Is Air Force Academy Safe, Pros and cons of living in Air Force Academy
Nestled against the stunning backdrop of Pikes Peak, Colorado Springs offers a unique blend of natural beauty and urban amenities. This vibrant city, located at the eastern edge of the Rocky Mountains, is a popular destination for those seeking outdoor adventure and a high quality of life. Its strategic location and growing economy make it an attractive place for both individuals and families to consider relocating.
The city’s commitment to preserving its natural surroundings is evident in its numerous parks and open spaces, providing residents with ample opportunities for recreation and enjoyment. From hiking and biking trails to scenic drives, Colorado Springs is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. The community’s dedication to maintaining a high standard of living is further reflected in its diverse economic landscape and its focus on providing essential services to its growing population.
Is it Safe to Live in Colorado Springs?
Colorado Springs presents a varied safety profile across its neighborhoods. The violent crime rate in the area is reported at 4.251 per 1,000 residents annually (according to CrimeGrade.org). Residents generally perceive the northeast part of the city as the safest (according to CrimeGrade.org). Your likelihood of being a victim of violent crime differs by neighborhood, ranging from 1 in 159 in the south to 1 in 418 in the northeast (according to CrimeGrade.org).
Overall, Colorado Springs is considered safer than 27% of U.S. cities, receiving a D+ grade for its violent crime rate, which is higher than the average U.S. city (according to CrimeGrade.org). The total crime rate has seen a decrease, falling by 15.9% from 2010 to 2022 (according to Common Sense Institute). However, as of 2022, the crime rate in Colorado Springs is still 7.7% higher than the state average (according to Common Sense Institute).
Housing Costs and Availability
The housing market in Colorado Springs shows a median home price of approximately $450,000 as of February 2025, reflecting a 3.4% increase from the previous year (according to SoFi). Other recent data indicates a median home price of $451,202, which is down 2.1% over the past year (according to Zillow). The median sale price was $449,475 in the last 30 days, down 2.9% year-over-year (according to Orchard). The median listing price stands at $460,000 (according to realtor.com®).
Rental prices in Colorado Springs are generally more affordable than the national average. The average rent for an apartment is $1,517, a 1.09% decrease from the previous year (according to RentCafe). As of May 2026, the average rent is $1,302 per month, which is 21% lower than the national average (according to Apartments.com). For a one-bedroom apartment, the average rent is around $1,302 per month (according to Apartments.com).
Job Market and Major Employers
Colorado Springs boasts a robust economy with a diverse range of industries. The largest employer in the region is the U.S. military, with significant presences at Peterson Air Force Base, Schriever Air Force Base, and the United States Air Force Academy, as well as Fort Carson Army base (according to Zippia). These military installations play a crucial role in the local economy and employment landscape.
Beyond the military, other significant employers include UCHealth, a major healthcare provider, and technology companies such as Hewlett Packard, Oracle, and FedEx (according to Zippia). The tourism and sports industries also contribute to the job market, supporting hospitality, restaurant, and visitor-based businesses. The average salary for jobs in Colorado Springs is approximately $67,601 per year (according to ERI SalaryExpert).
Climate and Weather Patterns
Colorado Springs experiences a semi-arid climate with abundant sunshine, averaging 300 sunny days per year (according to World Population Review). The city receives approximately 16.5 inches of annual precipitation (according to Wikipedia). Summers are warm, with July, the warmest month, averaging 70.9°F (21.6°C) and often seeing days with temperatures above 90°F (according to Wikipedia).
Winters are cold and snowy, with December typically being the coldest month, averaging 30.8°F (-0.7°C) (according to Wikipedia). Snowfall is moderate, with the city receiving about 38 inches per season (according to Wikipedia). The city’s high elevation and dry air contribute to cool nights, even during the summer months.
Education and School Ratings
The public schools in Colorado Springs demonstrate strong academic performance. The average math proficiency score is 34%, and the average reading proficiency score is 48%, both exceeding the state averages (according to Niche). Schools in the area hold an average ranking of 7 out of 10, placing them in the top 50% of Colorado public schools (according to Niche).
Key educational institutions and highly-rated schools include The Vanguard School, The Classical Academy High School, and Ascend College Prep (according to Niche). The city also hosts a variety of private educational options, such as The Colorado Springs School, which is recognized for its college preparatory programs (according to Niche).
Demographics and Population
Colorado Springs is a diverse city with a population of approximately 487,887 residents, according to the most recent Census data (according to Point2Homes). The racial composition is primarily White, making up 65.2% of the population, followed by Hispanic at 19.3% (according to Census Dots). Other significant demographic groups include those identifying as two or more races (6.4%), Black (5.3%), and Asian (2.9%) (according to Census Dots).
The median age in Colorado Springs is 35.7 years (according to World Population Review). The gender distribution is nearly balanced, with 50% male and 50% female residents (according to Point2Homes). The median household income is reported at $84,818, with a poverty rate of 9.05% (according to World Population Review).
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Colorado Springs is generally considered to be slightly higher than the national average. Overall, it is 2.1% higher than the national average, with housing costs being about 10% higher (according to Extra Space Storage). However, certain expenses, such as utilities, are significantly lower, ranging about 20% less than the national average (according to Extra Space Storage).
For a single adult, estimated monthly expenses, excluding rent, are around $1,300 (according to Extra Space Storage). To live comfortably in Colorado Springs as a single adult, a pre-tax salary of approximately $79,000 is recommended (according to Apartments.com). This figure accounts for housing, groceries, and other goods and services.
Unemployment and Economic Indicators
The unemployment rate in Colorado Springs has remained relatively stable. As of April 2026, the unemployment rate was 4.50% (according to FRED). This figure is lower than the long-term average of 5.30% for the area (according to FRED). The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics provides monthly updates on this economic indicator.
The city’s economic health is further supported by a low annual unemployment rate goal, as outlined in its economic indicators (according to City of Colorado Springs). The average hourly wage in Colorado Springs was $33.21 in May 2024, compared to the nationwide average of $32.66 (according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).