Is Greeley Safe, Pros and cons of living in Greeley
Greeley, Colorado, situated in Weld County, offers a blend of a growing economy and a community atmosphere, making it an attractive location for those seeking a change of scenery. The city is known for its agricultural roots and has diversified into sectors like energy, food processing, and manufacturing, providing a robust job market.
With a population that has seen steady growth, Greeley presents opportunities for both individuals and families. Its proximity to Denver and the Rocky Mountains adds to its appeal, offering access to urban amenities and outdoor recreation. Understanding the various facets of life in Greeley, from safety and cost of living to employment and education, is key for anyone considering a move to this northern Colorado city.
Is it Safe to Live in Greeley?
Greeley has a concerning crime rate, with the FBI reporting 685 violent crimes and 3,158 property crimes in 2023. The violent crime rate stands at 627.39 per 100,000 residents, and the property crime rate is 2,892.39 per 100,000 residents (as reported by the FBI UCR data). NeighborhoodScout analysis indicates that Greeley has one of the highest crime rates in the nation, with a chance of becoming a victim of violent crime at one in 149 (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Property crime is also a significant concern, with a one in 32 chance of victimization and a particularly high rate of motor vehicle theft (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).
However, some areas within Greeley may offer a different safety profile. For instance, zip code 80634 is considered very safe, with an overall crime index 24% below the national average and a safety grade of A. Within this zip code, property crime is slightly elevated with a larceny/theft index of 111, but robbery is a lower risk (as reported by DoorProfit). It’s important to note that crime statistics can vary significantly by neighborhood, and detailed local data is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of safety in Greeley.
Housing Costs and Availability
The housing market in Greeley presents a mixed picture for potential buyers and renters. As of March 2026, the average home value in Greeley was $420,464, showing a slight decrease of 1.6% over the past year (as reported by Zillow). Homes are spending an average of 47 days on the market before pending (as reported by Zillow). In March 2026, the median sale price of a home was $407,997, with a median list price of $428,333 (as reported by Zillow).
Rental costs in Greeley are generally below the national average. The average rent for all property types is $1,433 per month (as reported by Zillow). This represents a month-over-month decrease of 1.9% and a year-over-year decrease of 2% (as reported by Zillow). RentCafe reports the average rent for an apartment in Greeley to be $1,485, a slight decrease from the previous year (as reported by RentCafe). A one-bedroom apartment averages around $1,350, while a two-bedroom unit is approximately $1,525 (as reported by RentCafe).
Job Market and Major Employers
Greeley boasts a diverse and robust job market, with a strong presence in agriculture, energy production, food processing, business services, manufacturing, and healthcare. Major employers contributing to the local economy include JBS USA & Affiliates, with approximately 4,619 employees, and the University of Northern Colorado, employing around 3,600 individuals (as reported by Livability.com). Banner Health’s North Colorado Medical Center is another significant employer, with about 3,000 staff members (as reported by Livability.com).
Other key employers providing numerous job opportunities are State Farm Insurance, employing 1,828 people, and the City of Greeley itself, which has 850 employees (as reported by Livability.com). The presence of these large organizations, along with a thriving small business sector, contributes to a dynamic employment landscape in Greeley. The city is also recognized for its business-friendly environment and skilled workforce.
Climate and Weather Patterns
Greeley experiences a climate characterized by distinct seasons, with hot summers and cold, snowy winters. The temperature typically ranges from 15°F to 88°F throughout the year, rarely dropping below -1°F or exceeding 97°F (as reported by Weather Spark). The hot season, from June to September, sees average daily high temperatures above 79°F, with July being the hottest month, averaging a high of 88°F and a low of 58°F.
Winters are cold and partly cloudy, with average daily high temperatures below 49°F from late November to late February. December is the coldest month, with average low temperatures around 17°F and highs near 41°F (as reported by Weather Spark). Greeley receives an average annual rainfall of about 1.9 inches in May, with the rainy period extending from March to October. The driest month is December, with an average rainfall of 0.1 inches (as reported by Weather Spark).
Education and School Ratings
The Greeley-Evans School District 6 serves the city’s K-12 student population, offering a range of educational programs. The district has an overall Niche grade of B-minus, with particular strengths in diversity (A-minus) and clubs/activities (B+) (as reported by Niche). However, state test scores indicate that 17% of students are proficient in math and 31% in reading across the district (as reported by Niche).
Individual schools within the district vary in their ratings. For example, Greeley Central High School has a student-teacher ratio of 19 to 1, with 21% of students proficient in math and 42% in reading (as reported by Niche). Northridge High School also holds a B-minus rating, with a student-teacher ratio of 21 to 1 (as reported by Niche). Parents are encouraged to research specific schools to find the best fit for their children’s educational needs.
Demographics and Population Trends
Greeley is a growing city with a projected population of 112,865 for 2026, reflecting an annual growth rate of 0.9% (as reported by US Census Bureau’s American Community Survey). The city is currently the 10th most populated in Colorado, with a population of 110,806 according to the most recent US Census data (as reported by US Census Bureau). The largest racial and ethnic groups in Greeley are White (51.3%) and Hispanic (41.6%), with a smaller Black population at 2.5% (as reported by US Census Bureau).
The median age in Greeley is 32.5 years (as reported by US Census Bureau). In 2024, the median household income was $69,881, though 11.4% of families live below the poverty line (as reported by US Census Bureau). This demographic profile indicates a relatively young population with a significant Hispanic community and a notable portion of residents living in poverty.
Cost of Living
The overall cost of living in Greeley is considered moderate, though higher than the national average. Living costs are estimated at $2,034 per month for a single person and $4,571 for a family of four, placing it among the more expensive cities globally and within the United States (as reported by Livingcost.org). This figure is influenced by housing costs, which are approximately 6.7% higher than the national average, with a one-bedroom apartment averaging $1,218 per month (as reported by Livingcost.org, Zumper).
Food expenses are slightly above average, and transportation, energy, and healthcare costs are also elevated (as reported by Livingcost.org). While Greeley’s cost of living is higher than the national average, it is generally more affordable than many other Colorado cities. The median after-tax salary of $3,719 per month is sufficient to cover living expenses for about 1.8 months (as reported by Livingcost.org).
Average Salary and Unemployment Rate
The average hourly wage in the Greeley Metropolitan Statistical Area was $31.05 in May 2024, slightly below the nationwide average of $32.66 (as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics). The median annual salary in Greeley is reported to be around $51,204, with most salaries ranging between $36,034 and $63,304 annually (as reported by ZipRecruiter). Higher-paying occupations include management, legal, and computer-related fields, while lower-paying sectors involve food preparation, personal care, and healthcare support.
The unemployment rate in Greeley, CO, was 4.80% as of the latest data, which is lower than the long-term average of 4.96% but higher than the previous month’s rate of 4.00% (as reported by YCharts). This rate is also lower than the 5.20% recorded in the previous year (as reported by YCharts). The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that the unemployment rate for the Greeley MSA was 4.0% in preliminary data for April 2026 (as reported by Bureau of Labor Statistics).