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Is Grand Junction a Good Place to Live? Grand Junction, Colorado: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Grand Junction ranks #730 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #316 of 524 smaller cities and #15 of 20 in Colorado. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (15.8 min, #11 of 524) and fast population growth (+1.8%, #48 of 468), and trails on low graduation rates (73.4%, #412 of 437) and high violent crime (536 per 100,000, #387 of 444).
Grand Junction by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Grand Junction'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 Grand Junction?
Grand Junction's cost of living index is 95.5, 5% below the US level of 100 and #459 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,142/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $422,821, 21% below the typical Colorado home ($532,748).
| Measure | Grand Junction | ColoradoCO | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 95.5#459 of 1,308 | 103.1 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $422,821#676 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 | $1,759/mo#558 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $389,800#767 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,142/mo#375 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 5.6x#961 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 19.6%#407 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.
Grand Junction 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. Grand Junction is in the Grand Junction, CO metro.
Colorado housing market →Is Grand Junction safe?
Grand Junction recorded 536 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 63% above the US rate of 328 and 27% above Colorado's 422. That ranks #871 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #387 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Grand Junction Police Department. Property crime runs 2,394 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Grand Junction | ColoradoCO | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 536#871 of 1,085 | 422 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 2,394#834 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 Grand Junction?
The median household in Grand Junction earns $70,080, 16% below the US figure of $83,163 and 28% below Colorado ($97,113). Unemployment is 4.1% (US 4.3%). 11.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1.8% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Grand Junction | ColoradoCO | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $70,080#813 of 1,312 | $97,113 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 4.1%#522 of 1,058 | 4% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 11.8%#640 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 Grand Junction?
The median resident of Grand Junction is 40.4 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 38.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #520 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 63.5% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Grand Junction | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 40.4 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 38.1%#520 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 63.5% | 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 Grand Junction's schools and health?
Grand Junction's 29 public schools graduate 73.4% of students in four years (Colorado 82.3%), with 16.4 students per teacher and $12,777 spent per pupil. 29.4% of adults are obese and 9.4% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Grand Junction | ColoradoCO | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 73.4%#1001 of 1,063 | 82.3% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 16.4#676 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $12,777#854 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 29.4%#364 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 9.4%#278 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 17.3%#700 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 11.4%#816 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. 13,340 students are enrolled in Grand Junction's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Grand Junction?
The average commute in Grand Junction is 15.8 minutes (Colorado 25.7); 0.8% of workers take transit and 11.9% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Grand Junction scores 8.6 of 20 (below average walkable), #912 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 77.3°F and winters 31.9°F, with 11.4 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Grand Junction | ColoradoCO | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 15.8 min#90 of 1,312 | 25.7 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 3.8%#342 of 1,312 | 7.1% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 71.5% | 65.4% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.8% | 1.7% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 3.2% | 2.7% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 2.4% | 1% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 11.9% | 19.9% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 8.6#912 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 | 39 | 19.4 | 0.8 |
| Feb | 46.7 | 26 | 0.7 |
| Mar | 58.6 | 34.5 | 0.9 |
| Apr | 66.9 | 41 | 1.1 |
| May | 76.7 | 50 | 1.3 |
| Jun | 89.2 | 59.1 | 0.6 |
| Jul | 94.5 | 66 | 0.9 |
| Aug | 90.8 | 63.9 | 1 |
| Sep | 82 | 55 | 1.5 |
| Oct | 67.1 | 41.8 | 1.3 |
| Nov | 52.1 | 30.2 | 0.8 |
| Dec | 39.1 | 21 | 0.7 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Grand Junction Wfo.
| Measure | Grand Junction | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 54.6°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 77.3°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 | 11.4 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 Grand Junction Wfo.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Grand Junction?
Mesa County's air had a median air quality index of 46, and 65% 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 Mesa County's biggest natural hazard losses in wildfire, earthquake, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.09% of building value, lower than 92% of US counties.
| Measure | Grand Junction | 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 | 0#1 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.09%#128 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 Mesa County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Mesa County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Wildfire | 0.0043% | 76% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0072% | 74% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.068% | 32% 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 Grand Junction compare with similar-size cities?
Grand Junction is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #316 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 68,142.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Junction, COPop. 68,142 | #730 | 54.5 | $70,080 | $1,142/mo | 536 | 15.8 min |
| Shawnee, KSPop. 68,542 | #153 | 66.0 | $109,940 | $1,322/mo | 228 | 22.3 min |
| Jackson, TNPop. 68,435 | #1215 | 44.4 | $53,032 | $1,145/mo | 727 | 18.2 min |
| Gary, INPop. 68,113 | #1312 | 31.1 | $38,731 | $1,012/mo | 1,393 | 25.9 min |
| South Hill, WAPop. 68,025 | #801 | 53.3 | $113,130 | $2,088/mo | no data | 33.9 min |
| Eagan, MNPop. 68,000 | #162 | 65.7 | $108,690 | $1,679/mo | 130 | 21.2 min |
| Delray Beach, FLPop. 67,979 | #475 | 58.5 | $82,041 | $1,961/mo | 292 | 23 min |
| Madera, CAPop. 67,831 | #1230 | 43.6 | $63,933 | $1,353/mo | 432 | 25.7 min |
| Idaho Falls, IDPop. 67,725 | #448 | 59.0 | $73,110 | $1,075/mo | 301 | 18.9 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 Grand Junction compare with the rest of Colorado?
Grand Junction ranks #15 of the 20 Colorado cities we track, with a score of 54.5 against Colorado's statewide 64.7. Its households earn 28% below the Colorado median. Violent crime is 27% above the statewide rate. Homes are 21% 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 Grand Junction's score calculated?
Grand Junction scores 54.5 out of 100, #730 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 Grand Junction. Similar-size median 55.5.
50.0 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Grand Junction's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
55.5 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Grand Junction. Similar-size median 58.9.
64.1 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Grand Junction's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
39.4 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Grand Junction's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
70.0 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Grand Junction. Similar-size median 56.1.
49.0 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Grand Junction. Similar-size median 42.4.
58.8 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Grand Junction. Similar-size median 50.0.
57.6 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Grand Junction's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
40.0 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
70.2 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Grand Junction'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 Grand Junction 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 Grand Junction
Is Grand Junction, CO a good place to live?
Grand Junction ranks #730 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #316 of 524 smaller cities and #15 of 20 in Colorado. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (15.8 min, #11 of 524) and fast population growth (+1.8%, #48 of 468), and trails on low graduation rates (73.4%, #412 of 437) and high violent crime (536 per 100,000, #387 of 444).
What is the cost of living in Grand Junction?
Grand Junction's cost of living index is 95.5, 5% below the US level of 100 and #459 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,142/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $422,821, 21% below the typical Colorado home ($532,748).
What is the crime rate in Grand Junction?
Grand Junction recorded 536 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 63% above the US rate of 328 and 27% above Colorado's 422. That ranks #871 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #387 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Grand Junction Police Department. Property crime runs 2,394 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Grand Junction?
The median household in Grand Junction earns $70,080, 16% below the US figure of $83,163 and 28% below Colorado ($97,113). Unemployment is 4.1% (US 4.3%). 11.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1.8% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Grand Junction?
Median rent in Grand Junction is $1,142/mo (Census), #375 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,759/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 19.6% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Grand Junction?
The typical home value in Grand Junction is $422,821, up 1.8% in a year, against $532,748 for Colorado and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $389,800.
How are the public schools in Grand Junction?
Grand Junction's 29 public schools graduate 73.4% of students in four years (Colorado 82.3%), with 16.4 students per teacher and $12,777 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Grand Junction?
The average commute is 15.8 minutes, #90 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 25.7 minutes across Colorado. 3.8% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Grand Junction?
Grand Junction averages 54.6°F over the year, 77.3°F in summer and 31.9°F in winter, with 11.4 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Grand Junction walkable?
Grand Junction scores 8.6 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #912 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 Grand Junction at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Mesa County's biggest natural hazard losses in wildfire, earthquake, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.09% of building value, lower than 92% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Grand Junction?
Mesa County's air had a median air quality index of 46, and 65% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Grand Junction?
Grand Junction has 68,142 residents. The median resident of Grand Junction is 40.4 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 38.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #520 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 63.5% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Grand Junction compare with the rest of Colorado?
Grand Junction ranks #15 of the 20 Colorado cities we track, with a score of 54.5 against Colorado's statewide 64.7. Its households earn 28% below the Colorado median. Violent crime is 27% above the statewide rate. Homes are 21% below the typical Colorado home.
What cities are similar in size to Grand Junction?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Grand Junction's population of 68,142 are Shawnee, KS (#153 overall), Jackson, TN (#1215 overall), Gary, IN (#1312 overall), South Hill, WA (#801 overall), and Eagan, MN (#162 overall). Grand Junction is #730.