Best Cities for Young Professionals in Colorado
Why Colorado Works for Young Professionals
Colorado ranks #15 out of 50 for young professionals, placing it in the upper tier for career-oriented relocators. The state's economy scores 64/100, with 3.8% unemployment and a median household income of $91,340. Population growth of 1.1% signals that people β and employers β are actively choosing Colorado.
For young professionals, the equation comes down to earning potential versus cost of living. With a cost-of-living index of 101, expenses are near the national norm β what you earn is roughly what you keep. Growth metrics are moderate, so career advancement may depend more on specific industries than broad market expansion.
Beyond the paycheck, livability matters. Colorado's livability score of 45/100 is adequate β metro areas have decent options, though the state isn't known as a cultural hub. Transportation infrastructure scores well (63/100), with options beyond car dependency.
All 20 Cities Ranked for Young Professionals
| # | City | Grade | Young Professionals Score | Overall | Economy | Growth | Livability | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Parker | A+ | 72.5 | 66.1 | 77 | 83 | 66 | 60,115 |
| 2 | Castle Rock | A+ | 66.8 | 69.8 | 80 | 61 | 51 | 81,401 |
| 3 | Broomfield | A+ | 63.6 | 64.2 | 68 | 58 | 49 | 76,860 |
| 4 | Highlands Ranch | A+ | 61.0 | 64.2 | 75 | 50 | 48 | 103,195 |
| 5 | Commerce City | B | 60.7 | 55.1 | 71 | 64 | 55 | 68,248 |
| 6 | Centennial | A+ | 59.2 | 64.8 | 73 | 39 | 36 | 106,873 |
| 7 | Arvada | B+ | 58.2 | 60.1 | 69 | 42 | 38 | 123,517 |
| 8 | Loveland | B+ | 56.4 | 56.6 | 51 | 60 | 51 | 79,353 |
| 9 | Thornton | B | 55.3 | 56.3 | 63 | 48 | 43 | 144,889 |
| 10 | Fort Collins | B | 55.3 | 55.9 | 56 | 43 | 38 | 170,368 |
| 11 | Grand Junction | C+ | 55.2 | 52.1 | 48 | 56 | 48 | 69,406 |
| 12 | Boulder | B | 54.2 | 55.3 | 51 | 42 | 38 | 105,893 |
| 13 | Longmont | B | 54.0 | 56.1 | 55 | 48 | 42 | 99,306 |
| 14 | Denver | C+ | 53.7 | 51.8 | 59 | 51 | 45 | 716,577 |
| 15 | Westminster | B | 53.1 | 54.5 | 58 | 40 | 37 | 114,882 |
| 16 | Colorado Springs | C | 52.1 | 48.9 | 56 | 46 | 41 | 488,670 |
| 17 | Aurora | C | 52.1 | 48.5 | 57 | 54 | 47 | 394,701 |
| 18 | Lakewood | C+ | 50.9 | 50.1 | 55 | 44 | 39 | 155,973 |
| 19 | Greeley | C | 48.1 | 49.6 | 42 | 53 | 48 | 112,614 |
| 20 | Pueblo | D | 39.1 | 39.8 | 32 | 32 | 36 | 111,081 |