🏔️ Definitive Community Guide: Golden, Colorado (80401)

Introduction: Your Expert Guide to Life in Golden

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 4.4 months, indicating a balanced market overall (4–6 months is balanced).

  • Median Sale Price (All Property Types): The median price for homes sold in October 2025 was $999,500.

  • Median Days on Market (MDOM): The typical home sold in October 2025 was on the market for 26 days.

  • Sale-to-List Price Ratio: The average ratio is 98%, meaning sellers typically receive very close to their asking price.

  • Current Inventory: As of early November 2025, there are 149 homes for sale, with 55 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 $600,000–$900,000 and $1,200,000–$1,800,000 are currently in a Seller's Market.

  • Buyer's Market (Over 6 MOI): Homes under $600,000 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).