Parker, CO

Welcome to

Parker is an incorporated town in Douglas County located about 23 miles southeast of Denver. It spans roughly 22 square miles and has experienced steady growth, with an estimated population of 65,300 as of 2025. The town maintains a semi-rural, family-friendly environment while offering easy access to metro amenities

Lifestyle & entertainment

Parker is known for its community-oriented atmosphere, with more than 30 miles of multi-use trails, equestrian-friendly neighborhoods, and numerous parks. Local events like art fairs, community festivals, and farmers markets are common. The Downtown Parker Arts, Culture & Entertainment (ACE) District offers galleries, restaurants, and historic charm, while nearby Cherry Creek State Park and The Pinery Golf Course support hiking, horseback riding, and golf

Climate & Weather

The town experiences a semi-arid climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are warm and dry, winters are cold with mild snowfall, and the area benefits from over 300 sunny days per year.

Education

Parker is served by the Douglas County School District (RE-1), which is among Colorado’s top-performing districts. Local schools include Chaparral High School and Ponderosa High School, offering strong academics and extracurricular programs. A University Center in Parker connects students to college courses through Arapahoe Community College, University of Colorado, and University of Phoenix

Demographics

As of 2023, Parker’s median age is approximately 36.2 years. The population is about 78% White (non-Hispanic), 13% Hispanic or Latino, 5.6% Asian, with smaller shares of other races. Approximately 8.5% of residents are foreign-born. The median household income stands near $129,300, and per capita income is about $55,800. The town’s poverty rate is low, around 3.2%

Crime & safety

Parker is considered one of Colorado’s safer suburbs. Property crime rates are approximately 1,713 per 100,000 residents—about 46% below the state average—and violent crime is similarly low

Cost of Living

Living in Parker is relatively expensive. The overall cost of living index is around 138 (38% above the national average and 24% above Colorado), primarily due to high housing costs. Median home values are between $669,000 and $692,000, and average rent for a two-bedroom home is about $2,150–$2,220 per month. Estimated annual living expenses are approximately $128,000 for a family and $71,000 for a single person

Culture & history

Founded in the 1860s, Parker retains a small-town, historical flavor in its downtown core, supplemented by community events and arts programming. The town emphasizes family-friendly development and offers community legacy through public spaces and annual traditions.

Transportation

Most residents commute by car, with an average one-way commute time of about 26 minutes. Park-and-ride lots and bus services are available through RTD, although public transit usage remains low (around 1%). Major highways like Parker Road and E-470 support regional connectivity