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Is Broomfield a Good Place to Live? Broomfield, Colorado: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Broomfield ranks #106 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #51 of 524 smaller cities and #1 of 20 in Colorado. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high household income ($123,874, #73 of 524) and low poverty (6.2%, #93 of 524), and trails on expensive homes ($664,500, #434 of 524) and high rents ($2,126/mo, #433 of 524).
Broomfield by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Broomfield'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 Broomfield?
Broomfield'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 $2,126/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $620,899, 17% above the typical Colorado home ($532,748).
| Measure | Broomfield | ColoradoCO | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 105.8#981 of 1,308 | 103.1 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $620,899#956 of 1,187 | $532,748 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $2,096/mo#757 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $664,500#1129 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $2,126/mo#1145 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 5.4x#918 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 20.6%#523 of 1,309 | — | 22.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 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.
Broomfield 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. Broomfield is in the Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO metro.
Colorado housing market →Is Broomfield safe?
Broomfield recorded 152 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 54% below the US rate of 328 and 64% below Colorado's 422. That ranks #243 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #109 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Broomfield Police Department. Property crime runs 1,498 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Broomfield | ColoradoCO | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 152#243 of 1,085 | 422 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 1,498#479 of 1,085 | 2,144 | 1,550 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 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 Broomfield?
The median household in Broomfield earns $123,874, 49% above the US figure of $83,163 and 28% above Colorado ($97,113). Unemployment is 3.8% (US 4.3%). 6.2% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Broomfield | ColoradoCO | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $123,874#132 of 1,312 | $97,113 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 3.8%#390 of 1,058 | 4% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 6.2%#197 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +1%#233 of 1,132 | +0.4% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Colorado is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Broomfield?
The median resident of Broomfield is 38.6 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 60.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #123 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 62.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Broomfield | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 38.6 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 60.3%#123 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 62.7% | 61.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Broomfield's schools and health?
Broomfield's 16 public schools graduate 86.1% of students in four years (Colorado 82.3%), with 17.9 students per teacher and $15,545 spent per pupil. 22.5% of adults are obese and 6.9% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Broomfield | ColoradoCO | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 86.1%#643 of 1,063 | 82.3% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 17.9#828 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $15,545#513 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 22.5%#56 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 6.9%#45 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 14.8%#241 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 7.6%#326 of 1,311 | — | 10.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Colorado is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 11,785 students are enrolled in Broomfield's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Broomfield?
The average commute in Broomfield is 25.5 minutes (Colorado 25.7); 1.3% of workers take transit and 29.9% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Broomfield scores 10 of 20 (below average walkable), #694 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 72.5°F and winters 33.9°F, with 14.5 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Broomfield | ColoradoCO | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 25.5 min#814 of 1,312 | 25.7 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 5%#570 of 1,312 | 7.1% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 58.3% | 65.4% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 1.3% | 1.7% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 1.3% | 2.7% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.8% | 1% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 29.9% | 19.9% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 10#694 of 1,312 | — | 11.1 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 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 | 48 | 19 | 0.5 |
| Feb | 49.6 | 20.3 | 0.5 |
| Mar | 57.7 | 28.4 | 1.2 |
| Apr | 63.9 | 35.1 | 1.9 |
| May | 72.3 | 44.4 | 2.4 |
| Jun | 85.3 | 53.4 | 1.5 |
| Jul | 91.1 | 58.9 | 1.7 |
| Aug | 88.9 | 57.2 | 1.3 |
| Sep | 81.5 | 48.9 | 1.2 |
| Oct | 67.2 | 36.8 | 1.1 |
| Nov | 55.8 | 26.8 | 0.7 |
| Dec | 47.5 | 19.1 | 0.5 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Northglenn.
| Measure | Broomfield | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 52.4°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 72.5°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 33.9°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 14.5 in | 38.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Northglenn.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Broomfield?
The EPA has no air-quality monitor in Broomfield's county, so we have no air reading for it. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Broomfield County's biggest natural hazard losses in hail, wildfire, and tornado, with expected yearly losses of 0.08% of building value, lower than 96% of US counties.
| Measure | Broomfield | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.08%#76 of 1,312 | 0.15% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Broomfield County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Broomfield County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hail | 0.017% | 92% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.0019% | 66% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.013% | 65% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0019% | 49% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0022% | 43% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.036% | 3% 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 Broomfield compare with similar-size cities?
Broomfield is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #51 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 76,304.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Broomfield, COPop. 76,304 | #106 | 68.1 | $123,874 | $2,126/mo | 152 | 25.5 min |
| Missouri City, TXPop. 76,558 | #733 | 54.4 | $94,390 | $1,931/mo | 151 | 30.4 min |
| Missoula, MTPop. 76,514 | #469 | 58.6 | $70,392 | $1,189/mo | 591 | 15.8 min |
| Flagstaff, AZPop. 76,445 | #799 | 53.3 | $71,512 | $1,645/mo | 501 | 16.5 min |
| Evanston, ILPop. 76,340 | #65 | 69.6 | $96,434 | $1,762/mo | 115 | 27.5 min |
| Pittsburg, CAPop. 76,257 | #996 | 50.1 | $99,861 | $2,264/mo | 440 | 38 min |
| Southfield, MIPop. 76,236 | #933 | 51.2 | $68,166 | $1,340/mo | 585 | 23.7 min |
| Cheektowaga, NYPop. 76,056 | #351 | 60.9 | $68,613 | $1,055/mo | no data | 20.6 min |
| Scranton, PAPop. 76,033 | #800 | 53.3 | $50,739 | $1,048/mo | 327 | 19.3 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 Broomfield compare with the rest of Colorado?
Broomfield ranks #1 of the 20 Colorado cities we track, with a score of 68.1 against Colorado's statewide 64.7. Its households earn 28% above the Colorado median. Violent crime is 64% below the statewide rate. Homes are 17% 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 Broomfield's score calculated?
Broomfield scores 68.1 out of 100, #106 of 1,312 (grade A+, 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 Broomfield. Similar-size median 55.5.
75.1 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Broomfield's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
86.3 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Broomfield. Similar-size median 58.9.
83.3 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Broomfield's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
54.3 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Broomfield's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
40.5 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Broomfield. Similar-size median 56.1.
82.7 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Broomfield. Similar-size median 42.4.
51.9 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Broomfield. Similar-size median 50.0.
64.0 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Broomfield's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
47.4 - EnvironmentCity data, some inputs missing · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 50.8.
95.6 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Broomfield's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Broomfield 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 Broomfield
Is Broomfield, CO a good place to live?
Broomfield ranks #106 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #51 of 524 smaller cities and #1 of 20 in Colorado. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high household income ($123,874, #73 of 524) and low poverty (6.2%, #93 of 524), and trails on expensive homes ($664,500, #434 of 524) and high rents ($2,126/mo, #433 of 524).
What is the cost of living in Broomfield?
Broomfield'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 $2,126/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $620,899, 17% above the typical Colorado home ($532,748).
What is the crime rate in Broomfield?
Broomfield recorded 152 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 54% below the US rate of 328 and 64% below Colorado's 422. That ranks #243 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #109 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Broomfield Police Department. Property crime runs 1,498 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Broomfield?
The median household in Broomfield earns $123,874, 49% above the US figure of $83,163 and 28% above Colorado ($97,113). Unemployment is 3.8% (US 4.3%). 6.2% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Broomfield?
Median rent in Broomfield is $2,126/mo (Census), #1145 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,096/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 20.6% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Broomfield?
The typical home value in Broomfield is $620,899, down 0.7% in a year, against $532,748 for Colorado and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $664,500.
How are the public schools in Broomfield?
Broomfield's 16 public schools graduate 86.1% of students in four years (Colorado 82.3%), with 17.9 students per teacher and $15,545 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Broomfield?
The average commute is 25.5 minutes, #814 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 25.7 minutes across Colorado. 5% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Broomfield?
Broomfield averages 52.4°F over the year, 72.5°F in summer and 33.9°F in winter, with 14.5 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Broomfield walkable?
Broomfield scores 10 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #694 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 Broomfield at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Broomfield County's biggest natural hazard losses in hail, wildfire, and tornado, with expected yearly losses of 0.08% of building value, lower than 96% of US counties.
Who lives in Broomfield?
Broomfield has 76,304 residents. The median resident of Broomfield is 38.6 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 60.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #123 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 62.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Broomfield compare with the rest of Colorado?
Broomfield ranks #1 of the 20 Colorado cities we track, with a score of 68.1 against Colorado's statewide 64.7. Its households earn 28% above the Colorado median. Violent crime is 64% below the statewide rate. Homes are 17% above the typical Colorado home.
What cities are similar in size to Broomfield?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Broomfield's population of 76,304 are Missouri City, TX (#733 overall), Missoula, MT (#469 overall), Flagstaff, AZ (#799 overall), Evanston, IL (#65 overall), and Pittsburg, CA (#996 overall). Broomfield is #106.