The Real Salary Guide to Castle Rock, CO: Is $100k Actually Enough?

Castle Rock, Colorado, sits in that sweet spot between Denver’s urban sprawl and Colorado Springs’ military grit. It’s a magnet for families and professionals seeking a high quality of life. But with housing prices climbing, the "sticker price" of your offer letter is a lie.

Here is the raw data on what a six-figure salary actually buys you in the Castle Rock market.

The Verification Test ($100,000 Analysis)

The "Sticker Price" of $100,000 looks great on paper. But the government takes its slice before you ever see a dime. Here is the forensic breakdown of your gross income against your actual liquidity.

• Gross Salary: $100,000
• Federal Tax: -$13,614
• FICA Tax: -$7,650
• State Tax (CO): -$4,400
• Local Tax: $0

The Bottom Line:
Your Take Home Pay is $74,336 annually.

That is a 25.7% deduction rate. You are losing over a quarter of your productivity to taxes. On a monthly basis, this leaves you with $6,195 in spendable cash. This is the only number that matters for your budget.

Smart Budget Breakdown (50/30/20 Rule)

To maintain financial health, you need to stick to the 50/30/20 rule. Here is how your $6,195 monthly net should be allocated in the Castle Rock market.

Needs ($3,097)

This covers the essentials: Rent, utilities, groceries, and insurance.

• The Rent Reality: Castle Rock is not cheap. A decent one-bedroom apartment averages between $1,700 and $2,000.
• Purchasing Power: After rent (~$1,900) and utilities ($200), you have roughly $1,000 left for food, gas, and insurance.
• Verdict: You are comfortable, but not flush. You can afford the basics without roommates, but a major car repair will hurt.

Wants ($1,858)

This is your discretionary spending: Dining out, entertainment, and subscriptions.

• Lifestyle Analysis: You have roughly $60 a day to burn.
• The Castle Rock Factor: This budget covers weekend trips to the Rampart Range, dinners at the Rock, and Denver sports games. You can live well, provided you don't overspend on luxury goods.

Savings ($1,239)

This is your wealth creation engine: 401(k) matching, stock purchases, or emergency fund accumulation.

• Wealth Creation: Saving $1,239 monthly puts you at $14,868 annually.
• The Compound Effect: If you stick to this, you have a down payment for a condo in 4 years (assuming market stability). This is a strong savings rate for a single earner.

Castle Rock Taxes vs. The Competition

How does Castle Rock stack up against high-tax metros?

• Vs. New York City (NYC):

  • NYC: A $100k salary in NYC is obliterated by city taxes. You’d take home roughly $68,000 (approx. $4,800/mo net).
  • The Verdict: Castle Rock saves you $6,336 annually compared to NYC. Your "Needs" budget goes much further here.

• Vs. Austin, Texas:

  • Austin: Texas has no state income tax. A $100k salary in Austin nets you roughly $78,000 (approx. $6,500/mo net).
  • The Verdict: Austin nets you about $300 more per month. However, property taxes in Texas are significantly higher, often offsetting the paycheck advantage if you plan to buy a home.

The Castle Rock Advantage: Colorado has a flat state tax rate. It hits the wallet harder than Texas, but significantly lighter than the high-tax corridors of the East Coast.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the income tax rate in Castle Rock?
A: Castle Rock residents pay Federal income tax, FICA (7.65%), and Colorado State income tax. The state tax is a flat 4.4%. There is no additional city or municipal income tax.

Q: Is $100k a good salary in Castle Rock?
A: Yes, it is a solid salary for a single person or a dual-income household. It allows for a comfortable apartment, a healthy social life, and substantial savings ($1,239/mo). However, it is likely not enough to buy a median-priced family home ($600k+) comfortably on a single income without a large down payment.

Q: Does Castle Rock have a local city tax?
A: No. Based on current data, Castle Rock does not levy a local income tax on residents. Your paycheck deductions are limited to Federal and State (CO).

• Methodology & Sources:
• Federal Tax Calculations based on IRS 2026 Tax Brackets (Standard Deduction applied).
• Salary data cross-referenced with Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) wage data for Douglas County, CO.
• State tax rates verified via Colorado Department of Revenue.