Living in Colorado

#6 in population growth

Should You Move to Colorado?

Colorado, also known as the Centennial State, is where the Great Plains meet the Rocky Mountains. With its stunning landscapes encompassing plains, mountains, forests, high desert mesas, canyons, and rivers, Colorado is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise.

The Colorado economy is robust and diverse. Denver, the capital and largest city, is a thriving tech and business hub. Colorado Springs is home to numerous military bases and the aerospace industry, while Boulder is renowned for its scientific research and startups. The state is also a leading producer of beef, and the tourism industry thrives with year-round attractions, including skiing, hiking, and historic sites.

Living in Colorado is synonymous with embracing the outdoors. From world-class skiing in Aspen and Vail to hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park or the Grand Sand Dunes, outdoor activities abound. The state is also well-known for its health-conscious residents and has repeatedly been ranked as one of the healthiest states in the U.S.

Colorado boasts a rich cultural scene with a blend of the Old West and the cosmopolitan. Denver features a thriving arts scene, diverse culinary offerings, and a range of professional sports teams. The state also hosts famous music venues like Red Rocks and festivals like Telluride Bluegrass Festival.

Education is highly valued in Colorado, with notable institutions such as the University of Colorado and Colorado State University.

So, if you’re seeking a state with a booming economy, abundant outdoor activities, a vibrant cultural scene, and a commitment to health and wellness, Colorado could be your ideal destination. But, be prepared for rapidly changing weather — a common Colorado saying is, “If you don’t like the weather, wait five minutes!”

#21 in population

Population

5,839,926

National Avg 6,652,315

#14 in population

Population Per Square Mile

56

National Avg 206.5 persons/square mile

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How Does Colorado Score?

F
Home Affordability
C
Cost of Living
C
Diversity

LEARN ABOUT
RANKINGS & DATA

Metropolitans

Living in Colorado

Climate

How Does Colorado Compare?

#6
in Sunny Days
#43
in Annual Rainfall
#47
in Daytime Humidity

Healthcare

#18

How Does Colorado Compare?

#18
in Healthcare
#12
in Available Beds
#37
in Doctors Per Resident

2

Children's Hospitals

1

VA Medical Centers

19

VA Clinics

Colorado Marijuana Laws

Cost of Living

#33

How Does Colorado Compare?

#33
in Cost of Living
#11
in Minimum Hourly Wage
#42
in Living Wage

Colorado State Taxes

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Essential New Mover Steps

What costs and challenges will you face when relocating to Colorado? Start your journey by preparing with these key steps.

eMortgage connects you with up to 5 competing mortgage lenders through a quick, streamlined process.

Renter tested. Landlord approved. Starting from $5/mo.

Moving costs can add up quickly. Start budgeting by tackling one of your largest costs first by requesting a free online quote from 1-800-Pack-Rat.

Education in Colorado

#15

Colorado School Districts

8th Grade Proficiency (2022)

Ranked #20 in Mathematics

Basic Proficiency

63%

Proficient or Above

28%

Ranked #7 in Reading

Basic Proficiency

73%

Proficient or Above

34%

Education Attainment

High School Degree
92.4%
Bachelors Degree
42.8%

Raising a Family?

See if any of these family-friendly places are a fit for yours.

Places (Cities & Towns)

Get to Know Colorado

State Capital

Denver

Area Codes

303,719,720,970

Time Zone

Mountain Time Zone

Number of Counties

63

Land Area (square miles)

103,637

Motto

Nil sine numine (Nothing without the Deity)

State Bird

Lark bunting

Housing

#46
#46 in home affordability

Median Home Value

$488,600

National $440,300

#46 in rent affordability

Median Rent

$1,437

National $1,702

Average Homeownership cost

$524

Taxes, Insurance, Utilities, HOA (no mortgage)

Total Households

2,227,932

Persons Per Household

2.52

Rent vs Own

Own 66.1%
Rent 33.9%

Economy

#11 in household income

Median Household Income

80,184

National $70,784

#5 in labor participation
% in Labor Force
67.8%
Poverty Rate
9.7%

Industries by Revenue

in $1,000s

Health & Social Assistance Revenue

$40,055,755

Accomodations & Food Revenue

$19,455,751

Transportation & Warehousing Revenue

$15,882,039

Per Capita Retail Sales

15,119

Counties

Diversity

#23
White alone
86.5%
Black or African American alone
4.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native alone
1.7%
Asian alone
3.6%
Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander alone
0.2%
Two or More Races
3.3%
Hispanic or Latino
22.3%
White alone, not Hispanic or Latino
67%

Foreign Born Persons

9.5%

Veterans

365440

Persons Under 5 years
5.4%
Persons Under 18 years
21.4%
Persons 65 years and over
15.1%

Is Diversity essential?

Find culture and diversity in the Most Diverse Places in the US.

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