🏔️ 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).