Is Colorado Springs Safe, Pros and cons of living in Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs, a city nestled at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, offers a compelling blend of natural beauty and urban amenities. Known for its stunning landscapes and outdoor recreational opportunities, it also presents a growing economy and a diverse population. This guide delves into the various aspects of life in Colorado Springs, exploring its safety, cost of living, job market, climate, and educational landscape.
With a population nearing half a million, Colorado Springs is the second-largest city in Colorado. Its strategic location and robust economic base have contributed to its steady growth. The city’s unique climate, characterized by abundant sunshine and low humidity, further enhances its appeal to residents and visitors alike.
Is it Safe to Live in Colorado Springs?
Violent Crime Rates
Colorado Springs experiences a crime rate that is higher than many other communities across the nation. The chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime in the city is approximately one in 24 (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Within Colorado, a significant majority of communities have lower crime rates than Colorado Springs.
Violent offenses include categories such as rape, murder, armed robbery, and aggravated assault. According to an analysis of FBI crime data, the likelihood of experiencing one of these crimes in Colorado Springs is about one in 140 (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). This places the city’s violent crime rate among the higher rates nationally when compared to communities of all sizes.
Property Crime Statistics
Property crimes, which encompass burglary, larceny, motor vehicle theft, and arson, are also a concern in Colorado Springs. The chance of becoming a victim of a property crime is about one in 29, with a rate of 34 per thousand population (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). The city has notably high rates of motor vehicle theft compared to other areas in the nation.
Specifically, the chance of experiencing vehicle theft in Colorado Springs is about one in 145 (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). This statistic highlights a particular area of concern within the broader property crime landscape of the city. Overall crime statistics indicate a total of 35,860 offenses, with an assault rate of 976 per 100,000 residents and a homicide rate of 9 per 100,000 residents (as reported by U.S. Crime Map).
Cost of Living in Colorado Springs
Housing Expenses
The cost of housing in Colorado Springs is generally higher than the national average. The median home price in the city is approximately $523,031, which is about 2.1% higher than the national average (as reported by Apartments.com). Renting in Colorado Springs is also a notable expense, with the average rent for an apartment being around $1,301 per month (as reported by Apartments.com).
This figure is 20.7% lower than the national average rent, suggesting that while homeownership may be above the national median, renting offers a more affordable option compared to the rest of the country. Housing costs in Colorado Springs are approximately 2.4% more expensive than the national average overall (as reported by Apartments.com).
Everyday Expenses
The overall cost of living in Colorado Springs is slightly higher than the national average, at about 0.8% more (as reported by Apartments.com). While housing is a bit more expensive, other daily expenses tend to be more aligned with or even lower than national figures. For instance, utility costs are about 20.7% lower than the national average (as reported by Apartments.com).
Groceries in Colorado Springs are approximately 3.0% more expensive than the national average (as reported by Apartments.com). Transportation costs are slightly lower, at 0.7% less than the national average. For a comfortable lifestyle as a single adult, an annual salary of around $79,000 before taxes is recommended (as reported by Apartments.com).
Job Market and Economy
Major Employers
Colorado Springs boasts a diverse economy with several major employers across various sectors. The U.S. military is a significant presence, with facilities like Peterson Space Force Base, Schriever Space Force Base, and the U.S. Air Force Academy, along with Fort Carson Army base (as reported by Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC). These military installations are among the largest employers in the region.
Beyond the military, the city is also a hub for technology and aerospace companies. Key employers include Northrop Grumman Corporation, Lockheed Martin Corp., and Boecore Inc. (as reported by PayScale). The healthcare sector is also robust, with UCHealth being a major provider of medical services in the area (as reported by Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC).
Salaries and Unemployment
The average salary in Colorado Springs is approximately $80,000 per year (as reported by PayScale). However, other sources indicate a slightly different average annual salary of $61,146 as of late April 2026 (as reported by ZipRecruiter). This range reflects variations in data collection and the types of jobs included in the averages.
The unemployment rate in Colorado Springs was at 4.40% as of January 2026 (as reported by YCharts). This rate is lower than the long-term average of 5.30% for the area. The most popular occupations in Colorado Springs include roles like Software Engineer, Project Manager, and Operations Manager (as reported by PayScale).
Climate in Colorado Springs
Temperature Ranges
Colorado Springs experiences a semi-arid climate with distinct seasons. Summers are warm, with July being the hottest month, averaging a high of about 83°F and a low of 55°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather). Winters are cold and snowy, with December seeing average highs of around 43°F and lows of 17°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather).
The average annual temperature ranges from a low of 16°F in December to a high of 83°F in July (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The city enjoys a significant amount of sunshine, with an average of 300 days of clear skies per year (as reported by Colorado Springs Weather).
Precipitation and Snowfall
The city receives moderate annual precipitation, averaging about 19 inches (as reported by myPerfectWeather). July typically sees the most rainfall, with an average of 1.7 inches (as reported by Colorado Springs Climate). January is the driest month, with almost no rainfall.
Annual snowfall in Colorado Springs averages around 71 inches, with April often being the snowiest month (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The city generally receives less snow than other mountain cities like Denver or Salt Lake City. The weather is often pleasant year-round due to low humidity and abundant sunshine.
Demographics and Education
Population and Diversity
Colorado Springs is home to a population of approximately 487,887 people, making it the second most populated city in Colorado (as reported by CUBIT). The racial composition is predominantly White (65.2%), followed by Hispanic (19.3%) and individuals identifying with two or more races (6.4%) (as reported by CUBIT). The median age of residents is 35.7 years (as reported by CUBIT).
The city’s population is projected to reach 497,549 by 2026. As of the most recent data, about 7.57% of residents were born outside the country (as reported by Data USA). The median household income in Colorado Springs was reported as $84,818 in 2024 (as reported by CUBIT).
School System Ratings
The public school system in Colorado Springs is varied, with different districts receiving different ratings. Colorado Springs School District No. 11 has an overall Niche grade of B- and a rating of 4.07 out of 5 (as reported by Niche). This district serves approximately 22,740 students and has a student-teacher ratio of 16:1.
Academy School District No. 20 is another major district, receiving an overall Niche grade of A- and a rating of 4.05 out of 5 (as reported by Niche). This district serves about 25,674 students with a similar student-teacher ratio of 16:1. Both districts have varying school ratings within them, with some elementary schools receiving A- grades (as reported by Niche).