What to know when moving to Wheat Ridge, CO
Wheat Ridge at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A community where 51% of residents are renters and 44.1% hold a bachelor's degree.
- The Major Draw:
- Median household income is $84,719, making it a financially comfortable place to live.
- The Reality Check:
- With a poverty rate of 10.4%, some residents face economic challenges.
- Commute:
- Only 2.5% of the population uses public transit.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for a median rent of $1,536 per month.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Wheat Ridge offers a unique blend of suburban living with a significant percentage of renters at 51%. The population of 26,841 enjoys a relatively high median household income of $84,719, and a noteworthy educational attainment rate with 44.1% of residents holding a bachelor's degree or higher.
However, the area also sees a poverty rate of 10.4%, indicating that not everyone shares in the prosperity. Probably not your spot if you are looking for robust public transit options, as only 2.5% of the population commutes via public transport.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median rent is $1,536, which can fit various budgets.
- Median home value is $568,900, indicating a competitive housing market.
- 44.1% of residents have a bachelor's degree or higher, contributing to a well-educated community.
- The poverty rate stands at 10.4%, suggesting some economic challenges within the area.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
Colorado's crime data indicates a significant drop in both violent and property crime rates, reflecting a positive trend toward safety in the area.
- Violent crime: Colorado's annual rate is 420.3 per 100,000, compared to the national rate of 325.3, which is 29.2% higher.
- Property crime: The state annual rate is 2,168.8 per 100,000, significantly above the national rate of 1,546.9, which is 40.2% higher.
- Notable trend: The homicide rate has decreased by 46.8% since 2022, showing improvement in overall safety.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Colorado).
Schools & Higher Ed
Wheat Ridge provides access to 29 postsecondary institutions in the region, enhancing educational opportunities for residents.
- Total postsecondary institutions: 29
- Nearby notable schools include: Colorado Christian University, Colorado School of Mines, and Red Rocks Community College.
Source: NCES Postsecondary School Locations, U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
Wheat Ridge experiences an annual precipitation of 10.2 inches and about 62 rainy days, so it's wise to have an umbrella handy. The area sees approximately 3 inches of snowfall each year over 15 snow days.
- Parks & outdoor spots worth checking out:
- Sloan's Lake Park - 4.6 stars (6,340 reviews)
- Lair o' the Bear Park - 4.8 stars (3,108 reviews)
- Crown Hill Park - 4.7 stars (1,848 reviews)
Source: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.
Jobs & the Local Economy
In Jefferson County, where Wheat Ridge is located, the economy is robust with a labor force of 337,389 and an employment figure of 325,968.
- Unemployment rate: 3.4% as of December 2025
- Total employed: 325,968
- Total labor force: 337,389
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.