composite Trend
Top Cities in Colorado
| # | City | Grade | Score | Population | Income | Crime | Cost Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Boulder | A+ | 68.1 | 105,673 | $91,847 | 350 | 102 |
| 2 | Fort Collins | A | 67.9 | 169,810 | $73,784 | 304 | 94 |
| 3 | Lakewood | B+ | 67.1 | 155,984 | $88,394 | 304 | 109 |
| 4 | Westminster | B | 66.5 | 116,317 | $74,911 | 349 | 98 |
| 5 | Colorado Springs | B | 65.9 | 478,961 | $80,491 | 322 | 99 |
| 6 | Denver | C+ | 63.2 | 715,522 | $80,355 | 472 | 90 |
| 7 | Pueblo | C | 60.6 | 112,368 | $77,129 | 536 | 94 |
| 8 | Arvada | C | 59.5 | 124,402 | $78,055 | 454 | 92 |
| 9 | Centennial | D | 58.1 | 110,250 | $78,255 | 412 | 103 |
| 10 | Aurora | F | 57.4 | 386,261 | $100,540 | 428 | 110 |
More West States
Colorado Rankings Overview
Colorado earns an overall grade of B+ with a composite score of 62.1 out of 100, ranking #16 among all 50 US states. The state's strongest category is Education (74/100) while its biggest challenge is Affordability (46/100).
Economy & Employment in Colorado
With an unemployment rate of 3.8% (compared to the national average of 3.8%), Colorado performs below average on economic indicators. The median household income is $91,340, which ranks above the national median of $74,753.
Safety & Crime in Colorado
Colorado's violent crime rate of 413 per 100,000 residents places it in the bottom half of states for public safety.
Health & Education in Colorado
Colorado ranks #17 for health outcomes according to the 2025 America's Health Rankings report, and #14 for K-12 education quality based on NAEP scores and graduation rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Colorado's overall ranking?
Colorado ranks #16 out of 50 states with a composite score of 62.1/100 and a grade of B+.
Is Colorado a good place to live?
Colorado ranks among the top-performing states in America with a composite score of 62.1/100. Its strengths in areas like economic opportunity and public safety make it an attractive place to live for many residents.
What is the crime rate in Colorado?
The violent crime rate in Colorado is 413 per 100,000 residents (2024 FBI data), compared to the national average of 350 per 100,000.
How does Colorado's economy compare?
Colorado's median household income is $91,340 with an unemployment rate of 3.8%. The unemployment rate is above the national average of 3.8%, and the median income is above the national median of $74,753.
What are the best cities in Colorado?
Based on our composite scoring, the top-ranked cities in Colorado are Boulder, Fort Collins, and Lakewood.