Is Federal Heights Safe, Pros and cons of living in Federal Heights
Federal Heights, Colorado, offers a unique blend of suburban tranquility and urban accessibility, situated within the bustling Denver metropolitan area. This community provides a distinct living experience shaped by its demographics, economic landscape, and natural surroundings. Understanding these facets is key for anyone considering a move to this Colorado locale.
The city’s character is further defined by its climate, with distinct seasons offering a range of weather experiences throughout the year. From warm summers to cooler winters, Federal Heights presents a climate that influences daily life and outdoor activities for its residents. This environmental backdrop is an integral part of what makes Federal Heights a noteworthy place to call home.
Is it Safe to Live in Federal Heights?
Crime statistics in Federal Heights indicate a mixed safety profile. The city’s violent crime rate is higher than the national average, with specific concerns noted in aggravated assault and motor vehicle theft (as reported by the FBI Crime Data Explorer). However, property crime rates are more in line with national figures, and burglary rates are notably lower than the national average (as reported by the FBI Crime Data Explorer).
When considering personal safety, it’s important to look at the nuances within crime data. While overall rates may present a certain picture, neighborhood-specific crime levels can vary significantly within Federal Heights. The chance of being a victim of violent crime can range depending on the specific area within the city (as reported by CrimeGrade.org).
Violent Crime Trends
Federal Heights has seen a concerning increase in violent crime over recent years. The violent crime rate is reported to be higher than the national average, with specific categories like aggravated assault showing significantly higher rates than the national figures (as reported by the FBI Crime Data Explorer). This trend suggests a need for increased vigilance and community safety initiatives.
Robbery rates in Federal Heights are also above the national average, contributing to the overall concern regarding violent crime (as reported by the FBI Crime Data Explorer). While specific data on murder and non-negligent manslaughter is less frequent, the overall trend in violent offenses warrants attention from residents and local authorities alike.
Property Crime Overview
Property crime in Federal Heights presents a more varied picture. While motor vehicle theft rates are a significant concern and are higher than the national average, other property crimes like burglary are actually lower than the national average (as reported by the FBI Crime Data Explorer). Larceny rates are also reported to be slightly below the national average (as reported by the FBI Crime Data Explorer).
The overall property crime rate is close to the national average, indicating that while some types of property crime are more prevalent, others are less so. This suggests that while proactive measures against theft are important, the risk profile for property crime is not uniformly high across all categories (as reported by the FBI Crime Data Explorer).
Cost of Living in Federal Heights
The cost of living in Federal Heights is generally considered to be lower than the national average, making it a potentially more affordable option for residents (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute). This affordability extends to various aspects of daily life, including housing, utilities, and transportation.
While the overall cost of living is favorable, specific expenses can vary. For instance, the median household income in Federal Heights is below the national average, which is a factor to consider when evaluating affordability (as reported by Data USA).
Housing Costs
Housing prices in Federal Heights present a mixed market. The average home value has seen a slight decrease over the past year, standing at approximately $399,108 (as reported by Zillow). This figure is considerably lower than the national average home value, indicating a more accessible housing market for buyers.
Rental costs in Federal Heights are also generally more affordable than the national average. The average rent for an apartment is around $1,421 per month, which is notably less than the national average rent (as reported by RentCafe). This makes renting a viable and cost-effective option for many individuals and families.
Median Home Price and Rent
The median home price in Federal Heights is approximately $399,108 as of March 2026 (as reported by Zillow). This figure reflects a 3.7% decrease in value over the past year, suggesting a cooling housing market (as reported by Zillow).
For renters, the average rent in Federal Heights hovers around $1,421 per month (as reported by RentCafe). This is a decrease of 7.62% compared to the previous year, further emphasizing the affordability of rental properties in the area (as reported by RentCafe).
Income and Employment
The median household income in Federal Heights is reported at $56,597, which is lower than the national median household income (as reported by Data USA). This figure is an important consideration for understanding the economic landscape of the city.
The unemployment rate in Federal Heights is reported to be 57% lower than the national average (as reported by United States Census Bureau American Community Survey). This suggests a relatively strong job market within the city, despite the lower median household income.
Job Market and Major Employers
Federal Heights boasts a diverse employment landscape, with various industries contributing to its economy. The city has a significant number of businesses, indicating a dynamic commercial environment (as reported by AC-REP).
Key sectors providing employment include construction, administrative support, and accommodation and food services (as reported by Justia). These industries offer a range of job opportunities for residents within the city and surrounding areas.
Major Employers in Federal Heights
Several entities serve as major employers in the Federal Heights area. These include the City of Federal Heights itself, as well as significant organizations like Water World and the Hyland Hills Parks and Recreation District (as reported by AC-REP). Comcast and Miller Stockman are also noted as key employers in the region (as reported by AC-REP).
These employers contribute substantially to the local economy and provide a variety of job opportunities across different sectors. Their presence underscores the city’s role as a place of employment within Adams County.
Climate in Federal Heights
Federal Heights experiences a climate characterized by moderate temperatures and distinct seasons. The city’s climate is officially classified as Dfa by the Köppen and Geiger systems, indicating a climate with warm summers and cold winters (as reported by NOAA).
The average yearly temperature in Federal Heights is around 8.9°C (48.0°F), with annual rainfall totaling approximately 538 mm (21.2 inches) (as reported by NOAA). These figures provide a general overview of the climatic conditions experienced throughout the year.
Average Temperatures
During the summer months, particularly in July, Federal Heights enjoys warm temperatures with averages around 23.0°C (73.4°F) (as reported by NOAA). Conversely, winter brings colder conditions, with December temperatures averaging about -3.7°C (25.3°F) (as reported by NOAA).
The temperature difference between the hottest and coldest months is substantial, measuring approximately 26.7°C (48.1°F) (as reported by NOAA). This significant variation defines the range of temperatures residents can expect throughout the year.
Rainfall Patterns
Rainfall in Federal Heights is distributed throughout the year, with certain months experiencing more precipitation than others. May typically sees the most rainfall, with an average of 86 mm (3.4 inches) (as reported by NOAA). This marks a notable difference compared to drier months.
December is generally the driest month, receiving an average of only 23 mm (0.9 inch) of rain (as reported by NOAA). The difference in precipitation between May and December highlights the seasonal variations in the region’s weather patterns.
School Ratings in Federal Heights
The educational landscape in Federal Heights is served by various public schools, with ratings that offer insights into their performance. Federal Heights Elementary School, for instance, has received a C- overall Niche grade (as reported by Niche). This school serves students from PK to 5th grade with a student-teacher ratio of 14:1 (as reported by Niche).
State test scores for Federal Heights Elementary indicate that 0% of students are proficient in math and 0% are proficient in reading (as reported by Niche). These scores suggest areas for potential improvement within the school’s academic performance metrics.
Public School Performance
Federal Heights Elementary School shows mixed results in academic performance indicators. While it has a student-teacher ratio of 14:1, its proficiency rates in state tests for math and reading are reported at 0% (as reported by Niche). This data point is crucial for parents evaluating educational options within the city.
The school district serving Federal Heights is Adams 12 Five Star Schools, which is ranked among the better school districts in Colorado (as reported by Niche). This broader district context provides a more comprehensive view of the educational environment available to residents.
Demographics of Federal Heights
Federal Heights is a city with a diverse population, characterized by a significant Hispanic or Latino demographic. As of 2024, approximately 64.8% of the population identifies as Hispanic or Latino (as reported by Data USA).
The city has a total population of around 14,125 residents, with a median age of 32.8 years (as reported by Data USA). The population also includes a notable percentage of residents born outside the United States, standing at 28.6% in 2024 (as reported by Data USA).
Racial and Ethnic Composition
The racial makeup of Federal Heights is varied. White residents, both Hispanic and non-Hispanic, constitute a significant portion of the population, alongside a large Hispanic or Latino demographic (as reported by Data USA). Other racial groups are represented in smaller percentages.
Specifically, in 2024, White (Non-Hispanic) residents numbered around 3.98k, while “Two Races Including Other (Hispanic)” residents were approximately 4.5k, making it the most numerous group in that category (as reported by Data USA). This diversity is a defining characteristic of the city’s population.
Age and Gender Distribution
The median age in Federal Heights is 32.8 years, with males having a slightly higher median age of 34.8 years compared to females at 30.8 years (as reported by Data USA). The gender distribution shows a ratio of approximately 96.9 males for every 100 females (as reported by Data USA).
The age distribution shows a substantial portion of the population in younger and middle-age brackets. Approximately 61% of the population falls within the 18 to 64 age range (as reported by Census Reporter).