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. Covering about 36 square miles within the Denver–Aurora–Lakewood metropolitan area, the city is known for its strong industrial base, major refineries, and the expansive Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge.
Commerce City offers a unique blend of industrial heritage and outdoor recreational amenities. Dick’s Sporting Goods Park hosts Colorado Rapids Major League Soccer games, concerts, and large community events such as the annual Fourth of July fireworks celebration. One of the city’s premier attractions, the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, spans 27 square miles of wetlands, grasslands, and scenic trails—ideal for hiking, wildlife viewing, and birdwatching.
The community also enjoys access to local parks and open spaces such as Second Creek Open Space and Buckley Ranch Open Space, along with trail systems like the Dahlia Trailhead, which offer scenic views and opportunities for outdoor activities.
Commerce City features a semi-arid climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are warm and dry, while winters are cold with moderate snowfall. The city receives approximately 16 inches of precipitation and 47 inches of snow annually. With more than 300 sunny days per year, the area supports year-round outdoor recreation.
Education in Commerce City is provided by Adams County School District 27J and Adams 14 School District. Students attend schools such as Adams City High School and Brighton High School. Multiple elementary and middle schools serve local families, offering a range of academic programs and extracurricular activities.
Commerce City has a population of approximately 64,600 residents, with a median age of 33.9. The median household income is around $106,756, and homeownership stands at about 78%, with a median property value of roughly $463,200. The community is diverse, including:
Approximately 16% of residents are foreign-born, contributing to the city’s multicultural atmosphere.
Commerce City’s crime rate is higher than national averages. Violent crime occurs at a rate of about 24.1 per 1,000 residents, and property crime at roughly 46.3 per 1,000. According to NeighborhoodScout, residents face a 1-in-131 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime and a 1-in-35 chance of property crime annually. Despite these figures, community policing initiatives and city investments continue to support safety improvements.
Commerce City’s cost of living is approximately 9–11% higher than the national average. The overall cost-of-living index is around 109, with housing serving as the primary expense. Median home values range from $463,200 to $543,200, while median monthly rent is approximately $1,914. Utilities and groceries tend to be slightly above average, while transportation and healthcare costs remain closer to national norms.
Commerce City’s cultural identity is rooted in agriculture, ranching, and oil refining dating back to the late 19th century. The Rocky Mountain Arsenal played a significant role in wartime manufacturing and has since been transformed into a major wildlife refuge. Historical points of interest include the original Adams City High School buildings and community events such as the annual Memorial Day Parade and the popular “4th Fest” at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park.
Most residents rely on personal vehicles, with an average commute time of around 30 minutes. Commerce City is well-connected by major highways including I-76, I-270, I-85, and US 6. RTD bus routes serve parts of the city and park-and-ride facilities offer additional commuting options. There is currently no rail service, and public transit usage remains limited.
