RANK #957 / 996 · POP 360,206 · CO
PROJECTED GROWTH: -3.2%
Douglas County, Colorado, is often recognized for its natural amenities and quality of life, frequently ranking among the healthiest counties in the state. Situated between Denver and Colorado Springs, the county seat, Castle Rock, serves as a central hub. Commuting to Denver is common, with Interstate 25 being a primary route, though traffic congestion can occur during peak hours. The community offers a blend of suburban and rural living with extensive outdoor recreation opportunities, including over 48,000 acres of protected open space, hundreds of miles of trails, and access to three state parks: Castlewood Canyon, Chatfield, and Roxborough. The South Platte River also provides opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and wildlife viewing.
Life in Douglas County appeals to families, with highly rated public schools, including numerous charter and magnet options. The county has experienced significant population growth, drawing residents seeking a family-friendly environment and access to outdoor activities. The economy is driven by a mix of sectors, with recent developments focusing on commercial and residential growth. There is also ongoing investment in infrastructure to support new development, including wastewater systems. Efforts are underway to streamline processes for commercial and industrial development, aiming to enhance the business environment.
Overvalued relative to economy
Above national median
Prices declining
Speculative pricing
Housing looks overvalued at 9.1x — home prices are high 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 |
|---|---|---|
|
Pine Canyon Master-Planned Development
Undisclosed
|
$500M | Planned |
|
Gateway Center
Lockheed Martin
|
$350M | Under Construction |
|
Flexential Data Center
Flexential
|
$192M | Under Construction |
|
Canyon Peak Power (Natural Gas Peaking Plant)
CORE Electric Cooperative
|
$156M | Under Construction |
|
Zebulon Regional Sports Complex
KT Development
|
$65M | Planned |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Douglas County has a Boom Town Index score of 4/100, ranking #957 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +3.2% and a median household income of $139,010, it faces some economic headwinds compared to faster-growing counties.
The median home value in Douglas County is $635,100 with median rent at $1,953/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.2189, which is less affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +2.4% year-over-year. Job growth: +3.2%. Home values changed -2.9% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 5.18% of Douglas County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.