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City Report · CO

Brighton

Pop. 42,059·40th most expensive in Colorado·Brighton rents have dropped 5.9%, currently a renter's market
Median rent (all units)
$1,976/mo
Year-over-Year
-5.9%
Month-over-Month
+1.4%
vs US Median
+$11
Rising (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Brighton · $1,976
More expensive than 58% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo
Rent Reality Score
72/100
Good value
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are 11% below what Brighton's 10-year trend predicts — a better deal than its own history suggests.

Actual rent
$1,976/mo
Expected by trend
$2,218/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Brighton's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,540
1 BR
$1,680
2 BR
$2,010
3 BR
$2,620
4 BR+
$2,940
Research median
$2,010/mo

Bedroom estimates are gross rents that include essential utilities (electricity, water, gas, sewer, trash).

Rent trends

12-month history

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Last updated: July 20, 2026

Annual cost
$23,712/yr
At $1,976/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Renter's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are softening (down 5.9% YoY), so renters have negotiating leverage.
Based on rent-price momentum (-5.9% YoY, +1.4% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Brighton, CO is majority owner-occupied, has a large share of families with children, has a median income above the national average, 23.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
42,059
Median income
$107,679
Median age
34
Renters
28.5%
Age distribution
27.8%
23.9%
26.4%
Under 1827.8%
18–3423.9%
35–5426.4%
55–6411.9%
65+10.1%
Gender
50.5%
49.5%
Male50.5%
Female49.5%
Race & ethnicity
59.3%
38.6%
White59.3%
Black2.8%
Hispanic38.6%
Asian2%
Education (25+)
13.1%
31.8%
31.6%
23.5%
No HS diploma13.1%
HS diploma31.8%
Some college31.6%
Bachelor's+23.5%
Housing tenure
71.5%
28.5%
Owner71.5%
Renter28.5%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates

2021 vs 2026

How Brighton, CO has changed in 5 years

Rent
$1,723 → $1,976
up 14.7%
Income
$79,280 → $107,679
up 35.8%
Population
39,895 → 42,059
up 5.4%
Renter share
31.1% → 28.5%
-2.6 pts
Bachelor's+
22.4% → 23.5%
+1.1 pts
Median age
34.5 → 34
-0.5 yrs

The median rent in Brighton, CO stood at $1,723 in 2021 and currently runs about $1,976, reflecting a 14.7% increase over the period. Census figures show median household income at $107,679 today, compared with $79,280 five years earlier. On paper, paychecks moved up faster than rent, which softens the affordability squeeze versus the 2021 baseline. The population has grown by 5.4% since 2021, moving from about 39,895 residents to roughly 42,059. Renters now make up 28.5% of households, compared with 31.1% five years ago. The combined trend lines point to a market that has changed measurably from where it stood in early 2021.

Community

Discussions about Brighton

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View Brighton rent history (2015–2026) →
Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in Brighton on your salary?

At $1,976/mo, how Brighton rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Brighton rent by bedroom count

Median rent for each apartment size in Brighton. Click any size for full breakdown.

Local insights

Tips for renters in Brighton

About renting in Brighton, CO

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in Brighton is $1,976/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $1,540/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $2,010/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $1,680/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $2,620/mo.

At 22% of local median household income ($107,679/yr), Brighton ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have decreased 5.9% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Brighton an affordable city for renters?

Brighton is considered very affordable for renters. At $1,976/mo, rent takes approximately 22% of the local median household income ($107,679/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Brighton falls comfortably within that range.

How much income do you need to rent in Brighton?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $79,000/year (~$38/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $1,976/mo in Brighton. The local median household income is $107,679/yr, meaning the typical Brighton household meets that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Brighton?

Rent in Brighton has decreased 5.9% over the past year as of July 2026, offering some relief compared to 12 months ago.

How does Brighton rent compare to other cities in Colorado?

Brighton is middle-of-the-pack for Colorado for rent, ranking #40 out of 66 tracked cities at $1,976/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Brighton?

Several nearby cities have lower median rents than Brighton ($1,976/mo): Northglenn ($1,533/mo), Federal Heights ($1,576/mo), Thornton ($1,910/mo).

What percentage of Brighton residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 28.5% of Brighton households are renters, while 71.5% are owner-occupied. Brighton leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does Brighton rent compare to the national average?

Brighton's median rent of $1,976/mo is $11 (1%) above the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within Colorado, it ranks #40 out of 66 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
22%
VERY AFFORDABLE

At $1,976/mo, rent takes ~22% of Brighton's median household income ($107,679/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Brighton 22%Benchmark 30%
State income tax4.4%
Run the Brighton affordability calculator →
Lowest-rent ZIP codes in Brighton
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Brighton, CO

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