Boulder, Colorado

Nature meets innovation at the Flatirons

West Boulder, CO Metro

U.S. News (2025)

#14 Best Places to Live

Outside Magazine (2024)

#1 Best Towns

WhereAtHome Score

67.4

D+

out of 100

Overview

Boulder is one of America's most desirable small cities, combining University of Colorado academics with natural beauty and an active lifestyle. The city has become a hub for clean tech, aerospace, and outdoor industry companies. Very high housing costs reflect extreme demand and limited development.

Key Highlights

  • University of Colorado flagship campus
  • Iconic Flatirons mountain backdrop
  • Pearl Street Mall pedestrian district
  • Major outdoor industry hub
  • Clean tech and aerospace employment
  • Highest-educated city in America

Key Metrics

Population 2024

103,166

Source: Census ACS

Median Home Value 2026

$957,377

Source: Zillow ZHVI

Median Household Income 2023

$86,098

Source: Census ACS

Average Commute 2023

21.4 min

Source: Census ACS

Walk Score 2025

62

Source: Walk Score

Crime Level 2024

Moderate-Low

Source: FBI CDE

School Rating

2025

A (8.4/10)

Source: Curated

Cost of Living Index 2025

165 (100 = U.S. avg)

Source: Curated

2024 Presidential Election

Boulder County (county-level results)

77%
21%
Democrat 150,149
Republican 40,758
Leans D+55.8

Source: County-level results from MIT Election Data + Science Lab. Learn more

Climate

Summer High

87°F

Winter Low

20°F

Annual Rainfall

18"

Sunny Days

300

Amenities & Infrastructure

45+ Parks

Green spaces and recreation

2 Major Hospitals

Healthcare access

1 Universities

Higher education institutions

Public Transit Available

Bus, rail, or metro service

Major Employers

University of Colorado Ball Corporation NCAR Google

Score Breakdown

6 of 6 score factors available. Missing factors are excluded and available weights are rescaled.

Housing Affordability 21.5/100

Median home value relative to national average (Weight: 20%)

Income vs Housing 24.8/100

How affordable housing is relative to local incomes (Weight: 20%)

Commute Time 68.6/100

Average commute time compared to national average (Weight: 15%)

Crime 65/100

Overall crime levels based on FBI crime statistics (Weight: 20%)

Walkability 62/100

Walk Score — ease of daily errands on foot (Weight: 15%)

Purchasing Power 37.6/100

Median income relative to national average, adjusted for cost of living (Weight: 10%)

WhereAtHome Score 67.4

Location

Boulder, CO (40.0150, -105.2705)
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Compare with another city

Start Comparison

Last Updated: 2026-07-01

Data sourced from U.S. Census Bureau, Zillow, FBI Crime Data Explorer, Walk Score, and Niche.

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