Is Commerce City Safe, Pros and cons of living in Commerce City

Is it Safe to Live in Commerce City?

Commerce City grapples with a crime rate that is significantly higher than the national average. The overall crime rate is approximately 73% higher than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). Specifically, violent crimes in Commerce City are about 120% higher than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes).

Your chance of being a victim of a violent crime in Commerce City is about 1 in 127 (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Property crimes also present a concern, with a rate that is 63.2% higher than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). Motor vehicle theft, in particular, is a notable issue, with Commerce City experiencing one of the highest rates in the United States (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

However, safety can vary by neighborhood within Commerce City. While some areas may present a higher risk, others are considered safer (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). The northeast part of the city is generally considered the safest by residents (as reported by CrimeGrade.org).

Pros and Cons of Living in Commerce City

Cost of Living and Housing

The overall cost of living in Commerce City is approximately 2% lower than the national average (as reported by Payscale). Housing expenses are notably lower, by about 16% compared to the national average (as reported by Payscale). The median home price in Commerce City is around $499,700 (as of 2024) (as reported by Data Commons). The median rent is approximately $1,342 per month (as reported by Payscale).

Job Market and Economy

The average salary in Commerce City is around $48,661 annually (as of April 2026) (as reported by ZipRecruiter). The cost of living is about 2% lower than the national average (as reported by Payscale). Major employers in Commerce City include Suncor Energy, Sysco, and Walmart (as reported by Zippia and Indeed.com). The transportation, logistics, and distribution sector is a significant part of the local economy, with over 100 companies in this industry (as reported by Commerce City Economic Development).

Climate

Commerce City experiences a climate with temperatures ranging from 17°F to 91°F throughout the year (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The annual precipitation averages about 16 inches, with around 45 inches of snowfall (as reported by myPerfectWeather). May is typically the wettest month, with an average of 2 inches of precipitation (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

Schools and Education

Commerce City offers public school options, with ratings varying by institution. For instance, Commerce Middle School is ranked 83rd out of 584 schools, and Commerce Elementary School is ranked 228th out of 1,238 (as reported by SchoolDigger.com). The student-teacher ratio in the local school district is around 16 to 1 (as reported by SchoolDigger.com).

Demographics

Commerce City has a population of approximately 66,445 residents (as of the most recent Census data) (as reported by Point2Homes). The median age is 35 years old (as reported by Point2Homes). The population is diverse, with approximately 48.5% identifying as Hispanic, 40.7% as White, 3.8% as Black, and 2.4% as Asian (as reported by Census Dots). The median household income was reported as $111,972 in 2024 (as reported by Data Commons).

Key Industries and Employers

Commerce City’s economy is bolstered by a diverse range of industries. The transportation, logistics, and distribution sector is a cornerstone, with numerous companies like UPS and FedEx operating within the city (as reported by Commerce City Economic Development). Advanced manufacturing also plays a role, benefiting from the proximity to Denver International Airport and the Colorado Air and Space Port (as reported by Commerce City Economic Development).

The energy and natural resources sector is well-established, with a focus on oil fields and refineries (as reported by Commerce City Economic Development). There are opportunities for growth in renewable and clean energy sectors, leveraging transferable skills from existing industries (as reported by Commerce City Economic Development). Major employers contributing to the city’s economic landscape include Suncor Energy, Walmart, and McDonald’s (as reported by Zippia, Indeed.com).

Climate and Weather Patterns

The climate in Commerce City is characterized by distinct seasons. Summers are generally hot and mostly clear, while winters are very cold with snow and partly cloudy conditions (as reported by meteoblue). Temperatures typically range from 21°F to 89°F throughout the year, with extremes rarely falling below 5°F or exceeding 97°F (as reported by meteoblue).

Precipitation in Commerce City shows seasonal variation. The wettest month is typically May, receiving about 1.9 inches of rain, while January is the driest month with minimal precipitation (as reported by meteoblue). The city experiences an annual average of about 16 inches of precipitation, including snowfall (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

Education and School System

Commerce City offers public education through its school district. The district includes elementary, middle, and high schools, with varying performance metrics. Commerce Middle School and Commerce Elementary School are noted for their consistent performance, with the middle school ranking among the top in the state (as reported by SchoolDigger.com).

The student-teacher ratio within the district is approximately 16 to 1 (as reported by SchoolDigger.com). Test scores indicate that about 51% of students are proficient in math and 51% in reading (as reported by Niche). While middle and elementary schools show strong performance, high school performance can be more mixed (as reported by SchoolDigger.com).

Demographics and Population Trends

Commerce City is home to a population of approximately 66,445 residents, experiencing growth since the 2020 Census (as reported by Point2Homes and Census Dots). The median age of residents is 35 years old (as reported by Point2Homes). The city’s demographic makeup is notably diverse, with a significant Hispanic population (48.5%) and a substantial White population (40.7%) (as reported by Census Dots).

Other racial groups include Black (3.8%), Asian (2.4%), and Multiracial (3.3%) residents (as reported by Census Dots). The median household income in Commerce City was $111,972 in 2024, indicating a positive year-over-year change (as reported by Data Commons). A majority of households are families, with an average of three members per household (as reported by Point2Homes).

Housing Market Overview

The housing market in Commerce City presents a mix of opportunities for both buyers and renters. The median listing price for homes is around $520,000, with a median sale price of approximately $483,167 (as of March 2026) (as reported by Realtor.com® and Zillow). The homeownership rate in Commerce City is 77.2%, which is higher than the national average (as reported by Data Commons).

Rental prices in Commerce City are also a significant factor, with the median rent reported at $2,599 as of May 2026 (as reported by Zumper). This median rent is 33% higher than the national average (as reported by Zumper). The average home value in Commerce City was $490,702 as of March 2026, showing a slight decrease over the past year (as reported by Zillow).

Transportation and Commute

The average commute time for residents of Commerce City is around 29.7 minutes, with most people driving alone to work (as reported by Data Commons). This is slightly longer than the national average commute time. The city is strategically located near major highways, facilitating travel within the Denver metropolitan area and beyond (as reported by AC-REP).

Commerce City has a strong presence in the transportation, logistics, and distribution (TLD) industry, which is a key component of its economy (as reported by Commerce City Economic Development). This industry’s prominence is supported by the city’s location and infrastructure, making it a hub for TLD activities.