ColoradoPop. 487,887Big cities
Is Colorado Springs a Good Place to Live? Colorado Springs, Colorado: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Colorado Springs ranks #929 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #32 of 53 big cities and #18 of 20 in Colorado. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low poverty (9%, #7 of 53), and trails on low graduation rates (58.5%, #47 of 47).
Colorado Springs by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Colorado Springs'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 Colorado Springs?
Colorado Springs's cost of living index is 100.7, 1% above the US level of 100 and #708 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,648/mo against $1,528/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $441,553, 17% below the typical Colorado home ($532,748).
| Measure | Colorado Springs | ColoradoCO | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 100.9 · US 100 | 100.7#708 of 1,308 | 103.1 | 100.9 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $402,439 · US $368,697 | $441,553#715 of 1,187 | $532,748 | $402,439 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,742/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,740/mo#538 of 1,115 | — | $1,742/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $378,400 | $452,600#892 of 1,309 | — | $378,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,528/mo | $1,648/mo#825 of 1,309 | — | $1,528/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.7x | 5.3x#901 of 1,309 | — | 4.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.1% | 23.3%#810 of 1,309 | — | 23.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 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.
Colorado Springs 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. Colorado Springs is in the Colorado Springs, CO metro.
Colorado housing market →Is Colorado Springs safe?
Colorado Springs recorded 690 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2.1 times the US rate of 328 and 64% above Colorado's 422. That ranks #963 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #34 of 50 big cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Colorado Springs Police Department. Property crime runs 3,029 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Colorado Springs | ColoradoCO | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 492 · US 328 | 690#963 of 1,085 | 422 | 492 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 2,282 · US 1,548 | 3,029#958 of 1,085 | 2,144 | 2,282 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 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 Colorado Springs?
The median household in Colorado Springs earns $84,818, 2% above the US figure of $83,163 and 13% below Colorado ($97,113). Unemployment is 4% (US 4.3%). 9% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.5% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Colorado Springs | ColoradoCO | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $78,050 · US $83,163 | $84,818#539 of 1,312 | $97,113 | $78,050 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.1% · US 4.3% | 4%#474 of 1,058 | 4% | 4.1% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 14.8% | 9%#417 of 1,312 | — | 14.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.5%#391 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 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). Colorado is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Colorado Springs?
The median resident of Colorado Springs is 35.7 years old, against 35.3 in similar-size cities. 42.7% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #396 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 60.9% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Colorado Springs | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 35.3 | 35.7 | 35.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 39.5% | 42.7%#396 of 1,312 | 39.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 52.9% | 60.9% | 52.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Colorado Springs's schools and health?
Colorado Springs's 138 public schools graduate 58.5% of students in four years (Colorado 82.3%), with 16.1 students per teacher and $13,408 spent per pupil. 28.4% of adults are obese and 9% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.8% and 11.8%.
| Measure | Colorado Springs | ColoradoCO | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 84.7% | 58.5%#1059 of 1,063 | 82.3% | 84.7% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 15.9 | 16.1#646 of 1,188 | — | 15.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,888 | $13,408#778 of 1,188 | — | $14,888 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.8% | 28.4%#287 of 1,311 | — | 33.8% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.8% | 9%#216 of 1,311 | — | 11.8% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.4% | 18%#857 of 1,311 | — | 17.4% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 9.9%#645 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). Colorado is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 74,100 students are enrolled in Colorado Springs's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Colorado Springs?
The average commute in Colorado Springs is 22.7 minutes (Colorado 25.7); 0.5% of workers take transit and 17.6% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Colorado Springs scores 11.7 of 20 (above average walkable), #506 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 69.9°F and winters 32.3°F, with 15.9 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Colorado Springs | ColoradoCO | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 23 min | 22.7 min#565 of 1,312 | 25.7 min | 23 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 5.1%#587 of 1,312 | 7.1% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 67.4% | 70% | 65.4% | 67.4% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 0.5% | 1.7% | 1.4% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.9% | 1.8% | 2.7% | 1.9% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.4% | 0.5% | 1% | 0.4% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 14.3% | 17.6% | 19.9% | 14.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 12.6 | 11.7#506 of 1,312 | — | 12.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 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 | 18.5 | 0.3 |
| Feb | 46.5 | 20.2 | 0.3 |
| Mar | 54.9 | 27.3 | 0.8 |
| Apr | 61 | 34 | 1.5 |
| May | 70.7 | 43.5 | 2 |
| Jun | 81.6 | 52.8 | 2.3 |
| Jul | 86.5 | 58.2 | 3.1 |
| Aug | 83.6 | 56.6 | 3 |
| Sep | 77.1 | 48.9 | 1.4 |
| Oct | 64.7 | 36.6 | 0.8 |
| Nov | 52.9 | 26 | 0.4 |
| Dec | 44.6 | 18.7 | 0.2 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Colorado Springs Muni Airport.
| Measure | Colorado Springs | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 61.2°F | 50.5°F | 61.2°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.8°F | 69.9°F | 76.8°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.8°F | 32.3°F | 43.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 33.3 in | 15.9 in | 33.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Colorado Springs Muni Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Colorado Springs?
El Paso County's air had a median air quality index of 46, and 68% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts El Paso County's biggest natural hazard losses in wildfire, hail, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.16% of building value, higher than 54% of US counties.
| Measure | Colorado Springs | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 48 | 46#700 of 1,138 | 48 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 0#1 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.16%#717 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for El Paso County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, El Paso County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Wildfire | 0.033% | 93% of counties |
| Hail | 0.014% | 89% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.082% | 51% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0084% | 49% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0012% | 31% 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 Colorado Springs compare with similar-size cities?
Colorado Springs is one of 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track and ranks #32 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 487,887.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado Springs, COPop. 487,887 | #929 | 51.2 | $84,818 | $1,648/mo | 690 | 22.7 min |
| Mesa, AZPop. 511,764 | #717 | 54.7 | $82,752 | $1,620/mo | 424 | 24.7 min |
| Kansas City, MOPop. 510,612 | #985 | 50.3 | $69,166 | $1,238/mo | 1,376 | 21.7 min |
| Atlanta, GAPop. 505,268 | #481 | 58.3 | $85,652 | $1,711/mo | 736 | 26.5 min |
| Omaha, NEPop. 488,837 | #588 | 56.8 | $73,201 | $1,187/mo | 350 | 19.6 min |
| Raleigh, NCPop. 481,031 | #335 | 61.2 | $85,395 | $1,572/mo | 395 | 23 min |
| Miami, FLPop. 459,745 | #681 | 55.3 | $62,462 | $1,758/mo | 358 | 27.3 min |
| Virginia Beach, VAPop. 456,349 | #254 | 63.1 | $92,968 | $1,714/mo | 100 | 23.4 min |
| Long Beach, CAPop. 455,548 | #1175 | 45.8 | $87,430 | $1,871/mo | 621 | 29.9 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 Colorado Springs compare with the rest of Colorado?
Colorado Springs ranks #18 of the 20 Colorado cities we track, with a score of 51.2 against Colorado's statewide 64.7. Its households earn 13% below the Colorado median. Violent crime is 64% above the statewide rate. Homes are 17% below 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 Colorado Springs's score calculated?
Colorado Springs scores 51.2 out of 100, #929 of 1,312 (grade C, 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 Colorado Springs. Similar-size median 53.8.
57.0 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Colorado Springs's police agency. Similar-size median 60.5.
41.2 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Colorado Springs. Similar-size median 54.8.
64.8 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Colorado Springs's public schools. Similar-size median 52.2.
27.3 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Colorado Springs's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 62.2.
58.2 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Colorado Springs. Similar-size median 47.2.
60.5 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Colorado Springs. Similar-size median 42.4.
46.2 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Colorado Springs. Similar-size median 53.7.
55.1 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Colorado Springs's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 61.1.
56.3 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 48.1.
47.2 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Colorado Springs's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Colorado Springs 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 Colorado Springs
Is Colorado Springs, CO a good place to live?
Colorado Springs ranks #929 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #32 of 53 big cities and #18 of 20 in Colorado. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low poverty (9%, #7 of 53), and trails on low graduation rates (58.5%, #47 of 47).
What is the cost of living in Colorado Springs?
Colorado Springs's cost of living index is 100.7, 1% above the US level of 100 and #708 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,648/mo against $1,528/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $441,553, 17% below the typical Colorado home ($532,748).
What is the crime rate in Colorado Springs?
Colorado Springs recorded 690 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2.1 times the US rate of 328 and 64% above Colorado's 422. That ranks #963 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #34 of 50 big cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Colorado Springs Police Department. Property crime runs 3,029 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Colorado Springs?
The median household in Colorado Springs earns $84,818, 2% above the US figure of $83,163 and 13% below Colorado ($97,113). Unemployment is 4% (US 4.3%). 9% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.5% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Colorado Springs?
Median rent in Colorado Springs is $1,648/mo (Census), #825 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,740/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 23.3% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Colorado Springs?
The typical home value in Colorado Springs is $441,553, down 1.5% in a year, against $532,748 for Colorado and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $452,600.
How are the public schools in Colorado Springs?
Colorado Springs's 138 public schools graduate 58.5% of students in four years (Colorado 82.3%), with 16.1 students per teacher and $13,408 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Colorado Springs?
The average commute is 22.7 minutes, #565 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 25.7 minutes across Colorado. 5.1% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Colorado Springs?
Colorado Springs averages 50.5°F over the year, 69.9°F in summer and 32.3°F in winter, with 15.9 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Colorado Springs walkable?
Colorado Springs scores 11.7 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #506 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 Colorado Springs at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts El Paso County's biggest natural hazard losses in wildfire, hail, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.16% of building value, higher than 54% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Colorado Springs?
El Paso County's air had a median air quality index of 46, and 68% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Colorado Springs?
Colorado Springs has 487,887 residents. The median resident of Colorado Springs is 35.7 years old, against 35.3 in similar-size cities. 42.7% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #396 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 60.9% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Colorado Springs compare with the rest of Colorado?
Colorado Springs ranks #18 of the 20 Colorado cities we track, with a score of 51.2 against Colorado's statewide 64.7. Its households earn 13% below the Colorado median. Violent crime is 64% above the statewide rate. Homes are 17% below the typical Colorado home.
What cities are similar in size to Colorado Springs?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Colorado Springs's population of 487,887 are Mesa, AZ (#717 overall), Kansas City, MO (#985 overall), Atlanta, GA (#481 overall), Omaha, NE (#588 overall), and Raleigh, NC (#335 overall). Colorado Springs is #929.