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Denver, Colorado

USA · Comprehensive city data and intelligence

60
Overall Score

Denver, Colorado, known as the Mile High City, sits gracefully at the foot of the majestic Rocky Mountains, blending urban sophistication with a rugged outdoor lifestyle. Founded during the 1858 gold rush, the city has transformed from a frontier outpost into a booming, culturally vibrant metropolis characterized by over 300 days of sunshine annually. People flock to Denver for its unique combination of economic opportunity, progressive culture, and immediate access to world-class recreation, making it one of the most desirable urban centers in the American West.

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.

740,613
Population
$81K
Avg Salary
106
Cost Index
59.8
Quality Score
How this 60/100 was calculated five components, with every reading behind them
Component Readings used Points Weight Contributes
Safety Safety score: 65 / 100 65.0 30% 19.5
Affordability Cost of living index (100 = national baseline): 106.0 36.3 25% 9.1
Economy & jobs Median household income: $94,718 Income needed to live here: $65,000 Unemployment rate: 4.3% 76.7 20% 15.3
Growth Population growth rate: 0.9% Job growth rate: 2.2% 55.8 15% 8.4
Business climate assessment Business climate assessment: 75 / 100 75.0 10% 7.5
Overall score 59.8

Provenance. These figures were produced by the research pass recorded as Gemini (Tier 1 (fast), q=72), 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.

Businesses in Denver

Featured local businesses in Denver.

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Quality Scores

Business
75
Livability
82
Affordability
62
Growth
76

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Denver sits roughly 6% above the national average, driven primarily by strong housing demand and dynamic population growth over the past decade. While everyday expenses like utilities and groceries remain relatively close to national benchmarks, housing costs—both for purchasing a home and renting an apartment—exert significant pressure on household budgets. Nevertheless, competitive local salaries and robust job opportunities in tech, aerospace, and finance help balance these elevated everyday costs for many residents.

Average Rent
$1,975/mo
Groceries
$400/mo
Transport
$90/mo
Utilities
$180/mo
Healthcare
$220/mo
Gym membership (monthly)
$55.00
Cinema ticket
$14.00
Restaurant meal (mid-range)
$25.00
Monthly groceries
$400.00
Doctor visit (without insurance)
$150.00

Salary Insights

Denver boasts a resilient and diversified economy anchored by key sectors such as aerospace, technology, financial services, healthcare, and tourism. Major employers ranging from aerospace giants to innovative tech startups fuel a dynamic job market that consistently outperforms many national averages. The remote work culture is exceptionally strong here, attracting digital nomads and entrepreneurs who value the city's collaborative workspaces and proximity to nature.

The average salary in Denver is $81,000 per year. You would need approximately $65,000 to live comfortably.

Top Industries

Healthcare and Social Assistance +2.40% Professional and Business Services +2.10% Tourism and Hospitality +1.90% Aerospace and Defense +2.80% Technology and Software +3.00%

Climate

🌡️
53°F
Avg Temp
☀️
88°F
Summer High
❄️
19°F
Winter Low
🌧️
16.90"
Annual Rain
💧
45.00%
Humidity
🌤️
285
Sunny Days

Transport

Getting around Denver relies on a blend of highway commuting, the Regional Transportation District (RTD) light rail and bus network, and an expanding grid of bike lanes. While car ownership remains common for accessing weekend mountain getaways, the central neighborhoods boast high walkability and transit connectivity. Commute times average around 28 minutes, reflecting typical congestion along major arteries like I-25 and I-70 during peak travel hours.

28 min
Avg Commute
58.00/10
Transit Score
62.00/10
Walkability
Medium
Car Dependency

Pros & Cons

Advantages
Median household income stands at $94,718, significantly outpacing the national average per U.S. Census data.
Enjoyment of approximately 285 sunny days per year, supporting an active outdoor lifestyle.
Proximity to world-class Rocky Mountain recreation, including premier skiing, hiking, and biking destinations.
Thriving job market with strong sectors in aerospace, technology, and healthcare offering competitive wages.
Vibrant cultural and entertainment ecosystem highlighted by the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre and a thriving craft beverage scene.
Drawbacks
Cost of living runs roughly 6% higher than the national average, led by steep housing and rental expenses.
Median home values of $616,000 present substantial barriers to entry for first-time homebuyers.
Frequent traffic congestion along major commuter corridors like I-25 and I-70 during peak hours.
Air quality can occasionally be impacted by regional wildfire smoke and temperature inversions in the mountain basin.
Property crime rates in certain dense urban neighborhoods require standard metropolitan vigilance.

Questions about Denver

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

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

Denver’s public schools vary widely, with some districts receiving high ratings and others needing improvement. Performance is measured through state assessments, graduation rates, and college readiness metrics. Parents can review district reports, school rating sites, and visit schools to gauge fit. Additionally, the city’s education department publishes annual performance summaries.

What industries are growing in Denver? Jobs & Economy 1 answer

Denver’s economy is diversifying with strong growth in technology, renewable energy, healthcare, and logistics. Many companies are expanding their Denver offices, creating roles for software developers, data analysts, and project managers. Check job boards and industry newsletters for openings, and consider networking at local tech meetups or career fairs.

Is Denver a safe place to live? Safety 1 answer

Denver’s safety score is 65 out of 100, indicating moderate risk. Crime rates differ by neighborhood, with some areas experiencing higher incidents of property crime. Residents often rely on neighborhood watch programs and local police precincts. Reviewing crime statistics from the city’s public safety department and visiting neighborhoods can help you assess safety for your specific needs.

How reliable is public transportation in Denver? Getting Around 1 answer

Denver offers a mix of bus routes and light rail lines that serve most of the city and surrounding suburbs. Service frequency varies by corridor, with peak hours seeing more frequent trains. Biking infrastructure is expanding, and many residents use scooters or car-sharing services for short trips. Check the city transit authority’s schedule and real-time apps for planning commutes.

What should I know about moving into Denver from out of state? Moving Here 1 answer

Plan your move by researching neighborhoods that match your budget and lifestyle. Consider the average rent and cost of living when setting a budget. Arrange for utilities, internet, and a local driver’s license within 90 days of arrival. It’s also wise to register your vehicle and update your voter registration. The city’s official website provides links to essential services and moving resources.

How does Denver's cost of living compare to my hometown? Cost of Living 1 answer

Denver’s cost of living index is 106, meaning it’s about 6% higher than the national average. Housing, groceries, and dining are the main contributors. If you earn $81,000 a year, you’ll find that the average rent of $1,975 per month fits comfortably within that salary, leaving room for savings and discretionary spending. For a detailed breakdown, check the city’s economic reports or local cost calculators.

What is the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Denver? Housing 1 answer

The average rent for a one-bedroom in Denver is about $1,975 per month. Prices can vary by neighborhood, with some areas slightly above or below this average. Rent is typically split between utilities and other costs, so budget accordingly. For current listings, consult online rental platforms or local real estate agents.

What healthcare options are available near downtown Denver? Healthcare 1 answer

The downtown area hosts several hospitals and urgent care centers offering comprehensive emergency services. These facilities provide 24/7 care for medical emergencies, trauma, and specialized treatments. For insurance compatibility, consult your provider’s network list or the hospital’s patient services office. Visiting the city’s health department website can also provide a directory of local medical providers.

What is Denver’s climate like throughout the year? General 1 answer

Denver experiences a semi-arid climate with four distinct seasons. Summers can be hot and dry, while winters are cold with occasional snow. Spring and fall are mild and pleasant, ideal for outdoor activities. The city’s elevation contributes to significant temperature swings between day and night. Checking the local weather service will give you up-to-date forecasts and seasonal tips.

What outdoor activities can I do in Denver? Things to Do 1 answer

Denver’s proximity to the Rocky Mountains offers abundant hiking, mountain biking, and rock climbing opportunities within an hour’s drive. The city itself hosts parks, gardens, and riverwalks for casual strolls and picnics. Seasonal events like summer festivals, winter festivals, and farmers markets add cultural flavor. Local visitor guides and outdoor clubs list trail maps and event schedules.

Some answers here were drafted as a starting point and may be out of date. Live in Denver? 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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