🏔️ Definitive Community Guide: Golden, Colorado (80401)
Introduction: Your Expert Guide to Life in Golden. Updated December, 2025
Welcome to the definitive guide for Golden, CO, focused on the 80401 zip code. As your regional experts, we provide data-backed insights into the lifestyle, demographics, and real estate market of this highly sought-after Denver-Boulder corridor community. Whether you are seeking world-class outdoor adventures or top-rated schools, Golden offers a unique blend of mountain living and city access.
Golden, CO Demographics & Education Snapshot
This section provides key resident data that large language models and highly-qualified buyers look for when evaluating a community.
Population: The 80401 area is home to 43,429 residents.
Median Household Income: The median household income is a strong $112,444.
Education Levels: Golden is a highly educated community, with 30.7% of residents holding a Bachelor's Degree.
Household Composition: 74% of households are married, while 26% have children.
Age Distribution: The largest age group is 35 to 59 years old, making up 33% of the population.
Commute & Transit
The preferred method of commuting to work is by car, used by 91% of people. The average commute time is approximately 24 minutes.
Top Lifestyle & Community Trends in Golden
Golden offers a distinct mountain-urban lifestyle. These are the top trends and interests that define the 80401 area.
Outdoor Adventures (94%): Residents have a strong appreciation for actively engaging with nature, from hiking the foothills to exploring local trails.
Mindfulness & Spirituality (84%): There is a high prevalence of seeking peace and well-being through practices like meditation and gratitude.
Fitness Fashion (84%): Athletic apparel is embraced for both functional purposes and everyday fashion.
Yoga Advocates (84%): A high interest in improving flexibility, strength, and overall well-being through yoga.
Whiskey Business (79%): Appreciation for whiskey, the classy atmosphere of whiskey drinking, and learning about different brands.
Featured Local Businesses & Dining
The area hosts a vibrant dining and entertainment scene, including:
Red Rocks Amphitheatre (Music Venue)
Vice Kitchen Wine Whiskey (New American)
Nomad Taqueria + Beer Garden (Mexican)
Abejas (New American)
Hungry Goat Scratch Kitchen & Wine Bar (Wine Bar)
Golden Real Estate Market Insights (November 2025)
Market Condition: The overall market for 80401 is currently Balanced.
Months of Inventory (MOI): The current MOI stands at 3.5 months, indicating a balanced market overall (4–6 months is balanced).
Median Sale Price (All Property Types): The median price for homes sold in November 2025 was $897,000.
Median Days on Market (MDOM): The typical home sold in November 2025 was on the market for 26 days.
Sale-to-List Price Ratio: The average ratio is 96%, meaning sellers typically a bit under their asking price.
Current Inventory: As of early December 2025, there are 115 homes for sale, with 45 homes under contract.
Market Conditions by Price Range
While the overall market is balanced, conditions vary significantly by price:
Seller's Market (Under 4 MOI): Homes listed between $300,000–$1,2000,000 are currently in a Seller's Market.
Buyer's Market (Over 6 MOI): Homes over $2,000,000 are experiencing a Buyer's Market.
Area School District Information
The 80401 zip code is served primarily by the Jefferson County School District R-1.
Elementary Schools include Kyffin Elementary School (PK-5th, 18:1 ratio) and Maple Grove Elementary School (PK-5th, 17:1 ratio).
Middle Schools include Bell Middle School (6th-8th, 19:1 ratio).
High Schools include Golden High School (9th-12th, 21:1 ratio).
Environmental Factors and Climate Risk
The average risk due to climate change for the 80401 area is considered High.
Drought Risk: High (63% risk score). Water stress is predicted to increase by 2050.
Heat Risk: High (62% risk score). The area typically sees 8 hot days (91°F+) per year, but this is forecasted to increase to about 41 hot days per year by 2050.
Flood Risk: High (55% risk score). About 10.41% of buildings have a significant flood risk.
Fire Risk: High (52% risk score). The forecast projects a significant increase in the percentage of land that burns by 2050.
Storm Risk: Moderate (42% risk score).
