ColoradoPop. 718,877Large cities
Is Denver a Good Place to Live? Denver, Colorado: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Denver ranks #722 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #12 of 37 large cities and #14 of 20 in Colorado. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low poverty (11.2%, #5 of 37) and high household income ($94,718, #6 of 37), and trails on low graduation rates (73.4%, #29 of 30) and high rents ($1,831/mo, #31 of 37).
Denver by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Denver'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 Denver?
Denver'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 $1,831/mo against $1,472/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $524,695, 2% below the typical Colorado home ($532,748).
| Measure | Denver | ColoradoCO | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 100.3 · US 100 | 105.8#981 of 1,308 | 103.1 | 100.3 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $345,503 · US $368,697 | $524,695#864 of 1,187 | $532,748 | $345,503 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,615/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,881/mo#637 of 1,115 | — | $1,615/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $334,100 | $616,000#1087 of 1,309 | — | $334,100 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,472/mo | $1,831/mo#989 of 1,309 | — | $1,472/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.7x | 6.5x#1108 of 1,309 | — | 4.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.6% | 23.2%#799 of 1,309 | — | 23.6% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more 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.
Denver 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. Denver is in the Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO metro.
Colorado housing market →Is Denver safe?
Denver recorded 882 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2.7 times the US rate of 328 and 2.1 times Colorado's 422. That ranks #1026 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #28 of 36 large cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Denver Police Department. Property crime runs 4,142 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Denver | ColoradoCO | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 677 · US 328 | 882#1026 of 1,085 | 422 | 677 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 2,958 · US 1,548 | 4,142#1056 of 1,085 | 2,144 | 2,958 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more 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 Denver?
The median household in Denver earns $94,718, 14% above the US figure of $83,163 and 2% below Colorado ($97,113). Unemployment is 4.1% (US 4.3%). 11.2% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Denver | ColoradoCO | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,877 · US $83,163 | $94,718#413 of 1,312 | $97,113 | $73,877 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.4% · US 4.3% | 4.1%#522 of 1,058 | 4% | 4.4% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 15.8% | 11.2%#585 of 1,312 | — | 15.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | -0.1%#723 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 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). Colorado is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Denver?
The median resident of Denver is 35.3 years old, against 35.2 in similar-size cities. 56.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #176 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 48.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Denver | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 35.2 | 35.3 | 35.2 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 37.1% | 56.5%#176 of 1,312 | 37.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 51% | 48.8% | 51% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Denver's schools and health?
Denver's 181 public schools graduate 73.4% of students in four years (Colorado 82.3%), with 15.3 students per teacher and $17,204 spent per pupil. 21.6% of adults are obese and 7.1% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 32.9% and 11.9%.
| Measure | Denver | ColoradoCO | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 82% | 73.4%#1001 of 1,063 | 82.3% | 82% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.7 | 15.3#514 of 1,188 | — | 16.7 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $17,204 | $17,204#394 of 1,188 | — | $17,204 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 32.9% | 21.6%#35 of 1,311 | — | 32.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.9% | 7.1%#52 of 1,311 | — | 11.9% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.8% | 15.5%#329 of 1,311 | — | 17.8% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 13.3%#981 of 1,311 | — | 13% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). Colorado is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 86,580 students are enrolled in Denver's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Denver?
The average commute in Denver is 24.9 minutes (Colorado 25.7); 3.8% of workers take transit and 27.3% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Denver scores 14.4 of 20 (above average walkable), #100 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 71.9°F and winters 32.4°F, with 15.4 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Denver | ColoradoCO | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.7 min | 24.9 min#773 of 1,312 | 25.7 min | 24.7 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.9% | 5.1%#587 of 1,312 | 7.1% | 4.9% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.8% | 56.1% | 65.4% | 65.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2.1% | 3.8% | 1.7% | 2.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2.1% | 3.6% | 2.7% | 2.1% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 1.5% | 1% | 0.5% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 17.8% | 27.3% | 19.9% | 17.8% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 12.6 | 14.4#100 of 1,312 | — | 12.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more 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 | 46.5 | 17.6 | 0.5 |
| Feb | 47.5 | 19.3 | 0.5 |
| Mar | 56.4 | 27.1 | 1.1 |
| Apr | 62.5 | 33.7 | 1.7 |
| May | 71.7 | 43.4 | 2.3 |
| Jun | 84.1 | 52.9 | 1.7 |
| Jul | 90.2 | 59.3 | 2.1 |
| Aug | 87.9 | 57.2 | 1.8 |
| Sep | 80.1 | 48.2 | 1.5 |
| Oct | 66.7 | 35.7 | 1 |
| Nov | 54.8 | 25.5 | 0.7 |
| Dec | 45.9 | 17.7 | 0.5 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Denver-Stapleton.
| Measure | Denver | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 61.4°F | 51.4°F | 61.4°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 78.4°F | 71.9°F | 78.4°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 44.3°F | 32.4°F | 44.3°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 35.6 in | 15.4 in | 35.6 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Denver-Stapleton.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Denver?
Denver County's air had a median air quality index of 50, and 50% of measured days were rated good; 6 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Denver County's biggest natural hazard losses in hail, tornado, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.16% of building value, higher than 53% of US counties.
| Measure | Denver | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 51 | 50#854 of 1,138 | 51 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 7 | 6#761 of 1,138 | 7 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.16%#716 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Denver County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Denver County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hail | 0.052% | 99% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.014% | 70% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0037% | 57% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.069% | 33% 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 Denver compare with similar-size cities?
Denver is one of 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track and ranks #12 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 718,877.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Denver, COPop. 718,877 | #722 | 54.6 | $94,718 | $1,831/mo | 882 | 24.9 min |
| Seattle, WAPop. 754,195 | #338 | 61.1 | $123,860 | $2,030/mo | 706 | 26 min |
| Oklahoma City, OKPop. 697,125 | #938 | 51.1 | $68,656 | $1,130/mo | 681 | 22.2 min |
| Nashville, TNPop. 690,130 | #976 | 50.4 | $77,371 | $1,586/mo | 961 | 24.7 min |
| El Paso, TXPop. 680,130 | #857 | 52.3 | $59,745 | $1,073/mo | 289 | 23.4 min |
| Boston, MAPop. 666,442 | #339 | 61.1 | $97,344 | $2,147/mo | 583 | 30.3 min |
| Las Vegas, NVPop. 660,400 | #1130 | 47.2 | $73,877 | $1,563/mo | county/metro | 25.7 min |
| Portland, ORPop. 641,165 | #736 | 54.3 | $90,919 | $1,655/mo | 702 | 24.1 min |
| Detroit, MIPop. 638,530 | #1310 | 32.4 | $39,938 | $1,074/mo | 1,654 | 24.8 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 Denver compare with the rest of Colorado?
Denver ranks #14 of the 20 Colorado cities we track, with a score of 54.6 against Colorado's statewide 64.7. Its households earn 2% below the Colorado median. Violent crime is 2.1 times the statewide rate. Homes are 2% 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 Denver's score calculated?
Denver scores 54.6 out of 100, #722 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 Denver. Similar-size median 50.4.
60.7 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Denver's police agency. Similar-size median 44.7.
21.0 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Denver. Similar-size median 52.4.
82.7 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Denver's public schools. Similar-size median 52.5.
49.4 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Denver's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 64.1.
46.1 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Denver. Similar-size median 43.4.
60.8 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Denver. Similar-size median 40.4.
39.8 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Denver. Similar-size median 56.6.
69.7 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Denver's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 61.1.
70.5 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 46.4.
43.3 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Denver's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Denver 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 Denver
Is Denver, CO a good place to live?
Denver ranks #722 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #12 of 37 large cities and #14 of 20 in Colorado. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low poverty (11.2%, #5 of 37) and high household income ($94,718, #6 of 37), and trails on low graduation rates (73.4%, #29 of 30) and high rents ($1,831/mo, #31 of 37).
What is the cost of living in Denver?
Denver'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 $1,831/mo against $1,472/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $524,695, 2% below the typical Colorado home ($532,748).
What is the crime rate in Denver?
Denver recorded 882 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2.7 times the US rate of 328 and 2.1 times Colorado's 422. That ranks #1026 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #28 of 36 large cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Denver Police Department. Property crime runs 4,142 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Denver?
The median household in Denver earns $94,718, 14% above the US figure of $83,163 and 2% below Colorado ($97,113). Unemployment is 4.1% (US 4.3%). 11.2% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Denver?
Median rent in Denver is $1,831/mo (Census), #989 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,881/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 23.2% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Denver?
The typical home value in Denver is $524,695, down 2.1% in a year, against $532,748 for Colorado and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $616,000.
How are the public schools in Denver?
Denver's 181 public schools graduate 73.4% of students in four years (Colorado 82.3%), with 15.3 students per teacher and $17,204 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Denver?
The average commute is 24.9 minutes, #773 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 Denver?
Denver averages 51.4°F over the year, 71.9°F in summer and 32.4°F in winter, with 15.4 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Denver walkable?
Denver scores 14.4 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #100 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 Denver at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Denver County's biggest natural hazard losses in hail, tornado, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.16% of building value, higher than 53% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Denver?
Denver County's air had a median air quality index of 50, and 50% of measured days were rated good; 6 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Denver?
Denver has 718,877 residents. The median resident of Denver is 35.3 years old, against 35.2 in similar-size cities. 56.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #176 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 48.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Denver compare with the rest of Colorado?
Denver ranks #14 of the 20 Colorado cities we track, with a score of 54.6 against Colorado's statewide 64.7. Its households earn 2% below the Colorado median. Violent crime is 2.1 times the statewide rate. Homes are 2% below the typical Colorado home.
What cities are similar in size to Denver?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Denver's population of 718,877 are Seattle, WA (#338 overall), Oklahoma City, OK (#938 overall), Nashville, TN (#976 overall), El Paso, TX (#857 overall), and Boston, MA (#339 overall). Denver is #722.