ColoradoPop. 144,187Mid-size cities
Is Thornton a Good Place to Live? Thornton, Colorado: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Thornton ranks #473 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #68 of 256 mid-size cities and #11 of 20 in Colorado. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low poverty (7%, #27 of 256) and high household income ($103,088, #54 of 256), and trails on a shrinking population (-0.4%, #201 of 241) and long commutes (30.4 min, #211 of 256).
Thornton by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Thornton'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 Thornton?
Thornton'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 $1,895/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $492,295, 8% below the typical Colorado home ($532,748).
| Measure | Thornton | ColoradoCO | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 105.8#981 of 1,308 | 103.1 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $492,295#798 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 | $1,881/mo#637 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $517,500#1002 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $1,895/mo#1036 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 5x#842 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 22.1%#689 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.
Thornton 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. Thornton is in the Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO metro.
Colorado housing market →Is Thornton safe?
Thornton recorded 251 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 23% below the US rate of 328 and 40% below Colorado's 422. That ranks #459 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #77 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Thornton Police Department. Property crime runs 2,285 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Thornton | ColoradoCO | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 328 | 251#459 of 1,085 | 422 | 352 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 1,548 | 2,285#791 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 Thornton?
The median household in Thornton earns $103,088, 24% above the US figure of $83,163 and 6% above Colorado ($97,113). Unemployment is 4.1% (US 4.3%). 7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.4% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Thornton | ColoradoCO | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $83,163 | $103,088#299 of 1,312 | $97,113 | $80,112 | $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 12.6% | 7%#241 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.5% | -0.4%#906 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 Thornton?
The median resident of Thornton is 34.7 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 32.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #692 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 71.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Thornton | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 34.7 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 32.8%#692 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 71.4% | 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 Thornton's schools and health?
Thornton's 35 public schools graduate 84.6% of students in four years (Colorado 82.3%), with 18 students per teacher and $13,878 spent per pupil. 31.8% of adults are obese and 8.8% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Thornton | ColoradoCO | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 88% | 84.6%#736 of 1,063 | 82.3% | 88% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 18#837 of 1,188 | — | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $13,878#723 of 1,188 | — | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 31.8%#525 of 1,311 | — | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 8.8%#185 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 17%#634 of 1,311 | — | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 15.2%#1088 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. 20,724 students are enrolled in Thornton's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Thornton?
The average commute in Thornton is 30.4 minutes (Colorado 25.7); 1.6% of workers take transit and 15.3% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Thornton scores 12.1 of 20 (above average walkable), #464 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 72.5°F and winters 33.9°F, with 14.5 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Thornton | ColoradoCO | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 30.4 min#1130 of 1,312 | 25.7 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 9.1%#1001 of 1,312 | 7.1% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 71.1% | 65.4% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 1.6% | 1.7% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 0.6% | 2.7% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.2% | 1% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 15.3% | 19.9% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 12.1#464 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 | 19 | 0.5 |
| Feb | 49.6 | 20.3 | 0.5 |
| Mar | 57.7 | 28.4 | 1.2 |
| Apr | 63.9 | 35.1 | 1.9 |
| May | 72.3 | 44.4 | 2.4 |
| Jun | 85.3 | 53.4 | 1.5 |
| Jul | 91.1 | 58.9 | 1.7 |
| Aug | 88.9 | 57.2 | 1.3 |
| Sep | 81.5 | 48.9 | 1.2 |
| Oct | 67.2 | 36.8 | 1.1 |
| Nov | 55.8 | 26.8 | 0.7 |
| Dec | 47.5 | 19.1 | 0.5 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Northglenn.
| Measure | Thornton | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 52.4°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 72.5°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 33.9°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 14.5 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 Northglenn.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Thornton?
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 | Thornton | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 49#814 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%#324 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 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 Thornton compare with similar-size cities?
Thornton is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #68 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 144,187.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thornton, COPop. 144,187 | #473 | 58.5 | $103,088 | $1,895/mo | 251 | 30.4 min |
| Savannah, GAPop. 147,898 | #891 | 51.9 | $57,137 | $1,382/mo | county/metro | 20.7 min |
| Rockford, ILPop. 147,521 | #1248 | 42.5 | $54,752 | $985/mo | 900 | 21.9 min |
| Jackson, MSPop. 146,631 | #1189 | 45.4 | $42,071 | $1,055/mo | 400 | 19.9 min |
| Syracuse, NYPop. 146,384 | #1012 | 49.8 | $47,819 | $1,039/mo | 612 | 18 min |
| Gainesville, FLPop. 145,702 | #1062 | 48.6 | $46,195 | $1,296/mo | 634 | 18.8 min |
| Olathe, KSPop. 145,057 | #98 | 68.4 | $114,009 | $1,314/mo | 230 | 20.6 min |
| Visalia, CAPop. 143,939 | #972 | 50.5 | $81,989 | $1,490/mo | 415 | 22.9 min |
| Waco, TXPop. 143,570 | #993 | 50.2 | $54,365 | $1,165/mo | 414 | 18.7 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 Thornton compare with the rest of Colorado?
Thornton ranks #11 of the 20 Colorado cities we track, with a score of 58.5 against Colorado's statewide 64.7. Its households earn 6% above the Colorado median. Violent crime is 40% below the statewide rate. Homes are 8% 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 Thornton's score calculated?
Thornton scores 58.5 out of 100, #473 of 1,312 (grade B, 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 Thornton. Similar-size median 52.9.
64.3 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Thornton's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
74.3 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Thornton. Similar-size median 53.8.
62.7 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Thornton's public schools. Similar-size median 52.1.
49.6 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Thornton's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
49.5 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Thornton. Similar-size median 51.2.
72.2 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Thornton. Similar-size median 42.1.
36.8 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Thornton. Similar-size median 50.1.
44.5 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Thornton's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
58.4 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
60.2 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Thornton'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 Thornton 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 Thornton
Is Thornton, CO a good place to live?
Thornton ranks #473 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #68 of 256 mid-size cities and #11 of 20 in Colorado. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low poverty (7%, #27 of 256) and high household income ($103,088, #54 of 256), and trails on a shrinking population (-0.4%, #201 of 241) and long commutes (30.4 min, #211 of 256).
What is the cost of living in Thornton?
Thornton'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 $1,895/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $492,295, 8% below the typical Colorado home ($532,748).
What is the crime rate in Thornton?
Thornton recorded 251 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 23% below the US rate of 328 and 40% below Colorado's 422. That ranks #459 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #77 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Thornton Police Department. Property crime runs 2,285 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Thornton?
The median household in Thornton earns $103,088, 24% above the US figure of $83,163 and 6% above Colorado ($97,113). Unemployment is 4.1% (US 4.3%). 7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.4% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Thornton?
Median rent in Thornton is $1,895/mo (Census), #1036 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 22.1% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Thornton?
The typical home value in Thornton is $492,295, down 2.2% in a year, against $532,748 for Colorado and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $517,500.
How are the public schools in Thornton?
Thornton's 35 public schools graduate 84.6% of students in four years (Colorado 82.3%), with 18 students per teacher and $13,878 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Thornton?
The average commute is 30.4 minutes, #1130 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 25.7 minutes across Colorado. 9.1% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Thornton?
Thornton averages 52.4°F over the year, 72.5°F in summer and 33.9°F in winter, with 14.5 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Thornton walkable?
Thornton scores 12.1 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #464 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 Thornton 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 Thornton?
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 Thornton?
Thornton has 144,187 residents. The median resident of Thornton is 34.7 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 32.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #692 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 71.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Thornton compare with the rest of Colorado?
Thornton ranks #11 of the 20 Colorado cities we track, with a score of 58.5 against Colorado's statewide 64.7. Its households earn 6% above the Colorado median. Violent crime is 40% below the statewide rate. Homes are 8% below the typical Colorado home.
What cities are similar in size to Thornton?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Thornton's population of 144,187 are Savannah, GA (#891 overall), Rockford, IL (#1248 overall), Jackson, MS (#1189 overall), Syracuse, NY (#1012 overall), and Gainesville, FL (#1062 overall). Thornton is #473.