Is Wiggins Safe, Pros and cons of living in Wiggins

Wiggins, Colorado, offers a glimpse into small-town American life with a unique blend of agricultural roots and evolving commerce. Situated at the crossroads of major highways, it serves as a gateway between the plains and the Rockies. This community is characterized by its welcoming atmosphere and a desire to enhance the quality of life for its residents.

The town’s strategic location has fostered a shift from its purely agricultural past towards becoming a locale for residential and commercial growth. Wiggins aims to provide an attractive alternative for those seeking a life away from the hustle and bustle of larger urban centers. This forward-looking approach, combined with its historical foundation, shapes the identity of Wiggins.

Is it Safe to Live in Wiggins?

Wiggins presents a complex picture regarding safety, with crime statistics showing mixed trends compared to national and state averages. The overall crime rate in Wiggins is reported to be 37% lower than the national average, with violent crimes being 42% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). However, another source indicates that the rate of crime is higher than the average US city, with Wiggins ranking in the 27th percentile for safety, meaning it is safer than only 27% of cities (as reported by CrimeGrade.org).

Neighborhoods within Wiggins can vary in their safety perceptions, with the east part of the city generally considered the safest. Your chance of being a victim of crime can range from 1 in 20 in the north to 1 in 37 in the east (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). The cost of crime per resident in Wiggins is approximately $599 per year, which is higher than the national average (as reported by CrimeGrade.org).

Violent Crime Trends

The violent crime rate in Wiggins is reported at 5.812 per 1,000 residents annually (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). This rate is considered much higher than the average US city, with Wiggins ranking in the 14th percentile for safety, indicating it is safer than only 14% of cities (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). The west parts of Wiggins experience the most crime incidents, while the south part has the fewest (as reported by CrimeGrade.org).

Property Crime Overview

Property crime statistics in Wiggins show a more favorable outlook compared to violent crime. Property crimes in Wiggins are 36% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). The zip code 80654, which includes Wiggins, has a crime score of A, indicating very low or no crime compared to other zip codes in the region (as reported by DoorProfit). Larceny/theft rates are particularly low, at 62% below the national average (as reported by DoorProfit).

Housing Costs and Market Trends

The housing market in Wiggins presents a mix of affordability and rising values. The median home price in Wiggins is approximately $472,000, showing a slight decrease of 0.38% from the previous year (as reported by Redfin). However, other data indicates the average home value is $426,842, down 0.9% over the past year (as reported by Zillow).

The median property value in Wiggins was $363,400 in 2024, which is slightly higher than the national average (as reported by Data USA). The homeownership rate in Wiggins is 72.9%, which is higher than the national average (as reported by Data USA). Rental options are limited, with only a few listings available, and the average rent is around $1,500 per month (as reported by Zillow and Home.com).

Home Prices and Affordability

Home prices in Wiggins are generally lower than the Colorado state average but can be higher than some surrounding areas. The median sale price of a home in Wiggins was $440,000 in March 2026 (as reported by Redfin). While this shows a decrease from the previous year, the median price per square foot is up 11.9% year-over-year (as reported by Redfin). The median household income in Wiggins is $91,681 (as reported by Data USA and Niche), which helps to offset some of the housing costs.

Rental Market Dynamics

The rental market in Wiggins is quite limited, with few properties available for rent. The average rent across all property types is approximately $1,500 per month (as reported by Home.com). This limited availability can make finding rental housing a challenge for new residents. Households that rent in Wiggins tend to spend about 18.24% of their income on rent (as reported by Home.com).

Job Market and Economic Opportunities

Wiggins’s economy is supported by a diverse range of industries, with employment growing significantly. From 2023 to 2024, employment in Wiggins grew by 35%, increasing from 618 to 834 employees (as reported by Data USA). The largest employment sectors include Health Care & Social Assistance, Construction, and Manufacturing (as reported by Data USA).

The average salary in Wiggins is around $45.4K per year, with the 75th percentile reaching $54.1K (as reported by ZipRecruiter). The highest-paying industries include Utilities, Manufacturing, and Wholesale Trade (as reported by Data USA). Major employers in the area include companies like Dollar Tree and Family Dollar, Young Living Essential Oils, and CHS (as reported by Indeed).

Major Employers and Industries

Key industries contributing to Wiggins’s economy include agriculture, construction, and healthcare. CHS, an agricultural cooperative, is a significant presence, alongside construction firms like Adolfson & Peterson Construction. Health Care & Social Assistance employs a notable number of residents, reflecting the growing service sector in the town (as reported by Indeed and Data USA).

Unemployment and Wages

The unemployment rate in Wiggins is reported to be 5.10%, which is slightly above the state average (as reported by MetroStatUSA). However, the broader Colorado unemployment rate was 3.9% in March 2026 (as reported by USAFacts). The median wage in Wiggins is $45.4K annually, with some truck driver positions earning upwards of $100k per year (as reported by ZipRecruiter and Indeed).

Climate and Weather Patterns

Wiggins experiences a semi-arid climate with distinct seasons, characterized by warm summers and cold winters. Temperatures in Wiggins typically range from 11°F to 91°F throughout the year (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The town receives an average annual precipitation of about 15 inches, with snowfall averaging 27 inches (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

Summer months are warm, with July being the hottest month, averaging a high of 90°F and a low of 58°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather). Winter brings colder temperatures, with December seeing highs around 42°F and lows near 12°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather). Humidity levels remain comfortable during the summer, contributing to a pleasant environment for residents.

Seasonal Temperatures

The average daily temperatures in Wiggins fluctuate significantly between seasons. Summer highs can reach into the low 90s Fahrenheit, while winter lows can dip into the low teens Fahrenheit (as reported by myPerfectWeather). Spring and fall offer more moderate temperatures, with daily highs often ranging between 65°F and 86°F during the warmer months (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

Precipitation and Snowfall

Annual precipitation in Wiggins averages around 15 inches, with May typically being the wettest month, receiving about 3 inches of rain (as reported by myPerfectWeather). Snowfall is common during the winter months, with an average of 27 inches accumulating annually (as reported by myPerfectWeather). Data from a nearby weather station indicates an average annual snowfall of 28.3 inches between 1960 and 1971 (as reported by Western Regional Climate Center).

Education and School System

Wiggins School District serves the educational needs of the community, encompassing pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. The district has a student-teacher ratio of 16 to 1, with approximately 880 students across four public schools (as reported by Niche and Public School Review). The district’s overall Niche grade is a B-.

State test scores indicate that 20% of students are proficient in math and 38% are proficient in reading (as reported by Niche). Wiggins High School, part of this district, has a student-teacher ratio of 15 to 1 and a 90% four-year graduation rate (as reported by Niche and SchoolDigger). The school is rated 1 out of 5 stars by SchoolDigger, with mixed performance on standardized tests.

District Performance

Wiggins School District is ranked within the bottom 50% of school districts in Colorado based on combined math and reading proficiency (as reported by Public School Review). While the graduation rate has remained steady at 90%, proficiency in core subjects lags behind the state average (as reported by Public School Review). The district’s diversity score is 0.48, which is lower than the Colorado state average (as reported by Public School Review).

High School Specifics

Wiggins High School has a student body of 235 students in grades 9-12. It is rated as an above-average public school by Niche. However, SchoolDigger ranks it 232nd out of 328 Colorado public high schools, giving it a 1-star rating (as reported by SchoolDigger). While the school shows strength in improving graduation rates, standardized test performance, particularly in math, indicates areas needing significant improvement.

Demographics and Population Trends

Wiggins is a small town with a growing population. As of 2026, the projected population is 2,088, reflecting a growth rate of 5.45% annually (as reported by Data USA). The town’s population has increased by 45.1% since the 2020 census, which recorded a population of 1,401 (as reported by Data USA).

The median age in Wiggins is 29.4 years, with a slightly higher male population. White residents make up the largest racial group, at approximately 73.72%, followed by Hispanic residents at 29.3% (as reported by Data USA and Home.com). A notable aspect of Wiggins’s demographics is its ethnic diversity, with a significant Hispanic population.

Racial and Ethnic Composition

The racial makeup of Wiggins includes a majority of White residents, followed by a substantial Hispanic population. White residents constitute about 64.5% of the population, while Hispanic or Latino individuals make up 29.3% (as reported by Home.com and Census Reporter). Other racial groups, including Black or African American and those of two or more races, are present in smaller percentages (as reported by Data USA).

Age and Gender Distribution

Wiggins has a relatively young median age of 29.4 years (as reported by Data USA). The distribution shows 31.3% of residents are under 18, and 10.1% are 65 or older (as reported by Wikipedia). For every 100 females, there are approximately 102.9 males in Wiggins (as reported by Data USA).

Cost of Living Considerations

The cost of living in Wiggins is higher than the U.S. national average, with some sources indicating it is 21% higher (as reported by Salary.com). Housing costs are a significant driver, being about 21% higher than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). This makes Wiggins one of the more expensive cities in the region for housing.

Monthly expenses for a single person are estimated at $3,006, and for a family of four, they are around $6,618 (as reported by Salary.com). While housing is more expensive, some costs like groceries are slightly below the national average (as reported by Salary.com).

Housing Expenses

Housing is the primary factor contributing to the higher cost of living in Wiggins. The median home price is substantial, and rental costs, though limited in availability, are also significant. The median property value was $363,400 in 2024 (as reported by Data USA), and average rents hover around $1,500 per month (as reported by Home.com).

Everyday Expenses

Beyond housing, other daily expenses in Wiggins are generally in line with or slightly above the national average. Food expenses are about 2.0% below the national average (as reported by Salary.com), but energy, transportation, and healthcare costs are higher (as reported by Salary.com). Household bills, excluding mortgage and rent, are about 3% higher than the U.S. median (as reported by doxo).

Pros and Cons of Living in Wiggins

Wiggins offers a distinct small-town charm with a growing community feel, making it an attractive option for those seeking a quieter lifestyle. Its strategic location provides convenient access to major routes, serving as a gateway to both the plains and the Rocky Mountains. The town’s commitment to fostering diverse growth in its schools, residents, and businesses enhances its cultural fabric and quality of life.

However, potential residents should be aware of certain drawbacks. The cost of living, particularly housing, is higher than the national average, and crime rates, especially violent crime, are a concern in some areas. The job market, while growing, may offer fewer opportunities compared to larger urban centers, and the educational system, while improving, faces challenges in standardized test performance.

Advantages of Wiggins

One of the primary advantages of living in Wiggins is its sense of community and a slower pace of life, appealing to those who prefer a small-town atmosphere. The town’s location is a significant plus, offering accessibility while maintaining a retreat from densely populated areas. Furthermore, the growing economy and developing commerce suggest potential for future opportunities and an enhanced quality of life for its residents.

Disadvantages of Wiggins

The higher cost of living, driven mainly by housing expenses, is a notable disadvantage for many. While overall crime rates might be lower than the national average, specific areas experience higher rates of crime, which warrants consideration. Additionally, the limited rental market can pose a challenge for individuals or families seeking to rent rather than buy.