Is Monument Safe, Pros and cons of living in Monument
Monument, Colorado, nestled against the scenic backdrop of the Front Range, offers a blend of small-town charm and convenient access to urban amenities. This growing community is known for its picturesque surroundings and family-friendly atmosphere. As more people consider making Monument their home, understanding the nuances of its safety, cost of living, and overall quality of life is essential.
This guide delves into the key aspects of living in Monument, providing a comprehensive overview for potential residents. From the safety of its neighborhoods to the economic landscape and educational opportunities, we aim to offer practical insights for those contemplating a move to this appealing Colorado town.
Is it Safe to Live in Monument?
Monument presents a generally safe environment for its residents, though crime rates warrant consideration. The overall crime rate in Monument is reported to be 6% lower than the national average (according to AreaVibes). However, specific neighborhoods within Monument can have varying safety levels, with the northeast part of the city generally considered the safest (according to CrimeGrade.org).
When examining crime data, it’s important to differentiate between violent and property crimes. Monument’s violent crime rate is approximately 1 per 1,000 inhabitants, which is about average for communities across America (according to NeighborhoodScout). Property crime rates, however, are slightly above the national average, with a rate of 17 per 1,000 population (according to NeighborhoodScout).
Despite these statistics, the downtown area of Monument boasts a high safety grade, with an overall crime index 49% below the national average (according to DoorProfit). This suggests that while localized variations exist, many areas within Monument offer a secure living experience.
Cost of Living in Monument
Monument’s cost of living is higher than both the national and state averages, largely driven by housing expenses. The overall cost of living in Monument is 21% higher than the national average (according to Payscale). Housing expenses in Monument are notably higher, standing at 51% above the national average (according to Payscale), and even 104% higher than the national average in some reports (according to AreaVibes).
While housing is a significant factor, other expenses present a more varied picture. Utility prices in Monument are 21% lower than the national average (according to Payscale). Transportation costs, including gas prices, are also slightly lower than the national average (according to Payscale).
Grocery prices in Monument are 3% higher than the national average (according to Payscale), and healthcare costs are 4% lower than the national average (according to Payscale). These varied costs mean that while housing is a major consideration, other daily expenses may offer some relief.
Housing Market
The housing market in Monument reflects its desirable location and growing popularity, with prices significantly above the national average. The median home value in Monument is reported to be $572,821 (according to Livability.com), while other sources indicate a median listing price of $825,000 (according to realtor.com®). The median home price is $502,000, with a median price per square foot of $275 (according to Move to Monument, CO).
Rental prices also indicate a strong market, with the median rent around $2,850 per month, which is 46% higher than the national average (according to Zumper). This upward trend in both home values and rental costs underscores the demand for housing in Monument.
Homes for sale in Monument have seen a decline in the median days on market year-over-year, suggesting a faster absorption rate for new listings (according to realtor.com®). This indicates a competitive market for both buyers and renters.
Job Market and Economy
Monument’s economy is supported by a growing employment sector with diverse industries. The most common employment sectors for residents include Educational Services, Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services, and Health Care & Social Assistance (according to Data USA). The highest paying industries in Monument are Information, Retail Trade, and Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services (according to Data USA).
Employment in Monument has seen growth, with a reported increase of 7.79% from the previous year (according to Data USA). The most common job groups among residents are in Management Occupations, Education Instruction & Library Occupations, and Computer & Mathematical Occupations (according to Data USA).
The average salary in Monument, Colorado, varies by source, with some reporting it around $44,010 annually (according to ZipRecruiter), while others indicate a higher average of $67,323 per year (according to ERI SalaryExpert). Government positions in Monument show a higher average annual pay of $108,699 (according to ZipRecruiter).
Major Employers
Several national companies have a presence in Monument, contributing to the local job market. These include Johnson & Johnson, Kelly Services, Jabil, and Ent Credit Union (according to Zippia). Lewis-Palmer School District 38 is also a significant employer in the area, serving the educational needs of the community (according to Zippia).
Other notable companies operating in Monument include Natural Grocers, PostalAnnex, Brakes Plus, and Home Instead (according to Zippia). The presence of these diverse businesses provides a range of employment opportunities for residents.
Local businesses and organizations are also vital to Monument’s economy, with a business directory available for those seeking local services or employment (according to the Town of Monument’s website).
Climate in Monument
Monument, Colorado, experiences a climate characterized by cold winters and warm summers, typical of its mountainous location. The average temperature ranges from a low of 15°F in winter to a high of 84°F in summer (according to myPerfectWeather). Summers are warm and comfortable, with pleasant humidity levels, while winters are freezing, snowy, and windy (according to Climate and Average Weather Year Round in Monument).
Annual snowfall in Monument is substantial, averaging around 106 inches, with April often being the snowiest month (according to myPerfectWeather). Total annual precipitation is moderate, around 20 inches, with July typically receiving the most rainfall (according to myPerfectWeather).
The best time to visit or enjoy outdoor activities in Monument is generally from May through September, when comfort levels peak with warmer temperatures and abundant sunshine (according to myPerfectWeather). The town receives ample sunshine, totaling about 3,058 hours per year (according to myPerfectWeather).
Education in Monument
Monument is served by the highly-rated Lewis-Palmer School District 38, which is recognized as one of the best school districts in Colorado (according to Niche). The district includes several well-regarded public schools, with top-ranked institutions like Prairie Winds Elementary School, Lewis-Palmer High School, and Palmer Ridge High School (according to Niche).
Monument’s public schools demonstrate strong academic performance, with average math proficiency scores of 55% and reading proficiency scores of 67% (according to Niche). These scores are notably higher than the state averages for Colorado public schools.
The district serves a significant number of students, with a total of 6,405 students in grades PK-12 and a student-teacher ratio of 17 to 1 (according to Niche). The schools in Monument have an average ranking of 10/10, placing them in the top 5% of Colorado public schools (according to Niche).
Demographics of Monument
Monument, Colorado, has an estimated population of 11,735 as of 2024, showing a notable increase from previous census counts (according to Data USA). The population is predominantly White, making up 83.4% of residents, with a smaller percentage identifying as Hispanic (8.8%) or Multiracial (4.2%) (according to Census Dots). This demographic makeup is less diverse than the state of Colorado overall (according to Census Dots).
The median age in Monument was 38.3 in 2024 (according to Data Commons), which is slightly higher than the median age for Colorado and the United States (according to Census Reporter). Approximately 28.5% of residents are under the age of 18, and 11.5% are 65 years of age or older (according to Wikipedia).
Citizenship is high in Monument, with 97.8% of residents being U.S. citizens, which is above the national average (according to Data USA). Poverty rates in Monument are also lower than the national average, with 4.65% of the population living below the poverty line (according to Data USA).