Overall75.1kPopulation

Explore Map ↗

ReloScore

75.1kPopulation

Photo: Wikipedia

Broomfield, CO

Summary

Broomfield, Colorado, is a master-planned city of 75,110 residents that sits at the crossroads of Denver and Boulder, offering a blend of suburban order and high-tech employment. Known for its efficient city-county government and strong fiscal management, Broomfield attracts professionals and families seeking a lower-tax, lower-crime alternative to Boulder without sacrificing access to the Front Range’s outdoor amenities. The typical newcomer is a college-educated worker in aerospace, biotech, or renewable energy who values good schools, a predictable commute, and a politically moderate-to-conservative environment in an otherwise liberal-leaning region.

Who lives in Broomfield: age, education, and population trends

Broomfield’s population has grown steadily over the past decade, climbing from roughly 55,000 in 2010 to over 75,000 today, driven by annexation of new master-planned neighborhoods and infill development near the US 36 corridor. The median age of 38.8 is slightly older than the national average, reflecting a community of established professionals and families rather than a transient college town. Educational attainment is exceptionally high — 58.6% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, nearly double the national rate — which aligns with the city’s concentration of knowledge-economy jobs. The foreign-born population stands at just 4.6%, well below the Colorado average of 9.8%, indicating a predominantly native-born, English-speaking community. While the city remains predominantly White, the most notable demographic shift has been a substantial growth in the Indian-subcontinent population, which has risen noticeably over the past decade as tech and engineering firms expanded along the US 36 corridor. This growth is concentrated in newer subdivisions like Anthem and Broadlands, where families are drawn to top-rated schools and newer housing stock. The overall population trajectory is one of controlled, planned expansion — Broomfield is not experiencing the explosive growth seen in neighboring communities like Erie or Thornton, but it is steadily densifying, particularly around the FlatIron Crossing retail hub and the new RTD commuter rail stations.

Economy and cost of living: major employers and housing affordability

Broomfield’s economy is anchored by a cluster of Fortune 500 and mid-cap employers along the US 36 corridor, including Vail Resorts’ global headquarters, Ball Aerospace, Level 3 Communications (now Lumen), and Sierra Nevada Corporation. The city also hosts a growing biotech and medical-device sector, with companies like Medtronic and Zimmer Biomet maintaining significant operations. The median household income of $121,025 is roughly 30% above the Colorado median, reflecting the high-wage nature of these industries. However, housing costs have risen sharply in tandem with Front Range demand: the median home value of $631,600 is about 15% higher than the Denver metro average, though still significantly cheaper than Boulder’s median of over $900,000. Median rent of $2,074 is comparable to suburban Denver but notably lower than Boulder’s $2,500-plus market. Homeownership sits at 62.6%, slightly below the national average but typical for a city with a large renter population in newer apartment complexes near transit stations. Property taxes in Broomfield are relatively low by national standards — roughly 0.6% of assessed value — and there is no city income tax, which appeals to conservative-leaning residents who prioritize tax efficiency. The main affordability challenge is the entry point: first-time buyers need a household income well above $100,000 to qualify for a median-priced home, pushing many younger singles and couples toward rental options or neighboring communities like Westminster or Northglenn.

Daily life, safety, and schools: what to expect as a resident

Daily life in Broomfield is defined by its planned, car-oriented layout, though the city has invested heavily in multi-use trails and the US 36 Bikeway, which connects to Boulder and Denver. The violent crime rate of 148.5 per 100,000 residents is roughly half the national average and among the lowest in the Denver metro area, making Broomfield one of the safest cities of its size in Colorado. Property crime is moderate, with the Broomfield Police Department reporting a clearance rate above the state average for burglaries and thefts. The city is served by the Boulder Valley School District (BVSD) and Adams 12 Five Star Schools, with several schools consistently rated in the top 10% statewide — Broomfield High School and Legacy High School both boast graduation rates above 95% and strong Advanced Placement participation. For families, the city offers over 40 parks, the Broomfield Community Center, and the Paul Derda Recreation Center, which includes indoor pools and ice rinks. Walkability is limited to a few pockets near the FlatIron Crossing mall and the 1stBank Center area; most errands require a car. The city’s location at the intersection of US 36 and E-470 provides a 25-minute drive to downtown Denver and a 20-minute drive to Boulder, though traffic congestion on US 36 during peak hours is a common complaint. Conservative-leaning residents will find a city council that has historically prioritized fiscal restraint, low debt, and managed growth — Broomfield was one of the few Front Range cities to reject a local plastic bag ban and has maintained a relatively low property tax mill levy compared to neighboring Boulder County.

Looking ahead, Broomfield is positioned for continued steady growth, with several large mixed-use developments planned near the new US 36 and Sheridan Station transit hub. The city’s biggest distinguishing characteristic is its unified city-county government — one of only three in Colorado — which gives it direct control over land use, zoning, and tax policy without the bureaucratic layers of a separate county. This structure appeals to residents who value local autonomy and efficient governance. Broomfield is an excellent fit for college-educated professionals and families who want a safe, well-run suburb with strong schools and easy access to both Denver and Boulder, but it may feel too planned and car-dependent for those seeking urban walkability or a more affordable entry point into the Front Range housing market.

ReloMaps Score7/10

HousingHousing Affordability5/10

Stretched: 5.2x income

Population Density6/10

Suburban: 2,278/sq mi

HumidityClimate Comfort10/10

Dry: 48°F dew pt

HealthcareHealthcare Access10/10

Excellent

StabilityPopulation Stability7/10

Growing

CostCost of Living4/10

Average: 197 index

Economic Opportunity7/10

Strong: $121k median

Job Market6/10

Stable: 3.9% unemployment

Wealth Floor10/10

Great

Taxes6/10

Moderate: 9.7% burden

Crime & Safety8/10

Very Safe

TrafficTraffic Safety10/10

Very Safe

Education9/10

Strong

DegreedPopulation Education Level7/10

High: 59% degreed

HomesteadingHomesteading Potential6/10

Workable

WaterTap Water3/10

Poor

National DisasterNational Disaster Risk7/10

Resilient

Power Grid9/10

Reliable: ~119 min/yr

Find The Best Places To Live
in Broomfield

PRO TIP! You can paste a Zillow or Redfin link to get info on that property.

What It's Like Living in Broomfield, CO

Broomfield has a reputation as the city that feels like it’s always in the middle of something—literally. Wedged between Boulder and Denver, with a sliver of Westminster and Thornton for good measure, it’s the kind of place where people move for the jobs and stay for the balance. It’s not a college town, not a bedroom suburb, and not a mountain retreat, but it borrows a little from all three. The vibe is quietly ambitious: families with young kids, tech workers who commute to Boulder or Denver, and empty-nesters who downsized from bigger homes in the metro area.

Daily Rhythm: Where the Weekends Go

Most mornings in Broomfield start with a coffee run to Huckleberry Roasters or a quick stop at the Broomfield Farmers Market (May through October) for fresh produce and tamales. The workday commute is a real factor—the average drive is about 26 minutes, which is longer than you’d expect for a city of 75,000 peoplecars. That’s because Broomfield sits at the junction of U.S. 36 and the Northwest Parkway, and traffic can stack up fast, especially heading south toward Denver or north toward Longmont. Locals learn to time their departures carefully.

Weekends are split between errands and outdoor time. FlatIron Crossing mall is the main retail hub—think Nordstrom, Apple, and a decent food court—but the real draw is the open space. Broomfield County Commons has miles of paved trails, soccer fields, and a dog park that’s busy year-round. In winter, people head to Eldora Mountain Resort (about 45 minutes west) for skiing, or stay local and ice skate at the Broomfield Event Center. Summer means concerts at 1stBank Center (now rebranded as the Broomfield Auditorium) and lazy afternoons at Great Western Reservoir, where paddleboarding and fishing are common.

Sports, Community, and the Local Identity

Sports here are more about participation than fandom. High school football at Broomfield High School and Legacy High School draws solid crowds on Friday nights, but there’s no major pro team in town. Instead, residents adopt the Denver Broncos or Colorado Rockies as their own, driving 20 minutes south for games. The real athletic energy is in youth leagues—soccer, lacrosse, and baseball are huge, and the city’s Broomfield Recreation Center is packed with swim teams and basketball camps.

The cultural identity is understated but distinct. Broomfield doesn’t have a historic downtown like Louisville or Lafayette; its “main street” is a series of strip malls and office parks. What it does have is a strong sense of practicality. People here value efficiency—good schools, short drives to the mountains, and a cost of living that, while high (index of 197, nearly double the national average), still feels reasonable compared to Boulder or downtown Denver. The median home value is $631,600, and the median household income is $121,025, which means most families are dual-income and stretched thin but comfortable.

What’s There to Do: Restaurants, Bars, and Festivals

Dining out in Broomfield is solid but not flashy. Parma Trattoria & Mozzarella Bar is a local favorite for Italian, and Yak and Yeti serves Indian-Nepali food that draws people from neighboring cities. For drinks, 4 Noses Brewing Company is the go-to spot—family-friendly during the day, with a patio and trivia nights, and a bit rowdier on weekends. The Broomfield Days festival in August is the biggest annual event: a parade, carnival rides, and a fireworks show that feels like the whole city shows up.

Outdoor enthusiasts have it good. The Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge is a 15-minute drive east, offering bison herds and prairie dog towns. Closer in, Stearns Lake is a quiet spot for birdwatching and kayaking. The downside? There’s no real nightlife scene. Bars close early, and the music venues are mostly midsize—think cover bands and tribute acts at the Broomfield Auditorium. For a proper concert or club, you’re driving to Denver’s Mission Ballroom or Boulder’s Fox Theatre.

Pros and Cons of Living Here

Pros: Excellent schools (Broomfield is part of the Boulder Valley School District, with top-rated elementary and high schools), low violent crime rate (148.5 per 100,000—well below the national average), and easy access to both Denver and the mountains. The job market is strong, anchored by Vail Resorts, Ball Aerospace, and Level 3 Communications.
Cons: Traffic on U.S. 36 is a daily grind, especially during ski season. The cost of living is punishing for renters (median rent is around $2,100 for a two-bedroom). And the lack of a walkable downtown means you’ll drive everywhere—even for a coffee or a haircut.

One quirk that surprises newcomers: Broomfield is a “home rule” city, meaning it has its own municipal government and police force, but it’s also part of four different counties (Boulder, Broomfield, Adams, and Jefferson). This creates some confusion with property taxes and school boundaries, but locals shrug it off as part of the city’s odd charm. The median age is 38.8, and 58.6% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, so the population skews educated and professional. If you’re looking for a place that’s safe, convenient, and a little boring in the best way, Broomfield fits the bill.