Commerce City, CO

Welcome to

Commerce city, co

Commerce City is a home-rule municipality in Adams County located just north of Denver. Incorporated in 1962, it has grown to approximately 64,600 residents as of 2023. The city covers about 36 square miles and is part of the Denver–Aurora–Lakewood metropolitan area. It’s known for its industrial base, including major refineries and the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge.

Lifestyle & entertainment

Commerce City offers a mix of industrial legacy and outdoor recreation. Dick’s Sporting Goods Park hosts Colorado Rapids MLS games and community events such as large Fourth of July fireworks. The Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, located within the city, spans 27 square miles of wetlands and trails, providing excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing, hiking, and birding. The city also features Second Creek and Buckley Ranch Open Space, plus local trails like Dahlia Trailhead, offering scenic views and outdoor access.

Climate & Weather

Commerce City experiences a semi-arid climate with four seasons. Summers are warm and dry, winters are cold with moderate snowfall, and the area receives approximately 16 inches of precipitation and 47 inches of snow annually. The region enjoys over 300 sunny days per year.

Education

Education in Commerce City is provided by Adams County school districts 27J and 14. High schools include Adams City High School and Brighton High School. Numerous elementary and middle schools are part of these districts, supporting strong academic programs.

Demographics

With a population of around 64,600 and a median age of 33.9, Commerce City is growing steadily. The median household income is approximately $106,756. The racial composition includes 41.2% non-Hispanic White, 19.2% White Hispanic, 15.9% multiracial Hispanic, 10.8% other Hispanic, and 4.4% non-Hispanic Black. About 16% of residents are foreign-born. Homeownership stands at 78%, with a median property value of roughly $463,200.

Crime & safety

Commerce City’s crime rate is higher than average. The overall crime rate is nearly double the national average. Violent crime rates are 24.1 per 1,000 residents (versus the national average of 22.7), and property crime rates are 46.3 per 1,000 (above the national average of 35.4). NeighborhoodScout reports a 1-in-131 chance of violent crime and 1-in-35 chance of property crime.

Cost of Living

Commerce City’s cost of living is about 9–11% higher than the national average, with housing as the main contributor. The overall cost-of-living index is around 109. Median home values range from $463,200 to $543,200, depending on data sources. Median monthly rent is approximately $1,914. Utilities and groceries are slightly above average; transportation and health costs fall near or slightly below average.

Culture & history

Commerce City has industrial roots dating back to the late 19th century, including ranching and oil refining. The Rocky Mountain Arsenal played a major role in wartime manufacturing. Today, the city balances heritage and growth, with historic sites such as the old Adams City High School buildings and community events like the annual Memorial Day Parade and “4th Fest” at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park.

Transportation

Most residents drive, with an average commute time of about 30 minutes. Major highways including I‑76, I‑270, I‑85, US 6, and US 85 provide connectivity. RTD bus routes serve portions of the city, and park-and-ride lots are available. There is no rail service, and transit ridership remains relatively low.