Castle Rock, CO

Welcome to

castle rock, co

Nestled midway between Denver (28 mi north) and Colorado Springs (37 mi south), Castle Rock is the county seat and most populous town in Douglas County. Founded in 1874 and incorporated in 1881, it has grown to around 76,600 residents as of 2023, with a median age near 35.8 years

Lifestyle & entertainment

Castle Rock offers a blend of small-town charm and modern amenities. Downtown features the historic Castle Rock butte, boutique shops, local eateries, and seasonal events like the Classic Rock Cruise. Outdoor recreation thrives: with over 5,400 acres of parks and open space, 75 miles of trails, and standout destinations such as Philip S. Miller Park and Ridgeline Open Space. Retail and family entertainment are well served by The Outlets at Castle Rock and the upcoming Promenade development

Climate & Weather

Castle Rock enjoys a semi-arid climate at an elevation of 6,224 ft—marked by four distinct seasons, sunny skies, warm summers, crisp winters, and spring snowfall with year‑round outdoor activity.

Education

Castle Rock falls within the Douglas County School District, recognized for academic excellence. Students attend schools such as Castle View High, Mesa Middle, and various elementary schools, many within master-planned communities. Nearby higher‑education options include campuses like MET College and easy transit access to metro-area universities.

Demographics

Population: ~76,600 (2023); median age: 35.8 years. Ethnicity: Predominantly White non-Hispanic (≈79%), with representation from multiracial and Hispanic groups. Median household income: $143,031; homeowners: ~79%; average commute ~29 minutes.

Crime & safety

JCastle Rock’s safety profile is solid, with crime rates generally at or below the national average. The town invests heavily in community policing, youth initiatives, and safety infrastructure. It’s consistently ranked as one of Colorado’s safest towns—appealing to families, retirees, and commuters.

Cost of Living

The cost of living is above average (≈137 index) due to high housing demand and premium real estate . Median home value: ~$622,000; median rent: $1,460/mo; median household income: ~$143K. While salaries are strong, high housing, healthcare, and transportation costs—especially for retirees—are notable considerations.

Culture & history

The town takes its name from the natural rhyolite butte overlooking historic downtown, linking to indigenous and early settler history. Attractions include the Castle Rock Museum (former railroad depot), Philip S. Miller Park, and annual events like the WineFest and classic car cruise-ins. Castle Rock’s identity blends pioneering spirit with suburban growth, offering a strong sense of place and community pride.

Transportation

Castle Rock opted out of RTD; there is no commuter rail or local bus service.
Connectivity depends on personal vehicles, with east–west access via I‑25, Highway 86, and US‑85, and local transit options including a taxi voucher for residents with mobility needs. Efforts like the Miller Activity Complex shuttle and senior services aid non‑driving populations.