Wheat Ridge, CO
Population 32,158 · Colorado
About Wheat Ridge, CO
Wheat Ridge is a mid-sized city located in Colorado with a population of 32,158 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $87,598 per year, which is 17% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 42.1 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Wheat Ridge features a median home value of $584,700, which is 139% above the national median of $244,900. This places Wheat Ridge in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,493, 28% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 15,805 total housing units, 52% are owner-occupied (7,878 units) and 48% are renter-occupied (7,163 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Wheat Ridge shows an unemployment rate of 4.8%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 10.2%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Wheat Ridge have an average one-way commute time of 23.9 minutes.
Education & Demographics
44.4% of Wheat Ridge 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 14.9% White, 3.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, and 5.8% Asian residents, with 4.6% of the population being foreign-born.
How Wheat Ridge Ranks in Colorado
Cost of Living in Wheat Ridge, CO
Compared to national averages, Wheat Ridge has a median household income of $87,598 (17% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $584,700, which is 139% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,493 is 28% above the US average of $1,163. Within Colorado, Wheat Ridge's income is 1% below the state average of $88,514, and home values are 28% above the state median of $457,127.
Why Live in Wheat Ridge, CO?
Wheat Ridge offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $87,598, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 44.4% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 10.2%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 23.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $584,700. However, Wheat Ridge’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Wheat Ridge has a population of 32,158 with a median age of 42.1 years. Compare Wheat Ridge with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Colorado.
Similar Cities Near Wheat Ridge
Cities in Colorado with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Erie | 31,927 | $163,644 | $685,900 | Compare |
| Ken Caryl | 33,407 | $116,838 | $565,700 | Compare |
| Englewood | 33,774 | $82,016 | $534,000 | Compare |
| Lafayette | 30,471 | $110,431 | $647,600 | Compare |
| Dakota Ridge | 34,159 | $120,368 | $570,400 | Compare |
| Fountain | 29,327 | $85,246 | $374,600 | Compare |
| Pueblo West | 34,992 | $95,419 | $371,600 | Compare |
| Windsor | 35,918 | $121,758 | $562,300 | 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 Wheat Ridge With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Wheat Ridge
What is the population of Wheat Ridge, CO?
The population of Wheat Ridge, CO is 32,158 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 Wheat Ridge?
The median household income in Wheat Ridge, CO is $87,598 per year, which is 17% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Wheat Ridge?
The median home value in Wheat Ridge, CO is $584,700, which is 139% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Wheat Ridge?
The median monthly rent in Wheat Ridge, CO is $1,493, which is 28% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Wheat Ridge?
The unemployment rate in Wheat Ridge, CO is 4.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Wheat Ridge, CO a good place to live?
Wheat Ridge offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 32,158 and a median age of 42.1, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Wheat Ridge, CO?
44.4% of residents in Wheat Ridge 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 Wheat Ridge?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Wheat Ridge, CO: median home value is $584,700 (139% above national), median rent is $1,493/month, and median household income is $87,598. The home-value-to-income ratio is 6.7x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Wheat Ridge?
The poverty rate in Wheat Ridge, CO is 10.2%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Wheat Ridge, CO?
Wheat Ridge's population is 14.9% White, 3.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, 5.8% Asian, and 1.3% two or more races. 4.6% of residents are foreign-born.