Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Lakewood, CO
Thinking about moving to Lakewood, CO? With a population of 156,605, Lakewood offers a vibrant community close to Denver, featuring a median home price of $525,000 and average rents around $1,700. The city enjoys over 62% sunny days each year, quick average commutes of 27.5 minutes, and a solid educational base with 42% of residents holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. While property crime rates are above national average, Lakewood’s diverse neighborhoods, major hospitals, and access to excellent schools and outdoor recreation make it a great choice for many newcomers.
Demographics - Lakewood, CO
Demographics - Lakewood, CO
Lakewood is home to about 156,605 residents, offering a moderately dense suburban environment with a median age of 39.4. The city features a diverse population, with nearly 18% of residents speaking a language other than English at home and a strong representation across multiple ethnic backgrounds. This mix creates a vibrant and welcoming community atmosphere.
Population:
156,605
Density:
3,600 per sq mi
Median Age:
39.4
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
17.8%
Ethnic Composition
White:
69.2%
Black:
2.3%
Asian:
3.5%
Others:
25.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Lakewood, CO?
Living in Lakewood comes with a cost of living index of 126.9, indicating higher-than-average expenses, particularly in housing where the median home value is $525,000 and average rent is $1,700. Utilities and groceries remain close to national averages, while state taxes are relatively low at 4.4%. Overall, the city balances higher housing costs with reasonable expenses in other categories.
Median House Value:
$525,000
Gross Rent:
$1,700
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,350
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,400
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$700
State Taxes:
Low:
4.4%
|
High:
4.4%
Cost Of Living Index:
126.9
Grocery:
102.1
Housing:
151.2
Utilities:
91.6
Transportation:
108.9
Health Care:
101.5
Miscellaneous:
106.0
Crime
Is Lakewood, CO a safe place to live?
Lakewood experiences a property crime rate higher than the national average, with about 3,553 incidents per 100,000 people and a chance of 1 in 28 for property crime. Violent crime is less common, with a rate of 377 per 100,000 residents, or a 1 in 265 chance. While safety should be considered, many neighborhoods remain family-friendly and secure.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
377
Property Crimes Per 100k:
3,553
Crime Index:
3,930
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 265
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 28
Weather
What is the weather like in Lakewood, CO year-round?
Residents in Lakewood enjoy a varied climate with warm summers peaking at 87°F, cool winters with lows around 20°F, and about 62% sunny days annually. The city receives roughly 17 inches of rainfall each year, making for pleasant seasonal changes. This weather supports an active, outdoor-oriented lifestyle throughout the year.
Winter
Min:
20°F
Max:
48°F
Spring
Min:
33°F
Max:
66°F
Summer
Min:
55°F
Max:
87°F
Fall
Min:
36°F
Max:
71°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
17.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
Lakewood's households have a median income of $74,335, and about 42% of adults hold at least a bachelor’s degree, reflecting a well-educated and stable community. Commute times average a manageable 27.5 minutes, and the unemployment rate remains low at 3.1%. The poverty rate is under 10%, indicating a generally prosperous area with accessible opportunities.
Median Income:
$43,800
Household Income:
$74,335
Family Income:
$92,200
Per Capita Income:
$41,200
Income Male:
$50,100
Income Female:
$42,600
Poverty Rate:
9.7%
Non English Speakers:
17.8%
Rent:
$1,700
Unemployment Rate:
3.1%
Public Transport Usage:
4.3%
Commute Time:
27.5 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
92.5%
Bachelors or More:
42.0%
Education
How are the schools in Lakewood, CO?
Lakewood offers a solid educational environment, with public schools like Lakewood High School and access to higher education institutions such as Colorado Christian University and Red Rocks Community College. The city boasts a high educational attainment rate, with over 92% of residents holding at least a high school diploma and 42% having a bachelor’s degree or higher. Families benefit from both quality public and private school options within the community.
Public Schools
Name:
Lakewood High School
Street:
9700 W 8th Ave
Phone:
303-982-7096
Students:
2,100
Student Teacher Ratio:
20.1
Name:
Creighton Middle School
Street:
50 S Kipling St
Phone:
303-982-6282
Students:
800
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.2
Private Schools
Name:
Colorado Christian Academy
Street:
220 S Yarrow St
Phone:
303-985-9864
Students:
250
Colleges
Name:
Colorado Christian University
City:
Lakewood
State:
CO
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
8,500
Name:
Red Rocks Community College
City:
Lakewood
State:
CO
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
8,000
Healthcare
Healthcare in Lakewood is robust, with major facilities like St. Anthony Hospital providing comprehensive emergency and surgical services. The city offers a strong ratio of 2.6 physicians per 1,000 residents and health insurance coverage reaching 91.5%. This ensures residents have reliable access to medical care and a variety of healthcare options.
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:
Denver Health – Southwest Community Health Center
Address:
1339 S Federal Blvd, Denver, CO 80219
Phone:
(303) 602-0000
Type:
General & Outpatient
Emergency Services:
No
Physicians Per 1000:
2.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.5%
Health Care Index:
71.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Lakewood, CO?
Lakewood’s housing market features a median home price of $525,000 and an average two-bedroom rent of $1,700, with about 56.5% of residents owning their homes. The market remains competitive, with a steady home appreciation rate of 2.9% and low foreclosure rates. Rental vacancies are modest, making both renting and buying accessible in this growing community.
Median Home Price:
$525,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,700
Owner Occupied Rate:
56.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
5.6%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.9%
New Construction Rate:
1.3%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Lakewood residents are served by the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles conveniently located on Pierce Street. The local DMV office provides full licensing and registration services, and help is available by phone or through the official state website. This makes managing vehicle and licensing needs straightforward for newcomers and long-term residents alike.
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.