Is Commerce Safe, Pros and cons of living in Commerce

Commerce City, Colorado, is a vibrant municipality located just northeast of Denver, offering a unique blend of industrial, agricultural, and recreational opportunities. It’s a city that has experienced significant growth, with its population increasing by over 35% between 2010 and 2020 (according to the U.S. Census). This growth has transformed Commerce City into a dynamic suburb within the Denver-Aurora-Centennial Metropolitan Statistical Area.

The city is known for its diverse landscape, which includes the expansive Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, providing residents and visitors with opportunities to observe wildlife such as bison and bald eagles. With abundant open space, parks, and trails, Commerce City offers a wealth of outdoor activities. Furthermore, its strategic location provides convenient access to major transportation routes, including I-76 and I-270, as well as Denver International Airport.

Is it Safe to Live in Commerce City?

Commerce City presents a complex picture regarding safety, with varying crime rates depending on the source and methodology. One report indicates that the overall crime rate is 33% below the national average, with a violent crime rate that is 37% lower than the national average. This suggests that for many residents, the chance of becoming a victim of violent crime is relatively low, approximately 1 in 417.

However, other analyses present a more concerning view. Some data suggests that Commerce City’s crime rate is significantly higher than the national average, with violent crimes being 120% higher than the national average. This perspective highlights that a resident’s chance of becoming a victim of crime can be as high as 1 in 28 overall, and 1 in 127 for violent crime. Safety can vary dramatically by neighborhood, with some areas receiving high safety grades while others are rated lower.

Housing Costs and Market Trends

The housing market in Commerce City shows a median home value that fluctuates depending on the reporting source and date. As of March 2026, the average home value was reported at $490,702, reflecting a decrease of 4.3% over the previous year. Another report from March 2026 indicates a median sale price of $511,000, which was down 0.97% compared to the prior year. These figures suggest a market that has seen some price adjustments recently.

Rental prices in Commerce City also show variation. As of May 2026, the average rent was reported at $1,603 per month, which is 2% lower than the national average. Conversely, other data from March 2026 shows an average rent of $2,616 per month, which is 3.7% higher year-over-year and significantly above the national average. These differing reports highlight the importance of checking specific neighborhood data for the most accurate rental cost information.

Home Prices

The median listing price for homes in Commerce City was $525,000 in April 2026. For comparison, the typical home price in Commerce City is around $473,140, which is close to the Colorado state average. This indicates a competitive housing market, with homes selling after an average of 41 days on the market.

The median sale price per square foot was $224 in March 2026, showing a slight decrease of 1.1% from the previous year. While home prices have seen some year-over-year decreases, the median household income in Commerce City, estimated at $125,000 in 2026, comfortably supports the typical home price, suggesting a relatively affordable market for residents.

Rental Prices

Rental costs in Commerce City present a range of figures. As of April 2026, the average rent for a studio apartment was $943, a one-bedroom was $1,623, a two-bedroom was $1,941, and a three-bedroom was $2,504. These prices represent a decrease of 0.7% over the past year.

However, other sources report different averages. One report from May 2026 states the average rent is $1,603 per month, with one-bedroom apartments averaging $1,603 and two-bedroom apartments around $1,933. Another recent report from March 2026 indicates an average rent of $2,599, which is 33% higher than the national average. These discrepancies suggest that rental rates can vary significantly based on location within Commerce City and the specific data source.

Cost of Living

The overall cost of living in Commerce City is generally considered to be lower than the national average. One calculation shows it is 6% less expensive than the national average and 14% less expensive than the average city in Colorado. This is largely driven by more affordable housing, transportation, and food costs compared to the U.S. average.

However, some expenses are higher than the national average. Healthcare costs in Commerce City are noted as being less affordable than the U.S. average. Additionally, one report indicates that overall living costs in Commerce City are 25% higher than the U.S. national average and 719% higher than Colorado’s state average, with soaring housing costs being a primary driver. These varied reports emphasize the need to consider specific expense categories when evaluating the cost of living.

Housing Expenses

Housing expenses in Commerce City are reported to be lower than the national average, with one source stating they are 16% lower. This aligns with the general cost of living being more affordable. The median home price, while fluctuating, is generally within reach for many households given the local income levels.

Despite the affordability for homeowners, rental costs can vary significantly. While some sources indicate rents are below the national average, others present higher figures that exceed national averages. This variability might be attributed to different methodologies in calculating average rent or differences in the types of rental properties included in the data.

Transportation and Utilities

Transportation costs, including bus fares and gas prices, are reported to be 2% lower than the national average in Commerce City. Utility prices are also noted as being 13% lower than the national average. These lower costs contribute to the overall affordability of living in the city.

These savings on transportation and utilities can help offset other expenses. The cost of food is also reported to be more affordable than the U.S. average. These factors combine to make daily living expenses more manageable for residents.

Job Market and Economy

Commerce City’s job market is robust, with a significant number of workers employed within the city. As of the latest data, there are over 31,000 jobs within Commerce City. The median individual income in Commerce City was reported as $54,940 in 2024. Other reports indicate a median household income of $106,549 and an average salary of $73,778.

The unemployment rate in Commerce City was 4.6% in 2026. This rate is comparable to other cities in Colorado, with Denver and Aurora also reporting 4.6% unemployment in January 2026. The U.S. unemployment rate was 3.9% in February 2026.

Major Employers

While specific lists of major employers can fluctuate, Commerce City’s economy is supported by a diverse range of industries. Its location within the Denver metropolitan area provides access to a broad job market. Industries present in the city include manufacturing, distribution, and logistics, as well as a growing presence in sectors like technology and healthcare, reflecting the broader economic trends of the Denver region.

The city’s industrial base is a significant contributor to its employment opportunities. Proximity to Denver International Airport also supports jobs in the aviation and logistics sectors. This diverse economic foundation provides a stable job market for residents.

Average Salary and Income

The average salary in Commerce City is reported with some variation across different sources. One estimate places the average salary at $73,778 annually. Another source indicates a median wage of $54,340, while the median household income is reported as $106,549. ZipRecruiter data suggests a median wage of $45.3K per year, with the majority of salaries ranging between $36,300 and $55,700.

These figures provide a general understanding of earning potential in Commerce City. The median household income of $125,000 in 2026 suggests a strong capacity for residents to afford typical home prices. This income level is crucial for understanding the economic well-being of households in the area.

Climate and Weather

Commerce City experiences a semi-arid climate with distinct seasons. Summers are generally hot and mostly clear, while winters are cold, snowy, and partly cloudy. Temperatures throughout the year typically range from a low of 17°F to a high of 91°F. The hottest month is July, with average highs around 89°F and lows of 62°F, while the coldest month is December, with average highs of 46°F and lows of 23°F.

Annual precipitation in Commerce City averages around 16 inches, with snowfall contributing to the total. May is typically the wettest month, receiving about 68 mm (2.7 inches) of precipitation over approximately 12 rainy days. January is usually the driest month. The city experiences a dry season from October to March.

Average Temperatures

The temperature in Commerce City varies significantly between summer and winter. During the summer months, from June to September, daily high temperatures can range from 80°F to 89°F. The average annual temperature range is from 21°F to 89°F, with rare instances of temperatures falling below 5°F or exceeding 97°F.

Winter temperatures are considerably colder, with average daily highs below 54°F from November to March. December, the coldest month, sees average temperatures between 23°F and 46°F. This wide temperature range is characteristic of the region’s continental climate.

Rainfall and Precipitation

Commerce City receives a modest amount of annual precipitation, averaging about 16 inches, which includes both rain and the liquid equivalent of snow. The driest period typically occurs from October to March, with December being the month with the fewest rainy days. Conversely, May is the wettest month, with an average of 68 mm (about 2.7 inches) of precipitation spread across roughly 12 days.

While the annual average is around 16 inches, specific monthly rainfall data shows variation. For instance, May can receive up to 2.35 inches of rain (according to Time and Date data based on 1992-2021 averages). The average annual precipitation is also noted as 409 mm.

School Ratings and Demographics

Commerce City, Colorado, is served by a mix of public schools, with some performing better than others. For the 2026 school year, there are 22 public schools serving over 10,000 students. The top-ranked public schools include Reunion Elementary School, Landmark Academy at Reunion, and Victory Preparatory Academy High State Charter School.

However, the overall academic performance varies. Public schools in Commerce City have an average math proficiency score of 17% and a reading proficiency score of 27%, which are below the Colorado state averages. This indicates a need for improvement in educational outcomes for many students in the city.

Student Demographics

The student population in Commerce City is diverse, with a majority being Hispanic. Approximately 80% of the student body is considered minority, with the Hispanic population being the largest group. This demographic makeup is more diverse than the average for Colorado public schools.

The student-teacher ratio in Commerce City’s public schools is approximately 14:1, which is close to the national average. Minority enrollment across all K-12 students in Commerce City is around 80%, compared to the state average of 50%.

School District Performance

Commerce City’s school districts show varied performance. For example, the school district in Commerce City, Georgia, is highly rated and ranks among the top 10% of public school districts in the state for overall rank, math proficiency, and reading proficiency. This district serves about 1,868 students across four schools, with a graduation rate of 92%.

In contrast, public schools in Commerce City, Colorado, have an average ranking of 1 out of 10, placing them in the bottom 50% of Colorado public schools. While some schools like Landmark Academy at Reunion and Reunion Elementary School perform well, others face challenges with student proficiency and chronic absenteeism.

Demographics

Commerce City’s population was estimated at 66,445 in 2024, an increase from 62,418 in the 2020 Census. The city is diverse, with a significant Hispanic population. As of 2024, 48.5% of residents identify as Hispanic. White residents make up 40.7% of the population, followed by Black residents at 3.8%, Asian residents at 2.4%, and Native American/Other at 1.3%.

The median age in Commerce City is around 35 years. The population is relatively young, with about 23% of residents under 15 years old. This age distribution suggests a community with a substantial working-age population and a growing younger demographic.

Racial and Ethnic Makeup

The racial and ethnic composition of Commerce City is notably diverse. Hispanic or Latino individuals constitute the largest single group, making up 48.5% of the population. White residents form the next largest group at 40.7%.

Other significant demographic groups include African Americans at 3.8%, Asians at 2.4%, and Multiracial individuals at 3.3%. This diversity is more pronounced than in Colorado overall, indicating Commerce City’s unique demographic landscape.

Age and Gender Distribution

The median age in Commerce City is approximately 35 years. The age distribution shows about 23% of residents are under 15, 13% are between 15 and 24, and a significant portion, 30.7%, falls between 25 and 44 years old. Around 23.7% of the population is between 45 and 64, with about 9.7% being 65 or older.

Gender distribution is nearly equal, with 50% of Commerce City’s residents being male and 50% being female. This balanced gender distribution is typical for many communities and does not indicate any significant demographic skew.