Is Ward Safe, Pros and cons of living in Ward

Ward, Colorado, offers a unique living experience nestled in the mountains, providing a blend of natural beauty and a close-knit community feel. This small town, located in Boulder County, is known for its picturesque setting and a slower pace of life, appealing to those seeking an escape from the hustle and bustle of larger cities. Its history as a former mining settlement adds a layer of character to its present-day charm.

The town’s demographics paint a picture of a mature population with a strong sense of community. Ward’s residents tend to be liberal, and the town provides a rural feel with most residents owning their homes. This environment fosters a unique lifestyle for those who choose to call Ward home.

Is it Safe to Live in Ward?

Safety in Ward is a complex issue, with varying perspectives depending on the specific area within the town. While some residents consider the northern parts of the city to be the safest, the overall crime rate presents a mixed picture.

Ward has a violent crime rate of 10.74 per 1,000 residents in a typical year (according to CrimeGrade.org). This rate is higher than both the national average and Colorado’s state average, contributing to an overall crime safety grade of F for the vicinity, indicating that it is safer than only 3% of U.S. cities (according to CrimeGrade.org). The chance of being a victim of violent crime can vary significantly by neighborhood, ranging from 1 in 68 in the west to 1 in 148 in the north (according to CrimeGrade.org).

Housing Costs

Housing in Ward presents a significant financial consideration, with home values and rental prices reflecting the desirability of its mountain setting. The median home value in Ward is approximately $529,588, showing a slight decrease of 2.7% over the past year as of April 2026 (according to Zillow). This median value is slightly lower than the national average of $332,700 (according to Niche).

Rental costs in Ward are also notable. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $1,950 per month (according to Zillow). Other sources indicate a broader range for rental homes, with an average monthly rent of $4,236, though prices can vary significantly from $1,350 to $18,900 (according to doxo). This indicates a wide spectrum of housing options and associated costs within the town.

Median Home Value Trends

The median home value in Ward has seen some fluctuations. As of April 2026, Zillow reports the typical home value at $529,588, a 2.7% decrease from the previous year. However, other data from April 2026 indicates a median list price of $879,750, a substantial increase from $650,000 in 2025, suggesting a seller’s market (according to Movoto). Redfin reports the median sale price of a home in Ward was $309,000 last month, up 16.6% since last year (as of December 2022).

These varying figures highlight the dynamic nature of the Ward housing market. The median home value was reported as $322,200 (according to Niche) and $405,006 (according to BestNeighborhood.org), while another source cites a median home value of $292,900 (according to Boulder County Trends Dashboard). These discrepancies may be due to different data collection methods and timeframes.

Rental Market Overview

The rental market in Ward offers a range of options, though with a higher-than-average cost. The average rent for all bedrooms and property types in Ward is $1,950 per month, with a month-over-month change of $0 and a year-over-year change of +$400 (according to Zillow). There are currently a limited number of rentals available in Ward, CO.

For those seeking larger accommodations, three-bedroom apartments in Ward range from $2,277 to $4,609, while three-bedroom homes, condos, and townhomes for rent range from $2,200 to $5,500 (according to doxo). The average cost of rent is $1,240 per month (according to BestNeighborhood.org).

Job Market and Economy

Ward’s economy is characterized by a small workforce and a concentration in specific employment sectors. The job market is powered by approximately 63 working residents, with a significant portion, 82.5%, employed in professional or administrative positions (according to VertexAI Search). A notable 30.2% of these residents run their own businesses, indicating a strong entrepreneurial spirit within the community.

The primary employment sectors in Ward are Health Care & Social Assistance, Retail Trade, and Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services. The highest paying industries include Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services, with an average annual salary of $105,938 (according to VertexAI Search). Overall employment in Ward saw a growth of 16.7% from the previous year, indicating a positive trend in job creation.

Major Employers

Identifying major employers in Ward is challenging due to its small population size, but the broader Boulder County region offers a diverse employment landscape. Key industries in the Boulder MSA include Aerospace, Medical Devices & Diagnostics, and Information Technology – Software (according to mySidewalk). Major employers in the wider Boulder area include Lockheed Martin, Medtronic, NetApp, NIST, NOAA, Northrop Grumman, and the University of Colorado Boulder (according to mySidewalk).

While specific large-scale employers within Ward itself are not extensively documented, the surrounding region provides a robust job market. This suggests that residents of Ward may commute to nearby areas for employment, drawing from the diverse economic base of Boulder County.

Average Salary and Unemployment

The average annual salary in Ward is reported as $46,606, which equates to approximately $22.41 per hour (according to ZipRecruiter). Most salaries in Ward range between $37,246 and $54,983 annually. The median household income in Ward was $56,875 in 2024 (according to the U.S. Census Bureau), a figure that is about two-thirds of the amount in Colorado ($52,636) and a little less than the amount in the United States ($44,673) (according to Census Reporter).

The unemployment rate in Ward stands at 4.6% (according to VertexAI Search), which is considered typical. For comparison, the unemployment rate in Colorado was 3.9% in March 2026 (according to USAFacts). The poverty rate in Ward is 22.33% (according to VertexAI Search), which is higher than the national average of 12.5% (according to Data USA).

Climate and Weather

Ward experiences a mountain climate characterized by distinct seasons, including cold winters and warm summers. The average temperature ranges from a low of 13°F in December to a high of 73°F in July (according to myPerfectWeather). Annual snowfall is significant, with an average of 147 inches, and April is typically the snowiest month.

Total annual precipitation is moderate, averaging 31 inches, with a peak in April (according to myPerfectWeather). Humidity levels remain low to comfortable year-round, with dew points mostly below 50°F. Ward enjoys approximately 2,776 hours of sunshine annually, with the sunniest periods from June to October.

Seasonal Temperatures

During the summer months, July is the hottest month in Ward, with an average high temperature of 73°F and an average low of 46°F (according to myPerfectWeather). In contrast, winter brings the lowest temperatures, with December seeing an average high of 33°F and an average low of 14°F. May temperatures average around 55°F, with nighttime lows feeling like 34°F (according to WorldWeatherOnline).

July days in Ward typically range from a high of 80°F to a low of 51°F, described as pleasantly warm and breezy (according to Wanderlog). The coldest month, February, has days with highs of 32°F and lows of 13°F. The air quality index in Ward is 12% worse than the national average, and the pollution index is 82% worse than the national average (according to AreaVibes).

Education

The public schools serving Ward are part of the Boulder Valley School District, which generally receives positive ratings. Niche provides an overall grade of C- for Ward’s schools, with a student-teacher ratio of 21:1. However, specific schools within the district that serve Ward residents often receive higher marks.

For instance, Peak to Peak Charter School is rated A+ with a student-teacher ratio of 16:1, and High Peaks Elementary School has a rating of 4.91 out of 5 stars (according to Niche). The Boulder Valley School District itself has an overall rating of 4.04 out of 5 stars, based on millions of reviews and key statistics (according to Niche).

School District Performance

The Boulder Valley School District is recognized for its performance, with factors like state test scores, college readiness, and teacher quality contributing to its rankings. While Ward is part of this district, the specific performance metrics for Ward itself are not detailed separately. The district as a whole serves a large number of students, with 28,357 students across 56 schools.

A significant portion of Ward’s population has pursued higher education, with 40.7% having attended college, 10.5% earning an associate degree, 19.8% holding a bachelor’s degree, and 15.1% obtaining a master’s or doctorate (according to VertexAI Search). This educational attainment suggests a well-educated populace within the community.

Demographics

Ward is a small town with a population of 103 residents, according to the most recent Census data (according to VertexAI Search). The median age in Ward is 46.8 years, with a significant portion of the population (37.9%) falling into the 45 to 64 age bracket (according to VertexAI Search). This indicates an older demographic compared to many other towns.

The gender distribution shows 32% of residents are male and 68% are female (according to VertexAI Search). Racially, the population is predominantly White (85.4%), with smaller percentages of residents identifying as Two or More races (13.6%) and Asian (1%) (according to VertexAI Search).

Population Trends

The population of Ward has remained relatively stable, with projections indicating a slight increase to 104 residents in 2026 (according to VertexAI Search). This projection is based on a consistent annual rate of change. In 2020, the census reported a population of 128 (according to Wikipedia).

Historically, Ward has experienced population fluctuations. Founded in 1860 as a mining settlement, its population boomed and then declined significantly. A revival occurred in the 1930s with the construction of the Peak-to-Peak Highway, and in the 1960s, the town saw a population jump due to interest from counterculture movements.

Household and Family Structure

Ward has approximately 60 households, with an average of two members per household (according to VertexAI Search). Of these households, 48.3% are families, while the remaining 51.7% consist of individuals living alone or with non-relatives. In 2010, 52% of households were classified as non-families, and 8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older (according to Wikipedia).

The median household income in Ward was $56,875 in 2024 (according to the U.S. Census Bureau). However, the poverty rate is noted at 22.3%, which is higher than the national average (according to Data USA). This suggests that while many residents own their homes, a notable portion of the population experiences financial challenges.

Pros and Cons of Living in Ward

Ward offers a distinct lifestyle with both appealing advantages and notable drawbacks. The natural beauty of its mountain setting, the quiet, rural atmosphere, and a strong sense of community are significant draws for residents seeking a peaceful existence.

However, the high cost of living, particularly housing expenses, and the limited local job market are considerable challenges. The town’s small size also means fewer amenities and services compared to larger urban centers. Additionally, the higher-than-average violent crime rate is a concern for those prioritizing safety.

Advantages of Ward Living

The primary advantage of living in Ward is its stunning natural environment and the tranquility it offers. Residents enjoy close proximity to outdoor recreational activities, with opportunities for hiking, biking, and enjoying scenic mountain views. The town’s rural feel and small population foster a close-knit community where neighbors often know each other.

The liberal political leaning of its residents also contributes to a specific community vibe. Furthermore, the high level of educational attainment among the population suggests an engaged and informed citizenry. The town’s historical mining roots add a unique cultural dimension.

Disadvantages of Ward Living

The cost of living in Ward is a significant disadvantage, with housing expenses being particularly high. The average monthly housing cost, including rent, utilities, and other expenses, can be substantial. The limited local job market may necessitate commuting to nearby areas for employment, which adds to transportation costs and time.

While Ward has a higher-than-average violent crime rate (10.74 per 1,000 residents) (according to CrimeGrade.org), it’s important to note that crime can vary by neighborhood. The town’s remote location also means fewer conveniences and services readily available compared to more populated areas.