ColoradoPop. 115,484Mid-size cities
Is Westminster a Good Place to Live? Westminster, Colorado: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Westminster ranks #474 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #68 of 256 mid-size cities and #12 of 20 in Colorado. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low poverty (7.3%, #30 of 256) and high household income ($100,272, #64 of 256), and trails on low graduation rates (81.7%, #156 of 205).
Westminster by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Westminster'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 Westminster?
Westminster'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 $1,882/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $514,933, 3% below the typical Colorado home ($532,748).
| Measure | Westminster | 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 | $514,933#840 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 | $1,884/mo#642 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $532,400#1011 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $1,882/mo#1024 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 5.3x#901 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 22.5%#727 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.
Westminster 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. Westminster is in the Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO metro.
Colorado housing market →Is Westminster safe?
Westminster recorded 288 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 12% below the US rate of 328 and 32% below Colorado's 422. That ranks #540 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #95 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Westminster Police Department. Property crime runs 2,922 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Westminster | ColoradoCO | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 328 | 288#540 of 1,085 | 422 | 352 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 1,548 | 2,922#943 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 Westminster?
The median household in Westminster earns $100,272, 21% above the US figure of $83,163 and 3% above Colorado ($97,113). Unemployment is 3.9% (US 4.3%). 7.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Westminster | ColoradoCO | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $83,163 | $100,272#340 of 1,312 | $97,113 | $80,112 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 3.9%#434 of 1,058 | 4% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 7.3%#264 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.5% | -0.1%#723 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 Westminster?
The median resident of Westminster is 37.4 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 44.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #355 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 61.9% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Westminster | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 37.4 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 44.6%#355 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 61.9% | 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 Westminster's schools and health?
Westminster's 23 public schools graduate 81.7% of students in four years (Colorado 82.3%), with 18 students per teacher and $15,230 spent per pupil. 27.7% of adults are obese and 8.4% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Westminster | ColoradoCO | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 88% | 81.7%#836 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 | $15,230#560 of 1,188 | — | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 27.7%#255 of 1,311 | — | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 8.4%#138 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 16.1%#434 of 1,311 | — | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 11.1%#788 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. 13,950 students are enrolled in Westminster's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Westminster?
The average commute in Westminster is 27 minutes (Colorado 25.7); 1.2% of workers take transit and 21.7% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Westminster scores 12.3 of 20 (above average walkable), #444 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 | Westminster | ColoradoCO | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 27 min#931 of 1,312 | 25.7 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 6.7%#800 of 1,312 | 7.1% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 68% | 65.4% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 1.2% | 1.7% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 1% | 2.7% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.3% | 1% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 21.7% | 19.9% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 12.3#444 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 | Westminster | 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 Westminster?
Jefferson County's air had a median air quality index of 48, and 59% of measured days were rated good; 13 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Jefferson County's biggest natural hazard losses in hail, wildfire, and tornado, with expected yearly losses of 0.2% of building value, higher than 71% of US counties.
| Measure | Westminster | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 48#788 of 1,138 | 46 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 13#916 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.16% | 0.2%#923 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 Jefferson County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Jefferson County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hail | 0.05% | 99% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.042% | 95% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.013% | 67% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0023% | 44% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.065% | 28% 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 Westminster compare with similar-size cities?
Westminster 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 115,484.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Westminster, COPop. 115,484 | #474 | 58.5 | $100,272 | $1,882/mo | 288 | 27 min |
| High Point, NCPop. 116,245 | #796 | 53.3 | $64,561 | $1,116/mo | 521 | 20.7 min |
| Evansville, INPop. 116,116 | #1196 | 45.1 | $53,387 | $975/mo | 1,087 | 18.3 min |
| Manchester, NHPop. 115,643 | #546 | 57.3 | $81,007 | $1,564/mo | 323 | 23.9 min |
| Richmond, CAPop. 115,505 | #1132 | 47.2 | $95,391 | $1,960/mo | 814 | 34.2 min |
| Odessa, TXPop. 115,322 | #826 | 52.8 | $73,472 | $1,315/mo | 286 | 22.4 min |
| Elgin, ILPop. 114,934 | #432 | 59.4 | $90,282 | $1,361/mo | 218 | 28.2 min |
| Waterbury, CTPop. 114,869 | #1059 | 48.7 | $51,886 | $1,225/mo | 295 | 28 min |
| Provo, UTPop. 114,766 | #625 | 56.3 | $64,171 | $1,193/mo | 177 | 18.4 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 Westminster compare with the rest of Colorado?
Westminster ranks #12 of the 20 Colorado cities we track, with a score of 58.5 against Colorado's statewide 64.7. Its households earn 3% above the Colorado median. Violent crime is 32% below the statewide rate. Homes are 3% 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 Westminster's score calculated?
Westminster scores 58.5 out of 100, #474 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 Westminster. 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 Westminster's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
67.4 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Westminster. Similar-size median 53.8.
70.7 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Westminster's public schools. Similar-size median 52.1.
49.0 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Westminster's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
49.1 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Westminster. Similar-size median 51.2.
70.4 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Westminster. Similar-size median 42.1.
40.5 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Westminster. Similar-size median 50.1.
55.1 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Westminster's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
59.5 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
36.4 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Westminster'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 Westminster 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 Westminster
Is Westminster, CO a good place to live?
Westminster ranks #474 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #68 of 256 mid-size cities and #12 of 20 in Colorado. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low poverty (7.3%, #30 of 256) and high household income ($100,272, #64 of 256), and trails on low graduation rates (81.7%, #156 of 205).
What is the cost of living in Westminster?
Westminster'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 $1,882/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $514,933, 3% below the typical Colorado home ($532,748).
What is the crime rate in Westminster?
Westminster recorded 288 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 12% below the US rate of 328 and 32% below Colorado's 422. That ranks #540 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #95 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Westminster Police Department. Property crime runs 2,922 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Westminster?
The median household in Westminster earns $100,272, 21% above the US figure of $83,163 and 3% above Colorado ($97,113). Unemployment is 3.9% (US 4.3%). 7.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Westminster?
Median rent in Westminster is $1,882/mo (Census), #1024 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,884/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 22.5% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Westminster?
The typical home value in Westminster is $514,933, down 1.9% in a year, against $532,748 for Colorado and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $532,400.
How are the public schools in Westminster?
Westminster's 23 public schools graduate 81.7% of students in four years (Colorado 82.3%), with 18 students per teacher and $15,230 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Westminster?
The average commute is 27 minutes, #931 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 25.7 minutes across Colorado. 6.7% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Westminster?
Westminster 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 Westminster walkable?
Westminster scores 12.3 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #444 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 Westminster at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Jefferson County's biggest natural hazard losses in hail, wildfire, and tornado, with expected yearly losses of 0.2% of building value, higher than 71% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Westminster?
Jefferson County's air had a median air quality index of 48, and 59% of measured days were rated good; 13 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Westminster?
Westminster has 115,484 residents. The median resident of Westminster is 37.4 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 44.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #355 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 61.9% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Westminster compare with the rest of Colorado?
Westminster ranks #12 of the 20 Colorado cities we track, with a score of 58.5 against Colorado's statewide 64.7. Its households earn 3% above the Colorado median. Violent crime is 32% below the statewide rate. Homes are 3% below the typical Colorado home.
What cities are similar in size to Westminster?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Westminster's population of 115,484 are High Point, NC (#796 overall), Evansville, IN (#1196 overall), Manchester, NH (#546 overall), Richmond, CA (#1132 overall), and Odessa, TX (#826 overall). Westminster is #474.