Castle Rock: The 2026 Relocation Deep Dive
Castle Rock: The Data Profile (2026)
Castle Rock represents a high-income satellite city within the Denver-Aurora-Lakewood Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). The city's statistical profile is defined by a significant income premium over national benchmarks, with a median household income of $137,383, which is +84.2% higher than the United States average of $74,580. This economic disparity suggests a demographic skew toward dual-income professional households or remote workers capitalizing on Colorado's tech corridor.
The local economy supports a population of 81,401, maintaining a "smaller city" classification that balances suburban amenities with relative density. Cost of Living (COL) indices indicate a moderate premium, primarily driven by housing, while discretionary spending categories like groceries (96.6) and transportation (98.4) remain near parity with the US average. The statistical target demographic is the mid-career professional (ages 35–55) seeking a mortgage-friendly environment relative to their income bracket, prioritizing school district performance and outdoor accessibility over urban density.
Cost of Living Analysis
While housing costs sit +8.0% above the national average, the city's $137,383 median income effectively neutralizes the premium for high earners. The critical data point for disposable income analysis is the electricity rate, which sits at 14.92 cents/kWh, significantly lower than the US average of 16.0 cents/kWh. For a household consuming 1,000 kWh monthly, this equates to a savings of $10.80 per month compared to the national average, or $129.60 annually. While seemingly minor, this energy cost advantage is compounded by the city's below-average grocery index (96.6), allowing for greater allocation of disposable income toward housing or savings.
| Cost of Living Breakdown | Single Adult Monthly Budget | Family of Four Monthly Budget |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (Rent/Mortgage) | $1,560 | $2,850 |
| Groceries | $350 | $1,100 |
| Transportation | $450 | $1,100 |
| Healthcare | $300 | $950 |
| Utilities (Electricity) | $95 | $165 |
| Dining/Entertainment | $300 | $750 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $3,055 | $6,915 |
Housing Market Deep Dive
The housing market in Castle Rock is characterized by a "Buyer's Premium" relative to national averages, yet remains accessible compared to immediate neighbors like Denver proper. The median home price of $615,000 is +20.6% higher than the US average of $510,000. However, the rental market offers a value proposition; a 1-bedroom unit averages $1,450/mo, which is only +3.6% above the national norm, significantly lower than the +20.6% home price premium.
The Price per Square Foot ($285) indicates a dense valuation, suggesting that buyers are paying for location and school district quality rather than sheer volume of space. The Housing Index of 108.0 confirms this premium.
| Housing Market Data | Castle Rock Value | US Average | Difference (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $615,000 | $510,000 | +20.6% |
| Price/SqFt | $285 | $220 | +29.5% |
| Rent (1BR) | $1,450 | $1,400 | +3.6% |
| Rent (3BR) | $2,400 | $2,100 | +14.3% |
| Housing Index | 108.0 | 100.0 | +8.0% |
Analysis: Buy vs. Rent
Given the disparity between the home price premium (+20.6%) and the rent premium (+3.6%), renting is the financially conservative entry point for 2026. The data suggests that the capital appreciation required to break even on a purchase is high. However, for the target demographic earning $137,383, the mortgage market remains accessible. Renting is recommended for those prioritizing liquidity and flexibility, while buying is a strategic hedge against the region's long-term population growth.
Economic & Job Market Outlook
Castle Rock's economy is heavily influenced by the "Post-Remote" hybrid work model. The city functions as a dormitory community for the Denver tech and aerospace sectors, with a 3.9% unemployment rate that sits slightly below the US average of 4.0%. This low unemployment indicates a tight labor market where local businesses must compete for talent.
The "Return to Office" (RTO) mandates have impacted commute times significantly. Residents commuting to Denver or Boulder face average drive times of 45–60 minutes during peak hours on I-25. However, the +84.2% income premium effectively subsidizes these fuel and time costs. Local industry stability is anchored by retail and service sectors catering to the affluent suburban base, providing a buffer against national economic downturns.
Quality of Life Audit
Castle Rock excels in health outcomes and air quality. The city's Health Score of 85.8/100 is categorized as "Excellent," driven by risk factors that are well below national averages. Specifically, the Diabetes Rate of 6.4% is substantially lower than the US average of 10.9%, and the Smoking Rate of 8.8% is 37% lower than the national average of 14.0%.
Air quality is a major asset, with an AQI Average of 42 ("Good") and low PM2.5 levels. However, safety data presents a mixed picture: while violent crime is average at 493/100k (vs 380/100k US), property crime is notably high at 3,235/100k, more than 60% above the national average.
| Quality of Life Metrics | City Value | US Average | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health Score | 85.8/100 | N/A | Excellent |
| Obesity Rate | 26.7% | 31.9% | Average |
| Diabetes Rate | 6.4% | 10.9% | Low |
| Smoking Rate | 8.8% | 14.0% | Low |
| Mental Health (Index) | High | Average | Positive |
| AQI (Annual) | 42 | N/A | Good |
| PM2.5 (µg/m³) | 7.5 | 9.0 | Good |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.9% | 4.0% | Average |
- Safety: Violent Crime: 493 per 100k. Property Crime: 3,235 per 100k.
- Air Quality Analysis: With an AQI of 42 and PM2.5 levels at 7.5 µg/m³, Castle Rock ranks in the top 15% of US cities for air purity. This is largely due to elevation and prevailing winds that clear particulate matter.
- Schools & Weather: Schools in Douglas County consistently rank in the top 10% of Colorado districts. Weather is distinct: the current temperature of 16.0°F and seasonal snowfall require preparedness for winter commuting, though the "Mostly Clear" conditions noted today are typical for 300+ days of sunshine annually.
The Verdict
Pros:
- Income Power: The median income of $137,383 provides strong purchasing power against a +8.0% housing premium.
- Health Metrics: Exceptional health outcomes with a 85.8 score and low chronic disease rates (6.4% diabetes).
- Air Quality: Superior environmental conditions with an AQI of 42.
Cons:
- Property Crime: High incidence of 3,235 property crimes per 100k requires vigilance and security investment.
- Commute: I-25 congestion creates significant friction for hybrid workers returning to Denver.
- Housing Entry Cost: A median home price of $615,000 creates a high barrier to entry for first-time buyers.
Final Recommendation:
Castle Rock is a Strong Buy for the remote/hybrid professional earning above the $110,000 threshold. The city offers a premium suburban lifestyle with quantifiable health benefits. However, prospective residents must budget for higher-than-average property insurance premiums to mitigate crime risks and accept the commute trade-off for income stability.
FAQs (2026)
1. What salary is required to live comfortably in Castle Rock?
Based on the $6,915 monthly budget for a family of four, a household income of $125,000 is the baseline for comfort (accounting for taxes). However, to match the median income of $137,383 and maintain a healthy debt-to-income ratio, a salary of $138,000+ is recommended.
2. How does the value proposition compare to Denver?
Castle Rock offers a +84.2% income premium over the US, whereas Denver averages closer to +30%. While Castle Rock housing is +20.6% above the US average, the income delta makes it a better value for high earners, though a worse value for entry-level workers.
3. Is the high property crime rate a dealbreaker?
Not necessarily for homeowners, but it is a budgeting factor. The 3,235 per 100k property crime rate suggests a need for home security systems and vigilant vehicle storage. Violent crime remains average (493/100k), making it safer than major metro centers.
4. What is the best timing for relocation?
The best time to buy is historically November–January, when inventory sits at -15% below spring levels. For renting, October yields the lowest rates before winter demand spikes. Given the current temperature of 16.0°F, winter negotiations are favorable if you can tolerate the weather.