Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Lafayette, CO
Considering a move to Lafayette, CO? This vibrant city of 29,363 boasts sunny weather 67% of the year, excellent public schools, and a highly educated community—over half of adults have a bachelor’s degree or higher. The median home price is $650,000, with average rents around $2,000, reflecting Boulder County’s strong housing market. Residents enjoy low violent crime rates (131 per 100K), quick 26-minute commutes, and access to top healthcare. Lafayette’s blend of small-town charm and urban amenities makes it a fantastic choice for families and professionals alike.
Demographics - Lafayette, CO
Demographics - Lafayette, CO
Lafayette, Colorado is home to just over 29,000 residents, with a balanced gender ratio and a median age of 39.2 years. The city is predominantly White (79%), with a growing Hispanic/Latino community making up 17%, and about 13% of locals speak a language other than English at home. This diverse, moderately dense community offers a welcoming environment for newcomers.
Population:
29,363
Density:
3,600 per sq mi
Median Age:
39.2
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
13.2%
Ethnic Composition
White:
79.1%
Black:
1.2%
Asian:
2.5%
Others:
8.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Lafayette, CO?
The cost of living in Lafayette is notably higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 142.5. Median home values reach $650,000 and average rents are around $2,000, reflecting the area’s desirable housing market and proximity to Boulder. Everyday expenses like groceries and healthcare are slightly above average, making budgeting important for new residents.
Median House Value:
$650,000
Gross Rent:
$2,000
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$95
Auto Insurance:
$1,520
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,850
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$850
State Taxes:
Low:
4.4%
|
High:
4.4%
Cost Of Living Index:
142.5
Grocery:
107.2
Housing:
182.0
Utilities:
91.1
Transportation:
106.2
Health Care:
104.8
Miscellaneous:
102.5
Crime
Is Lafayette, CO a safe place to live?
Lafayette offers a safe environment, with a low violent crime rate of 131 incidents per 100,000 people—meaning your chance of experiencing violent crime is about 1 in 763. Property crime is more common but still manageable, with a rate of 1,217 per 100,000. Overall, the city is considered a secure place to live and raise a family.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
131
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,217
Crime Index:
1,348
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 763
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 82
Weather
What is the weather like in Lafayette, CO year-round?
Residents enjoy a sunny climate, with clear skies on about 67% of days each year. Winters are cold but manageable, with lows around 18°F, while summers are warm, reaching highs near 89°F. The city receives moderate rainfall, totaling nearly 18 inches annually, and experiences four distinct seasons.
Winter
Min:
18°F
Max:
45°F
Spring
Min:
36°F
Max:
67°F
Summer
Min:
56°F
Max:
89°F
Fall
Min:
36°F
Max:
70°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
17.9 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
67%
Neighbors
Lafayette’s neighborhoods are characterized by high educational attainment—nearly 95% have a high school diploma or higher, and over half hold a bachelor’s degree. The median household income is $93,400, and the community maintains a relatively low poverty rate of 7.9%. Most residents commute about 26 minutes to work, with a small percentage using public transportation.
Median Income:
$51,000
Household Income:
$93,400
Family Income:
$117,500
Per Capita Income:
$47,200
Income Male:
$57,500
Income Female:
$48,600
Poverty Rate:
7.9%
Non English Speakers:
13.2%
Rent:
$2,000
Unemployment Rate:
3.2%
Public Transport Usage:
3.8%
Commute Time:
25.7 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
94.7%
Bachelors or More:
54.8%
Education
How are the schools in Lafayette, CO?
Families in Lafayette benefit from highly rated public and private schools, with public school student-teacher ratios around 16:1. Nearby higher education options include Front Range Community College and the University of Colorado Boulder, both within a 10-mile drive. The city’s commitment to education is evident in its well-resourced schools and high graduation rates.
Public Schools
Name:
Lafayette Elementary School
Street:
101 N Boulder Rd
Phone:
720-561-8900
Students:
550
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.5
Name:
Angevine Middle School
Street:
1150 W South Boulder Rd
Phone:
720-561-7100
Students:
690
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.8
Private Schools
Name:
Alexander Dawson School
Street:
10455 Dawson Dr
Phone:
303-665-6679
Students:
530
Colleges
Name:
Front Range Community College
City:
Westminster
State:
CO
Distance:
9 miles
Students:
18,000
Name:
University of Colorado Boulder
City:
Boulder
State:
CO
Distance:
10 miles
Students:
36,000
Healthcare
Lafayette provides excellent healthcare access, anchored by Good Samaritan Medical Center and a strong network of physicians—2.6 per 1,000 residents. Health insurance coverage is high at 93.6%, ensuring most locals have access to medical care. The city’s healthcare index reflects quality and availability of services for families and individuals alike.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Good Samaritan Medical Center
Address:
200 Exempla Circle, Lafayette, CO 80026
Phone:
(303) 689-4000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
93.6%
Health Care Index:
76.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Lafayette, CO?
The Lafayette housing market is competitive, with a median home price of $650,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment at $2,000. Around 70% of homes are owner-occupied, and vacancy rates are low. Modest home appreciation and a low foreclosure rate suggest a stable and desirable real estate environment.
Median Home Price:
$650,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,000
Owner Occupied Rate:
70.1%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
3.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.4%
New Construction Rate:
1.3%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Lafayette residents are served by the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles, with the nearest office in Boulder. Services include licensing, registration, and more, accessible both in-person and online. For assistance, locals can visit the Boulder office or use the Colorado DMV website.
State:
Colorado
Department:
Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
2850 Iris Ave, Suite F, Boulder, CO 80301
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.