Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Wheat Ridge, CO
Considering a move to Wheat Ridge, CO? With a population of 32,398, this welcoming Denver suburb features a median home price of $535,000 and average rents around $1,530. Residents enjoy a manageable 25-minute average commute, over 67% sunny days each year, and easy access to major healthcare and education options. While property crime rates are higher than average, the vibrant community, good schools, and beautiful Colorado climate make Wheat Ridge a popular choice for families and professionals alike.
Demographics - Wheat Ridge, CO
Demographics - Wheat Ridge, CO
Wheat Ridge is home to 32,398 residents, with a median age of 44.1, reflecting a mature and diverse community. The city is predominantly White (80.5%), but also features a mix of other backgrounds, and nearly 14% of residents speak a language other than English at home. Its moderate population density and nearly balanced gender ratio create a welcoming suburban atmosphere.
Population:
32,398
Density:
3,400 per sq mi
Median Age:
44.1
Gender Ratio:
95 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
13.8%
Ethnic Composition
White:
80.5%
Black:
1.7%
Asian:
1.6%
Others:
16.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Wheat Ridge, CO?
Living in Wheat Ridge comes with a cost of living index of 121.7, making it moderately higher than the national average. The median home value is $535,000, and average rent for a two-bedroom apartment is about $1,530, while utilities and groceries remain relatively affordable. Residents benefit from Colorado's flat 4.4% income tax rate.
Median House Value:
$535,000
Gross Rent:
$1,530
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$97
Auto Insurance:
$1,420
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,180
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$730
State Taxes:
Low:
4.4%
|
High:
4.4%
Cost Of Living Index:
121.7
Grocery:
104.3
Housing:
134.1
Utilities:
94.5
Transportation:
110.8
Health Care:
99.6
Miscellaneous:
103.9
Crime
Is Wheat Ridge, CO a safe place to live?
Wheat Ridge experiences a higher-than-average property crime rate, with 4,120 incidents per 100,000 residents, while violent crime remains relatively low at 353 per 100,000. The chance of being a victim of property crime is about 1 in 24, making it important for residents to stay vigilant. Despite this, many find the city’s overall atmosphere safe and community-oriented.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
353
Property Crimes Per 100k:
4,120
Crime Index:
4,473
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 283
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 24
Weather
What is the weather like in Wheat Ridge, CO year-round?
Wheat Ridge enjoys a classic Colorado climate with 67% sunny days annually and four distinct seasons. Winters are chilly but manageable, with lows around 19°F, while summers are warm with highs near 87°F. The area receives about 17 inches of rainfall each year, supporting lush landscapes and outdoor activities.
Winter
Min:
19°F
Max:
46°F
Spring
Min:
35°F
Max:
68°F
Summer
Min:
59°F
Max:
87°F
Fall
Min:
38°F
Max:
72°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
17.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
67%
Neighbors
Residents of Wheat Ridge have a median household income of $72,100 and a relatively low poverty rate of 8.7%. Most neighbors have at least a high school education, with nearly 39% holding a bachelor’s degree or higher, and the average commute is about 25 minutes. The community is diverse and engaged, with a small percentage utilizing public transportation.
Median Income:
$39,800
Household Income:
$72,100
Family Income:
$91,200
Per Capita Income:
$43,600
Income Male:
$51,200
Income Female:
$41,800
Poverty Rate:
8.7%
Non English Speakers:
13.8%
Rent:
$1,530
Unemployment Rate:
3.7%
Public Transport Usage:
3.2%
Commute Time:
24.7 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
93.9%
Bachelors or More:
38.7%
Education
How are the schools in Wheat Ridge, CO?
Wheat Ridge is served by reputable public schools like Wheat Ridge High School and Everitt Middle School, offering strong academic programs and reasonable student-teacher ratios. Private education options are available, and higher education is easily accessed at nearby institutions such as Red Rocks Community College and Metropolitan State University of Denver. The city’s educational environment supports lifelong learning for all ages.
Public Schools
Name:
Wheat Ridge High School
Street:
9505 W 32nd Ave
Phone:
303-982-7695
Students:
1,175
Student Teacher Ratio:
18.2
Name:
Everitt Middle School
Street:
3900 Kipling St
Phone:
303-982-6288
Students:
590
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.1
Private Schools
Name:
Bethlehem Lutheran School
Street:
2100 Wadsworth Blvd
Phone:
303-233-0401
Students:
180
Colleges
Name:
Red Rocks Community College
City:
Lakewood
State:
CO
Distance:
7 miles
Students:
7,000
Name:
Metropolitan State University of Denver
City:
Denver
State:
CO
Distance:
8 miles
Students:
19,000
Healthcare
Wheat Ridge offers quality healthcare access, with major hospitals like Lutheran Medical Center and St. Anthony Hospital nearby. The city has 2.7 physicians per 1,000 residents and over 91% health insurance coverage, ensuring residents have convenient medical care. Healthcare services are well-rated and readily accessible for families and individuals.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Lutheran Medical Center
Address:
8300 W 38th Ave, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033
Phone:
(303) 425-4500
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
St. Anthony Hospital
Address:
11600 W 2nd Pl, Lakewood, CO 80228
Phone:
(720) 321-0000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.8%
Health Care Index:
78.3
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Wheat Ridge, CO?
The Wheat Ridge housing market features a median home price of $535,000, reflecting steady growth and solid investment potential with a 2.4% appreciation rate over the past year. About 60% of homes are owner-occupied, and rental options are available with average rents at $1,530. Vacancy and foreclosure rates remain low, supporting a stable housing environment.
Median Home Price:
$535,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,530
Owner Occupied Rate:
60.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
5.9%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.4%
New Construction Rate:
1.4%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Wheat Ridge residents are served by the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located at 1881 Pierce St in Lakewood. Services such as licensing, registration, and titling are accessible both in-person and online. The DMV provides helpful resources for new and existing residents through their official 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.