Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Golden, CO
Considering Golden, CO for your next move? With a population of about 21,000, this historic foothills city combines small-town charm with robust amenities. Home prices average around $780,000, with rents near $2,150, reflecting its desirable location and strong schools—including the renowned Colorado School of Mines. Residents enjoy low violent crime (186 per 100K), short 24-minute commutes, and 66% sunny days. Golden offers an active, educated community, easy metro Denver access, and a vibrant mountain lifestyle.
Demographics - Golden, CO
Demographics - Golden, CO
Golden, Colorado is home to just under 21,000 residents, offering a close-knit and youthful community with a median age of 35.8. The city is predominantly White (86.7%), but also features a blend of cultures, with about 7.4% of residents speaking a language other than English at home. Its moderate population density provides a balance between urban convenience and small-town atmosphere.
Population:
20,967
Density:
2,150 per sq mi
Median Age:
35.8
Gender Ratio:
104 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.4%
Ethnic Composition
White:
86.7%
Black:
1.1%
Asian:
2.7%
Others:
9.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Golden, CO?
Living in Golden comes with a higher cost of living, with a median home value of $780,000 and average rents around $2,150 per month. The cost of living index stands at 145, reflecting premium housing but reasonable utility and healthcare costs. This aligns with Golden’s desirable foothills location and access to quality amenities.
Median House Value:
$780,000
Gross Rent:
$2,150
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$95
Auto Insurance:
$1,540
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,650
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$790
State Taxes:
Low:
4.4%
|
High:
4.4%
Cost Of Living Index:
145.0
Grocery:
108.3
Housing:
180.0
Utilities:
86.5
Transportation:
105.8
Health Care:
96.7
Miscellaneous:
110.2
Crime
Is Golden, CO a safe place to live?
Golden enjoys a low violent crime rate, with just 186 incidents per 100,000 people, making it a safe place for families and individuals. Property crime is somewhat higher but remains on par with similarly sized Colorado communities. Residents benefit from a strong sense of security and active local law enforcement.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
186
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,754
Crime Index:
1,940
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 537
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 57
Weather
What is the weather like in Golden, CO year-round?
Golden experiences four distinct seasons, with mild winters averaging 18°F to 45°F and warm summers reaching up to 89°F. The city boasts 66% sunny days each year, making it ideal for outdoor activities. Average annual rainfall is moderate at 18.6 inches, contributing to the area's scenic beauty.
Winter
Min:
18°F
Max:
45°F
Spring
Min:
36°F
Max:
65°F
Summer
Min:
54°F
Max:
89°F
Fall
Min:
37°F
Max:
69°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
18.6 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
66%
Neighbors
The median household income in Golden is $87,600, supporting a comfortable lifestyle and a low poverty rate of 8.1%. Residents are highly educated, with over 65% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, and enjoy an average commute of just under 24 minutes. The community is known for its friendly, active, and well-educated population.
Median Income:
$51,400
Household Income:
$87,600
Family Income:
$112,500
Per Capita Income:
$43,700
Income Male:
$58,900
Income Female:
$45,200
Poverty Rate:
8.1%
Non English Speakers:
7.4%
Rent:
$2,150
Unemployment Rate:
3.2%
Public Transport Usage:
2.9%
Commute Time:
23.8 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
97.4%
Bachelors or More:
65.2%
Education
How are the schools in Golden, CO?
Golden offers strong educational opportunities, featuring highly regarded public schools like Golden High School and close proximity to the Colorado School of Mines, a top-ranked engineering university. The city’s schools benefit from favorable student-teacher ratios and a robust curriculum. Both public and private options are available, supporting families at all education levels.
Public Schools
Name:
Golden High School
Street:
701 24th St
Phone:
303-982-4200
Students:
1,270
Student Teacher Ratio:
19.3
Name:
Mitchell Elementary School
Street:
201 Rubey Dr
Phone:
303-982-5875
Students:
450
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.5
Private Schools
Name:
Connections Learning Center
Street:
1200 Johnson Rd
Phone:
303-982-6011
Students:
120
Colleges
Name:
Colorado School of Mines
City:
Golden
State:
CO
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
7,200
Name:
Red Rocks Community College
City:
Lakewood
State:
CO
Distance:
7 miles
Students:
6,200
Healthcare
Golden offers excellent healthcare access, with major hospitals like St. Anthony Hospital and Lutheran Medical Center nearby and a high physician-to-resident ratio of 3.1 per 1,000 people. Over 93% of residents have health insurance, ensuring most have reliable coverage. The city’s healthcare facilities provide comprehensive services including emergency care.
Major Hospitals
Name:
St. Anthony Hospital
Address:
11600 W 2nd Pl, Lakewood, CO 80228
Phone:
(720) 321-0000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Lutheran Medical Center
Address:
8300 W 38th Ave, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033
Phone:
(303) 425-4500
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
3.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
93.7%
Health Care Index:
70.5
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Golden, CO?
Golden's housing market is competitive, with median home prices at $780,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom at $2,150. The city has a majority of owner-occupied homes and a low foreclosure rate of 0.4%, reflecting market stability. Home values have appreciated by 3.1% over the past year, indicating ongoing demand.
Median Home Price:
$780,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,150
Owner Occupied Rate:
57.6%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
5.6%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.1%
New Construction Rate:
1.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Residents of Golden are served by the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles, with the closest office located in Lakewood. The DMV provides essential services such as driver licensing, vehicle registration, and title services. Up-to-date information and resources are available on the official state DMV website.
State:
Colorado
Department:
Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
1881 Pierce St, Lakewood, CO 80214
Phone:
303-205-5600
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.