Relocating or touring Colorado presents a range of lifestyle options, with West Adams and Westminster offering unique qualities. The comparison between the two involves considering factors such as crime, weather, living costs, education, economy, infrastructure, work opportunities, real estate, neighborhoods, commuting, taxation, culture, sports, geography, and health care. These factors play key roles in making either city an appealing destination for both residential and visiting purposes.
West Adams has a higher crime rate, compared to many Colorado cities. However, the majority of these crimes are property-related, rather than violent crimes. Westminster, on the other hand, has a lower crime rate overall, making it statistically safer for residents and tourists alike. Both cities have active police departments and community safety initiatives aimed at crime reduction.
Cost of Living
Economic factors make Westminster slightly more expensive than West Adams. This is primarily due to higher housing costs in Westminster. However, grocery prices, utilities, and transportation expenses are relatively similar in both cities. It's crucial to factor in these expenses when planning to settle or have a trip.
Income Tax
Colorado has a flat income tax rate of 4.63%, which applies to both West Adams and Westminster.
Property Tax
Property taxes are slightly higher in Westminster to accommodate the city's larger infrastructure. The averages here can be used as a guide, but you'll want to look into specific rates when choosing a home.
Sales Tax
Sales tax can be a significant factor in living costs, and here, both cities are relatively equal. Both cities abide by the state's sales tax rate, which is 2.9%, along with varying city and county taxes.
Income
Type
West Adams
Westminster
Estimated median household income
$86,329
$86,688
Estimated per capita income
$37,504
$45,864
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
117.6
109.2
If you make $50,000 in Westminster, you will have to make $53,846 in West Adams to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
West Adams is located in the Colorado plains, offering stunning landscapes and a rural environment. Westminster resides closer to the mountains, making it an attractive base for outdoor enthusiasts keen on skiing or hiking.
Geographical information
Type
West Adams
Westminster
Land area
74.5 sq. miles
31.5 sq. miles
Population density
4,165.7 people per sq. mile
3,636.2 people per sq. mile
Relative area comparison
West Adams, CO Westminster, CO
Education
Both West Adams and Westminster boast good educational facilities. However, Westminster shines when it comes to the variety and number of educational institutions, including charter schools and post-secondary education opportunities. The Westminster Public School District has a strong reputation, making it an attractive option for families.
The local economies differ between the two places. West Adams leans towards agriculture and manufacturing, while Westminster has a diverse economy with strong industries in retail, healthcare, professional, and scientific and technical services. Both cities have shown signs of economic growth, providing ample job opportunities for residents.
Biggest Employers
West Adams' biggest employers are in manufacturing and agriculture. In contrast, the largest employers in Westminster include Ball Corporation, the Westin Westminster, and several other large-scale retail and commercial employers. This means Westminster tends to have more job opportunities available.
Weather
The weather in both West Adams and Westminster is relatively similar, with both cities experience moderate summers, cold winters, and a substantive amount of annual snowfall. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the opportunities for skiing and snowboarding in the winter, while the summers in both cities offer numerous recreational activities.
Weather and climate
Type
West Adams
Westminster
Temperature - Average
49.9°F
49.7°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
13.3 in
14.4 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 West Adams, Colorado
Average climate in Westminster, Colorado
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
West Adams
Westminster
West Adams
Westminster
West Adams
Westminster
West Adams
Westminster
West Adams
Westminster
West Adams
Westminster
West Adams
Westminster
West Adams
Westminster
2018
104
104
0.31
0.33
18.6
20.4
27.9
29.7
N/A
N/A
29.2
29.2
9.2
8.8
0.8
0.8
2017
97
97
0.31
0.33
18.8
20.7
27.6
29.2
N/A
N/A
22.0
22.0
8.9
8.6
0.9
0.9
2016
90
90
0.40
0.40
20.9
23.0
26.6
28.4
N/A
N/A
22.6
22.6
8.4
8.1
0.9
1.0
2015
101
101
0.42
0.42
19.7
21.2
25.9
27.2
N/A
N/A
20.2
20.5
9.4
9.3
1.1
1.1
2014
94
94
0.38
0.39
19.1
20.2
27.4
28.0
N/A
N/A
19.3
21.7
10.1
10.1
1.2
1.2
2013
83
83
0.37
0.37
17.3
18.2
27.5
28.1
N/A
N/A
18.7
21.0
N/A
N/A
1.3
1.4
2012
90
90
0.37
0.36
18.9
18.9
27.4
29.0
N/A
N/A
23.5
23.6
N/A
N/A
0.9
1.0
2011
90
90
0.35
0.35
18.1
18.1
28.0
29.2
N/A
N/A
24.0
24.0
N/A
N/A
1.4
1.4
2010
78
78
0.37
0.39
16.3
16.3
26.6
27.4
N/A
N/A
27.1
26.9
N/A
N/A
1.0
1.0
2009
76
76
0.35
0.36
14.1
14.1
26.6
26.4
0.005
0.005
23.0
22.9
N/A
N/A
1.3
1.3
2008
85
85
0.39
0.40
17.3
17.3
27.9
28.8
0.008
0.008
25.9
25.8
N/A
N/A
1.6
1.6
2007
96
96
0.46
0.44
20.6
20.6
25.4
26.2
0.007
0.007
27.8
28.1
N/A
N/A
1.2
1.2
2006
89
89
0.49
0.47
19.0
19.0
24.1
26.1
0.034
0.037
28.0
28.0
N/A
N/A
1.4
1.4
2005
86
86
0.56
0.53
21.3
21.3
21.4
22.8
0.124
0.141
29.5
29.5
N/A
N/A
1.5
1.5
2004
82
82
0.59
0.55
21.2
21.2
19.4
20.8
0.051
0.057
28.6
28.6
N/A
N/A
1.9
1.8
2003
106
106
0.55
0.54
21.2
21.2
21.1
22.5
0.055
0.061
32.6
32.6
N/A
N/A
1.9
1.9
2002
86
86
0.56
0.59
19.2
19.2
20.9
22.2
0.034
0.038
35.7
35.7
N/A
N/A
2.4
2.4
2001
95
95
0.69
0.67
24.6
21.1
17.7
19.9
0.040
0.044
32.6
32.6
N/A
N/A
2.5
2.5
2000
94
94
0.67
0.70
14.1
12.0
19.0
20.8
0.042
0.045
12.2
12.2
N/A
N/A
2.1
2.1
Natural disasters
Type
West Adams
Westminster
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
130.2%
124.8%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
809.2%
816.4%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
11%
11%
Transportation
Public transportation and commuting options are better in Westminster, with more regular TriMet bus routes and several major highways going through the city. West Adams, being a smaller village, has less frequent public transit options, making car ownership more necessary.
Transport
Type
West Adams
Westminster
Amtrak stations nearby
3
2
FAA registered aircraft
0
72
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
0
4
Means of transportation to work
Type
West Adams
Westminster
Bicycle
0.2%
0.6%
Bus
4.2%
1.1%
Carpooled
13.1%
8.8%
Car alone
77.4%
86%
Motorcycle
0.2%
0.1%
Subway
0%
0.2%
Walked
1.1%
1.6%
Average travel time to work
Type
West Adams
Westminster
Average
28.2 min
28 min
Real Estate
Housing costs in Westminster are higher than in West Adams, reflecting its larger population and more substantial local economy. Both cities offer a mix of residential home types although you'll find that Westminster has a broader variety of options.
Neighborhoods
Both cities boast friendly neighborhoods, but they differ in terms of the experiences they offer. West Adams is more rural, providing a peaceful, small-town environment. In contrast, Westminster's neighborhoods have more of a suburban feel, with numerous amenities close by.
Houses and residents
Type
West Adams
Westminster
Houses
96,976
51,037
Average household size (people)
2.7
2.5
Houses occupied
94,294 (97.2%)
47,797 (93.7%)
Houses occupied by owners
68,196 (72.3%)
30,424 (63.7%)
Houses occupied by renters
26,098 (27.7%)
17,373 (36.3%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,683
$1,516
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$576,371
$1,041,318
Estimated median house or condo value
$438,983
$457,500
Median number of rooms in apartments
4.1
3.8
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.8
6.9
Renting percentage
35.7%
34.6%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,301.4
1,619.9
Household income disparities
38.2%
40%
Housing units without a mortgage
8,555 (15.5%)
455 (2%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
6,415
3,850
State government workers
3,185
2,674
Unpaid family workers
326
77
Industries and Occupations
In West Adams, the most common industries are agriculture, manufacturing, and construction, while in Westminster, there's a varied mix between retail, professional, scientific, technical services, and healthcare. Westminster offers more diverse job opportunities, which can be appealing to those relocating with specific occupational skills.
Health Care
Westminster boasts a higher concentration of healthcare facilities, making it more convenient for medical needs. That said, West Adams also has decent health care options, including community clinics and proximity to larger hospitals in nearby cities.
Infrastructure
Westminster wins out when it comes to infrastructure, with more established public amenities, parks and recreation facilities, and a higher number of community centers. However, West Adams is continually investing in improving its infrastructure, making it an area of potential future growth.
Infrastructure
Type
West Adams
Westminster
TV stations
17
18
Culture and Food
Both cities showcase Colorado's charming culture, rich history, and eclectic food scene. Westminster provides a more urban experience with numerous restaurants and cultural centers. In contrast, West Adams offers a rural charm with local festivals, farmer's markets, and traditional eateries.
Sports Teams
While neither city hosts major professional sports teams, residents enjoy easy access to Denver's sports teams, including the Denver Broncos (NFL), Colorado Rockies (MLB), Denver Nuggets (NBA), and Colorado Avalanche (NHL). Local high school and community sports are also popular in both cities.
West Adams, CO
Westminster, CO
