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Is Commerce City a Good Place to Live? Commerce City, Colorado: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Commerce City ranks #707 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #311 of 524 smaller cities and #13 of 20 in Colorado. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+1.8%, #48 of 468) and high household income ($111,972, #123 of 524), and trails on high violent crime (742 per 100,000, #421 of 444) and low graduation rates (73.7%, #411 of 437).
Commerce City by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Commerce City'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 Commerce City?
Commerce City'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 $1,880/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $480,050, 10% below the typical Colorado home ($532,748).
| Measure | Commerce City | 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 | $480,050#777 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 | $2,433/mo#893 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $499,700#984 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,880/mo#1023 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% | 20.1%#458 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.
Commerce City 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. Commerce City is in the Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO metro.
Colorado housing market →Is Commerce City safe?
Commerce City recorded 742 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2.3 times the US rate of 328 and 76% above Colorado's 422. That ranks #985 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #421 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Commerce City Police Department. Property crime runs 2,492 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Commerce City | ColoradoCO | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 742#985 of 1,085 | 422 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 2,492#863 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 Commerce City?
The median household in Commerce City earns $111,972, 35% above the US figure of $83,163 and 15% above Colorado ($97,113). Unemployment is 4.3% (US 4.3%). 8.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1.8% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Commerce City | ColoradoCO | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $111,972#219 of 1,312 | $97,113 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 4.3%#615 of 1,058 | 4% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 8.7%#387 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +1.8%#117 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 Commerce City?
The median resident of Commerce City is 35 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 25.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #946 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 77.2% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Commerce City | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 35 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 25.8%#946 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 77.2% | 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 Commerce City's schools and health?
Commerce City's 20 public schools graduate 73.7% of students in four years (Colorado 82.3%), with 17.8 students per teacher and $14,672 spent per pupil. 34.6% of adults are obese and 9.7% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Commerce City | ColoradoCO | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 73.7%#1000 of 1,063 | 82.3% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 17.8#816 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $14,672#626 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 34.6%#744 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 9.7%#339 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 18.1%#886 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 19.9%#1216 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. 10,127 students are enrolled in Commerce City's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Commerce City?
The average commute in Commerce City is 29.7 minutes (Colorado 25.7); 1% of workers take transit and 17.1% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Commerce City scores 12.9 of 20 (above average walkable), #342 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 72.1°F and winters 31.9°F, with 14.5 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Commerce City | ColoradoCO | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 29.7 min#1087 of 1,312 | 25.7 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 6.8%#808 of 1,312 | 7.1% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 72.5% | 65.4% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 1% | 1.7% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 1.2% | 2.7% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.2% | 1% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 17.1% | 19.9% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 12.9#342 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 | 44.6 | 18.7 | 0.4 |
| Feb | 45.7 | 19.7 | 0.4 |
| Mar | 55.7 | 27.5 | 0.9 |
| Apr | 61.7 | 33.9 | 1.7 |
| May | 71.2 | 43.6 | 2.2 |
| Jun | 83.4 | 53 | 1.9 |
| Jul | 89.9 | 60.2 | 2.1 |
| Aug | 87.5 | 58.3 | 1.6 |
| Sep | 79.6 | 50 | 1.4 |
| Oct | 65.3 | 37 | 1 |
| Nov | 52.9 | 26 | 0.6 |
| Dec | 44 | 18.4 | 0.4 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Denver International Airport.
| Measure | Commerce City | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 51.2°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 72.1°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 31.9°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 Denver International Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Commerce City?
Adams County's air had a median air quality index of 49, and 55% of measured days were rated good; 1 day was unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Adams County's biggest natural hazard losses in hail, earthquake, and tornado, with expected yearly losses of 0.11% of building value, lower than 78% of US counties.
| Measure | Commerce City | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 49#814 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 1#309 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.11%#324 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 Adams County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Adams County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hail | 0.047% | 99% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0028% | 50% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0068% | 43% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.042% | 5% 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 Commerce City compare with similar-size cities?
Commerce City is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #311 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 66,445.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commerce City, COPop. 66,445 | #707 | 54.8 | $111,972 | $1,880/mo | 742 | 29.7 min |
| Alpharetta, GAPop. 66,855 | #54 | 70.6 | $147,612 | $1,948/mo | 220 | 26.3 min |
| Oshkosh, WIPop. 66,729 | #377 | 60.4 | $62,188 | $935/mo | 257 | 18.1 min |
| Novi, MIPop. 66,717 | #96 | 68.5 | $110,723 | $1,747/mo | 97 | 26.2 min |
| Ocala, FLPop. 66,584 | #962 | 50.7 | $56,376 | $1,359/mo | 393 | 19.2 min |
| Caldwell, IDPop. 66,516 | #551 | 57.3 | $73,058 | $1,264/mo | 482 | 24.6 min |
| Sammamish, WAPop. 66,463 | #210 | 64.2 | $239,690 | $2,857/mo | part year | 29.3 min |
| Union City, NJPop. 66,463 | #645 | 55.9 | $64,310 | $1,537/mo | 248 | 33.1 min |
| Palatine, ILPop. 66,293 | #145 | 66.5 | $97,819 | $1,549/mo | 86 | 27.7 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 Commerce City compare with the rest of Colorado?
Commerce City ranks #13 of the 20 Colorado cities we track, with a score of 54.8 against Colorado's statewide 64.7. Its households earn 15% above the Colorado median. Violent crime is 76% above the statewide rate. Homes are 10% 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 Commerce City's score calculated?
Commerce City scores 54.8 out of 100, #707 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 Commerce City. Similar-size median 55.5.
67.0 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Commerce City's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
41.8 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Commerce City. Similar-size median 58.9.
54.9 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Commerce City's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
40.2 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Commerce City's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
50.5 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Commerce City. Similar-size median 56.1.
72.9 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Commerce City. Similar-size median 42.4.
58.1 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Commerce City. Similar-size median 50.0.
47.5 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Commerce City's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
62.6 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
60.2 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Commerce City'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 Commerce City 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 Commerce City
Is Commerce City, CO a good place to live?
Commerce City ranks #707 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #311 of 524 smaller cities and #13 of 20 in Colorado. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+1.8%, #48 of 468) and high household income ($111,972, #123 of 524), and trails on high violent crime (742 per 100,000, #421 of 444) and low graduation rates (73.7%, #411 of 437).
What is the cost of living in Commerce City?
Commerce City'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 $1,880/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $480,050, 10% below the typical Colorado home ($532,748).
What is the crime rate in Commerce City?
Commerce City recorded 742 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2.3 times the US rate of 328 and 76% above Colorado's 422. That ranks #985 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #421 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Commerce City Police Department. Property crime runs 2,492 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Commerce City?
The median household in Commerce City earns $111,972, 35% above the US figure of $83,163 and 15% above Colorado ($97,113). Unemployment is 4.3% (US 4.3%). 8.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1.8% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Commerce City?
Median rent in Commerce City is $1,880/mo (Census), #1023 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,433/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 20.1% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Commerce City?
The typical home value in Commerce City is $480,050, down 3.3% in a year, against $532,748 for Colorado and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $499,700.
How are the public schools in Commerce City?
Commerce City's 20 public schools graduate 73.7% of students in four years (Colorado 82.3%), with 17.8 students per teacher and $14,672 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Commerce City?
The average commute is 29.7 minutes, #1087 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 25.7 minutes across Colorado. 6.8% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Commerce City?
Commerce City averages 51.2°F over the year, 72.1°F in summer and 31.9°F in winter, with 14.5 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Commerce City walkable?
Commerce City scores 12.9 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #342 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 Commerce City at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Adams County's biggest natural hazard losses in hail, earthquake, and tornado, with expected yearly losses of 0.11% of building value, lower than 78% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Commerce City?
Adams County's air had a median air quality index of 49, and 55% of measured days were rated good; 1 day was unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Commerce City?
Commerce City has 66,445 residents. The median resident of Commerce City is 35 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 25.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #946 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 77.2% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Commerce City compare with the rest of Colorado?
Commerce City ranks #13 of the 20 Colorado cities we track, with a score of 54.8 against Colorado's statewide 64.7. Its households earn 15% above the Colorado median. Violent crime is 76% above the statewide rate. Homes are 10% below the typical Colorado home.
What cities are similar in size to Commerce City?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Commerce City's population of 66,445 are Alpharetta, GA (#54 overall), Oshkosh, WI (#377 overall), Novi, MI (#96 overall), Ocala, FL (#962 overall), and Caldwell, ID (#551 overall). Commerce City is #707.