What to know when moving to Parker, CO
Parker at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A highly educated area where 59.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree and only 19.5% of households are renters.
- The Major Draw:
- Median household income stands at $142,162, providing substantial purchasing power.
- The Reality Check:
- Median gross rent is $2,027, which may be steep for some budgets.
- Commute:
- Only 0.9% of residents use public transit, indicating a car-dependent area.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for $2,027/month rent, as housing costs are notably high.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Parker presents itself as a community with a significant emphasis on education and homeownership, evident from the 59.3% of residents possessing a bachelor's degree and a low renter percentage of 19.5%. The median household income of $142,162 indicates a financially stable population, making it an attractive zone for families and individuals seeking a suburban lifestyle. With an annual average of 90 rainy days, residents should be prepared for occasional wet weather.
Probably not your spot if you are looking for lower housing costs, as the median gross rent of $2,027 may be a barrier for many potential residents.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $2,027, making it important to factor this into your budget.
- Median owner-occupied home value is $643,200, indicating a competitive housing market.
- With a poverty rate of just 2.5%, the community reflects strong economic stability.
- Only 19.5% of the population are renters, showcasing a strong owner-occupied market.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
Colorado has seen a decreasing trend in crime rates, with a property crime rate of 2,168.8 per 100k, which is 40.2% higher than the national average. However, the violent crime rate is 420.3 per 100k, which is lower than the national rate of 325.3 per 100k.
- Violent crime: 420.3 per 100k in Colorado vs. 325.3 per 100k nationally, with a 17.9% decrease since 2022.
- Property crime: 2,168.8 per 100k in Colorado vs. 1,546.9 per 100k nationally, with a 32.9% decrease since 2022.
- Notable trend: The homicide rate has dropped by 46.8% since 2022, now at 3.6 per 100k.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Colorado).
Schools & Higher Ed
Parker has access to a total of 6 nearby postsecondary institutions, including options in surrounding counties. Notable schools include Rocky Vista University and Stacey James Institute, both located in Parker.
- Total postsecondary institutions: 6
- Notable local options: Rocky Vista University, Stacey James Institute
- Nearby institutions: Arapahoe Community College, Colorado Media School, and Denver Seminary.
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations, NCES + College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
Parker experiences an annual precipitation of 15.5 inches, spread across approximately 90 rainy days. With an average of only 2.9 inches of snowfall per year, the climate is relatively mild. For those who enjoy the outdoors, there are several parks and recreational areas nearby.
- Cherry Creek State Park - 4.6 stars (9,548 reviews)
- O'Brien Park - 4.6 stars (1,989 reviews)
- The Trails Recreation Center - 4.5 stars (1,254 reviews)
- Bluffs Regional Park Trail - 4.7 stars (1,150 reviews)
Source: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places API.
Jobs & the Local Economy
Douglas County, where Parker is located, has a current unemployment rate of 3.2% as of December 2025. The labor force comprises 222,158 individuals, with 214,953 currently employed.
- Unemployment rate: 3.2% in December 2025
- Employed: 214,953 individuals
- Labor force: 222,158 individuals
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.