Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Thornton, CO
Considering a move to Thornton, CO? With a population of 145,700 and a median home price around $480,000, Thornton blends affordability with proximity to Denver’s job market. Residents enjoy 67% sunny days per year, average commutes of 30 minutes, and housing costs that are competitive for the region. The city offers a diverse community, reputable local schools, and a moderate violent crime rate of 272 per 100k. Explore Thornton’s active lifestyle, excellent healthcare, and welcoming neighborhoods to find your ideal Colorado home.
Demographics - Thornton, CO
Demographics - Thornton, CO
Thornton is home to about 145,700 residents, with a youthful median age of 34.9 and a balanced gender ratio. The city is diverse, with over 60% identifying as White and a significant portion of residents speaking languages other than English at home, reflecting its multicultural community.
Population:
145,700
Density:
4,100 per sq mi
Median Age:
34.9
Gender Ratio:
99 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
20.0%

Ethnic Composition
White:
60.8%
Black:
3.8%
Asian:
6.1%
Others:
29.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Thornton, CO?
Living in Thornton comes with a cost of living index slightly above the national average at 117.5, largely due to higher housing prices. The median home value is $480,000 and typical rent for a two-bedroom apartment is around $1,850, making it relatively affordable compared to nearby Denver.
Median House Value:
$480,000
Gross Rent:
$1,850
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,410
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,300
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$790
State Taxes:
Low:
4.4%
|
High:
4.4%
Cost Of Living Index:
117.5
Grocery:
104.8
Housing:
122.2
Utilities:
97.3
Transportation:
108.5
Health Care:
104.9
Miscellaneous:
101.7
Crime
Is Thornton, CO a safe place to live?
Thornton experiences a moderate crime rate, with 272 violent crimes and 2,145 property crimes per 100,000 residents, translating to a 1 in 368 chance of violent crime. Most residents feel secure, but it’s advisable to stay aware in certain neighborhoods.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
272
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,145
Crime Index:
2,417
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 368
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 47
Weather
What is the weather like in Thornton, CO year-round?
Thornton enjoys a semi-arid climate with nearly 67% sunny days each year. Winters are chilly, with lows around 17°F, while summers are warm, reaching highs near 89°F, and the city receives about 15.4 inches of rainfall annually.

Winter
Min:
17°F
Max:
46°F

Spring
Min:
35°F
Max:
66°F

Summer
Min:
57°F
Max:
89°F

Fall
Min:
35°F
Max:
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
15.4 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
67%
Neighbors
Thornton’s neighborhoods are characterized by a median household income of $86,600 and a low poverty rate of 6.6%. Most residents are educated, with over 90% holding a high school diploma or higher, and the average commute time is about 30 minutes.
Median Income:
$41,000
Household Income:
$86,600
Family Income:
$97,800
Per Capita Income:
$34,700
Income Male:
$52,000
Income Female:
$42,000
Poverty Rate:
6.6%
Non English Speakers:
20.0%
Rent:
$1,850
Unemployment Rate:
3.8%
Public Transport Usage:
3.1%
Commute Time:
30.2 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
90.6%
Bachelors or More:
32.2%
Education
How are the schools in Thornton, CO?
Thornton offers access to quality education, with public schools like Horizon High School and proximity to higher education at Front Range Community College. The city’s schools maintain favorable student-teacher ratios and support a well-educated community.

Public Schools
Name:
Horizon High School
Street:
5321 E 136th Ave
Phone:
720-972-4400
Students:
1,900
Student Teacher Ratio:
18.5
Name:
Thornton Elementary School
Street:
991 Eppinger Blvd
Phone:
720-972-5660
Students:
580
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.4

Private Schools
Name:
Mission Christian Academy
Street:
345 E 136th Ave
Phone:
303-457-5267
Students:
120

Colleges
Name:
Front Range Community College
City:
Westminster
State:
CO
Distance:
7 miles
Students:
18,900
Name:
Metropolitan State University of Denver
City:
Denver
State:
CO
Distance:
12 miles
Students:
19,000
Healthcare
Residents benefit from excellent healthcare access, including major facilities like North Suburban Medical Center and a high health insurance coverage rate of 92.1%. With 2.2 physicians per 1,000 people, Thornton offers reliable medical services to support community well-being.

Major Hospitals
Name:
North Suburban Medical Center
Address:
9191 Grant St, Thornton, CO 80229
Phone:
(303) 451-7800
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
SCL Health Community Hospital - Northglenn
Address:
11900 Grant St, Northglenn, CO 80233
Phone:
(303) 673-1600
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.1%
Health Care Index:
76.8
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Thornton, CO?
The housing market in Thornton is strong, with a median home price of $480,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate of 70.9%. Home values have appreciated by 3.7% over the past year, indicating a stable investment environment for buyers.
Median Home Price:
$480,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,850
Owner Occupied Rate:
70.9%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.9%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.7%
New Construction Rate:
2.4%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.5%
DMV Information
Thornton residents are served by the Colorado Department of Revenue’s Division of Motor Vehicles, located in nearby Lakewood. The DMV provides essential services such as licensing, registration, and title transfers for Colorado drivers.
State:
Colorado
Department:
Colorado Department of Revenue, 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.