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Is Castle Rock a Good Place to Live? Castle Rock, Colorado: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Castle Rock ranks #139 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #66 of 524 smaller cities and #3 of 20 in Colorado. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low violent crime (30 per 100,000, #2 of 444) and low poverty (3.8%, #11 of 524), and trails on expensive homes ($652,900, #432 of 524) and high rents ($2,000/mo, #411 of 524).
Castle Rock by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Castle Rock'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 Castle Rock?
Castle Rock'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 $2,000/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $660,519, 24% above the typical Colorado home ($532,748).
| Measure | Castle Rock | 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 | $660,519#985 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 | $2,370/mo#866 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $652,900#1123 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $2,000/mo#1096 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 4.5x#721 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 16.5%#128 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.
Castle Rock 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. Castle Rock is in the Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO metro.
Colorado housing market →Is Castle Rock safe?
Castle Rock recorded 30 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 91% below the US rate of 328 and 93% below Colorado's 422. That ranks #7 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #2 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Castle Rock Police Department. Property crime runs 943 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Castle Rock | ColoradoCO | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 30#7 of 1,085 | 422 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 943#192 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 Castle Rock?
The median household in Castle Rock earns $145,197, 75% above the US figure of $83,163 and 50% above Colorado ($97,113). Unemployment is 3.6% (US 4.3%). 3.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Castle Rock | ColoradoCO | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $145,197#51 of 1,312 | $97,113 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 3.6%#297 of 1,058 | 4% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 3.8%#41 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 Castle Rock?
The median resident of Castle Rock is 36.5 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 55.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #183 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 78.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Castle Rock | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 36.5 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 55.9%#183 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 78.8% | 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 Castle Rock's schools and health?
There is no city graduation rate for Castle Rock; its public schools have 17.1 students per teacher and spend $12,942 per pupil. 26.7% of adults are obese and 6.4% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Castle Rock | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 17.1#746 of 1,188 | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $12,942#836 of 1,188 | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 26.7%#210 of 1,311 | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 6.4%#31 of 1,311 | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 15.6%#351 of 1,311 | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 6.9%#243 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). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. 12,324 students are enrolled in Castle Rock's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Castle Rock?
The average commute in Castle Rock is 28.6 minutes (Colorado 25.7); 0.1% of workers take transit and 28.8% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Castle Rock scores 7.8 of 20 (below average walkable), #1105 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 68.5°F and winters 32.3°F, with 17.6 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Castle Rock | ColoradoCO | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 28.6 min#1033 of 1,312 | 25.7 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 8.3%#942 of 1,312 | 7.1% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 62.9% | 65.4% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.1% | 1.7% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 1.7% | 2.7% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.1% | 1% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 28.8% | 19.9% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 7.8#1105 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 | 45.6 | 18 | 0.6 |
| Feb | 46.7 | 19.9 | 0.7 |
| Mar | 53.8 | 26.5 | 1.5 |
| Apr | 59.1 | 32.5 | 2.1 |
| May | 68.4 | 41.6 | 2 |
| Jun | 80.2 | 50.5 | 2.2 |
| Jul | 85.7 | 56.4 | 2.3 |
| Aug | 83.6 | 54.7 | 2.5 |
| Sep | 76.7 | 46.6 | 1.4 |
| Oct | 64.8 | 34.6 | 0.9 |
| Nov | 53.9 | 25.7 | 0.8 |
| Dec | 45.7 | 18 | 0.7 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Castle Rock.
| Measure | Castle Rock | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 49.5°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 68.5°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 32.3°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 17.6 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 Castle Rock.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Castle Rock?
Douglas County's air had a median air quality index of 46, and 68% of measured days were rated good; 7 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Douglas County's biggest natural hazard losses in wildfire, hail, and tornado, with expected yearly losses of 0.14% of building value, lower than 55% of US counties.
| Measure | Castle Rock | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 46#700 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 7#789 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.14%#624 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 Douglas County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Douglas County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Wildfire | 0.034% | 93% of counties |
| Hail | 0.016% | 92% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.014% | 70% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0018% | 48% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.06% | 21% 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 Castle Rock compare with similar-size cities?
Castle Rock is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #66 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 79,123.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Castle Rock, COPop. 79,123 | #139 | 66.8 | $145,197 | $2,000/mo | 30 | 28.6 min |
| Parma, OHPop. 79,870 | #356 | 60.8 | $69,295 | $1,087/mo | 150 | 24.2 min |
| Pasco, WAPop. 79,575 | #631 | 56.2 | $85,586 | $1,227/mo | 338 | 22.5 min |
| Lynchburg, VAPop. 79,497 | #455 | 58.8 | $57,947 | $1,073/mo | 361 | 16.8 min |
| Upland, CAPop. 79,257 | #729 | 54.5 | $105,830 | $2,029/mo | 333 | 31.1 min |
| Plymouth, MNPop. 79,220 | #37 | 71.5 | $136,534 | $1,766/mo | 65 | 21.7 min |
| Doral, FLPop. 79,216 | #323 | 61.5 | $94,164 | $2,669/mo | 79 | 26.5 min |
| Bloomington, ILPop. 78,907 | #290 | 62.2 | $77,384 | $1,050/mo | 318 | 16.8 min |
| Flower Mound, TXPop. 78,389 | #126 | 67.4 | $161,235 | $2,231/mo | 42 | 26 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 Castle Rock compare with the rest of Colorado?
Castle Rock ranks #3 of the 20 Colorado cities we track, with a score of 66.8 against Colorado's statewide 64.7. Its households earn 50% above the Colorado median. Violent crime is 93% below the statewide rate. Homes are 24% 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 Castle Rock's score calculated?
Castle Rock scores 66.8 out of 100, #139 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 Castle Rock. Similar-size median 55.5.
85.6 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Castle Rock's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
96.8 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Castle Rock. Similar-size median 58.9.
77.1 - EducationCity data, some inputs missing · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Castle Rock's public schools. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 55.2.
40.9 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Castle Rock's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
42.5 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Castle Rock. Similar-size median 56.1.
96.4 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Castle Rock. Similar-size median 42.4.
52.6 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Castle Rock. Similar-size median 50.0.
57.0 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Castle Rock's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
35.8 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
51.7 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Castle Rock'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 Castle Rock 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 Castle Rock
Is Castle Rock, CO a good place to live?
Castle Rock ranks #139 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #66 of 524 smaller cities and #3 of 20 in Colorado. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low violent crime (30 per 100,000, #2 of 444) and low poverty (3.8%, #11 of 524), and trails on expensive homes ($652,900, #432 of 524) and high rents ($2,000/mo, #411 of 524).
What is the cost of living in Castle Rock?
Castle Rock'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 $2,000/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $660,519, 24% above the typical Colorado home ($532,748).
What is the crime rate in Castle Rock?
Castle Rock recorded 30 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 91% below the US rate of 328 and 93% below Colorado's 422. That ranks #7 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #2 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Castle Rock Police Department. Property crime runs 943 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Castle Rock?
The median household in Castle Rock earns $145,197, 75% above the US figure of $83,163 and 50% above Colorado ($97,113). Unemployment is 3.6% (US 4.3%). 3.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Castle Rock?
Median rent in Castle Rock is $2,000/mo (Census), #1096 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,370/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 16.5% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Castle Rock?
The typical home value in Castle Rock is $660,519, down 1.2% in a year, against $532,748 for Colorado and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $652,900.
How are the public schools in Castle Rock?
There is no city graduation rate for Castle Rock; its public schools have 17.1 students per teacher and spend $12,942 per pupil.
How long is the commute in Castle Rock?
The average commute is 28.6 minutes, #1033 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 25.7 minutes across Colorado. 8.3% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Castle Rock?
Castle Rock averages 49.5°F over the year, 68.5°F in summer and 32.3°F in winter, with 17.6 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Castle Rock walkable?
Castle Rock scores 7.8 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1105 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 Castle Rock at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Douglas County's biggest natural hazard losses in wildfire, hail, and tornado, with expected yearly losses of 0.14% of building value, lower than 55% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Castle Rock?
Douglas County's air had a median air quality index of 46, and 68% of measured days were rated good; 7 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Castle Rock?
Castle Rock has 79,123 residents. The median resident of Castle Rock is 36.5 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 55.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #183 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 78.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Castle Rock compare with the rest of Colorado?
Castle Rock ranks #3 of the 20 Colorado cities we track, with a score of 66.8 against Colorado's statewide 64.7. Its households earn 50% above the Colorado median. Violent crime is 93% below the statewide rate. Homes are 24% above the typical Colorado home.
What cities are similar in size to Castle Rock?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Castle Rock's population of 79,123 are Parma, OH (#356 overall), Pasco, WA (#631 overall), Lynchburg, VA (#455 overall), Upland, CA (#729 overall), and Plymouth, MN (#37 overall). Castle Rock is #139.