Memphis, Tennessee and Denver, Colorado, while both prominent American cities, offer striking contrasts in terms of lifestyle. Generally speaking, Denver enjoys lower crime rates, a stronger economy, a higher cost of living, and healthier residents. Conversely, Memphis features a rich music history, lower cost of living, and more temperate weather. Whether you're looking to relocate or just visit, the unique characteristics of these cities are sure to leave a lasting impression.
Distance between
Memphis, TN and
Denver, CO : 880.8 miles
Denver's population is larger by 13%. Its population has grown by 156,827 people (28.3%) since 2000. The population of Memphis has decreased by 21,973 people (3.4%) during that time.
Unfortunately, Memphis suffers from a high crime rate, considerably more than the national average. While measures are being taken to improve safety, it remains an area of concern for both residents and visitors. In contrast, Denver is generally safer, although like any city, it has some areas with higher crime rates. Both cities benefit from active community policing and emergency services.
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
Sex Offenders
According to our data, there are 2,614 registered sex offenders living in Memphis and 1,991 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Memphis is 250 to 1; the ratio in Denver is 348 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is larger in Memphis than in Denver.
Cost of Living
Memphis boasts a lower cost of living, with affordable housing options available. Denver is significantly more expensive in most aspects, notably real estate and rent prices - which can put a strain on budgets. However, the average income in Denver is also higher, partially offsetting the increased cost of living.
Income Tax
Colorado imposes a flat rate for state income tax, whereas Tennessee does not charge income tax on wages or salaries, which can be an attractive feature for prospective residents of Memphis.
Property Tax
Both cities have comparable property tax rates, but given Denver's higher average property values, homeowners might end up paying more in absolute terms.
Sales Tax
While neither Tennessee nor Colorado have remarkable sales tax rates, Denver's combined city, county, and state tax rate is higher than that of Memphis. However, Tennessee has a higher average local sales tax.
Income
Type
Memphis
Denver
Estimated median household income
$44,317
$81,630
Estimated per capita income
$28,571
$52,690
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
85.5
111.3
If you make $50,000 in Memphis, you will have to make $65,088 in Denver to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Denver, nicknamed the 'Mile High City', is renowned for its stunning views of the Rocky Mountains. Memphis, located near the Mighty Mississippi River, offers a blend of charming landscapes and urban settings.
Both cities offer strong educational institutions. In Denver, there are significantly more options available, with many high-ranking schools and universities. Memphis also provides quality education, with a notable presence of music and arts programs thanks to its rich musical heritage.
Denver boasts a robust economy, with a low unemployment rate and many job opportunities across a mixture of industries. Its high-tech and aerospace industries are particularly strong. Memphis, while not as economically robust as Denver, offers opportunities in healthcare, logistics, and the music industry.
Biggest Employers
Denver's largest employers include the State of Colorado, Denver International Airport, and the University of Colorado. Memphis is home to FedEx's Global Hub, and the healthcare sector is also a major employer in the city with institutions like Baptist Memorial Health Care and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
In Memphis (Shelby County), 62.9% voted for Democrats and 36.7% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Denver (Denver County), 73.9% voted for Democrats and 24.3% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Memphis
Denver
Memphis
Denver
Memphis
Denver
2020
64.8%
80.1%
34.2%
18.3%
1.1%
1.6%
2016
62.3%
74.2%
34.7%
19.0%
3.1%
6.8%
2012
62.9%
73.9%
36.7%
24.3%
0.4%
1.7%
2008
63.8%
75.8%
36.2%
23.2%
0.0%
1.0%
2004
57.7%
69.7%
42.0%
29.3%
0.3%
0.9%
2000
56.8%
62.0%
42.3%
30.9%
0.9%
7.0%
1996
78.9%
61.8%
19.6%
30.0%
1.5%
8.2%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Memphis
Denver
Memphis
Denver
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
14.8%
0.9%
15.1%
6.8%
CATHOLIC CHURCH
6.5%
26.6%
2.7%
8.7%
EVANGELICAL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
1.5%
0.0%
0.7%
0.2%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.8%
1.1%
1.8%
3.2%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.5%
0.5%
0.8%
0.9%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.4%
0.3%
1.0%
2.3%
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.4%
0.0%
0.6%
0.7%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.4%
0.7%
0.9%
3.0%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.3%
2.1%
0.6%
4.3%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.1%
0.4%
0.4%
2.7%
SALVATION ARMY
0.0%
1.1%
0.2%
0.7%
Weather
Climate-wise, Memphis tends to be warmer and more humid, with mild winters and hot summers. Expect hot and sticky summer days if you're in Memphis. Denver, on the other hand, has a more varied climate, with dry summer days, cold and snowy winters, but as many will say - it has a lot of sunshine year-round. The city also experiences sudden changes in weather due to its high-altitude location.
Weather and climate
Type
Memphis
Denver
Temperature - Average
61.9°F
49.5°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
74%
50.6%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
33%
20%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
85%
55%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
52%
35%
Precipitation - Yearly average
54.3 in
17 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
8.6 in
114 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
19.7%
19.2%
Sunshine amount - Average
68.7%
75.6%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
24%
10%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
74%
74%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
50%
64%
Wind speed - Average
8.8 mph
8.6 mph
Average climate in Memphis, Tennessee
Average climate in Denver, Colorado
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Memphis
Denver
Memphis
Denver
Memphis
Denver
Memphis
Denver
Denver
Memphis
Denver
Memphis
Denver
Memphis
Denver
2018
81
100
0.24
0.50
10.4
25.4
27.1
27.9
N/A
N/A
19.0
29.2
8.1
8.6
0.4
0.7
2017
74
95
0.24
0.49
10.2
25.9
28.1
27.6
N/A
N/A
17.5
22.0
7.9
8.4
0.3
0.8
2016
76
90
0.24
0.53
10.2
27.7
28.8
27.2
N/A
N/A
19.6
22.6
8.5
8.7
0.9
1.0
2015
77
101
0.26
0.53
11.1
27.8
26.9
25.2
N/A
N/A
N/A
21.0
9.2
10.4
1.0
1.0
2014
75
94
0.27
0.53
10.1
25.4
26.5
24.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
25.1
9.9
10.1
1.3
1.3
2013
74
85
0.31
0.45
8.3
21.9
26.6
24.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
24.4
10.2
N/A
1.0
1.5
2012
94
91
0.32
0.33
9.3
18.9
29.7
26.2
N/A
N/A
N/A
24.9
10.7
N/A
0.6
1.4
2011
93
91
0.34
0.34
10.0
18.1
29.0
25.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
23.7
11.1
N/A
0.5
1.6
2010
95
82
0.43
0.43
10.3
16.3
27.9
23.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
26.4
12.9
N/A
N/A
1.0
2009
86
79
0.35
0.41
8.7
14.1
24.9
23.1
0.005
N/A
N/A
22.2
11.8
N/A
N/A
1.3
2008
94
85
0.36
0.43
10.3
17.3
26.3
26.0
0.008
N/A
N/A
25.2
13.2
N/A
N/A
1.6
2007
106
96
0.47
0.37
11.2
20.6
26.7
21.9
0.007
N/A
N/A
30.2
14.8
N/A
5.6
1.2
2006
108
89
0.43
0.51
13.0
19.0
26.8
22.1
0.008
N/A
N/A
28.0
14.7
N/A
6.3
1.4
2005
110
86
0.46
0.57
10.1
21.3
26.9
20.9
0.068
N/A
N/A
30.9
17.9
N/A
4.9
1.5
2004
98
82
0.51
0.60
N/A
21.2
24.9
19.2
0.012
N/A
N/A
28.6
14.5
N/A
5.9
1.8
2003
110
106
0.57
0.60
20.1
21.2
25.3
20.8
0.015
N/A
N/A
32.6
15.0
N/A
5.8
1.9
2002
110
86
0.58
0.65
20.4
19.2
25.1
20.4
0.014
N/A
15.6
35.7
N/A
N/A
4.5
2.5
2001
111
95
0.66
0.86
24.7
23.6
26.0
18.6
0.012
N/A
22.7
32.6
N/A
N/A
6.1
2.6
2000
103
93
0.63
0.81
25.2
13.4
26.2
19.2
0.013
N/A
24.9
12.2
N/A
N/A
6.4
2.1
Natural disasters
Type
Memphis
Denver
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
198.6%
129.5%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
474%
811.7%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
18%
10%
Transportation
Both cities offer a range of public transport - Denver with its RTD bus system and Light Rail, and Memphis with its MATA bus and trolley service. Denver is more bicycle-friendly, often ranking as one of the best cycling cities in the US.
Transport
Type
Memphis
Denver
Amtrak stations
1
2
Amtrak stations nearby
1
2
FAA registered aircraft
1
602
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
52
28
Means of transportation to work
Type
Memphis
Denver
Bicycle
0%
1.5%
Bus
0.4%
2.6%
Carpooled
7.5%
8.8%
Car alone
88.8%
81.1%
Railroad
0%
1.2%
Streetcar
0%
0.2%
Taxicab
0.1%
0.1%
Walked
1.2%
2.8%
Average travel time to work
Type
Memphis
Denver
Average
27 min
29.4 min
Other means
22.5 min
24.2 min
Public transportation
43.5 min
38 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Memphis
Denver
Average
1.1
1.1
Drove alone
89.9%
90.6%
In 2 person carpool
7.9%
7.3%
In 3 person carpool
1.6%
1.3%
In 4 person carpool
0.4%
0.5%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.2%
0.2%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Denver's real estate market is more expensive, with high demand driving up property values. Memphis, on the other hand, offers a more affordable housing market, attractive to those looking for lower-cost locational options. Both cities offer a mix of suburban and city living options.
Neighborhoods
Denver features a range of neighborhoods, each with its unique charm, from the vibrant LoDo to the art-centric River North Art District. Memphis neighborhoods each have a distinctive flair, whether it's the historical Victorian Village or the music-filled streets of Beale Street Historic District.
Houses and residents
Type
Memphis
Denver
Houses
288,491
351,829
Average household size (people)
2.5
2.2
Median year apartment built
1972
1981
Median year house/condo built
1967
1966
Length of stay in the house since moving in
16.2 years
11.3 years
Houses occupied
256,968 (89.1%)
326,634 (92.8%)
Houses occupied by owners
119,622 (46.6%)
164,429 (50.3%)
Houses occupied by renters
137,346 (53.4%)
162,205 (49.7%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$760.83
$1,674
Median monthly housing costs
$967
$1,626
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$201,932
$970,375
Estimated median house or condo value
$142,800
$541,500
Median numbers of rooms
5.5
4.6
Median number of rooms in apartments
4.8
3.5
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.6
6.4
Median house price - detached houses
$205,904
$690,450
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
Over $1,000,000
$668,727
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$145,165
$410,273
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$201,411
$487,647
Median house price - mobile homes
$93,577
$174,140
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$170,154
$568,100
Median house price - All housing units
$204,886
$644,007
Median house age
52
47
Renting percentage
48.1%
50%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,032.8
2,294.3
House value disparities
44.1%
26.4%
Household income disparities
48.2%
44%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$72,611
$120,615
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$53,615
$77,011
Housing units without a mortgage
1,461 (2%)
2,112 (1.7%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
3,970 (5.4%)
9,615 (7.6%)
Housing units with a mortgage
71,386 (98%)
123,690 (98.3%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
322 (0.4%)
273 (0.2%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
5,907 (8.1%)
12,819 (10.2%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
16
7
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
5.7%
1.3%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
4.6%
0.8%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Memphis
Denver
One, detached
61.0%
42.9%
One, attached
5.8%
8.3%
Two
2.1%
2.1%
3 or 4
7.4%
3.1%
5 to 9
9.1%
3.6%
10 to 19
5.6%
7.0%
20 to 49
1.8%
10.4%
50 or more
6.2%
22.0%
Mobile homes
0.8%
0.4%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.1%
0.1%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
16,111
24,661
State government workers
7,650
15,204
Unpaid family workers
668
763
Industries and Occupations
Denver's economy is diversified with industries like aerospace, telecommunications, and technological innovation playing key roles. Memphis is a logistics hub due to its central location and is also home to a robust healthcare industry.
Denver delivers exceptional health care and often ranks highly in national health rankings. Compared to Denver, Memphis struggles more with health and fitness, but it has gained international acclaim for institutions like St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Memphis
Denver
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Denver benefits from well-planned infrastructure, including a range of public transportation options and well-maintained roads. Memphis also offers decent infrastructure, but faces challenges related to aging facilities and roads, requiring greater investment for improvement.
Infrastructure
Type
Memphis
Denver
Hospitals
35
16
TV stations
14
17
Arenas or stadiums
2
4
Bank branches located here
160
205
Bank institutions located here
33
43
Main business address for public companies
17
58
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
0
8
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Memphis
Denver
1999
2,195
2,727
2000
2,406
2,698
2001
1,775
1,996
2002
1,444
1,591
2003
2,116
2,472
2004
3,266
3,789
2005
4,730
5,168
2006
5,833
5,506
2007
3,559
3,599
2008
1,174
1,902
2009
345
768
Culture and Food
Denver is known for its outdoor lifestyle, craft breweries, and a thriving arts scene. Memphis, famous for its music and barbecue, offers a rich cultural heritage illustrated by the blues, rock 'n' roll, and soul music scenes.
Sports Teams
Denver residents can enjoy a variety of professional sport teams, including the Colorado Rockies (MLB), Denver Broncos (NFL), and Denver Nuggets (NBA). In Memphis, the Grizzlies (NBA) and Memphis Redbirds (AAA Baseball) offer sports entertainment.
Memphis, TN
Denver, CO
