What Is Considered Middle Class in Colorado?

The definition of “middle class” is not static, shifting based on various economic factors and measurement methodologies. In Colorado, this concept is influenced by the state’s unique economic conditions and diverse geographic characteristics. This article will explore the frameworks used to define this group, specific income thresholds in Colorado, and how household composition and regional living expenses shape these figures.

How Middle Class is Defined

The middle class is primarily defined through income, relative to a median household income. Organizations like the Pew Research Center classify middle-income households as those earning between two-thirds and double the national median household income, after adjusting for household size. This approach recognizes that purchasing power varies significantly depending on the number of individuals it supports. While income is the predominant metric, other socioeconomic factors also contribute to a broader understanding of class.

These factors include educational attainment, type of occupation, and homeownership. The middle class is often associated with white-collar professions or small business ownership, and the ability to save for retirement. For quantitative analysis, income-based definitions provide a measurable framework. The median household income represents the exact middle point of all household incomes, meaning half of households earn more and half earn less. This statistical measure helps to establish a central benchmark against which income tiers are set.

Statewide Income Ranges

For Colorado, a middle-class household generally falls within an annual income range of $59,529 to $178,604 as of 2024, based on a median household income of $89,302. These figures are derived using the methodology that defines middle income as two-thirds to double the state’s median household income. This statewide calculation provides a general benchmark for financial standing across Colorado.

The specific median household income for Colorado was reported to be around $92,900 in 2023. This figure is notably higher than the national median household income. However, such statewide averages do not fully capture the financial realities for all residents. The cost of living and household composition significantly impact how an income range translates into a middle-class lifestyle.

Variations by Household Size

The income required to be considered middle class adjusts based on the number of individuals within a household. A single person requires less income to maintain a given standard of living compared to a family of four, accounting for differing expenses. For example, a one-person household will have lower costs for housing, food, and other necessities than a larger family.

As household size increases, the income thresholds for the middle class also rise. In Denver, a one-person household median income was reported around $57,694 in 2023, while a four-person household median income reached approximately $144,035. This demonstrates that a family of four needs a higher income to be in the middle-income bracket compared to a single individual.

Differences Across Colorado Regions

Colorado’s financial landscape presents regional disparities in what constitutes a middle-class income. Living costs vary widely, meaning an income considered middle class in one part of the state might be insufficient in another. High-cost urban areas like the Denver Metropolitan area and Boulder demand higher incomes to maintain a middle-class lifestyle. The average home value in Denver was around $546,249 in 2025, while in Boulder, it was approximately $728,257 as of 2024.

Conversely, mid-cost areas such as Colorado Springs or Fort Collins have lower housing expenses. The average home value in Colorado Springs was about $459,076 in 2024. In lower-cost rural areas, like Pueblo, the cost of living is less, with average home values around $284,051 in 2024. For a standard household size, such as a family of four, the income needed to be middle class in Highlands Ranch, for instance, could be more than $101,000 annually, which is higher than the state average.

The Role of Cost of Living

Variations in middle-class income thresholds across Colorado are primarily driven by differing costs of living. Housing stands out as the most impactful factor, with median home prices reaching approximately $621,800 in April 2024. In high-demand areas like Denver, the average monthly rent was about $1,974 in July 2025, while the median mortgage cost across Colorado was $2,231 per month in 2024. These housing expenses alone can drastically alter the income needed for financial stability.

Beyond housing, other essential components of the cost of living contribute to these regional differences. Transportation costs include a monthly public transit pass in Denver costing around $88. Utility costs average around $331 per month statewide.

Groceries for a family of four might cost about $1,366 per month. Healthcare costs average $7,364 per person annually, and childcare expenses, such as infant care, can cost over $12,000 annually. These combined expenses necessitate higher incomes in some areas to maintain a middle-class standard of living.