Is Denver Safe, Pros and cons of living in Denver
Denver, Colorado, often called the “Mile High City,” is a vibrant and growing metropolis situated at the base of the Rocky Mountains. Its stunning natural surroundings, coupled with a dynamic urban environment, attract residents and visitors alike. The city offers a unique blend of outdoor adventure and cultural experiences, making it a desirable place to live for many.
This guide explores the various facets of life in Denver, from safety and cost of living to job opportunities and educational institutions. Understanding these key aspects can help you make an informed decision if you’re considering a move to this popular Western city.
Is it Safe to Live in Denver?
Denver’s crime rates present a complex picture, with varying trends in both violent and property crimes. In 2024, citywide violent crime counts remained relatively stable compared to the previous year, with approximately 450 reported crimes per month (as reported by Denverite). However, certain neighborhoods experienced significant increases in violent crime rates, with Sun Valley seeing its rate nearly double from 2023 to 2024 (as reported by Denverite).
Property crime also shows mixed trends. While overall property crime counts in Denver declined significantly in 2024 compared to 2023, with 33,000 reported crimes versus 40,000, some areas saw increases in their property crime rates (as reported by Denverite). The Denver International Airport (DIA) area, in particular, has a high rate of property crime, reporting 1,508.5 crimes per 1,000 residents in 2023-2024 (as reported by Denverite).
Cost of Living in Denver
Housing Costs
The cost of living in Denver is generally higher than the national average. Housing expenses are a significant factor, with the average home price in Denver being approximately $659,481, which is about 27.1% higher than the national average (as reported by Extra Space Storage). Similarly, the average apartment rent in Denver is about 20.8% higher than the national average (as reported by Extra Space Storage).
For renters, the median rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Denver was approximately $1,391 in early 2024, while a two-bedroom was around $1,720 (as reported by Denverite). More recent data indicates the average rent in Denver, CO is $1,623 per month, which is 1% lower than the national average (as reported by Apartments.com). The average monthly rent across the metro area is $1,807 (as reported by Apartment Association of Metro Denver).
Everyday Expenses
Beyond housing, other daily expenses in Denver also tend to be higher than the national average. Groceries are approximately 2% pricier in Denver than in the rest of the country (as reported by Apartments.com). Similarly, clothing costs around 10% more (as reported by RentCafe).
However, some expenses are lower than the national average. Utilities in Denver are about 13% less pricey than the national average (as reported by Apartments.com). Transportation costs, including bus fares and gas prices, are also slightly lower, by about 2% (as reported by Apartments.com).
Job Market and Economy
Major Employers
Denver boasts a diverse employment base with major employers spanning various industries. The Denver International Airport is a significant employer, as are the City and County of Denver, Denver Public Schools, and Denver Health (as reported by Reddit). Other key employers include United Airlines, HCA Healthcare, and the University of Denver (as reported by Reddit).
The aerospace and defense sectors are also prominent in the Denver area, with companies like Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and Raytheon having a strong presence (as reported by Reddit). This diverse economic landscape offers a wide range of career opportunities for residents.
Unemployment and Salaries
The unemployment rate in the Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO Metropolitan Statistical Area was 4.50% as of January 2026 (as reported by YCharts). This figure is lower than the long-term average of 4.63% (as reported by YCharts). The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that as of May 2024, workers in the Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO Metropolitan Statistical Area had an average hourly wage of $38.45, which is higher than the nationwide average of $32.66 (as reported by Bureau of Labor Statistics).
The median salary in Denver, CO is approximately $66,516, with most salaries falling between $34,800 and $143,550 (as reported by Gusto). This indicates that salaries in Denver are generally above the national average, reflecting the city’s strong economic performance.
Climate and Weather
Temperatures and Seasons
Denver experiences a semi-arid, four-season climate with mild temperatures and abundant sunshine. The average annual temperature is around 50.4°F (10.2°C) (as reported by Wikipedia). Summers are warm, with July being the hottest month, averaging a high of 88°F (as reported by Denver Climate Guide) and a low of 60°F (as reported by Climate of Denver).
Winters are typically dry and range from mild to moderately cold. December is the coldest month, with an average temperature of 32°F, a high of 46°F, and a low of 23°F (as reported by Denver Climate Guide). Snowfall is common in the winter months, with an average seasonal accumulation of about 53.8 inches (as reported by Wikipedia).
Precipitation and Sunshine
Denver receives an average of 14.30 inches of precipitation annually (as reported by Wikipedia), which is less than the U.S. average of 38 inches (as reported by Denver Climate Guide). May is typically the wettest month, with an average precipitation of 2.56 inches (as reported by Denver Climate Guide). The city averages 270 clear and partly cloudy days per year, totaling approximately 3,200 hours of sunshine, making it one of the sunniest major cities (as reported by Wikipedia).
Despite the low humidity, Denver experiences a significant amount of sunshine year-round. The dry air and high elevation contribute to the unique climate, with large diurnal temperature ranges being common.
Education in Denver
School District Overview
Denver Public Schools (DPS) is a large, public school district serving the city of Denver. It is considered an above-average district, with a student-teacher ratio of 15 to 1 (as reported by Niche). According to state test scores, 29% of students are proficient in math and 39% are proficient in reading within the district (as reported by Niche).
DPS ranks among the most diverse school districts in Colorado and is recognized for its athletic programs. The district encompasses numerous elementary, middle, and high schools, each with varying performance metrics and student reviews (as reported by Niche).
Top-Rated Schools
Several schools within and around Denver receive high ratings. For instance, Polaris Elementary School and Cory Elementary School both have a 5 out of 5 rating (as reported by Niche). Among high schools, Kent Denver School and Colorado Academy are highly regarded, with ratings of 4.4 out of 5 (as reported by Niche).
Other well-regarded institutions include DSST: Cedar High School and Northfield High School, which also receive strong reviews from students and parents (as reported by Niche). The Niche platform provides detailed rankings and reviews for a wide array of K-12 schools in the Denver area.
Demographics of Denver
Population and Diversity
As of 2024, Denver’s population is approximately 719,000 people, making it the most populous city in Colorado (as reported by Data USA). The projected population for Denver is 724,298 for 2026 (as reported by Data USA). The racial makeup of Denver includes a majority of White residents, followed by Hispanic and Black or African American populations (as reported by Data USA).
Non-Hispanic whites constitute a significant portion of the population. Major ethnic groups of European ancestry include German, British, and Irish. Approximately one-third of Denver’s population is of Hispanic or Latino origin (as reported by Wikipedia).
Age and Household Composition
The median age in the Denver-Aurora-Centennial metro area is 37.5 years, which is slightly younger than the U.S. median of 39.2 years (as reported by Census Reporter). The population is distributed across various age ranges, with a notable concentration in the 20-39 age brackets. Households in Denver are split evenly between owner-occupied and renter-occupied units, with 50% in each category (as reported by Data USA).
The average household income in Denver was $94,718 in 2024 (as reported by Data USA). Despite this, 8.0% of Denver families live below the poverty line (as reported by Data USA).