Is Brush Safe, Pros and cons of living in Brush
Brush, Colorado, offers a unique blend of small-town charm and practical amenities, making it a noteworthy consideration for those seeking a change of scenery. Nestled in Morgan County, this community provides a distinct lifestyle that balances a connection to its agricultural roots with developing economic opportunities. It presents a distinct character shaped by its history and evolving present.
The town’s location on the plains of eastern Colorado, at the convergence of major highways, has historically positioned it as a strategic point for commerce and community. This has fostered a resilient spirit and a commitment to local growth, evident in its ongoing development and community initiatives. Brush aims to provide a welcoming environment for both long-time residents and newcomers.
Is it Safe to Live in Brush?
Brush, Colorado, presents a mixed picture regarding safety, with overall crime rates noted as being higher than the national average in some reports. The crime rate is reported at 58.99 per 1,000 residents in a typical year (according to CrimeGrade.org). Brush ranks in the 6th percentile for safety, meaning it is safer than only 6% of U.S. cities, with crime rates significantly higher than the average American city (according to CrimeGrade.org).
However, perceptions of safety can vary within the city, with residents generally considering the western parts of Brush to be the safest. Your chance of being a victim of crime can range significantly by neighborhood, from 1 in 11 in the east to 1 in 21 in the west (according to CrimeGrade.org). The cost of crime per resident is estimated at $912 annually, which is higher than both the national and state averages (according to CrimeGrade.org).
Housing and Cost of Living
The cost of living in Brush, Colorado, is generally considered more affordable than the national average, though some sources indicate a higher cost compared to the state average. Brush is reported to be 12% less expensive than the national average and 19% less expensive than the average city in Colorado (according to ERI Economic Research Institute). This affordability extends to housing, transportation, and food costs, which are noted as being more affordable than the U.S. average (according to ERI Economic Research Institute).
The median home price in Brush is approximately $259,000, though this figure can fluctuate, with some reports indicating a median listing price of $340,000 (according to Redfin and realtor.com®). Median rent for a single-family home is around $1,300 per month (according to Homes.com). While housing costs are generally favorable, healthcare costs in Brush are noted as being less affordable than the U.S. average (according to ERI Economic Research Institute).
Job Market and Economy
Brush’s economy is historically rooted in agriculture, with feedlots, farms, and meat processing plants forming a significant part of its economic base. Sugar beets also remain an important crop for local farmers (according to Colorado Encyclopedia). Healthcare is another major sector, with the East Morgan County Hospital and the Eben Ezer Lutheran Care Center serving as key employers (according to Colorado Encyclopedia).
In recent years, Brush has seen the establishment of new industrial employers and downtown businesses, alongside preparations for commercial development and an industrial park near Interstate 76 (according to About Brush). The town has received recognition for its economic development efforts, including the Small Community of the Year award in 2014 (according to About Brush and Colorado Encyclopedia). The average salary in Brush is approximately $63,075 annually (according to ERI Economic Research Institute), with a median household income reported around $73,382 (according to Niche and Data USA).
Climate and Weather
Brush, Colorado, experiences a climate characterized by hot summers and cold, snowy winters. Temperatures typically range from 12°F to 91°F throughout the year (according to myPerfectWeather). The annual precipitation averages about 16 inches, with approximately 29 inches of snowfall (according to myPerfectWeather).
Summers in Brush are generally hot and mostly clear, with July being the hottest month, featuring average highs of around 90°F and lows of 59°F (according to myPerfectWeather). Winters are cold, snowy, and windy, with December experiencing average lows of 13°F and highs of 42°F (according to myPerfectWeather). The humidity level remains comfortable during the summer months, contributing to a pleasant environment.
Education and Schools
The educational landscape in Brush, Colorado, includes a few public schools serving students from elementary through high school. The Brush School District No. RE-2 operates four schools: Brush High School, Brush Middle School, Beaver Valley Elementary School, and Thomson Primary School (according to Niche). Overall, these schools have received lower ratings, with many earning 1-star or 2-star ratings from SchoolDigger (according to SchoolDigger.com).
Brush High School shows a relatively strong 4-year graduation rate of 84.2% and a low dropout rate of 1.9% (according to SchoolDigger.com). However, standardized test performance across the district is a concern, with a high rate of chronic absenteeism also noted (according to SchoolDigger.com). Many students in the district receive free or reduced-price lunch, indicating potential socioeconomic challenges that may impact academic performance.
Demographics
Brush, Colorado, is home to a population of approximately 5,306 residents (according to Niche and Data USA). The median age in Brush is around 38.6 years (according to Data USA and Townfolio).
The racial makeup of Brush is diverse, with White individuals constituting the largest group at around 72.4% (according to Point2Homes). Hispanic or Latino residents make up a significant portion of the population, at approximately 30.8% (according to Data USA and Point2Homes). The population includes about 12.3% of residents born outside the country (according to Data USA).