Comparing Denver and West Adams, two distinct Colorado communities, provides a useful lens for understanding the variances within the state. Denver, a bustling metropolis, offers a vibrant city life, while West Adams, primarily a rural area, provides a quieter, less hectic living environment. Differences exist in aspects such as crime and safety, cost of living, education, work and economy, infrastructure, industries, and culture among others.
Denver, being a large city, has a higher crime rate than West Adams, which is a smaller, rural community. The Denver Police Department maintains a strong visible presence in the city and collaborates with local communities to ensure safety. West Adams, alternatively, enjoys a low crime rate due to its relatively small population and rural nature. Both locations offer safe environments for both residents and visitors, however, it's advisable to take normal safety precautions in Denver, given the higher population density.
Cost of Living
In terms of cost of living, Denver is more expensive than West Adams. This is primarily due to Denver being a bustling metropolis with higher real estate costs, transportation expenditure, and living expenses. On the other hand, West Adams’ cost of living is lower, given its rural nature and smaller population.
Income Tax
The income tax rate for both Denver and West Adams is the same as they follow Colorado's statewide income tax rate.
Property Tax
Denver, due to its urban nature and higher property values, has a higher property tax rate compared to West Adams, which has lower property tax due to its rural nature and lower property values.
Sales Tax
Both Denver and West Adams adhere to Colorado's state sales tax, though Denver imposes an additional city sales tax. This results in slightly higher overall sales tax in Denver compared to West Adams.
Income
Type
Denver
West Adams
Estimated median household income
$81,630
$86,329
Estimated per capita income
$52,690
$37,504
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
111.3
117.6
If you make $50,000 in Denver, you will have to make $52,830 in West Adams to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Denver is located in the Rocky Mountain region, which provides picturesque views and ample outdoor activities. West Adams, located on the Eastern Plains of Colorado, features a more flat and agricultural landscape.
Geographical information
Type
Denver
West Adams
Land area
153.4 sq. miles
74.5 sq. miles
Population density
4,639.5 people per sq. mile
4,165.7 people per sq. mile
Relative area comparison
Denver, CO West Adams, CO
Education
Denver provides a broad range of educational opportunities with numerous top-notch universities and schools, including University of Colorado Denver and Denver Public Schools, the largest school district in the state. West Adams’ education system is smaller, focused primarily on community schools. However, both offer quality education to residents and transient populations.
Denver has a strong and diverse economy, boasting several large industries such as healthcare, aerospace, and technology. West Adams' economy is more focused on agriculture and small businesses. The unemployment rate is lower in Denver, which offers more job opportunities but also sees more competition for work.
Biggest Employers
Denver's largest employers include Denver Health, the City and County of Denver, and the University of Colorado Denver. In West Adams, the biggest employers are largely local farms, ranches, and school districts.
In Denver (Denver County), 73.9% voted for Democrats and 24.3% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In West Adams (Adams County), 57.3% voted for Democrats and 40.4% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Denver
West Adams
Denver
West Adams
Denver
West Adams
2020
80.1%
57.1%
18.3%
40.7%
1.6%
2.2%
2016
74.2%
50.1%
19.0%
41.6%
6.8%
8.3%
2012
73.9%
57.3%
24.3%
40.4%
1.7%
2.3%
2008
75.8%
58.5%
23.2%
40.1%
1.0%
1.4%
2004
69.7%
50.7%
29.3%
48.4%
0.9%
0.9%
2000
62.0%
50.3%
30.9%
44.2%
7.0%
5.5%
1996
61.8%
51.3%
30.0%
38.9%
8.2%
9.8%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Denver
West Adams
Denver
West Adams
CATHOLIC CHURCH
26.6%
16.0%
8.7%
4.5%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
2.1%
0.0%
4.3%
0.4%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
1.1%
0.1%
3.2%
1.2%
SALVATION ARMY
1.1%
0.0%
0.7%
0.4%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
0.9%
0.7%
6.8%
7.8%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.7%
0.4%
3.0%
3.3%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.5%
0.1%
0.9%
0.8%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.4%
0.4%
2.7%
2.5%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.3%
0.7%
2.3%
3.3%
Weather
Both Denver and West Adams feature a semi-arid climate with four distinct seasons. Denver, located at a high altitude, experiences mild summers and chilly winters, with changeable weather patterns that are typical of mountainous regions. West Adams, while also experiencing four seasons, generally has milder weather due to its geographical location.
Weather and climate
Type
Denver
West Adams
Temperature - Average
49.5°F
49.9°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
50.6%
50.6%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
20%
20%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
55%
55%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
35%
35%
Precipitation - Yearly average
17 in
13.3 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
114 in
114 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
19.2%
19.2%
Sunshine amount - Average
75.6%
75.6%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
10%
10%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
74%
74%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
64%
64%
Wind speed - Average
8.6 mph
8.6 mph
Average climate in Denver, Colorado
Average climate in West Adams, Colorado
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Denver
West Adams
Denver
West Adams
Denver
West Adams
Denver
West Adams
Denver
West Adams
Denver
West Adams
Denver
West Adams
Denver
West Adams
2018
100
104
0.50
0.31
25.4
18.6
27.9
27.9
N/A
N/A
29.2
29.2
8.6
9.2
0.7
0.8
2017
95
97
0.49
0.31
25.9
18.8
27.6
27.6
N/A
N/A
22.0
22.0
8.4
8.9
0.8
0.9
2016
90
90
0.53
0.40
27.7
20.9
27.2
26.6
N/A
N/A
22.6
22.6
8.7
8.4
1.0
0.9
2015
101
101
0.53
0.42
27.8
19.7
25.2
25.9
N/A
N/A
21.0
20.2
10.4
9.4
1.0
1.1
2014
94
94
0.53
0.38
25.4
19.1
24.6
27.4
N/A
N/A
25.1
19.3
10.1
10.1
1.3
1.2
2013
85
83
0.45
0.37
21.9
17.3
24.0
27.5
N/A
N/A
24.4
18.7
N/A
N/A
1.5
1.3
2012
91
90
0.33
0.37
18.9
18.9
26.2
27.4
N/A
N/A
24.9
23.5
N/A
N/A
1.4
0.9
2011
91
90
0.34
0.35
18.1
18.1
25.8
28.0
N/A
N/A
23.7
24.0
N/A
N/A
1.6
1.4
2010
82
78
0.43
0.37
16.3
16.3
23.6
26.6
N/A
N/A
26.4
27.1
N/A
N/A
1.0
1.0
2009
79
76
0.41
0.35
14.1
14.1
23.1
26.6
0.005
0.005
22.2
23.0
N/A
N/A
1.3
1.3
2008
85
85
0.43
0.39
17.3
17.3
26.0
27.9
0.008
0.008
25.2
25.9
N/A
N/A
1.6
1.6
2007
96
96
0.37
0.46
20.6
20.6
21.9
25.4
0.007
0.007
30.2
27.8
N/A
N/A
1.2
1.2
2006
89
89
0.51
0.49
19.0
19.0
22.1
24.1
0.008
0.034
28.0
28.0
N/A
N/A
1.4
1.4
2005
86
86
0.57
0.56
21.3
21.3
20.9
21.4
0.068
0.124
30.9
29.5
N/A
N/A
1.5
1.5
2004
82
82
0.60
0.59
21.2
21.2
19.2
19.4
0.012
0.051
28.6
28.6
N/A
N/A
1.8
1.9
2003
106
106
0.60
0.55
21.2
21.2
20.8
21.1
0.015
0.055
32.6
32.6
N/A
N/A
1.9
1.9
2002
86
86
0.65
0.56
19.2
19.2
20.4
20.9
0.014
0.034
35.7
35.7
N/A
N/A
2.5
2.4
2001
95
95
0.86
0.69
23.6
24.6
18.6
17.7
0.012
0.040
32.6
32.6
N/A
N/A
2.6
2.5
2000
93
94
0.81
0.67
13.4
14.1
19.2
19.0
0.013
0.042
12.2
12.2
N/A
N/A
2.1
2.1
Natural disasters
Type
Denver
West Adams
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
129.5%
130.2%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
811.7%
809.2%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
10%
11%
Transportation
Denver has a comprehensive transportation network, including light rail, bus lines, bike lanes, and commercial airports for easy commuting. West Adams, however, primarily relies on personal vehicles for transportation due to the distributed nature of its population.
Transport
Type
Denver
West Adams
Amtrak stations
2
0
Amtrak stations nearby
2
3
FAA registered aircraft
602
0
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
28
0
Means of transportation to work
Type
Denver
West Adams
Bicycle
1.5%
0.2%
Bus
2.6%
4.2%
Carpooled
8.8%
13.1%
Car alone
81.1%
77.4%
Motorcycle
0.1%
0.2%
Railroad
1.2%
0%
Streetcar
0.2%
0.1%
Taxicab
0.1%
0%
Walked
2.8%
1.1%
Average travel time to work
Type
Denver
West Adams
Average
29.4 min
28.2 min
Real Estate
The real estate market in Denver is active and diverse, offering a variety of options for residential, commercial, and rental properties. West Adams, however, has a more laid-back real estate market, which is largely determined by agricultural land sales.
Neighborhoods
Denver is characterized by its eclectic mix of neighborhoods, offering everything from bustling city spots to quieter suburbs. West Adams features a predominantly rural setting, with a strong emphasis on community cohesion.
Houses and residents
Type
Denver
West Adams
Houses
351,829
96,976
Average household size (people)
2.2
2.7
Houses occupied
326,634 (92.8%)
94,294 (97.2%)
Houses occupied by owners
164,429 (50.3%)
68,196 (72.3%)
Houses occupied by renters
162,205 (49.7%)
26,098 (27.7%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,674
$1,683
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$970,375
$576,371
Estimated median house or condo value
$541,500
$438,983
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.5
4.1
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.4
6.8
Renting percentage
50%
35.7%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
2,294.3
1,301.4
Household income disparities
44%
38.2%
Housing units without a mortgage
2,112 (1.7%)
8,555 (15.5%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
9,615 (7.6%)
181 (0.3%)
Housing units with a mortgage
123,690 (98.3%)
46,792 (84.5%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
273 (0.2%)
4,321 (7.8%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
12,819 (10.2%)
10,023 (18.1%)
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.3%
0.3%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
24,661
6,415
State government workers
15,204
3,185
Unpaid family workers
763
326
Industries and Occupations
In Denver, healthcare, aerospace, and technology are the leading industries providing numerous employment opportunities. West Adams, however, is largely agricultural, with most of the workforce involved in farming and other agriculture-related industries.
Denvers' healthcare sector is robust, with many hospitals and specialist clinics. There is easy access for both residents and tourists. West Adams, being a rural area, has fewer healthcare facilities, but residents can easily access larger healthcare centers in nearby towns.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Denver
West Adams
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Denver, as a big city, has well-developed infrastructure, including extensive public transportation, well-maintained roads, and numerous public amenities. The city is known for its parks, bike lanes, and pedestrian-friendly environments. West Adams, on the other hand, has more basic infrastructure, suiting its rural setting.
Infrastructure
Type
Denver
West Adams
TV stations
17
17
Culture and Food
Denver boasts a rich cultural life, with numerous museums, galleries, theaters, and a diverse food scene. West Adams, while having a more low-key cultural scene, features local farm-to-table restaurants due to its agricultural nature.
Sports Teams
Denver is home to many professional sports teams, including the Denver Broncos (NFL), Colorado Rockies (MLB), and Denver Nuggets (NBA). West Adams does not have professional sports teams, but local school districts organize various sports activities.
Denver, CO
West Adams, CO
