Is Gunbarrel Safe, Pros and cons of living in Gunbarrel

The median home value in Gunbarrel, Colorado, is approximately $762,322 as of March 2026 (Zillow). This figure has seen a slight decrease of 0.3% over the past year. Alternatively, the median listing price for a home in Gunbarrel is around $527,500, with a year-over-year sale price decline of 29.22% (Realtor.com® Research). Another report indicates a median home price of $795,000 over the last 30 days, representing an 11.2% year-over-year decrease (Orchard). Home prices in Gunbarrel are significantly higher than the national median of $393,134 and also exceed Colorado’s average of $541,803 (BestNeighborhood.org).

For renters, the median rent in Gunbarrel hovers around $2,200 per month (Realtor.com® Research). Other sources indicate a median rent of approximately $1,800 for a one-bedroom apartment and up to $4,500 for larger units (Rentometer). Apartments.com reports an average rent of $1,608 for a studio, $1,836 for a one-bedroom, $2,086 for a two-bedroom, and $2,521 for a three-bedroom apartment as of May 2026, with a year-over-year decrease of 5.1% (Apartments.com). RentCafe notes the average rent in Gunbarrel is $1,924 (RentCafe). The tight housing market, with a vacancy rate of 0.7%, suggests high demand (NeighborhoodScout).

Gunbarrel’s median household income is reported at $109,407 (World Population Review), while Data Commons cites a median income of $63,477 for 2024. Livability.com reports a median household income of $124,164 (Livability.com). The average individual income in Gunbarrel is approximately $70,422 (US Census Bureau, via Valta & Co.). The poverty rate in Gunbarrel is 8.82% (World Population Review), which is notably lower than the national average (NeighborhoodScout).

Is it Safe to Live in Gunbarrel?

Gunbarrel’s overall crime rate is reported to be 76% below the national average, with violent crime rates also significantly lower than the national average (AreaVibes). However, another source indicates that Gunbarrel ranks in the 20th percentile for safety, meaning it is safer than only 20% of cities, with a violent crime rate of 4.915 per 1,000 residents (CrimeGrade.org). Residents often consider the eastern parts of the city to be the safest (CrimeGrade.org).

Gunbarrel Ridge, a specific neighborhood within Gunbarrel, boasts an “A+” safety grade, with an overall crime index 84% below the national average (DoorProfit). Violent crime in this specific area is 53% below the national average, and property crime is 61% below the national average (DoorProfit). Robbery is the most elevated crime concern in Gunbarrel Ridge, though still below average, while murder is the lowest risk (DoorProfit).

Climate and Weather in Gunbarrel

Gunbarrel experiences a climate with average high temperatures around 66°F and lows around 36°F (Livability.com). The area receives approximately 18 inches of rainfall annually and about 71 inches of snowfall (Livability.com). The National Weather Service provides detailed forecasts and climate data for the region, noting conditions like sunny days with highs near 79°F and cooler nights around 50°F (National Weather Service).

The climate in Gunbarrel is influenced by its proximity to the Rocky Mountains, leading to varied weather patterns. Summer days can be warm, with highs often reaching into the high 80s, while winter brings colder temperatures and significant snowfall. Residents can expect a generally dry climate with four distinct seasons (NOAA).

Education in Gunbarrel

Gunbarrel is served by highly-rated public schools, with Niche ranking it among the best suburbs for public schools in Colorado (Niche). Top-rated schools in the area include Peak to Peak Charter School, Fairview High School, Summit Middle Charter School, and High Peaks Elementary School (Niche).

The Boulder Valley School District and St. Vrain Valley School District serve the Gunbarrel area, both receiving strong ratings (Niche). For instance, Boulder Valley School District has an overall rating of A-, and St. Vrain Valley School District is rated A- (Niche). These districts are recognized for their academic rigor and student support services.

Demographics of Gunbarrel

As of the 2020 census, Gunbarrel had a population of 9,554 (Wikipedia). More recent estimates suggest a population of 10,051 in 2024 (Data Commons) and a projected 2026 population of 10,692 (World Population Review). The population is growing at an annual rate of approximately 0.84% (World Population Review).

The median age in Gunbarrel is around 43.3 years (World Population Review), with a nearly even split between males and females. The racial composition is predominantly White, at over 80%, followed by Asian and smaller percentages of other races (World Population Review). A significant portion of residents, 76.8%, have earned at least a bachelor’s degree (NeighborhoodScout).

Job Market and Major Employers

Gunbarrel’s economy is supported by a diverse range of industries, with major employers in sectors such as aerospace, IT, biosciences, and education (Metro Denver Economic Development Corporation). Key employers in the broader Boulder area include Ball Aerospace & Technologies, Boulder Community Health, Boulder County, Boulder Valley School District, City of Boulder, Google, IBM, Medtronic, UCAR/NCAR, and the University of Colorado Boulder (Metro Denver Economic Development Corporation).

The unemployment rate in Colorado was 3.9% as of March 2026 (Colorado Department of Labor and Employment). This rate is slightly higher than the national unemployment rate of 4.3% for the same period (Bureau of Labor Statistics). The professional and business services sector, along with educational and health services, have seen significant job growth in Colorado (Bureau of Labor Statistics).

Housing Market Overview

The housing market in Gunbarrel is characterized by high property values and limited inventory. The median home value stands at approximately $762,322 as of March 2026 (Zillow), with prices being considerably higher than both the national and state averages (BestNeighborhood.org). The area has a low vacancy rate of 0.7%, indicating a tight housing supply (NeighborhoodScout).

The demand for housing in Gunbarrel is strong, contributing to its high median home values. Both single-family homes and townhomes make up the majority of the residential real estate, with most properties being owner-occupied. Many homes were built between 1970 and 1999, with some newer constructions also present (NeighborhoodScout).