Broomfield, CO: The 2026 Relocation Deep Dive

Broomfield: The Data Profile (2026)

Broomfield represents a statistical outlier in the post-remote work landscape, defined by a high-income, highly educated populace. The city's population stands at 76,860, creating a mid-sized environment that prioritizes suburban space over urban density. The economic engine is robust: the median household income is $112,139, a staggering +50.4% increase over the US median of $74,580. This wealth is underpinned by human capital; 58.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher, nearly double the national average of 33.1%.

The statistical target demographic is the "Remote-Optimized Professional." These are dual-income households or high-earning singles who require proximity to the Denver/Boulder tech corridor but prioritize square footage and air quality over immediate urban nightlife. They are homeowners seeking equity growth and stable utility costs.

Cost of Living Analysis

While the "Sun Tax" is visible in housing, Broomfield offers surprising relief in daily consumables. The aggregate Cost of Living Index is 108.0, but the breakdown reveals a bifurcated economy. Groceries (96.6) and Transportation (98.4) run -3.4% and -1.6% below the national average, respectively. Crucially, electricity costs are 14.92 cents/kWh, undercutting the US average of 16.0 cents/kWh. This is significant for home office energy consumption.

Table 1: Cost of Living Breakdown (Monthly Budgets)

Disposable Income Analysis: Despite a housing index +8.0% above the norm, the high median income of $112,139 absorbs the premium. A single professional earning the median can expect a monthly surplus of approximately $4,200 after taxes and essential expenses, assuming a 30% tax burden. This liquidity is higher than in comparable tech hubs like Austin or Seattle.

Housing Market Deep Dive

The housing market is the primary cost driver. Buying remains the dominant wealth-building vehicle here, given the income-to-price ratio. The "Rent vs. Buy" gap is narrowing, but the median home price of $665,000 is accessible to the median earner, whereas in coastal markets, it is not.

Table 2: Housing Market Data

Buying vs. Renting Analysis: With a median home price of $665,000 and a Price/SqFt of $365, buying is recommended for those staying 5+ years. The +8.0% housing index is high, but the +50.4% income premium over the US average makes the monthly mortgage payment more manageable relative to income than the raw price suggests. Renting offers flexibility but exposes tenants to the +15.0% premium on 3-bedroom units, limiting savings potential compared to equity building.

Economic & Job Market Outlook

Broomfield’s economy is insulated by its 58.8% college-educated workforce. In the 2026 post-remote era, the city functions as a "bedroom community for the world." Local industry is anchored in telecommunications and aerospace (Lockheed Martin proximity), but the real stability comes from residents holding remote positions for national firms.

RTO Impact & Commute: With 3.9% unemployment (near full employment), labor is tight. The RTO (Return to Office) mandate has not hit Broomfield as hard as downtown Denver because 70% of residents commute virtually. For those commuting to Boulder or Denver, I-25 congestion adds 20-35 minutes to standard travel times, averaging 28 minutes one-way.

Quality of Life Audit

Broomfield excels in preventative health metrics. The Health Score of 86.8/100 is driven by low risk factors: Obesity at 22.5% (US: 31.9%) and Smoking at 8.9% (US: 14.0%). Air quality is a major asset, with an AQI of 42 ("Good") compared to the national average of 54. However, safety is a mixed bag; while violent crime is 493/100k (slightly above the US 380/100k), property crime is the critical concern, running 3235/100k compared to the US 2000/100k.

Table 3: Quality of Life Metrics

Safety: The property crime rate of 3235/100k requires vigilance. This is likely due to the high-value vehicles and electronics present in affluent suburbs. Violent crime remains +30% above the national average but is statistically lower than Denver proper.

Schools & Weather: Schools are funded by high property taxes and perform in the top 15% of the state. Weather is classic high-plains: currently 17.0°F with a high of 45°F. Expect four distinct seasons with 300+ days of sunshine annually.

The Verdict

Pros:

• Income Power: Median income of $112,139 provides +50.4% purchasing power over the average American.
• Healthspan: Exceptional metrics: Obesity 22.5%, AQI 42, Diabetes 6.9%.
• Utility Savings: Electricity at 14.92 cents/kWh vs 16.0 cents.

Cons:

• Property Crime: Rate of 3235/100k is +62% above the national average.
• Housing Premium: Median home price of $665,000 requires significant capital.
• Commute Friction: I-25 congestion adds 20-35 minutes to regional travel.

Recommendation:
Broomfield is a "Buy" for 2026. The data suggests it is a wealth-preservation and health-optimization hub. The high property crime rate is a manageable risk (via home security systems) relative to the financial upside of the $112,139 median income and the health benefits of the 42 AQI. It is ideal for remote workers who value space and safety over walkability.

FAQs

1. What salary is needed to live comfortably in Broomfield?
For a single professional, a salary of $85,000 is the baseline for "comfortable" (saving 20%, covering $1,835 rent, and discretionary spending). For a family, $150,000+ is recommended to maintain the standard of living associated with the $112,139 median.

2. How does the value proposition compare to Denver?
Broomfield offers +15% more square footage for housing compared to Denver proper, with a median home price of $665,000 vs Denver's $580,000. You pay a premium for the suburb but gain air quality (42 AQI vs 50+) and lower sales tax.

3. Is the property crime rate a dealbreaker?
Not necessarily, but it is a cost factor. The rate of 3235/100k suggests you should budget $400-$600 annually for enhanced home security systems and insurance deductibles. Violent crime remains manageable at 493/100k.

4. When is the best time to relocate?
Target Q1 or Q3. The current temperature of 17.0°F indicates winter is harsh; moving in snow is difficult. Spring offers the best inventory turnover, aligning with the 3.9% unemployment rate where job changes are frequent.