Cost of Living in Dakota Ridge, CO

Population 34,159 · Colorado · Data vintage 2023

176
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Dakota Ridge's housing market reflects its status as a high-earning metro: $570,000 for a typical home, 87% above the US median, paired with household incomes around $120,368 that put it in the upper third of the state. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 2.8% — below most comparable cities in the state.

Geographically, Dakota Ridge sits roughly 6 miles south of Lakewood. Housing prices track closely with Lakewood's $548,000 median.

Cost Overview

Housing 187
Rent 160

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Dakota Ridge

The median home value in Dakota Ridge is $570,400 — 87% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,103/month, 60% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $120,368/year is 61% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.8%, below the national average of 4.8%. Colorado's top state income tax rate is 4.4% and the combined sales tax is 7.8%. Overall, Dakota Ridge has a cost of living index of 176 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 76% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$570,400
87% above avg
Zillow Home Value
$600,185
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$2,103/mo
60% above avg
Zillow Rent
$1,727/mo
Zillow ZORI
Price-to-Rent Ratio
22.6x
Favors renting
Property Tax Rate
0.6%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$884
1 BR
$960
2 BR
$1,251
3 BR
$1,611
4 BR
$2,004
Owner-occupied 82.8%
Renter-occupied 17.2%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$2,103
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,717/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
28.8 min
7% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
20.3%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
70.5%
Carpooled
5.4%
Public transit
1.5%
Walked
0.4%
Bicycle
0.4%
Work from home
20.3%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax (flat) 4.4%
Total Sales Tax 7.8%
State rate 2.9%
Avg local rate 4.9%
Property Tax 0.6%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$120,368
61% above avg
Per Capita Income
$54,466
Unemployment Rate
2.8%
42% below avg
Poverty Rate
4.1%
Labor Force Participation
71.5%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 33.2%
Graduate degree 17.6%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 40.7
Male median age 39.5
Female median age 42.3

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 49 — Good
56.4%
Good air days/yr
143
Max AQI recorded
0
PM2.5 days
363
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Dakota Ridge, CO?

Dakota Ridge has a cost index of 176 (100 = national average). It is 76% above the national average.

What is average rent in Dakota Ridge, CO?

The median gross rent in Dakota Ridge is $2,103 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Dakota Ridge?

The median home value in Dakota Ridge is $570,400 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Dakota Ridge?

The median household income in Dakota Ridge is $120,368 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Dakota Ridge, CO?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Dakota Ridge is 7.8%. The Colorado state income tax top rate is 4.4%.

Is Dakota Ridge, CO affordable?

Dakota Ridge is above average in cost of living, with an index of 176 — about 76% higher than the national average.

Dakota Ridge at a Glance

Population
34,159
Median Income
$120,368
Home Value
$570,400
Median Rent
$2,103/mo
Unemployment
2.8%
Sales Tax
7.8%
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🗺️ County data for Colorado

Explore county-level cost of living data

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