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Littleton, Colorado

USA · Comprehensive city data and intelligence

60
Overall Score

Littleton, Colorado, is a vibrant suburban community nestled just south of Denver along the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Originally established as a thriving farming and trading community during the 1859 Pike's Peak Gold Rush, it has evolved into a premier Denver-metro enclave known for its historic downtown and exceptional quality of life. Residents are continually drawn to the area for its unique blend of small-town charm, rich historical heritage, and modern urban convenience.

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.

45,652
Population
$74K
Avg Salary
118
Cost Index
59.7
Quality Score
How this 60/100 was calculated five components, with every reading behind them
Component Readings used Points Weight Contributes
Safety Safety score: 78 / 100 78.0 30% 23.4
Affordability Cost of living index (100 = national baseline): 118.0 21.3 25% 5.3
Economy & jobs Median household income: $88,500 Income needed to live here: $62,000 Unemployment rate: 3.6% 79.2 20% 15.8
Growth Population growth rate: 0.5% Job growth rate: 2.2% 50.8 15% 7.6
Business climate assessment Business climate assessment: 75 / 100 75.0 10% 7.5
Overall score 59.7

Provenance. These figures were produced by the research pass recorded as Tier 1 (fast) (q=52, partial — below threshold), last refreshed 15 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 Littleton

Featured local businesses in Littleton.

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Quality Scores

Business
75
Livability
83
Affordability
58
Growth
72

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Littleton is higher than the national average, largely driven by strong regional housing demand and the overall desirability of the Denver metropolitan area. Housing costs—both for purchasing and renting homes—represent the most significant expense for residents, though everyday goods, services, and utilities remain relatively aligned with broader Colorado economic trends. Proximity to world-class outdoor recreation and a robust local economy help offset these elevated living expenses for most households.

Average Rent
$1,750/mo
Groceries
$420/mo
Transport
$110/mo
Utilities
$170/mo
Healthcare
$230/mo
Gym membership (monthly)
$50.00
Cinema ticket
$15.00
Restaurant meal (mid-range)
$25.00
Monthly groceries
$420.00
Doctor visit (without insurance)
$160.00

Salary Insights

Littleton benefits from a diversified and resilient local economy bolstered by its strategic location within the Denver metropolitan employment hub. Key employment sectors include healthcare, technology, manufacturing, retail trade, and professional business services, supported by major regional employers and a thriving network of small businesses. Additionally, the area's strong remote work infrastructure and highly educated workforce foster a dynamic entrepreneurial and professional environment.

The average salary in Littleton is $74,000 per year. You would need approximately $62,000 to live comfortably.

Top Industries

Retail Trade +1.10% Manufacturing +1.90% Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services +2.40% Educational Services +1.50% Healthcare and Social Assistance +2.60%

Climate

🌡️
53°F
Avg Temp
☀️
86°F
Summer High
❄️
19°F
Winter Low
🌧️
17.40"
Annual Rain
💧
45.00%
Humidity
🌤️
282
Sunny Days

Transport

Transportation in Littleton relies heavily on personal vehicles, though the city offers solid connectivity through the Regional Transportation District (RTD), including Light Rail service on the D Line connecting directly to downtown Denver. The city features pedestrian-friendly corridors, particularly around its historic core, alongside a growing network of bike lanes and multi-use trails. Commuters also benefit from major thoroughfares like Santa Fe Drive and C-470, facilitating regional travel.

26 min
Avg Commute
52.00/10
Transit Score
58.00/10
Walkability
High
Car Dependency

Pros & Cons

Advantages
Historic downtown Littleton offers a vibrant cultural hub with local dining, shopping, and community events per city data.
Exceptional access to outdoor recreation, including Chatfield State Park and miles of regional trails.
Strong public safety profile with violent crime rates significantly below the national average per FBI uniform crime reporting.
Convenient regional transit connectivity via the RTD Light Rail D Line directly into downtown Denver.
Top-rated public school options within Littleton Public Schools and Jefferson County school districts.
Drawbacks
Housing affordability has declined significantly due to rapid appreciation across the Denver metropolitan area per Zillow data.
Higher-than-average cost of living compared to the national baseline, particularly regarding housing and real estate taxes.
Traffic congestion along major commuter corridors such as Santa Fe Drive during peak hours.
Vulnerability to seasonal weather volatility, including heavy winter snowstorms and dry summer wildfire risks.
Limited inventory of affordable multi-family rental housing within the immediate historic district.

Questions about Littleton

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

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

Public schools in Littleton are generally well-regarded, with several elementary and middle schools receiving above-average ratings. The district emphasizes STEM programs, arts, and extracurricular activities. High schools in the area also offer a variety of advanced placement courses and college preparatory programs. Parents often cite strong teacher support and community involvement. For the most up-to-date ratings...

What outdoor activities can I enjoy in Littleton? Things to Do 1 answer

Littleton offers a variety of outdoor options. Numerous parks feature walking trails, playgrounds, and picnic areas. Nearby, there are scenic nature preserves with hiking and biking paths that showcase local flora and fauna. The city’s riverwalk provides a pleasant stroll along the water, and several community gardens allow residents to grow their own produce. For more extensive trails, you can explore regional parks...

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

Littleton generally has a slightly lower cost of living than Denver. Housing costs, including rents and home prices, tend to be about 5-10% lower. Grocery and utility prices are comparable, while transportation costs can be lower because of less congestion and shorter commutes to many downtown jobs. Overall, you can expect modest savings on everyday expenses while still enjoying the amenities of a nearby metro area.

What industries dominate employment in Littleton? Jobs & Economy 1 answer

Littleton’s economy is diversified, with strong sectors in healthcare, education, retail, and professional services. The proximity to Denver and the Tech Corridor means many tech companies and startups are located within a short drive. Additionally, there are opportunities in government, manufacturing, and logistics. For a software developer, nearby tech hubs and corporate offices often offer roles in software engine...

Is Littleton a safe place to live? Safety 1 answer

Littleton is considered a relatively safe community. Crime rates are lower than the national average, with most incidents being non-violent property crimes. Neighborhoods vary, but many areas have active neighborhood watch programs and community policing efforts. Residents often report a strong sense of community and low traffic accidents. For specific statistics, review the city’s public safety reports or local law...

What are the typical home styles in Littleton? Housing 1 answer

Littleton features a mix of mid-century ranch homes, newer suburban single-family houses, and some historic bungalows. Many newer developments include contemporary designs with open floor plans and energy-efficient features. The city’s older neighborhoods often have charming Craftsman or Cape Cod styles, while newer subdivisions may offer modern ranch or split-level layouts. You’ll find a range of sizes and finishes,...

How easy is it to commute to Denver from Littleton? Getting Around 1 answer

Commuting to Denver from Littleton is straightforward. A major highway connects the two cities, offering a 20-30 minute drive during off-peak hours. There is also a commuter rail line that runs frequently, taking roughly 30 minutes to reach downtown stations. For those preferring public transit, the city’s transit authority provides bus routes that link key points in Littleton to the rail system. Traffic can be heavi...

What medical facilities are available in Littleton? Healthcare 1 answer

Littleton hosts several medical centers that provide a range of services, from primary care to specialty treatments. There are community hospitals offering emergency services, surgical suites, and inpatient care. Additionally, outpatient clinics and specialty practices cover fields such as cardiology, orthopedics, and pediatrics. For comprehensive care, residents often travel to larger medical centers in Denver, whic...

What should I know about moving my household into Littleton? Moving Here 1 answer

Start by researching local utility providers for electricity, water, and internet; many companies offer move-in promotions. Contact the city’s municipal office for information on resident permits, trash pickup schedules, and recycling programs. It’s wise to schedule a home inspection if buying a property. For transportation, consider the city’s parking regulations and available public transit options. Finally, regist...

What is the overall vibe of Littleton? General 1 answer

Littleton balances suburban comfort with a touch of small-town charm. The community is known for its friendly residents, well-maintained streets, and a strong sense of local identity. Cultural events, farmers markets, and community festivals are common, fostering social interaction. The city’s proximity to Denver allows easy access to urban amenities while maintaining quieter neighborhoods. Overall, residents often c...

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