Boulder, CO
Population 106,274 · Colorado
About Boulder, CO
Boulder is a major city located in Colorado with a population of 106,274 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $85,364 per year, which is 14% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 28.8 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Boulder features a median home value of $982,600, which is 301% above the national median of $244,900. This places Boulder in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,924, 65% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 46,765 total housing units, 48% are owner-occupied (20,981 units) and 52% are renter-occupied (22,844 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Boulder shows an unemployment rate of 6.1%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 21.8%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Boulder have an average one-way commute time of 19 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
76.8% of Boulder residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 6.6% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, and 3.8% Asian residents, with 10.2% of the population being foreign-born.
How Boulder Ranks in Colorado
Cost of Living in Boulder, CO
Compared to national averages, Boulder has a median household income of $85,364 (14% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $982,600, which is 301% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,924 is 65% above the US average of $1,163. Within Colorado, Boulder's income is 4% below the state average of $88,514, and home values are 115% above the state median of $457,127.
Why Live in Boulder, CO?
Boulder offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $85,364, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 76.8% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and short commute times averaging just 19 minutes.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $982,600. However, as a major city, Boulder provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Boulder has a population of 106,274 with a median age of 28.8 years. Compare Boulder with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Colorado.
Similar Cities Near Boulder
Cities in Colorado with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Centennial | 107,386 | $128,167 | $626,700 | Compare |
| Greeley | 109,421 | $68,650 | $369,600 | Compare |
| Highlands Ranch | 101,437 | $155,847 | $672,600 | Compare |
| Pueblo | 111,514 | $55,305 | $230,900 | Compare |
| Longmont | 98,958 | $89,724 | $541,400 | Compare |
| Westminster | 115,546 | $96,145 | $497,400 | Compare |
| Arvada | 122,835 | $113,396 | $600,800 | Compare |
| Loveland | 77,350 | $82,592 | $453,100 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Colorado
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Boulder With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Boulder
What is the population of Boulder, CO?
The population of Boulder, CO is 106,274 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a major city in Colorado.
What is the median household income in Boulder?
The median household income in Boulder, CO is $85,364 per year, which is 14% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Boulder?
The median home value in Boulder, CO is $982,600, which is 301% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Boulder?
The median monthly rent in Boulder, CO is $1,924, which is 65% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Boulder?
The unemployment rate in Boulder, CO is 6.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Boulder, CO a good place to live?
Boulder offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 106,274 and a median age of 28.8, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Boulder, CO?
76.8% of residents in Boulder aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Boulder?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Boulder, CO: median home value is $982,600 (301% above national), median rent is $1,924/month, and median household income is $85,364. The home-value-to-income ratio is 11.5x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Boulder?
The poverty rate in Boulder, CO is 21.8%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Boulder, CO?
Boulder's population is 6.6% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, 3.8% Asian, and 1.0% two or more races. 10.2% of residents are foreign-born.