Denver, CO, US
Mile High City where the Rockies meet a booming tech and outdoor-recreation economy.
Overview
Denver is a city in CO with a population of 713,252. Mile High City where the Rockies meet a booming tech and outdoor-recreation economy. Housing is notably more expensive than the national average. Gardening thrives here — the 5b growing zone supports Cool — many vegetables, some fruit trees. A large share of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher.
Last updated: October 04, 2026
Above Average vs US Avg (100)
Very Expensive
Household income
Job market health
Denver vs US Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 4.4%
- Sales Tax: 8.8%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: $88,000
- Unemployment: 4.1%
- Population: 713,252
Climate
- Sunny Days: 245/year
- Summer High: 90°F
- Winter Low: 17°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 5b
Internet Speed
- Average 200 Mbps: 200 Mbps
- Coworking Spaces: 15+ locations
Housing
- Median Home: $545,000
- 1BR Rent: $1650/mo
Cost of Living
Denver's cost of living index is 114.5 (US average = 100).
| Category | Denver | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 114.5 | 100 | +14.5% |
| Housing | 159 | 100 | +59.0% |
Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $545,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | $1650/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | $2,063/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | $363 |
Data source: Zillow Research, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Denver:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | $120 | Based on ~900 kWh/month typical US household usage |
| Heating & Cooling | $74 | Estimated based on local climate. Gas or electric |
| Cooling (AC) | $9 | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | $50 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | $70 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | $25 | Private service |
| Total Utilities | $348 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Remote Work Score
Denver scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Walkability
How easy it is to get around Denver without a car, based on the EPA National Walkability Index.
42% of residents live in above-average walkable neighborhoods.
Source: EPA National Walkability Index (2021)
Climate
Denver has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 37°F | 17°F | 2.5" |
| April | 75°F | 32°F | 2.8" |
| July | 90°F | 65°F | 1.5" |
| October | 70°F | 35°F | 2.2" |
Cool — many vegetables, some fruit trees
Natural Hazards
Denver faces the following natural hazards:
Severe Front Range winter storms.
Frequent large hail along the Front Range.
Wildfire risk in the foothills and surrounding mountains.
Recurring drought conditions on the high plains.
Flash flooding along the South Platte and Cherry Creek.
Occasional tornadoes on the eastern plains.
Low seismic risk.
Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 4.4%
- Sales Tax: 8.81%
- Property Tax: ~0.55% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 4.1%.
Crime & Safety
Crime rates in Denver per 100,000 residents:
Data source: FBI Uniform Crime Reporting
Universities & Higher Education
Data source: Center for World University Rankings (CWUR) & World Universities Database
Demographics
The population of Denver is diverse. The figures below show the ethnic, educational, and religious composition of the local population.
Ethnicity
Education
Religion
Data source: US Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) (2023)
Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Denver, CO, US?
The cost of living index in Denver is 114.5, which is Higher the US national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Denver?
The median home price in Denver is $545,000. The housing index is 159.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Denver is approximately $1650/mo.
Does Denver, CO have income tax?
Denver is in CO, which has an income tax rate of 4.4%.
What is the climate like in Denver?
Denver enjoys approximately 245 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 90°F, while winter lows can drop to around 17°F.
Relocation Guides
Data Sources
- Cost of Living: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
- Housing Data: Zillow Research, 2026
- Income & Employment: US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2024
- Utilities U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Data last updated: October 21, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.