ColoradoPop. 106,433Mid-size cities
Is Boulder a Good Place to Live? Boulder, Colorado: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Boulder ranks #447 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #65 of 256 mid-size cities and #10 of 20 in Colorado. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (18.1 min, #18 of 256) and high graduation rates (91%, #50 of 205), and trails on a shrinking population (-0.8%, #227 of 241) and expensive homes ($1,039,500, #241 of 256).
Boulder by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Boulder'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 Boulder?
Boulder's cost of living index is 105.2, 5% above the US level of 100 and #956 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $2,018/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $948,693, 78% above the typical Colorado home ($532,748).
| Measure | Boulder | ColoradoCO | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 105.2#956 of 1,308 | 103.1 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $948,693#1109 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 | $2,399/mo#879 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $1,039,500#1254 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $2,018/mo#1103 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 11.9x#1301 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 27.7%#1183 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.
Boulder 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. Boulder is in the Boulder, CO metro.
Colorado housing market →Is Boulder safe?
Boulder recorded 354 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 8% above the US rate of 328 and 16% below Colorado's 422. That ranks #646 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #121 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Boulder Police Department. Property crime runs 2,424 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Boulder | ColoradoCO | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 328 | 354#646 of 1,085 | 422 | 352 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 1,548 | 2,424#846 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 Boulder?
The median household in Boulder earns $87,493, 5% above the US figure of $83,163 and 10% below Colorado ($97,113). Unemployment is 4.1% (US 4.3%). 21.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.8% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Boulder | ColoradoCO | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $83,163 | $87,493#496 of 1,312 | $97,113 | $80,112 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 4.1%#522 of 1,058 | 4% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 21.5%#1166 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.5% | -0.8%#1052 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 Boulder?
The median resident of Boulder is 28.8 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 76.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #15 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 47.2% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Boulder | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 28.8 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 76.8%#15 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 47.2% | 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 Boulder's schools and health?
Boulder's 23 public schools graduate 91% of students in four years (Colorado 82.3%), with 18.1 students per teacher and $17,172 spent per pupil. 16.5% of adults are obese and 5.7% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Boulder | ColoradoCO | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 88% | 91%#291 of 1,063 | 82.3% | 88% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 18.1#848 of 1,188 | — | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $17,172#397 of 1,188 | — | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 16.5%#2 of 1,311 | — | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 5.7%#16 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 17.9%#840 of 1,311 | — | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 8.6%#465 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. 11,200 students are enrolled in Boulder's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Boulder?
The average commute in Boulder is 18.1 minutes (Colorado 25.7); 5.1% of workers take transit and 34.4% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Boulder scores 14.6 of 20 (above average walkable), #72 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 70°F and winters 34.4°F, with 21.2 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Boulder | ColoradoCO | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 18.1 min#198 of 1,312 | 25.7 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 3.5%#290 of 1,312 | 7.1% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 39.1% | 65.4% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 5.1% | 1.7% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 9.5% | 2.7% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 8% | 1% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 34.4% | 19.9% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 14.6#72 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 | 21.5 | 0.8 |
| Feb | 48.3 | 22.3 | 1 |
| Mar | 57 | 29 | 2 |
| Apr | 62.8 | 34.5 | 3.1 |
| May | 71.3 | 42.7 | 3.2 |
| Jun | 82.5 | 51.1 | 2 |
| Jul | 88 | 57 | 1.8 |
| Aug | 86 | 55.5 | 1.7 |
| Sep | 78.8 | 48.1 | 2.1 |
| Oct | 65.9 | 37.2 | 1.6 |
| Nov | 54.5 | 28.1 | 1.2 |
| Dec | 46.3 | 21.1 | 0.8 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Boulder.
| Measure | Boulder | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 51.5°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 70°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 34.4°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 21.2 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 Boulder.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Boulder?
Boulder County's air had a median air quality index of 48, and 58% of measured days were rated good; 3 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Boulder County's biggest natural hazard losses in wildfire, hail, and tornado, with expected yearly losses of 0.16% of building value, higher than 57% of US counties.
| Measure | Boulder | 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 | 3#572 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.16% | 0.16%#767 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 Boulder County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Boulder County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Wildfire | 0.022% | 90% of counties |
| Hail | 0.013% | 88% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.012% | 64% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.093% | 63% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0029% | 50% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0011% | 34% 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 Boulder compare with similar-size cities?
Boulder is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #65 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 106,433.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boulder, COPop. 106,433 | #447 | 59.0 | $87,493 | $2,018/mo | 354 | 18.1 min |
| Hillsboro, ORPop. 108,231 | #349 | 60.9 | $106,409 | $1,978/mo | 288 | 22.9 min |
| Goodyear, AZPop. 107,645 | #392 | 60.2 | $103,319 | $1,956/mo | 236 | 29.6 min |
| Dearborn, MIPop. 107,423 | #706 | 54.8 | $65,324 | $1,327/mo | 249 | 21.7 min |
| Sandy Springs, GAPop. 107,087 | #108 | 68.0 | $104,340 | $1,870/mo | 114 | 25.8 min |
| Spokane Valley, WAPop. 106,365 | #619 | 56.4 | $74,042 | $1,353/mo | 233 | 20.8 min |
| Green Bay, WIPop. 106,253 | #592 | 56.8 | $66,206 | $932/mo | 450 | 19.2 min |
| El Monte, CAPop. 106,109 | #1060 | 48.7 | $68,030 | $1,736/mo | 410 | 27.8 min |
| Brockton, MAPop. 105,386 | #859 | 52.3 | $80,115 | $1,641/mo | 538 | 31.5 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 Boulder compare with the rest of Colorado?
Boulder ranks #10 of the 20 Colorado cities we track, with a score of 59 against Colorado's statewide 64.7. Its households earn 10% below the Colorado median. Violent crime is 16% below the statewide rate. Homes are 78% 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 Boulder's score calculated?
Boulder scores 59 out of 100, #447 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 Boulder. Similar-size median 52.9.
57.5 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Boulder's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
66.8 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Boulder. Similar-size median 53.8.
82.8 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Boulder's public schools. Similar-size median 52.1.
61.8 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Boulder's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
32.1 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Boulder. Similar-size median 51.2.
38.6 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Boulder. Similar-size median 42.1.
32.8 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Boulder. Similar-size median 50.1.
88.0 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Boulder's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
71.6 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
43.7 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Boulder'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 Boulder 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 Boulder
Is Boulder, CO a good place to live?
Boulder ranks #447 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #65 of 256 mid-size cities and #10 of 20 in Colorado. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (18.1 min, #18 of 256) and high graduation rates (91%, #50 of 205), and trails on a shrinking population (-0.8%, #227 of 241) and expensive homes ($1,039,500, #241 of 256).
What is the cost of living in Boulder?
Boulder's cost of living index is 105.2, 5% above the US level of 100 and #956 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $2,018/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $948,693, 78% above the typical Colorado home ($532,748).
What is the crime rate in Boulder?
Boulder recorded 354 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 8% above the US rate of 328 and 16% below Colorado's 422. That ranks #646 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #121 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Boulder Police Department. Property crime runs 2,424 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Boulder?
The median household in Boulder earns $87,493, 5% above the US figure of $83,163 and 10% below Colorado ($97,113). Unemployment is 4.1% (US 4.3%). 21.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.8% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Boulder?
Median rent in Boulder is $2,018/mo (Census), #1103 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,399/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 27.7% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Boulder?
The typical home value in Boulder is $948,693, up 0.9% in a year, against $532,748 for Colorado and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $1,039,500.
How are the public schools in Boulder?
Boulder's 23 public schools graduate 91% of students in four years (Colorado 82.3%), with 18.1 students per teacher and $17,172 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Boulder?
The average commute is 18.1 minutes, #198 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 25.7 minutes across Colorado. 3.5% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Boulder?
Boulder averages 51.5°F over the year, 70°F in summer and 34.4°F in winter, with 21.2 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Boulder walkable?
Boulder scores 14.6 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #72 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 Boulder at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Boulder County's biggest natural hazard losses in wildfire, hail, and tornado, with expected yearly losses of 0.16% of building value, higher than 57% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Boulder?
Boulder County's air had a median air quality index of 48, and 58% of measured days were rated good; 3 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Boulder?
Boulder has 106,433 residents. The median resident of Boulder is 28.8 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 76.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #15 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 47.2% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Boulder compare with the rest of Colorado?
Boulder ranks #10 of the 20 Colorado cities we track, with a score of 59 against Colorado's statewide 64.7. Its households earn 10% below the Colorado median. Violent crime is 16% below the statewide rate. Homes are 78% above the typical Colorado home.
What cities are similar in size to Boulder?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Boulder's population of 106,433 are Hillsboro, OR (#349 overall), Goodyear, AZ (#392 overall), Dearborn, MI (#706 overall), Sandy Springs, GA (#108 overall), and Spokane Valley, WA (#619 overall). Boulder is #447.