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Centennial, Colorado

USA · Comprehensive city data and intelligence

72
Overall Score

Centennial, Colorado, known as "A City with Spirit," is a vibrant suburban community located in the Denver metropolitan area. Incorporated in 2001, it is a relatively young city that has quickly grown into a desirable place to live, work, and raise a family. The city spans nearly 30 square miles and is home to over 108,000 residents and more than 5,000 businesses. Centennial offers a blend of suburban tranquility with convenient access to urban amenities, making it an attractive option for both families and professionals. The city is consistently recognized for its superb quality of life, safety, great neighborhoods, and abundant recreational opportunities.

About Colorado

Colorado is characterized by its diverse geography, ranging from the Rocky Mountains to the Eastern Plains, offering a lifestyle that blends natural beauty with community charm and extensive outdoor recreation opportunities. The state's economy is robust and diversified, with major industries including aerospace, bioscience, technology, energy and natural resources, financial services, and a strong tourism sector. Living in Colorado is generally more expensive than the national average, with housing costs being a primary driver. The climate is diverse, featuring four distinct seasons with abundant sunshine, though it can experience rapid weather shifts, including hot summers, cold winters, and occasional extreme weather events like flash floods and strong winds.

109,178
Population
$167K
Avg Salary
72.0
Quality Score

Quality Scores

Livability
80
Affordability
65

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Centennial is generally higher than the national average. The average rent for an apartment in Centennial is around $2,063 per month as of July 2026, with one-bedroom apartments averaging $1,827 and two-bedroom apartments averaging $2,330. This is roughly equal to or slightly higher than the national average rent. Housing costs are a significant factor, with the median property value in Centennial being $658,100 in 2024, which is nearly twice the national average. While rental prices have seen some fluctuations, with a 2.17% increase in average rent over the past year, the overall cost of living is driven by the strong housing market and desirable location within the Denver metropolitan area.

Average Rent
$2,063/mo
1BR Apartment (city centre)
$1,827.00
2BR Apartment (city centre)
$2,330.00

Salary Insights

Centennial boasts a strong local economy and a robust job market. The city was recognized by U.S. News & World Report in 2026-2027 for its strong local job market. In 2024, the employed population in Centennial was 57,884, showing a slight growth from the previous year. The average annual household income in Centennial was $167,169 in 2024, with a median household income of $131,928. This indicates a prosperous economic environment for its residents. The city's dedication to economic opportunity and thoughtful development contributes to its thriving business scene.

The average salary in Centennial is $167,169 per year.

Top Industries

Retail Trade Healthcare Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services Educational Services Finance and Insurance

Climate

🌡️
Avg Temp
☀️
Summer High
❄️
Winter Low
🌧️
"
Annual Rain
💧
51.00%
Humidity
🌤️
Sunny Days

Transport

Most residents in Centennial primarily rely on driving alone to work, reflecting a suburban pattern. The average commute time for Centennial residents is approximately 25.9 minutes, which is slightly shorter than the national average. The city's transportation network includes access to major highways like I-25 and E-470, as well as major arterial roads. Public transportation options are available through RTD's Southeast light-rail corridor, with stations at Dry Creek and Arapahoe at Village Center, providing connections to the Denver Tech Center and downtown Denver. While car dependency is medium, the presence of light rail offers alternatives for commuters.

26 min
Avg Commute
/10
Transit Score
/10
Walkability
Medium
Car Dependency

Pros & Cons

Advantages
Centennial has a very low crime rate, 50% below the national average, making it one of the safest major U.S. cities.
The city boasts a high quality of life, ranked #1 in Colorado by U.S. News & World Report in 2025–2026.
Centennial has a strong job market and a high median household income of $131,928 as of 2024.
The public schools in Centennial are highly rated.
Residents benefit from a shorter average commute time (25.9 minutes) compared to the national average.
Drawbacks
The cost of living in Centennial is higher than the national average, particularly for housing.
Average rent in Centennial is higher than the national average.
While public transit exists, the city still exhibits a medium car dependency.
The overall crime grade, while still good, is slightly higher than the average US city according to one source.
Some areas of Centennial have higher violent crime rates than others, particularly the northeast.

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