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Centennial, Colorado

USA · Comprehensive city data and intelligence

67
Overall Score

Centennial, Colorado, known as "A City with Spirit," is a vibrant suburban community located in the Denver metropolitan area. Incorporated in 2001, it is a relatively young city that has quickly grown into a desirable place to live, work, and raise a family. The city spans nearly 30 square miles and is home to over 108,000 residents and more than 5,000 businesses. Centennial offers a blend of suburban tranquility with convenient access to urban amenities, making it an attractive option for both families and professionals. The city is consistently recognized for its superb quality of life, safety, great neighborhoods, and abundant recreational opportunities.

About Colorado

Colorado is characterized by its diverse geography, ranging from the Rocky Mountains to the Eastern Plains, offering a lifestyle that blends natural beauty with community charm and extensive outdoor recreation opportunities. The state's economy is robust and diversified, with major industries including aerospace, bioscience, technology, energy and natural resources, financial services, and a strong tourism sector. Living in Colorado is generally more expensive than the national average, with housing costs being a primary driver. The climate is diverse, featuring four distinct seasons with abundant sunshine, though it can experience rapid weather shifts, including hot summers, cold winters, and occasional extreme weather events like flash floods and strong winds.

109,178
Population
$167K
Avg Salary
66.9
Quality Score
How this 67/100 was calculated five components, with every reading behind them
Component Readings used Points Weight Contributes
Safety Safety score: 72 / 100 72.0 30% 21.6
Affordability No usable reading — dataset average used 75.1 25% 18.8
Economy & jobs Median household income: $131,928 Income needed to live here: no usable reading Unemployment rate: 4.2% 72.5 20% 14.5
Growth Population growth rate: 0.48% Job growth rate: no usable reading 37.0 15% 5.6
Business climate assessment No usable reading — dataset average used 64.9 10% 6.5
Overall score 66.9

Provenance. These figures were produced by the research pass recorded as Gemini (Tier 1 (fast), q=86), last refreshed 29 July 2026. They are researched estimates drawn from public sources, not a licensed data feed.

Each component is scored against fixed published endpoints, so this number is comparable with any other city and does not move as the dataset grows. Scoring framework 2026.10 — full methodology, weights and accepted ranges.

Businesses in Centennial

Featured local businesses in Centennial.

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Quality Scores

Livability
80
Affordability
65

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Centennial is generally higher than the national average. The average rent for an apartment in Centennial is around $2,063 per month as of July 2026, with one-bedroom apartments averaging $1,827 and two-bedroom apartments averaging $2,330. This is roughly equal to or slightly higher than the national average rent. Housing costs are a significant factor, with the median property value in Centennial being $658,100 in 2024, which is nearly twice the national average. While rental prices have seen some fluctuations, with a 2.17% increase in average rent over the past year, the overall cost of living is driven by the strong housing market and desirable location within the Denver metropolitan area.

Average Rent
$2,063/mo
1BR Apartment (city centre)
$1,827.00
2BR Apartment (city centre)
$2,330.00

Salary Insights

Centennial boasts a strong local economy and a robust job market. The city was recognized by U.S. News & World Report in 2026-2027 for its strong local job market. In 2024, the employed population in Centennial was 57,884, showing a slight growth from the previous year. The average annual household income in Centennial was $167,169 in 2024, with a median household income of $131,928. This indicates a prosperous economic environment for its residents. The city's dedication to economic opportunity and thoughtful development contributes to its thriving business scene.

The average salary in Centennial is $167,169 per year.

Top Industries

Retail Trade Healthcare Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services Educational Services Finance and Insurance

Climate

🌡️
Avg Temp
☀️
Summer High
❄️
Winter Low
🌧️
"
Annual Rain
💧
51.00%
Humidity
🌤️
Sunny Days

Transport

Most residents in Centennial primarily rely on driving alone to work, reflecting a suburban pattern. The average commute time for Centennial residents is approximately 25.9 minutes, which is slightly shorter than the national average. The city's transportation network includes access to major highways like I-25 and E-470, as well as major arterial roads. Public transportation options are available through RTD's Southeast light-rail corridor, with stations at Dry Creek and Arapahoe at Village Center, providing connections to the Denver Tech Center and downtown Denver. While car dependency is medium, the presence of light rail offers alternatives for commuters.

26 min
Avg Commute
/10
Transit Score
/10
Walkability
Medium
Car Dependency

Pros & Cons

Advantages
Centennial has a very low crime rate, 50% below the national average, making it one of the safest major U.S. cities.
The city boasts a high quality of life, ranked #1 in Colorado by U.S. News & World Report in 2025–2026.
Centennial has a strong job market and a high median household income of $131,928 as of 2024.
The public schools in Centennial are highly rated.
Residents benefit from a shorter average commute time (25.9 minutes) compared to the national average.
Drawbacks
The cost of living in Centennial is higher than the national average, particularly for housing.
Average rent in Centennial is higher than the national average.
While public transit exists, the city still exhibits a medium car dependency.
The overall crime grade, while still good, is slightly higher than the average US city according to one source.
Some areas of Centennial have higher violent crime rates than others, particularly the northeast.

Questions about Centennial

What people ask about living in and moving to Centennial, Colorado.

What’s the overall quality of life like in Centennial? General 1 answer

Centennial consistently ranks high for quality of life due to its strong economy, relatively high average salary ($167,169/year), and a safety score of 72/100. Residents enjoy a blend of suburban tranquility and easy access to urban amenities, including shopping, dining, and cultural events. The city’s extensive park system, recreational programs, and well‑maintained infrastructure support an active lifestyle. Educat...

How does the cost of living in Centennial compare to the national average? Cost of Living 1 answer

Centennial’s cost of living is higher than the national average, driven mainly by housing and salaries. The average rent is $2,063 per month, which is above the U.S. median rent. However, the average annual salary in the city is $167,169, considerably higher than the national median household income. This higher earning potential can offset the elevated housing costs, especially if you work in one of the many profess...

What types of rental housing are most common in Centennial? Housing 1 answer

Rental housing in Centennial is dominated by single‑family homes, townhouses, and low‑rise apartment complexes. One‑bedroom apartments are widely available, especially in mixed‑use developments near the central business district and along major corridors. The average rent across all unit sizes is $2,063 per month, but one‑bedroom units typically range slightly lower, depending on age and amenities. When searching, us...

Which industries offer the most jobs in Centennial? Jobs & Economy 1 answer

Centennial’s economy is anchored by technology, professional services, healthcare, and finance. The city hosts many corporate offices and research facilities, offering roles in software development, data analysis, financial services, and consulting. The average salary of $167,169 per year reflects the prevalence of high‑skill, high‑pay positions. Job seekers should explore online job boards that allow location‑specif...

How are the public schools rated in Centennial? Schools & Education 1 answer

Centennial is served by a well‑regarded public school district that consistently scores above state averages on standardized tests. Schools in the area offer a range of programs, from traditional curricula to advanced placement and STEM electives, which can benefit children aged 7 and 12. To evaluate specific schools, visit the district’s website for report cards, enrollment procedures, and boundary maps. You can als...

Is Centennial considered a safe place to live? Safety 1 answer

Centennial receives a safety score of 72 out of 100, indicating a generally safe environment with moderate crime levels compared to other U.S. cities. Most incidents are property‑related rather than violent, and the city maintains active community policing and neighborhood watch programs. For a detailed view of crime statistics, consult the city’s public safety dashboard or the state’s open data portal, which break d...

What public transportation options are available in Centennial? Getting Around 1 answer

Centennial is served by a regional transit authority that operates bus routes connecting the city to neighboring suburbs and the larger metropolitan area. Several high‑frequency lines run along major corridors, providing access to downtown cores, employment centers, and transit hubs where you can transfer to commuter rail. The city also supports a growing network of bike lanes and shared‑use paths for cyclists. For s...

Where can I find primary care physicians in Centennial? Healthcare 1 answer

Centennial hosts multiple medical centers and outpatient clinics offering primary and pediatric care. These facilities are typically located in medical office parks near major roadways for easy access. To locate a provider, use the state medical board’s online directory, which allows you to filter by specialty, insurance acceptance, and patient ratings. The city’s health department also publishes a list of community...

What recreational activities are popular in Centennial? Things to Do 1 answer

Centennial offers a variety of outdoor and cultural activities suitable for families. The city maintains several parks with playgrounds, sports fields, and walking trails, many of which connect to regional greenways for biking and hiking. Seasonal events such as outdoor concerts, farmers’ markets, and community festivals are organized by the city’s events calendar. For indoor recreation, there are community centers w...

What utilities should I set up before moving to Centennial? Moving Here 1 answer

Before moving to Centennial, arrange for electricity, natural gas (if your home uses it), water, and trash collection services. The city’s utility providers typically require a short online registration process where you supply your new address and move‑in date. Additionally, set up internet and cable services through regional providers that cover the area. If you have a vehicle, register it with the state’s motor ve...

Some answers here were drafted as a starting point and may be out of date. Live in Centennial? Add your own.

Frequently Asked Questions

Urblytica benchmarks its Cost of Living Index against a United States national average baseline of 100. A score of 115 means a city is approximately 15% more expensive than the national average, while a score of 85 indicates it is 15% more affordable. This composite calculation is weighted across six primary expenditure categories: housing, utilities, grocery items, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous goods.

Urblytica aggregates housing data from multiple authoritative sources, including Multiple Listing Service (MLS) feeds, municipal property tax registries, the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (ACS), and verified historical deed transactions. This multi-tier aggregation ensures precision in tracking median home values and rental rates.

A municipality must meet minimum data-density thresholds—including consistent reporting population samples from the U.S. Census and active residential or commercial real estate transaction feeds—to ensure statistical significance before a complete scoring profile is published.

When primary agencies (such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics or U.S. Census Bureau) issue historical data revisions or benchmark corrections, Urblytica's data pipeline automatically re-indexes affected historical archives to maintain longitudinal trend accuracy.

U.S. affordability calculations incorporate federal income tax brackets, state-specific income tax rates, and local municipal tax variations to evaluate the true net tax drag on median household earnings across different states and cities.

Local county and municipal property tax millage rates are factored directly into the housing component of the cost-of-living index to reflect recurring annual tax burdens for homeowners.

The platform aggregates state sales taxes alongside county and city surtaxes to measure consumer basket purchasing power parity accurately across different retail jurisdictions.

Utility calculations apply regional seasonal consumption weightings, incorporating high summer air conditioning loads in southern states and heavy winter heating demands in northern states.

The index tracks average out-of-pocket healthcare expenses, routine outpatient visit costs, and regional health insurance premium benchmarks published by federal health agencies.

Educational metrics aggregate state standardized testing benchmarks, student-to-teacher ratios, high school graduation rates, and per-pupil expenditure data published by state departments of education.

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