Lakewood, CO
Population 156,309 · Colorado
About Lakewood, CO
Lakewood is a major city located in Colorado with a population of 156,309 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $85,789 per year, which is 14% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 38 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Lakewood features a median home value of $548,200, which is 124% above the national median of $244,900. This places Lakewood in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,746, 50% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 73,000 total housing units, 58% are owner-occupied (40,250 units) and 42% are renter-occupied (29,046 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Lakewood shows an unemployment rate of 4.5%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 9.1%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Lakewood have an average one-way commute time of 26.7 minutes.
Education & Demographics
45.3% of Lakewood 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 15.5% White, 3.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Black or African American, and 5.8% Asian residents, with 8.5% of the population being foreign-born.
How Lakewood Ranks in Colorado
Cost of Living in Lakewood, CO
Compared to national averages, Lakewood has a median household income of $85,789 (14% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $548,200, which is 124% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,746 is 50% above the US average of $1,163. Within Colorado, Lakewood's income is 3% below the state average of $88,514, and home values are 20% above the state median of $457,127.
Why Live in Lakewood, CO?
Lakewood offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $85,789, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 45.3% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 9.1%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $548,200. However, as a major city, Lakewood provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Lakewood has a population of 156,309 with a median age of 38 years. Compare Lakewood with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Colorado.
Similar Cities Near Lakewood
Cities in Colorado with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Collins | 169,705 | $83,598 | $548,400 | Compare |
| Thornton | 142,878 | $100,985 | $482,200 | Compare |
| Arvada | 122,835 | $113,396 | $600,800 | Compare |
| Westminster | 115,546 | $96,145 | $497,400 | Compare |
| Pueblo | 111,514 | $55,305 | $230,900 | Compare |
| Greeley | 109,421 | $68,650 | $369,600 | Compare |
| Centennial | 107,386 | $128,167 | $626,700 | Compare |
| Boulder | 106,274 | $85,364 | $982,600 | 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 Lakewood With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Lakewood
What is the population of Lakewood, CO?
The population of Lakewood, CO is 156,309 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 Lakewood?
The median household income in Lakewood, CO is $85,789 per year, which is 14% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Lakewood?
The median home value in Lakewood, CO is $548,200, which is 124% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Lakewood?
The median monthly rent in Lakewood, CO is $1,746, which is 50% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Lakewood?
The unemployment rate in Lakewood, 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 Lakewood, CO a good place to live?
Lakewood offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 156,309 and a median age of 38, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Lakewood, CO?
45.3% of residents in Lakewood 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 Lakewood?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Lakewood, CO: median home value is $548,200 (124% above national), median rent is $1,746/month, and median household income is $85,789. The home-value-to-income ratio is 6.4x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Lakewood?
The poverty rate in Lakewood, CO is 9.1%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Lakewood, CO?
Lakewood's population is 15.5% White, 3.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Black or African American, 5.8% Asian, and 1.3% two or more races. 8.5% of residents are foreign-born.