Golden, CO
Population 20,467 · Colorado
About Golden, CO
Golden is a mid-sized city located in Colorado with a population of 20,467 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $95,913 per year, which is 28% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 35.1 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 Golden features a median home value of $790,500, which is 223% above the national median of $244,900. This places Golden in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,854, 59% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 8,108 total housing units, 59% are owner-occupied (4,574 units) and 41% are renter-occupied (3,208 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Golden shows an unemployment rate of 4.5%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 13.0%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Golden have an average one-way commute time of 23.7 minutes.
Education & Demographics
59.0% of Golden 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 4.2% White, 2.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, and 2.7% Asian residents, with 5.8% of the population being foreign-born.
How Golden Ranks in Colorado
Cost of Living in Golden, CO
Compared to national averages, Golden has a median household income of $95,913 (28% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $790,500, which is 223% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,854 is 59% above the US average of $1,163. Within Colorado, Golden's income is 8% above the state average of $88,514, and home values are 73% above the state median of $457,127.
Why Live in Golden, CO?
Golden offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $95,913, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 59.0% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and short commute times averaging just 23.7 minutes.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $790,500. However, Golden’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Golden has a population of 20,467 with a median age of 35.1 years. Compare Golden with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Colorado.
Similar Cities Near Golden
Cities in Colorado with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Montrose | 20,703 | $63,177 | $359,000 | Compare |
| Louisville | 20,788 | $149,159 | $835,000 | Compare |
| Clifton | 19,746 | $54,301 | $234,200 | Compare |
| Sherrelwood | 19,368 | $73,849 | $412,200 | Compare |
| Durango | 19,257 | $79,545 | $609,700 | Compare |
| Four Square Mile | 21,788 | $73,318 | $448,200 | Compare |
| Cimarron Hills | 18,808 | $75,853 | $333,300 | Compare |
| Evans | 22,265 | $72,926 | $326,300 | 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 Golden With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Golden
What is the population of Golden, CO?
The population of Golden, CO is 20,467 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Colorado.
What is the median household income in Golden?
The median household income in Golden, CO is $95,913 per year, which is 28% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Golden?
The median home value in Golden, CO is $790,500, which is 223% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Golden?
The median monthly rent in Golden, CO is $1,854, which is 59% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Golden?
The unemployment rate in Golden, CO is 4.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Golden, CO a good place to live?
Golden offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 20,467 and a median age of 35.1, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Golden, CO?
59.0% of residents in Golden 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 Golden?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Golden, CO: median home value is $790,500 (223% above national), median rent is $1,854/month, and median household income is $95,913. The home-value-to-income ratio is 8.2x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Golden?
The poverty rate in Golden, CO is 13.0%, 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 Golden, CO?
Golden's population is 4.2% White, 2.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, 2.7% Asian, and 1.5% two or more races. 5.8% of residents are foreign-born.