ColoradoPop. 111,561Mid-size cities
Is Pueblo a Good Place to Live? Pueblo, Colorado: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Pueblo ranks #1247 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #241 of 256 mid-size cities and #20 of 20 in Colorado. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low rents ($1,082/mo, #29 of 256) and high graduation rates (93%, #28 of 205), and trails on high violent crime (1,177 per 100,000, #228 of 235) and a shrinking population (-0.8%, #227 of 241).
Pueblo by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Pueblo'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 Pueblo?
Pueblo's cost of living index is 91.8, 8% below the US level of 100 and #307 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,082/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $282,535, 47% below the typical Colorado home ($532,748).
| Measure | Pueblo | ColoradoCO | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 91.8#307 of 1,308 | 103.1 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $282,535#333 of 1,187 | $532,748 | $439,863 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,871/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,342/mo#202 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $247,200#390 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $1,082/mo#303 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 4.4x#690 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 22.9%#769 of 1,309 | — | 23.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 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.
Pueblo 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. Pueblo is in the Pueblo, CO metro.
Colorado housing market →Is Pueblo safe?
Pueblo recorded 1,177 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 3.6 times the US rate of 328 and 2.8 times Colorado's 422. That ranks #1057 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #228 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Pueblo Police Department. Property crime runs 4,336 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Pueblo | ColoradoCO | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 328 | 1,177#1057 of 1,085 | 422 | 352 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 1,548 | 4,336#1061 of 1,085 | 2,144 | 1,730 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 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 Pueblo?
The median household in Pueblo earns $56,664, 32% below the US figure of $83,163 and 42% below Colorado ($97,113). Unemployment is 5.9% (US 4.3%). 17.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.8% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Pueblo | ColoradoCO | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $83,163 | $56,664#1116 of 1,312 | $97,113 | $80,112 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 5.9%#975 of 1,058 | 4% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 17.5%#1015 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.5% | -0.8%#1052 of 1,132 | +0.4% | +0.3% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Colorado is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Pueblo?
The median resident of Pueblo is 38.4 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 23.7% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1031 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 61.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Pueblo | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 38.4 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 23.7%#1031 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 61.4% | 56.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Pueblo's schools and health?
Pueblo's 33 public schools graduate 93% of students in four years (Colorado 82.3%), with 17.7 students per teacher and $13,413 spent per pupil. 33.5% of adults are obese and 13.5% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Pueblo | ColoradoCO | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 88% | 93%#172 of 1,063 | 82.3% | 88% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 17.7#809 of 1,188 | — | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $13,413#777 of 1,188 | — | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 33.5%#655 of 1,311 | — | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 13.5%#1026 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 18%#857 of 1,311 | — | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 18.9%#1193 of 1,311 | — | 11.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Colorado is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 14,270 students are enrolled in Pueblo's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Pueblo?
The average commute in Pueblo is 19.4 minutes (Colorado 25.7); 1% of workers take transit and 7.6% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Pueblo scores 7.9 of 20 (below average walkable), #1084 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 74.6°F and winters 32.9°F, with 12 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Pueblo | ColoradoCO | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 19.4 min#297 of 1,312 | 25.7 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 4.8%#540 of 1,312 | 7.1% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 79.2% | 65.4% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 1% | 1.7% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 1.5% | 2.7% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.1% | 1% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 7.6% | 19.9% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 7.9#1084 of 1,312 | — | 11.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 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 | 48.4 | 15.4 | 0.3 |
| Feb | 51.1 | 19 | 0.3 |
| Mar | 60.6 | 27.1 | 0.8 |
| Apr | 67.3 | 35.3 | 1.6 |
| May | 77.2 | 45.6 | 1.6 |
| Jun | 88.6 | 55 | 1.3 |
| Jul | 93.4 | 61 | 1.9 |
| Aug | 90.2 | 59.4 | 2.1 |
| Sep | 83.1 | 50.1 | 0.7 |
| Oct | 69.7 | 35.9 | 0.8 |
| Nov | 56.7 | 24.2 | 0.5 |
| Dec | 47.5 | 15.9 | 0.3 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Pueblo Mem Airport.
| Measure | Pueblo | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 53.3°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 74.6°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 32.9°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 12 in | 36.8 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Pueblo Mem Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Pueblo?
Pueblo County's air had a median air quality index of 45, and 73% 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 Pueblo County's biggest natural hazard losses in hail, wildfire, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.11% of building value, lower than 79% of US counties.
| Measure | Pueblo | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 45#664 of 1,138 | 46 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 1#309 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.16% | 0.11%#319 of 1,312 | 0.16% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Pueblo County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Pueblo County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hail | 0.016% | 92% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.0072% | 82% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0018% | 39% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0042% | 34% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.068% | 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 Pueblo compare with similar-size cities?
Pueblo is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #241 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 111,561.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pueblo, COPop. 111,561 | #1247 | 42.6 | $56,664 | $1,082/mo | 1,177 | 19.4 min |
| Gresham, ORPop. 112,378 | #882 | 52.0 | $77,795 | $1,586/mo | 362 | 26 min |
| Peoria, ILPop. 112,169 | #1153 | 46.5 | $59,410 | $1,005/mo | 1,256 | 17.9 min |
| Everett, WAPop. 111,845 | #618 | 56.4 | $83,512 | $1,740/mo | 252 | 26.9 min |
| East Los Angeles, CAPop. 111,647 | #1265 | 40.9 | $68,741 | $1,494/mo | no data | 30.2 min |
| Tuscaloosa, ALPop. 111,038 | #1082 | 48.3 | $51,464 | $1,055/mo | 480 | 19.6 min |
| South Fulton, GAPop. 110,471 | #763 | 53.9 | $82,324 | $1,702/mo | 477 | 32.5 min |
| Nampa, IDPop. 110,319 | #466 | 58.6 | $74,279 | $1,420/mo | 310 | 24.4 min |
| Allen, TXPop. 110,265 | #245 | 63.3 | $130,901 | $1,932/mo | 79 | 28 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 Pueblo compare with the rest of Colorado?
Pueblo ranks #20 of the 20 Colorado cities we track, with a score of 42.6 against Colorado's statewide 64.7. Its households earn 42% below the Colorado median. Violent crime is 2.8 times the statewide rate. Homes are 47% 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 Pueblo's score calculated?
Pueblo scores 42.6 out of 100, #1247 of 1,312 (grade F, 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 Pueblo. Similar-size median 52.9.
33.5 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Pueblo's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
12.1 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Pueblo. Similar-size median 53.8.
49.0 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Pueblo's public schools. Similar-size median 52.1.
58.0 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Pueblo's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
79.0 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Pueblo. Similar-size median 51.2.
32.6 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Pueblo. Similar-size median 42.1.
26.5 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Pueblo. Similar-size median 50.1.
45.6 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Pueblo's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
36.3 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
64.6 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Pueblo's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Pueblo 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 Pueblo
Is Pueblo, CO a good place to live?
Pueblo ranks #1247 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #241 of 256 mid-size cities and #20 of 20 in Colorado. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low rents ($1,082/mo, #29 of 256) and high graduation rates (93%, #28 of 205), and trails on high violent crime (1,177 per 100,000, #228 of 235) and a shrinking population (-0.8%, #227 of 241).
What is the cost of living in Pueblo?
Pueblo's cost of living index is 91.8, 8% below the US level of 100 and #307 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,082/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $282,535, 47% below the typical Colorado home ($532,748).
What is the crime rate in Pueblo?
Pueblo recorded 1,177 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 3.6 times the US rate of 328 and 2.8 times Colorado's 422. That ranks #1057 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #228 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Pueblo Police Department. Property crime runs 4,336 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Pueblo?
The median household in Pueblo earns $56,664, 32% below the US figure of $83,163 and 42% below Colorado ($97,113). Unemployment is 5.9% (US 4.3%). 17.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.8% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Pueblo?
Median rent in Pueblo is $1,082/mo (Census), #303 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,342/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 22.9% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Pueblo?
The typical home value in Pueblo is $282,535, down 2.5% in a year, against $532,748 for Colorado and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $247,200.
How are the public schools in Pueblo?
Pueblo's 33 public schools graduate 93% of students in four years (Colorado 82.3%), with 17.7 students per teacher and $13,413 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Pueblo?
The average commute is 19.4 minutes, #297 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 25.7 minutes across Colorado. 4.8% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Pueblo?
Pueblo averages 53.3°F over the year, 74.6°F in summer and 32.9°F in winter, with 12 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Pueblo walkable?
Pueblo scores 7.9 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1084 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 Pueblo at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Pueblo County's biggest natural hazard losses in hail, wildfire, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.11% of building value, lower than 79% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Pueblo?
Pueblo County's air had a median air quality index of 45, and 73% of measured days were rated good; 1 day was unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Pueblo?
Pueblo has 111,561 residents. The median resident of Pueblo is 38.4 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 23.7% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1031 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 61.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Pueblo compare with the rest of Colorado?
Pueblo ranks #20 of the 20 Colorado cities we track, with a score of 42.6 against Colorado's statewide 64.7. Its households earn 42% below the Colorado median. Violent crime is 2.8 times the statewide rate. Homes are 47% below the typical Colorado home.
What cities are similar in size to Pueblo?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Pueblo's population of 111,561 are Gresham, OR (#882 overall), Peoria, IL (#1153 overall), Everett, WA (#618 overall), East Los Angeles, CA (#1265 overall), and Tuscaloosa, AL (#1082 overall). Pueblo is #1247.