City Profile
Centennial, Colorado
USA · Comprehensive city data and intelligence
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.
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.
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.
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Happening in Centennial
Featured and sponsored events in Centennial.
Local Directory
Businesses in Centennial
Featured local businesses in Centennial.
Performance
Quality Scores
Expenses
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.
Income
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.
Employment
Top Industries
Weather
Climate
Mobility
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.
At a Glance
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Advantages
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Community Q&A
Questions about Centennial
What people ask about living in and moving to Centennial, Colorado.
What’s the overall quality of life like in Centennial?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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.
FAQ
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Senior Care in Centennial
44 assisted living, nursing & memory care facilities in Centennial.
Senior Care
Ascent Living Communities
Centennial, CO
Senior Care
Holly Creek Retirement Community
Centennial, CO
Senior Care
Mission Home Health and Hospice Care
Centennial, CO
Senior Care
Abbey Road Assisted Living - Ulster
Centennial, CO
Senior Care
Parkside Village Retirement
Centennial, CO
Senior Care
Holly Creek Communities
Centennial, CO
Assisted Living
The Suites At Holly Creek Care Center
Centennial, CO
Senior Care
Someren Glen Independent & Assisted Living
Centennial, CO
Assisted Living
Someren Glen
Centennial, CO
Assisted Living
MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Jordan
Centennial, CO
Assisted Living
Makarios Assisted Living at Centennial
Centennial, CO
Goldleaf Homehealth LLC
Centennial, CO
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