ColoradoPop. 61,783Smaller cities
Is Parker a Good Place to Live? Parker, Colorado: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Parker ranks #246 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #123 of 524 smaller cities and #5 of 20 in Colorado. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low poverty (4.4%, #24 of 524) and high household income ($133,369, #54 of 524), and trails on low graduation rates (65%, #432 of 437) and high rents ($2,096/mo, #430 of 524).
Parker by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Parker'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 Parker?
Parker'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 $2,096/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $676,203, 27% above the typical Colorado home ($532,748).
| Measure | Parker | 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 | $676,203#998 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 | $2,266/mo#827 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $646,300#1115 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $2,096/mo#1136 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 4.8x#802 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 18.9%#332 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.
Parker 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. Parker is in the Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO metro.
Colorado housing market →Is Parker safe?
Parker recorded 192 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 42% below the US rate of 328 and 55% below Colorado's 422. That ranks #342 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #155 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Parker Police Department. Property crime runs 1,077 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Parker | ColoradoCO | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 192#342 of 1,085 | 422 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 1,077#253 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 Parker?
The median household in Parker earns $133,369, 60% above the US figure of $83,163 and 37% above Colorado ($97,113). Unemployment is 3.5% (US 4.3%). 4.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Parker | ColoradoCO | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $133,369#95 of 1,312 | $97,113 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 3.5%#249 of 1,058 | 4% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 4.4%#71 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +1.2%#198 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 Parker?
The median resident of Parker is 36.2 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 56% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #182 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 71.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Parker | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 36.2 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 56%#182 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 71.8% | 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 Parker's schools and health?
Parker's 16 public schools graduate 65% of students in four years (Colorado 82.3%), with 18.8 students per teacher and $12,876 spent per pupil. 25.9% of adults are obese and 6.1% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Parker | ColoradoCO | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 65%#1051 of 1,063 | 82.3% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 18.8#885 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $12,876#849 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 25.9%#174 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 6.1%#22 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 15.7%#363 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). Colorado is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 12,385 students are enrolled in Parker's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Parker?
The average commute in Parker is 26.1 minutes (Colorado 25.7); 0.6% of workers take transit and 26.2% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Parker scores 8.9 of 20 (below average walkable), #851 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 70.1°F and winters 32.1°F, with 15 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Parker | ColoradoCO | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 26.1 min#868 of 1,312 | 25.7 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 5.1%#587 of 1,312 | 7.1% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 65% | 65.4% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.6% | 1.7% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 1% | 2.7% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0% | 1% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 26.2% | 19.9% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 8.9#851 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 | 19 | 0.4 |
| Feb | 45.7 | 20.3 | 0.4 |
| Mar | 54.3 | 27.3 | 1 |
| Apr | 59.8 | 33.7 | 1.9 |
| May | 68.7 | 42.7 | 2 |
| Jun | 81.2 | 52.2 | 2 |
| Jul | 87.3 | 58.6 | 1.8 |
| Aug | 84.5 | 57 | 2.3 |
| Sep | 77.1 | 48.6 | 1.3 |
| Oct | 63.9 | 36.1 | 1 |
| Nov | 52.4 | 26.2 | 0.5 |
| Dec | 44 | 18.8 | 0.4 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Denver Centennial Airport.
| Measure | Parker | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 50.2°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 70.1°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 32.1°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 15 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 Centennial Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Parker?
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 | Parker | 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 Parker compare with similar-size cities?
Parker is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #123 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 61,783.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Parker, COPop. 61,783 | #246 | 63.3 | $133,369 | $2,096/mo | 192 | 26.1 min |
| Marietta, GAPop. 62,263 | #352 | 60.9 | $72,725 | $1,586/mo | 291 | 27.5 min |
| Jupiter, FLPop. 61,883 | #277 | 62.6 | $110,240 | $2,381/mo | 126 | 24.9 min |
| Woodland, CAPop. 61,854 | #566 | 57.1 | $90,180 | $1,583/mo | 181 | 24.5 min |
| Dearborn Heights, MIPop. 61,771 | #955 | 50.8 | $60,391 | $1,331/mo | 387 | 23.9 min |
| Chapel Hill, NCPop. 61,607 | #177 | 65.1 | $85,989 | $1,613/mo | 86 | 19.5 min |
| Springfield, ORPop. 61,499 | #964 | 50.7 | $68,761 | $1,258/mo | 285 | 19.4 min |
| Bristol, CTPop. 61,462 | #272 | 62.7 | $79,076 | $1,338/mo | 53 | 23.7 min |
| Shoreline, WAPop. 61,431 | #182 | 64.9 | $112,751 | $1,985/mo | 138 | 27.2 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 Parker compare with the rest of Colorado?
Parker ranks #5 of the 20 Colorado cities we track, with a score of 63.3 against Colorado's statewide 64.7. Its households earn 37% above the Colorado median. Violent crime is 55% below the statewide rate. Homes are 27% 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 Parker's score calculated?
Parker scores 63.3 out of 100, #246 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 Parker. Similar-size median 55.5.
81.0 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Parker's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
86.9 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Parker. Similar-size median 58.9.
78.5 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Parker's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
26.1 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Parker's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
41.6 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Parker. Similar-size median 56.1.
90.2 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Parker. Similar-size median 42.4.
54.9 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Parker. Similar-size median 50.0.
59.8 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Parker's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
41.6 - 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: Parker'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 Parker 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 Parker
Is Parker, CO a good place to live?
Parker ranks #246 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #123 of 524 smaller cities and #5 of 20 in Colorado. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low poverty (4.4%, #24 of 524) and high household income ($133,369, #54 of 524), and trails on low graduation rates (65%, #432 of 437) and high rents ($2,096/mo, #430 of 524).
What is the cost of living in Parker?
Parker'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 $2,096/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $676,203, 27% above the typical Colorado home ($532,748).
What is the crime rate in Parker?
Parker recorded 192 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 42% below the US rate of 328 and 55% below Colorado's 422. That ranks #342 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #155 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Parker Police Department. Property crime runs 1,077 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Parker?
The median household in Parker earns $133,369, 60% above the US figure of $83,163 and 37% above Colorado ($97,113). Unemployment is 3.5% (US 4.3%). 4.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Parker?
Median rent in Parker is $2,096/mo (Census), #1136 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,266/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 18.9% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Parker?
The typical home value in Parker is $676,203, down 1.6% in a year, against $532,748 for Colorado and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $646,300.
How are the public schools in Parker?
Parker's 16 public schools graduate 65% of students in four years (Colorado 82.3%), with 18.8 students per teacher and $12,876 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Parker?
The average commute is 26.1 minutes, #868 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 Parker?
Parker averages 50.2°F over the year, 70.1°F in summer and 32.1°F in winter, with 15 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Parker walkable?
Parker scores 8.9 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #851 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 Parker 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 Parker?
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 Parker?
Parker has 61,783 residents. The median resident of Parker is 36.2 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 56% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #182 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 71.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Parker compare with the rest of Colorado?
Parker ranks #5 of the 20 Colorado cities we track, with a score of 63.3 against Colorado's statewide 64.7. Its households earn 37% above the Colorado median. Violent crime is 55% below the statewide rate. Homes are 27% above the typical Colorado home.
What cities are similar in size to Parker?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Parker's population of 61,783 are Marietta, GA (#352 overall), Jupiter, FL (#277 overall), Woodland, CA (#566 overall), Dearborn Heights, MI (#955 overall), and Chapel Hill, NC (#177 overall). Parker is #246.