What to know when moving to Brighton, CO
Brighton at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A growing community with 29.1% of residents renting and a median household income of $99,031.
- The Major Draw:
- Median gross rent is $1,729, providing a relatively affordable option compared to nearby cities.
- The Reality Check:
- Only 1.5% of residents use public transit, making this a car-dependent area.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for $1,729 rent when looking for a place to live.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Brighton has a population of 41,301, with a median household income of $99,031. Education levels are moderate, with 23.6% of residents holding a bachelor's degree or higher, indicating a mix of educational backgrounds. The renter percentage is 29.1%, suggesting a community with a significant number of homeowners, but still plenty of rental opportunities. With only 1.5% of residents commuting via public transit, owning a car is essential for getting around.
Probably not your spot if: you prefer a robust public transit system, as only 1.5% of residents use it.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $1,729, which is relatively affordable compared to many urban areas.
- The median owner-occupied home value is $471,900, indicating a stable housing market.
- 23.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher, contributing to community character.
- The poverty rate stands at 8.6%, reflecting economic stability within the community.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
In Colorado, the property crime rate is 2,168.8 per 100,000 people, which is 40.2% higher than the national rate of 1,546.9. The violent crime rate is 420.3 per 100,000, which is 29.2% above the national average of 325.3. Notably, the homicide rate has decreased by 46.8% since 2022.
- Violent crime: 420.3 per 100,000 vs. national 325.3
- Property crime: 2,168.8 per 100,000 vs. national 1,546.9
- Notable trend: Homicide rate down 46.8% since 2022
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Colorado).
Schools & Higher Ed
Brighton has access to higher education institutions nearby, including:
- Empire Beauty School-Thornton in Thornton, CO
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations, NCES.
Weather & Getting Outside
While specific climate data is unavailable, Brighton offers several parks for outdoor activities:
- E.B. Rains Jr. Memorial Park - 4.6 stars (3,380 reviews)
- Carpenter Park - 4.7 stars (2,379 reviews)
- Barr Lake State Park - 4.5 stars (2,301 reviews)
- Brighton Park - 4.5 stars (700 reviews)
- Reunion Park - 4.7 stars (648 reviews)
Source: Google Places API.
Jobs & the Local Economy
In Adams County, the unemployment rate is 3.9% as of December 2025, with a total labor force of 300,271. Employment levels are relatively strong, with 288,665 individuals working.
- Unemployment rate: 3.9% (December 2025)
- Employed: 288,665
- Labor force: 300,271
Source: BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics.