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City Report · CO

Lakewood

Pop. 156,583·52nd most expensive in Colorado·Rental market data updated monthly for Lakewood, CO
Median rent (all units)
$1,814/mo
Year-over-Year
+3.4%
Month-over-Month
+0.5%
vs US Median
-$151
Stable (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Lakewood · $1,814
More affordable than 53% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo
Rent Reality Score
71/100
Good value
OverheatedFairGreat value

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

Actual rent
$1,814/mo
Expected by trend
$2,021/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Lakewood's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,551
1 BR
$1,700
2 BR
$2,036
3 BR
$2,656
4 BR+
$2,974
Research median
$2,036/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
$21,768/yr
At $1,814/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are climbing (3.4% YoY), so leverage tilts toward landlords. Act sooner rather than later.
Based on rent-price momentum (+3.4% YoY, +0.5% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Lakewood, CO is majority owner-occupied, has a median income above the national average, 45.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
156,583
Median income
$89,792
Median age
38.2
Renters
41.9%
Age distribution
16.3%
28.6%
24.7%
12.5%
17.9%
Under 1816.3%
18–3428.6%
35–5424.7%
55–6412.5%
65+17.9%
Gender
50%
50%
Male50%
Female50%
Race & ethnicity
73.8%
22.6%
White73.8%
Black1.5%
Hispanic22.6%
Asian3.6%
Education (25+)
21.6%
27.1%
45.3%
No HS diploma6%
HS diploma21.6%
Some college27.1%
Bachelor's+45.3%
Housing tenure
58.1%
41.9%
Owner58.1%
Renter41.9%

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

2021 vs 2026

How Lakewood, CO has changed in 5 years

Rent
$1,484 → $1,814
up 22.2%
Income
$75,343 → $89,792
up 19.2%
Population
155,608 → 156,583
up 0.6%
Renter share
41.9% → 41.9%
+0.0 pts
Bachelor's+
43.7% → 45.3%
+1.6 pts

Since 2021, the typical rent in Lakewood, CO has climbed from $1,484 to $1,814, a 22.2% change over five years. Median household income rose from $75,343 to $89,792 between 2021 and 2024, a 19.2% shift. That spread, with rent up faster than earnings, points to a tougher affordability environment than five years ago. Taken together, the five-year picture in Lakewood, CO reflects how housing costs and the people paying them have evolved through a stretch that included a pandemic, a hot rental market, and a recent cooling phase.

Community

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

Can you afford rent in Lakewood on your salary?

At $1,814/mo, how Lakewood rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Lakewood rent by bedroom count

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

Local insights

Tips for renters in Lakewood

About renting in Lakewood, CO

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in Lakewood is $1,814/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $1,551/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $2,036/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $1,700/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $2,656/mo.

At 24% of local median household income ($89,792/yr), Lakewood ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 3.4% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Lakewood an affordable city for renters?

Lakewood is considered very affordable for renters. At $1,814/mo, rent takes approximately 24% of the local median household income ($89,792/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Lakewood falls comfortably within that range.

How much income do you need to rent in Lakewood?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $73,000/year (~$35/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $1,814/mo in Lakewood. The local median household income is $89,792/yr, meaning the typical Lakewood household meets that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Lakewood?

Rent in Lakewood has increased 3.4% over the past year as of July 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

Which Lakewood neighborhoods have the lowest rent?

The most affordable ZIP codes in Lakewood are 80232 ($1,585/mo), 80214 ($1,693/mo), and 80215 ($1,793/mo). Citywide, the median rent in Lakewood is $1,814/mo.

How does Lakewood rent compare to other cities in Colorado?

Lakewood is one of the more affordable cities in Colorado for rent, ranking #52 out of 66 tracked cities at $1,814/mo.

What percentage of Lakewood residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 41.9% of Lakewood households are renters, while 58.1% are owner-occupied. Lakewood leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does Lakewood rent compare to the national average?

Lakewood's median rent of $1,814/mo is $151 (8%) below the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within Colorado, it ranks #52 out of 66 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
24%
VERY AFFORDABLE

At $1,814/mo, rent takes ~24% of Lakewood's median household income ($89,792/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Lakewood 24%Benchmark 30%
State income tax4.4%
Run the Lakewood affordability calculator →
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Lakewood, CO

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