Is Centennial Safe, Pros and cons of living in Centennial

Centennial, Colorado, offers a compelling blend of suburban comfort and accessible urban amenities, making it an attractive option for those considering a move. This city, named for Colorado’s admission to the Union in the nation’s centennial year, has grown into a significant municipality within the Denver metropolitan area. It provides a balanced lifestyle with a strong sense of community and a variety of opportunities for its residents.

The city is characterized by its well-planned neighborhoods, numerous parks, and a commitment to maintaining a high quality of life. Centennial is home to a diverse population, reflecting a broad range of backgrounds and experiences. Its location provides convenient access to Denver’s cultural attractions and the natural beauty of the Rocky Mountains, further enhancing its appeal.

Is it Safe to Live in Centennial?

Centennial generally presents a safe environment for its residents, with crime rates that are often compared to national averages. While the overall crime rate is considered by some sources to be slightly higher than the national average, others indicate it is lower. For instance, one report states the crime rate is 11% lower than the national average, with violent crime significantly lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). Another analysis indicates that Centennial’s crime rate is higher than 73% of Colorado’s cities and towns, with a violent crime rate of 2 per one thousand inhabitants (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

Your chance of being a victim of crime in Centennial can vary depending on the specific neighborhood. Some sources suggest that the eastern parts of the city are considered safer, with a lower chance of victimization compared to western neighborhoods. The cost of crime per resident is estimated to be around $543 annually, which is slightly higher than the national average but lower than Colorado’s state average (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

Housing Market and Cost of Living

The housing market in Centennial is competitive, with a median home price that is notably above the national average. As of March 2026, the median sale price of a home was $650,000, which had decreased by 2.1% compared to the previous year (as reported by Redfin). Another source indicates the median home value in March 2026 was $649,086, also showing a decrease of 2.8% over the past year (as reported by Zillow).

Rental costs in Centennial are also higher than the national average. The average rent for an apartment is reported to be around $2,031 per month, an increase of 0.99% from the previous year (as reported by RentCafe). For a one-bedroom apartment, the average rent is approximately $1,803 per month (as reported by Apartments.com). The overall cost of living in Centennial is generally higher than the national average, with housing expenses being a significant factor. Some reports suggest Centennial’s cost of living is 23% higher than the national average, largely driven by housing costs that are 48% higher than the national average (as reported by Payscale).

Median Home Prices and Trends

The median list price for homes in Centennial was $631,950 in April 2026 (as reported by Realtor.com). Over the last 30 days, the median home price was $650,000, showing a slight increase of 2.4% year-over-year (as reported by Orchard). The housing market is described as very competitive, with homes receiving an average of two offers and selling in about 12 days (as reported by Redfin).

Rental Market Insights

As of March 2026, the average rent in Centennial was $2,121 (as reported by Zillow). This is higher than the national average rent of $1,910 for the same period. Studio apartments are the most budget-friendly option, averaging $1,675 per month, while two-bedroom units average $2,288 per month (as reported by RentCafe).

Job Market and Economy

Centennial boasts a diverse economy with several major employers contributing to its robust job market. Key industries in the area include professional and business services, construction, finance, insurance, and real estate, as well as education and healthcare (as reported by the City of Centennial). The unemployment rate in Centennial was 3.90% as of the latest data, which is lower than the long-term average of 4.10% (as reported by YCharts).

The average annual salary in Centennial is approximately $58,638, equating to about $28.19 per hour (as reported by ZipRecruiter). However, another source indicates a median household income of $131,928 (as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau). A significant number of large companies have a presence in Centennial, including Comcast, United Launch Alliance, CommonSpirit Health, Arrow Electronics, and UnitedHealthcare, among others (as reported by the City of Centennial).

Major Employers and Industries

Prominent employers in Centennial include Comcast, United Launch Alliance (ULA), CommonSpirit Health, Arrow Electronics, and UnitedHealthcare (as reported by the City of Centennial). Arrow Electronics, a global supply chain company, is a significant employer in the region, located in Centennial and playing a key role for many businesses (as reported by Denver South). ULA, a leader in space launch, also has its headquarters in Centennial, employing top talent in the aerospace industry (as reported by Denver South).

Average Salaries and Employment Trends

The average annual salary in Centennial is around $58,638 (as reported by ZipRecruiter). The median household income, however, is reported at $131,928 (as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau). The unemployment rate in Centennial was 3.90% in the most recent data, indicating a healthy job market (as reported by YCharts). The city’s employment rate shows an average change of -112 jobs per month over the past year (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute).

Climate and Weather

Centennial experiences a climate characterized by warm summers and cold, snowy winters, with partly cloudy conditions throughout the year. The temperature typically ranges from 21°F to 86°F, rarely dropping below 5°F or exceeding 94°F (as reported by Weather Spark). The hot season lasts for about 3.2 months, from early June to mid-September, with average daily high temperatures above 78°F.

July is the hottest month, with average highs of 86°F and lows of 60°F. Conversely, the cold season spans approximately 3.5 months, from late November to early March, with average daily high temperatures below 51°F. December is the coldest month, with average lows of 22°F and highs of 44°F (as reported by Weather Spark). The city receives an average of 18 inches of rainfall annually, with about 67 inches of snowfall (as reported by Livability.com).

Education and Schools

Centennial is served by the Cherry Creek School District and the Littleton School District, offering a range of public educational institutions. Several schools in Centennial receive high ratings, including Cherry Creek High School and Grandview High School, both with ratings around 4.0 out of 5 (as reported by Niche). Arapahoe High School is consistently ranked among the top high schools in Colorado, and Newton Middle School is also highly regarded (as reported by SchoolDigger.com).

However, some schools in Centennial have faced challenges. For example, Centennial Elementary School in Evans, CO, ranks within the bottom 50% of schools in Colorado for test scores, with lower proficiency rates in math and reading compared to the state average (as reported by National Center for Education Statistics). Despite varying performance, the city’s school districts provide diverse educational options for families.

Demographics and Lifestyle

Centennial has a population of approximately 108,418 residents as of the 2020 census (as reported by Wikipedia). The city’s demographics show a predominantly White population, with significant Asian and Hispanic or Latino communities. The median age in Centennial is 37.2 years, slightly higher than the national average (as reported by Wikipedia).

The racial makeup of Centennial includes about 87.4% White, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, and 3.6% Asian (as reported by Wikipedia). Other sources provide slightly different figures, with one indicating 76.9% Caucasian, 2.9% African American, and 6.4% Asian (as reported by Point2Homes). The median household income in Centennial is substantial, with figures varying slightly by source, but generally placing it above the national average, indicating a relatively affluent population (as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau and Livability.com).

Pros and Cons of Living in Centennial

Centennial offers numerous advantages, including a strong sense of community, access to green spaces, and a generally safe environment. The city’s location provides convenient access to Denver’s amenities and the natural beauty of Colorado. The job market is robust, supported by a diverse range of industries and major employers.

However, the cost of living, particularly housing expenses, is significantly higher than the national average. While crime rates are comparable to or lower than national averages in some reports, others indicate they are higher than the state average for Colorado. Some schools within the city face academic challenges, though many are highly rated.