ColoradoPop. 122,634Mid-size cities
Is Arvada a Good Place to Live? Arvada, Colorado: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Arvada ranks #296 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #40 of 256 mid-size cities and #6 of 20 in Colorado. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low poverty (5.8%, #19 of 256) and high household income ($117,348, #32 of 256), and trails on low graduation rates (80.8%, #166 of 205) and expensive homes ($632,600, #205 of 256).
Arvada by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Arvada's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Arvada?
Arvada's cost of living index is 105.8, 6% above the US level of 100 and #981 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,888/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $600,934, 13% above the typical Colorado home ($532,748).
| Measure | Arvada | ColoradoCO | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 105.8#981 of 1,308 | 103.1 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $600,934#938 of 1,187 | $532,748 | $439,863 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,871/mo · US $1,948/mo | $2,150/mo#784 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $632,600#1103 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $1,888/mo#1031 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 5.4x#918 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 19.3%#361 of 1,309 | — | 23.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Colorado is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Arvada housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Arvada is in the Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO metro.
Colorado housing market →Is Arvada safe?
Arvada recorded 307 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 6% below the US rate of 328 and 27% below Colorado's 422. That ranks #572 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #106 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Arvada Police Department. Property crime runs 2,347 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Arvada | ColoradoCO | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 328 | 307#572 of 1,085 | 422 | 352 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 1,548 | 2,347#812 of 1,085 | 2,144 | 1,730 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Colorado is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Arvada?
The median household in Arvada earns $117,348, 41% above the US figure of $83,163 and 21% above Colorado ($97,113). Unemployment is 3.9% (US 4.3%). 5.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.5% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Arvada | ColoradoCO | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $83,163 | $117,348#176 of 1,312 | $97,113 | $80,112 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 3.9%#434 of 1,058 | 4% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 5.8%#160 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.5% | +0.5%#391 of 1,132 | +0.4% | +0.3% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Colorado is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Arvada?
The median resident of Arvada is 40 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 51.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #237 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 75.3% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Arvada | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 40 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 51.6%#237 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 75.3% | 56.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Arvada's schools and health?
Arvada's 31 public schools graduate 80.8% of students in four years (Colorado 82.3%), with 17.4 students per teacher and $14,516 spent per pupil. 23.4% of adults are obese and 8.3% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Arvada | ColoradoCO | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 88% | 80.8%#866 of 1,063 | 82.3% | 88% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 17.4#782 of 1,188 | — | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $14,516#646 of 1,188 | — | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 23.4%#78 of 1,311 | — | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 8.3%#132 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 15.1%#276 of 1,311 | — | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 8.4%#432 of 1,311 | — | 11.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Colorado is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 17,350 students are enrolled in Arvada's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Arvada?
The average commute in Arvada is 26.1 minutes (Colorado 25.7); 1.3% of workers take transit and 24.5% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Arvada scores 12.4 of 20 (above average walkable), #428 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 69.9°F and winters 32.4°F, with 17.1 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Arvada | ColoradoCO | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 26.1 min#868 of 1,312 | 25.7 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 5.2%#602 of 1,312 | 7.1% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 67.3% | 65.4% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 1.3% | 1.7% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 1% | 2.7% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.2% | 1% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 24.5% | 19.9% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 12.4#428 of 1,312 | — | 11.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Colorado is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 47.2 | 17.1 | 0.6 |
| Feb | 48.3 | 18.3 | 0.8 |
| Mar | 56.6 | 25.9 | 1.5 |
| Apr | 61.9 | 33 | 2.3 |
| May | 70.9 | 42.5 | 2.7 |
| Jun | 82.5 | 51.1 | 1.7 |
| Jul | 88.2 | 56.8 | 1.9 |
| Aug | 86.3 | 54.5 | 1.6 |
| Sep | 79 | 45.2 | 1.3 |
| Oct | 66 | 33.6 | 1.2 |
| Nov | 54.8 | 23.9 | 0.9 |
| Dec | 46.6 | 16.7 | 0.6 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Wheat Ridge 2.
| Measure | Arvada | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 50.3°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 69.9°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 32.4°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 17.1 in | 36.8 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Wheat Ridge 2.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Arvada?
Jefferson County's air had a median air quality index of 48, and 59% of measured days were rated good; 13 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Jefferson County's biggest natural hazard losses in hail, wildfire, and tornado, with expected yearly losses of 0.2% of building value, higher than 71% of US counties.
| Measure | Arvada | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 48#788 of 1,138 | 46 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 13#916 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.16% | 0.2%#923 of 1,312 | 0.16% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Jefferson County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Jefferson County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hail | 0.05% | 99% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.042% | 95% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.013% | 67% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0023% | 44% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.065% | 28% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Arvada compare with similar-size cities?
Arvada is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #40 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 122,634.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arvada, COPop. 122,634 | #296 | 62.1 | $117,348 | $1,888/mo | 307 | 26.1 min |
| Concord, CAPop. 124,035 | #834 | 52.7 | $108,709 | $2,274/mo | 420 | 32.6 min |
| Rochester, MNPop. 122,330 | #283 | 62.4 | $89,389 | $1,399/mo | 186 | 17.4 min |
| West Palm Beach, FLPop. 122,290 | #732 | 54.4 | $73,446 | $1,772/mo | 493 | 23.4 min |
| Ann Arbor, MIPop. 122,036 | #194 | 64.7 | $82,212 | $1,649/mo | 297 | 20 min |
| Independence, MOPop. 121,740 | #953 | 50.8 | $60,339 | $1,109/mo | 560 | 23.9 min |
| Lafayette, LAPop. 121,715 | #1195 | 45.2 | $61,915 | $1,100/mo | 1,131 | 20 min |
| Hartford, CTPop. 121,127 | #1090 | 48.0 | $46,411 | $1,269/mo | 459 | 23.1 min |
| The Woodlands, TXPop. 121,002 | #233 | 63.6 | $140,701 | $1,822/mo | no data | 27 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Arvada compare with the rest of Colorado?
Arvada ranks #6 of the 20 Colorado cities we track, with a score of 62.1 against Colorado's statewide 64.7. Its households earn 21% above the Colorado median. Violent crime is 27% below the statewide rate. Homes are 13% above the typical Colorado home.
| City | Rank in CO | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Broomfield, COPop. 76,304 | #1 | 68.1 | $123,874 | $2,126/mo | 152 |
| Highlands Ranch, COPop. 102,257 | #2 | 68.0 | $159,307 | $2,531/mo | no data |
| Castle Rock, COPop. 79,123 | #3 | 66.8 | $145,197 | $2,000/mo | 30 |
| Centennial, COPop. 108,201 | #4 | 65.5 | $131,928 | $2,148/mo | 192 |
| Parker, COPop. 61,783 | #5 | 63.3 | $133,369 | $2,096/mo | 192 |
| Arvada, COPop. 122,634 | #6 | 62.1 | $117,348 | $1,888/mo | 307 |
| Longmont, COPop. 99,406 | #7 | 60.8 | $90,671 | $1,816/mo | 350 |
| Loveland, COPop. 78,410 | #8 | 60.1 | $84,604 | $1,730/mo | 163 |
| Fort Collins, COPop. 170,229 | #9 | 59.7 | $85,070 | $1,690/mo | 289 |
| Boulder, COPop. 106,433 | #10 | 59.0 | $87,493 | $2,018/mo | 354 |
| Thornton, COPop. 144,187 | #11 | 58.5 | $103,088 | $1,895/mo | 251 |
| Westminster, COPop. 115,484 | #12 | 58.5 | $100,272 | $1,882/mo | 288 |
| Commerce City, COPop. 66,445 | #13 | 54.8 | $111,972 | $1,880/mo | 742 |
| Denver, COPop. 718,877 | #14 | 54.6 | $94,718 | $1,831/mo | 882 |
| Grand Junction, COPop. 68,142 | #15 | 54.5 | $70,080 | $1,142/mo | 536 |
| Lakewood, COPop. 156,583 | #16 | 53.7 | $89,792 | $1,806/mo | 675 |
| Aurora, COPop. 394,432 | #17 | 51.5 | $88,368 | $1,835/mo | 763 |
| Colorado Springs, COPop. 487,887 | #18 | 51.2 | $84,818 | $1,648/mo | 690 |
| Greeley, COPop. 110,806 | #19 | 46.4 | $69,881 | $1,388/mo | 630 |
| Pueblo, COPop. 111,561 | #20 | 42.6 | $56,664 | $1,082/mo | 1,177 |
All 20 Colorado cities we track, by overall score. Colorado statewide: median income $97,113, violent crime 421.7 per 100,000.
How is Arvada's score calculated?
Arvada scores 62.1 out of 100, #296 of 1,312 (grade B+, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Colorado's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Arvada. Similar-size median 52.9.
71.7 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Arvada's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
70.3 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Arvada. Similar-size median 53.8.
78.7 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Arvada's public schools. Similar-size median 52.1.
48.0 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Arvada's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
44.7 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Arvada. Similar-size median 51.2.
80.6 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Arvada. Similar-size median 42.1.
46.5 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Arvada. Similar-size median 50.1.
59.3 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Arvada's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
60.0 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
36.4 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Arvada's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Arvada has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Arvada
Is Arvada, CO a good place to live?
Arvada ranks #296 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #40 of 256 mid-size cities and #6 of 20 in Colorado. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low poverty (5.8%, #19 of 256) and high household income ($117,348, #32 of 256), and trails on low graduation rates (80.8%, #166 of 205) and expensive homes ($632,600, #205 of 256).
What is the cost of living in Arvada?
Arvada's cost of living index is 105.8, 6% above the US level of 100 and #981 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,888/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $600,934, 13% above the typical Colorado home ($532,748).
What is the crime rate in Arvada?
Arvada recorded 307 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 6% below the US rate of 328 and 27% below Colorado's 422. That ranks #572 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #106 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Arvada Police Department. Property crime runs 2,347 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Arvada?
The median household in Arvada earns $117,348, 41% above the US figure of $83,163 and 21% above Colorado ($97,113). Unemployment is 3.9% (US 4.3%). 5.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.5% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Arvada?
Median rent in Arvada is $1,888/mo (Census), #1031 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,150/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 19.3% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Arvada?
The typical home value in Arvada is $600,934, down 2.1% in a year, against $532,748 for Colorado and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $632,600.
How are the public schools in Arvada?
Arvada's 31 public schools graduate 80.8% of students in four years (Colorado 82.3%), with 17.4 students per teacher and $14,516 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Arvada?
The average commute is 26.1 minutes, #868 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 25.7 minutes across Colorado. 5.2% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Arvada?
Arvada averages 50.3°F over the year, 69.9°F in summer and 32.4°F in winter, with 17.1 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Arvada walkable?
Arvada scores 12.4 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #428 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Arvada at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Jefferson County's biggest natural hazard losses in hail, wildfire, and tornado, with expected yearly losses of 0.2% of building value, higher than 71% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Arvada?
Jefferson County's air had a median air quality index of 48, and 59% of measured days were rated good; 13 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Arvada?
Arvada has 122,634 residents. The median resident of Arvada is 40 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 51.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #237 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 75.3% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Arvada compare with the rest of Colorado?
Arvada ranks #6 of the 20 Colorado cities we track, with a score of 62.1 against Colorado's statewide 64.7. Its households earn 21% above the Colorado median. Violent crime is 27% below the statewide rate. Homes are 13% above the typical Colorado home.
What cities are similar in size to Arvada?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Arvada's population of 122,634 are Concord, CA (#834 overall), Rochester, MN (#283 overall), West Palm Beach, FL (#732 overall), Ann Arbor, MI (#194 overall), and Independence, MO (#953 overall). Arvada is #296.