Living in Castle Rock, CO
Castle Rock is the 437th-largest city in the US, home to about 84,000 people in 2025. It is growing fast: up 14.6% since 2020. Prices across the metro area run above the national average (105.8 on an index where the US is 100).
- Population, 2025
- 83,815+14.6% since 2020
- Median home value
- $652,9004.5 years of median income
- Median rent
- $2,000/morent plus utilities
- Household income
- $145,197median, per year
- Price level
- 105.8US average = 100
- January / July highs
- 46° / 86°lows 18° / 56°
- Average commute
- 29 min29% work from home
- State income tax
- 4.4%top rate, flat
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County: Douglas County
Time zone: Mountain Time (UTC-7, UTC-6 in summer)
Elevation: about 6,224 ft
Metro area: Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO
Cost of living in Castle Rock
The median home in Castle Rock is worth $652,900 and the median household earns $145,197 a year, so a typical home costs about 4.5 years of income. Median gross rent (rent plus utilities) is $2,000 a month, about 16% of the median household's income. BEA puts overall prices in the Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO metro area at 105.8, with housing at 146.9 and goods at 101.0 (US = 100). In practice, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced place stretches about as far as $79,300 here. Colorado taxes wages at a top rate of 4.4% (a flat rate). The average combined state and local sales tax in Colorado is 7.89%.
What would my salary be worth in Castle Rock?
Castle Rock weather
Average highs run from 46°F in January to 86°F in July, and January nights average 18°F. It gets 18 inches of rain and melted snow a year and 58 inches of snow. Nights drop below freezing about 167 times a year. The most comfortable months are June to September.
Month-by-month weather and the best time to visit Castle Rock
People and work
The median resident is 36.5 years old, and 56% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. 79% of households own their home. The average one-way commute is 29 minutes; 29% of workers work from home.
- Median age
- 36.5273rd youngest of 546
- Bachelor's or higher
- 56%adults 25+
- Homeowners
- 79%of households
- People per sq mile
- 2,41234.7 sq mi of land
- Take transit to work
- 0%2% walk, 0.1% bike
- Unemployment
- 4.4%2020-2024 average
- Poverty rate
- 3.8%of residents
- Typical home built
- 2007median year
Who moves to Castle Rock, and where people go
From farther away, newcomers most often come from Phoenix (Maricopa County), Los Angeles (Los Angeles County) and Anaheim (Orange County). People who leave for somewhere more than 100 miles away most often head to Phoenix (Maricopa County), Los Angeles (Los Angeles County) and Houston (Harris County). See the map and full lists
IRS county-to-county migration, 2022 to 2023 tax years. Where Americans are moving.
Natural hazards, home prices and air quality
Natural hazard risk
Relatively Moderate
FEMA rating for Douglas County, scored against every US county. Biggest risks: winter weather, lightning, tornado, wildfire.
Home prices
-0.5% in a year
Up 21% over five years. FHFA house price index for the Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO area, 2026 Q2.
Air quality, 2025
29% good days
17 days unhealthy at least for sensitive groups. EPA daily air quality index for the Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO area (365 days measured).
FEMA National Risk Index (December 2025) combines expected losses from 18 natural hazards with how vulnerable and resilient the community is. It describes the county, not your street; check flood maps for a specific address at FEMA's Flood Map Service Center.
Parks and sights near Castle Rock
The best-known parks, museums, zoos and landmarks within about 35 miles. Tap Been or Want to add them to your city passport.
- Coors Field 28 miles
- United States Air Force Academy 25 miles
- University of Denver 22 miles
- Colorado Christian University 27 miles
- Colorado School of Mines 33 miles
- Community College of Denver 27 miles
- Community College of Aurora 24 miles
Places from Wikidata (CC0), linked to each one's official site or Wikipedia article. Check hours and fees before you go.
Airports near Castle Rock
| Airport | Distance | Passengers boarding in 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Denver International Airport DEN | 35 mi | 40,012,895 |
| Colorado Springs Airport COS | 40 mi | 1,248,261 |
Federal Aviation Administration, calendar year 2024 passenger boardings (enplanements) at commercial service airports. Straight-line distance.
Colleges in and near Castle Rock
| College | Distance | Undergrads | Net price a year | Graduate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Denver | 22 mi | 6,025 | $31,961 | 74% |
| Community College of Aurora | 24 mi | 3,250 | $3,714 | n/a |
US Department of Education College Scorecard, October 2026 release. Net price is the average yearly cost after grants for students who get federal aid. Graduate: share finishing within 150% of normal time.
Frost dates and fall color in Castle Rock
Half the years, the last spring night at 32°F comes before May 9, so plant tender crops after that date or wait a week or two to be safer. Fall color depends on the trees, but the US Department of Agriculture says the brightest leaves come with warm, sunny days and cool nights, and that frost ruins vivid color. Here, cool 36°F nights usually start around September 25 and the first frost comes around October 2.
NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for Castle Rock, CO, median (50%) dates. All frost dates for Castle Rock.
Wildfire smoke in Castle Rock
From 2021 through 2025, a smoke plume covered Castle Rock on about 80 days a year, including about 17 days of medium or heavy smoke. Smoke high overhead can turn sunsets red without reaching the ground, so check the air quality reading before you change plans.
NOAA Hazard Mapping System smoke analysis, daily satellite plumes over the city center, 2021 to 2025. Smoke days for every city.
Home internet in Castle Rock
Census Bureau American Community Survey 2020-2024, table B28002, 28,219 households. Compare every city.
Public schools in Castle Rock
Downtown Castle Rock is in this district. Neighborhoods farther out may belong to a different one, so check the address with the district before you buy or rent.
| District | Grades | Students | Schools | Students per teacher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Douglas County School District RE-1 | Pre-K to 12 | 61,243 | 88 | 17.4 |
National Center for Education Statistics, school district boundaries and characteristics, 2024-25 school year.
Castle Rock's twin cities
Cities at least 250 miles away with the closest match to Castle Rock's weather month by month and its costs (price level, home values and rent).
- Bend, OR65% matchCompare
- Lehi, UT64% matchCompare
- Flagstaff, AZ62% matchCompare
- South Jordan, UT61% matchCompare
Find a twin that is cheaper, warmer or cooler
Stargazing near Castle Rock
The nearest certified International Dark Sky Places:
Designations by DarkSky International as recorded in Wikidata (CC0). All dark sky places.
Ski resorts near Castle Rock
- Echo Mountain Park 41 miles
- Geneva Basin Ski Area 49 miles
- Eldora Mountain Resort 55 miles
- Arapahoe Basin 56 miles
Straight-line distance. All ski resorts.
Pros and cons of living in Castle Rock
Data points come from the official sources on this page. Points marked Local come from people who live here, are read by a person before they appear, and are ranked by readers.
Pros
- Data The city is growing fast (+14.6% since 2020), a sign of jobs and new housing.
- Data A highly educated city: 56% of adults hold a bachelor's degree.
Cons
- Data Winters are snowy: about 58 inches a year.
Castle Rock report card from locals
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Castle Rock through locals' eyes
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Cities near Castle Rock
| City | Distance | Population | Home value | Price level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Highlands Ranch, CO | 13 mi | 102,257 | $712,700 | 105.8 | Compare |
| Centennial, CO | 15 mi | 108,658 | $658,100 | 105.8 | Compare |
| Aurora, CO | 25 mi | 410,053 | $469,100 | 105.8 | Compare |
| Denver, CO | 26 mi | 740,613 | $616,000 | 105.8 | Compare |
| Lakewood, CO | 27 mi | 156,927 | $574,400 | 105.8 | Compare |
| Arvada, CO | 33 mi | 122,901 | $632,600 | 105.8 | Compare |
Straight-line distance between city centers.
Castle Rock ranks 4th of 30 in our best suburbs of Denver ranking.
Cities with a similar profile
Closest match on climate, price level, size, income and median age, outside the immediate area.
Compare Castle Rock with another city
Frequently asked questions
Is Castle Rock a good place to live?
It depends on what you need. The numbers show a growing population; the trade-offs are heavy snow. Compare Castle Rock side by side with another city to see how it stacks up for you.
What is the population of Castle Rock?
The Census Bureau estimates Castle Rock had 83,815 residents on July 1, 2025, compared with 73,162 in April 2020 (+14.6%).
How much do you need to earn to live in Castle Rock?
Using BEA price levels, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced US city buys about the same as $79,300 in the Castle Rock area. The median household here earns $145,197.
When is the best time to visit Castle Rock?
By the 1991-2020 climate normals, June to September are the most comfortable months. July averages 86°F and January 46°F for daytime highs.
What county is Castle Rock in?
Castle Rock is in Douglas County, Colorado. Source: Census Bureau 2020 geography.
What time zone is Castle Rock in?
Castle Rock is on Mountain Time (UTC-7, or UTC-6 during daylight saving time from March to November).
What is the elevation of Castle Rock?
About 6,224 feet above sea level at the city center. Elevation varies across the city. At over a mile high, the air is thinner and the sun is stronger.
Does Colorado have a state income tax?
Yes. Colorado has a flat income tax with a top rate of 4.4% for 2026. Some cities add a local income tax, which is not included here.
Sources
Population: Census Bureau Vintage 2025 estimates (July 1, 2025). Income, housing, education and commuting: American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates for the city of Castle Rock. Price levels: BEA Regional Price Parities 2024 for the Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO metro area. Weather: NOAA 1991-2020 normals, Castle Rock, CO station. Taxes: Tax Foundation 2026. How we get our numbers.