Best Cities for Retirees in Colorado
Colorado ranks #16 of 50 for retirees, with a retirees score of 67.0. Broomfield is its best city for retirees at 71.6.
- Colorado, all states
- #16 of 50
- Population
- 76,304
Colorado for Retirees: The Full Picture
Colorado ranks #16 nationally for retirees, making it a middle-of-the-pack destination for those entering their next chapter. The state's strong fiscal health (60/100) and moderate overall tax burden of 8.73% help retirement savings go further.
For retirees, healthcare access and tax friendliness are non-negotiable. Colorado's health score of 75/100 reflects strong medical infrastructure — life expectancy here is 78.5 years, above the national average. On the tax front, the overall burden stands at 8.73% of income. The 4.4% income tax rate is relatively modest. Property taxes run 0.49% (effective rate), which is among the lowest in the nation.
At $532,748, the typical home is worth more than the 50-state average — retirees relocating from lower-cost areas may face sticker shock. Safety is worth researching at the local level — the statewide safety score of 50/100 suggests some areas perform better than others. Livability amenities are more limited compared to top-ranked states, so retirees who value a vibrant social scene should focus their search on the state's larger metro areas.
All 20 Cities Ranked for Retirees
| # City | Grade | Retirees score | Overall | Health | Household finances | Affordability | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1Broomfield | A+ | 71.6 | 68.1 | 83 | 83 | 41 | 76,304 |
| 2Centennial | A | 70.1 | 65.5 | 84 | 92 | 41 | 108,201 |
| 3Highlands Ranch | A+ | 68.7 | 68.0 | 83 | 100 | 34 | 102,257 |
| 4Castle Rock | A | 67.7 | 66.8 | 77 | 96 | 43 | 79,123 |
| 5Parker | A | 66.1 | 63.3 | 79 | 90 | 42 | 61,783 |
| 6Loveland | B+ | 63.0 | 60.1 | 74 | 61 | 56 | 78,410 |
| 7Arvada | B+ | 62.7 | 62.1 | 79 | 81 | 45 | 122,634 |
| 8Longmont | B+ | 61.6 | 60.8 | 83 | 64 | 49 | 99,406 |
| 9Thornton | B | 60.3 | 58.5 | 63 | 72 | 50 | 144,187 |
| 10Grand Junction | C+ | 59.7 | 54.5 | 64 | 49 | 70 | 68,142 |
| 11Fort Collins | B+ | 58.8 | 59.7 | 75 | 48 | 52 | 170,229 |
| 12Westminster | B | 58.2 | 58.5 | 71 | 70 | 49 | 115,484 |
| 13Commerce City | C+ | 55.7 | 54.8 | 55 | 73 | 51 | 66,445 |
| 14Denver | C+ | 55.3 | 54.6 | 83 | 61 | 46 | 718,877 |
| 15Colorado Springs | C | 55.0 | 51.2 | 65 | 61 | 58 | 487,887 |
| 16Lakewood | C+ | 54.1 | 53.7 | 76 | 62 | 48 | 156,583 |
| 17Boulder | B+ | 54.0 | 59.0 | 83 | 39 | 32 | 106,433 |
| 18Aurora | C | 53.3 | 51.5 | 64 | 57 | 52 | 394,432 |
| 19Greeley | D | 47.5 | 46.4 | 51 | 43 | 64 | 110,806 |
| 20Pueblo | F | 46.7 | 42.6 | 49 | 33 | 79 | 111,561 |
City retirees scores use each city's own data, with the category weights rescaled over the categories the city has; outdoor access has no city-level measure and is left out. City scores for retirees also weigh the county's expected yearly building losses from natural hazards (FEMA), lower is better; the share of adults without health insurance (CDC PLACES), a sign of local healthcare access, lower is better; the median age of residents (Census ACS), older is better: more peers and retiree services.
Compare: States with Similar Retirees Rankings
Also See: Colorado for Other Lifestyles
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Colorado a good state for retirees?
Colorado ranks #16 out of 50 for retirees with a persona-weighted score of 67.0/100. Its strongest relevant category is Health (75/100) and its weakest is Livability (34/100).
What is the best city for retirees in Colorado?
Broomfield ranks #1 in Colorado for retirees with a score of 71.6/100, followed by Centennial and Highlands Ranch.
What factors are most important for retirees in Colorado?
Rankings weighted toward low taxes, quality healthcare, affordable living, safety, community livability, and pleasant environment — the priorities for retirement years.