City Profile
Commerce City, Colorado
USA · Comprehensive city data and intelligence
Commerce City, Colorado is a rapidly growing home rule municipality located in Adams County, just north of Denver. Founded as a small agricultural and industrial hub, it has evolved into one of the state's most dynamic and culturally diverse urban centers while maintaining strong roots in its working-class heritage. Over the past two decades, the city's population has expanded dramatically through major master-planned communities like Reunion, drawing residents seeking modern housing options and proximity to the employment hubs of the Denver metropolitan area.
The character of Commerce City is defined by a unique juxtaposition of sprawling open spaces, heavy industry, and premier recreational assets. It serves as the proud home of the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, a massive expanse of protected prairie land that offers residents unique wildlife viewing opportunities right next to an urban center. Additionally, the presence of Dick's Sporting Goods Park brings major league soccer and large-scale entertainment events directly to the community. People choose to move to Commerce City for its relatively attainable housing options compared to downtown Denver, combined with a family-friendly vibe and robust economic growth potential.
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 68/100 was calculated five components, with every reading behind them
| Component | Readings used | Points | Weight | Contributes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safety | Safety score: 68 / 100 | 68.0 | 30% | 20.4 |
| Affordability | Cost of living index (100 = national baseline): 102.0 | 41.3 | 25% | 10.3 |
| Economy & jobs | Median household income: $111,972 Income needed to live here: $64,560 Unemployment rate: 4.2% | 86.3 | 20% | 17.3 |
| Growth | Population growth rate: 2.9% Job growth rate: 2.5% | 83.8 | 15% | 12.6 |
| Business climate assessment | Business climate assessment: 75 / 100 | 75.0 | 10% | 7.5 |
| Overall score | 68.0 | |||
Provenance.
These figures were produced by the research pass recorded as
Gemini (ungrounded, q=77), last refreshed
11 October 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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Performance
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Expenses
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Commerce City aligns closely with the broader Denver metropolitan area, sitting slightly above the national average but remaining competitive compared to neighboring core urban centers. Housing costs represent the most significant expenditure for residents, though property values and rental rates historically offer a more accessible entry point than Denver proper. Everyday expenses such as groceries and utilities track reasonably close to state norms, cushioned by regional energy efficiencies and competitive retail markets.
Downward pressure on certain household expenses comes from efficient regional transit access via the RTD N Line and competitive local utility pricing. Conversely, steady population growth and high demand for modern suburban developments have driven up housing and property maintenance costs over recent years. Overall, residents find that strong local wage baselines help balance out these contemporary economic pressures.
Income
Salary Insights
Commerce City boasts a robust and diversified local economy, anchored by a strong labor force of approximately 38,000 workers and supported by over 2,000 business establishments. Key economic drivers include manufacturing, logistics, warehousing, construction, and energy sectors, capitalising on the city's strategic location near major interstate highways and Denver International Airport. Major employers span freight transport, wholesale trade, and public administration, creating a resilient job market with steady employment opportunities.
The remote and hybrid work scene here is thriving, as many residents leverage fast local broadband infrastructure to commute electronically into downtown Denver or work completely from home. The city's economic development initiatives actively foster entrepreneurship through targeted workforce pathway programs and business incentives designed to attract modern tech and light industrial enterprises. This proactive stance ensures healthy job creation rates and continuous commercial investment across emerging corridors.
The average salary in Commerce City is $82,000 per year. You would need approximately $64,560 to live comfortably.
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Mobility
Transport
Getting around Commerce City relies heavily on private vehicles, supported by major transportation arteries including I-76, US-85, and E-470 that connect the area seamlessly to the wider Front Range. Public transit options include regional bus routes and the Regional Transportation District's N Line commuter rail, which provides direct service into downtown Denver. While car dependency remains moderate to high outside of specific commercial cores, ongoing infrastructure investments continue to improve walkability and bike lane integration.
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