City Report · CO

Wheat Ridge

Pop. 32,070·37th most expensive in Colorado·Wheat Ridge rents are up 10.8% over the past year
Median rent (all units)
$2,014/mo
Year-over-Year
+10.8%
Month-over-Month
+2.6%
vs US Median
+$49
Rising (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Wheat Ridge · $2,014
More expensive than 60% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo
Rent Reality Score
58/100
Fairly priced
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are 4% below what Wheat Ridge's 10-year trend predicts — a better deal than its own history suggests.

Actual rent
$2,014/mo
Expected by trend
$2,095/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Wheat Ridge's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,500
1 BR
$1,660
2 BR
$1,990
3 BR
$2,590
4 BR+
$2,910
Research median
$1,990/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
$24,168/yr
At $2,014/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Strong Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are up 10.8% year-over-year. Expect competition, and move quickly to lock in terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (+10.8% YoY, +2.6% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Wheat Ridge, CO is roughly split between renters and owners, has a large retiree population, has a median income above the national average, 47.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
32,070
Median income
$90,564
Median age
41.9
Renters
45.6%
Age distribution
15.3%
23.1%
28.5%
12.5%
20.6%
Under 1815.3%
18–3423.1%
35–5428.5%
55–6412.5%
65+20.6%
Gender
48%
52%
Male48%
Female52%
Race & ethnicity
78.4%
19.4%
White78.4%
Black3.1%
Hispanic19.4%
Asian1.7%
Education (25+)
20.2%
27.2%
47.8%
No HS diploma4.8%
HS diploma20.2%
Some college27.2%
Bachelor's+47.8%
Housing tenure
54.4%
45.6%
Owner54.4%
Renter45.6%

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

2021 vs 2026

How Wheat Ridge, CO has changed in 5 years

Rent
$1,509 → $2,014
up 33.5%
Income
$73,231 → $90,564
up 23.7%
Population
32,340 → 32,070
down 0.8%
Renter share
47.2% → 45.6%
-1.6 pts
Bachelor's+
41.2% → 47.8%
+6.6 pts

Five years ago, renters in Wheat Ridge, CO paid around $1,509 a month. That figure now sits near $2,014, up 33.5% from the 2021 baseline. Household income in the area moved from $73,231 to $90,564 across the same window, up 23.7% versus 2021. Because rent grew faster than wages over the same span, the affordability picture has tightened relative to 2021. The renter share has eased from 47.2% to 45.6%, with owner-occupied housing accounting for the remainder. Bachelor's-degree-or-higher attainment moved from 41.2% to 47.8% across the same window. Reading these numbers side by side helps frame whether current listings in Wheat Ridge, CO look reasonable against where the market sat half a decade ago.

Community

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View Wheat Ridge rent history (2015–2026) →
Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in Wheat Ridge on your salary?

At $2,014/mo, how Wheat Ridge rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Wheat Ridge rent by bedroom count

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

Local insights

Tips for renters in Wheat Ridge

About renting in Wheat Ridge, CO

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in Wheat Ridge is $2,014/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $1,500/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $1,990/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $1,660/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $2,590/mo.

At 27% of local median household income ($90,564/yr), Wheat Ridge ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 10.8% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Wheat Ridge an affordable city for renters?

Wheat Ridge is considered affordable for renters. At $2,014/mo, rent takes approximately 27% of the local median household income ($90,564/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Wheat Ridge falls comfortably within that range.

How much income do you need to rent in Wheat Ridge?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $81,000/year (~$39/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $2,014/mo in Wheat Ridge. The local median household income is $90,564/yr, meaning the typical Wheat Ridge household meets that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Wheat Ridge?

Rent in Wheat Ridge has increased 10.8% over the past year as of July 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

How does Wheat Ridge rent compare to other cities in Colorado?

Wheat Ridge is middle-of-the-pack for Colorado for rent, ranking #37 out of 66 tracked cities at $2,014/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Wheat Ridge?

Several nearby cities have lower median rents than Wheat Ridge ($2,014/mo): Federal Heights ($1,576/mo), Lakewood ($1,814/mo), Westminster ($1,879/mo).

What percentage of Wheat Ridge residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 45.6% of Wheat Ridge households are renters, while 54.4% are owner-occupied. Wheat Ridge leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does Wheat Ridge rent compare to the national average?

Wheat Ridge's median rent of $2,014/mo is $49 (2%) above the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within Colorado, it ranks #37 out of 66 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
27%
AFFORDABLE

At $2,014/mo, rent takes ~27% of Wheat Ridge's median household income ($90,564/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Wheat Ridge 27%Benchmark 30%
State income tax4.4%
Run the Wheat Ridge affordability calculator →
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Wheat Ridge, CO

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