RANK #934 / 996 · POP 328,658 · CO
PROJECTED GROWTH: -2.3%
Boulder County, Colorado, is distinguished by the iconic Flatirons, dramatic sandstone formations that provide a backdrop to the city of Boulder. Located in north-central Colorado, northwest of Denver, the county offers a blend of urban, suburban, and rural communities. Commuting to Denver is possible via the Flatiron Flyer bus service, which uses express lanes. The community emphasizes an active, outdoor lifestyle, with over 45,000 acres of open space and 150 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and climbing. Eldorado Canyon State Park is a notable destination for rock climbing. The area enjoys a mild climate with over 300 days of sunshine annually.
Life in Boulder County is shaped by its natural amenities and a focus on well-being. The county consistently ranks among the healthiest places in the U.S., partly due to low physical inactivity rates. The Boulder Valley School District and St. Vrain Valley School District serve the area, with schools consistently ranking high in academic performance. The economy is driven by a diverse mix of industries, including aerospace, bioscience, information technology, and natural and organic products, supported by institutions like the University of Colorado Boulder and federal research facilities. Many residents work from home or within the county.
Above national median (4.7x)
Below national median
Prices declining
Prices detached from rents
Housing is fairly valued at 6.6x relative to local economic output. Climate and geography support a structural premium. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Willoughby Corner Affordable Housing
City of Lafayette and Boulder County
|
$50M | Completed |
|
Kestrel Affordable Housing
Boulder County
|
$50M | Completed |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Boulder County has a Boom Town Index score of 6/100, ranking #934 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at -0.7% and a median household income of $99,770, it faces some economic headwinds compared to faster-growing counties.
The median home value in Boulder County is $671,100 with median rent at $1,828/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.1487, which is less affordable than the national average.
Population growth: -0.0% year-over-year. Job growth: -0.7%. Home values changed -3.1% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 5.49% of Boulder County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.