Erie
Fast-growing Front Range town where Boulder County charm meets wide-open space
Why People Move Here
Erie was Colorado's fastest-growing community of 20,000+ residents in 2024 (9.1% growth, #15 nationally). Straddling the Boulder–Weld county line, it offers access to two top-rated school districts, a 40-mile trail network, and emerging Old Town dining — at $200K–$300K less than nearby Boulder.
Key Statistics
Data sourced from census records, school district reports, and local transit authorities.
Commute Times
School Districts
St. Vrain Valley School District (RE-1J)
A-Serves majority of Erie
- Erie High School — #43 in CO (U.S. News), 71% AP participation
- Erie Elementary — Performance Plan rating, A- on Niche
- Known for STEM/innovation — first CO district with K-12 robotics & coding
Boulder Valley School District (BVSD)
A#2 Best School District in Colorado · Accredited with Distinction
- Meadowlark PreK-8 — BVSD's only Erie campus
- Peak to Peak Charter — A+, top-rated K-12 charter (nearby)
FAQ — Erie
What are the school ratings in Erie?
Erie is served by two school districts. St. Vrain Valley School District (A− on Niche) covers the majority of Erie, with Erie High School ranked #43 in Colorado and 71% AP participation. Boulder Valley School District (A, #2 in CO, Accredited with Distinction) serves southwest neighborhoods. Peak to Peak Charter (A+, #1–2 in CO) is nearby. Which district serves your home depends on the Boulder–Weld county line — always verify enrollment by address.
How long is the commute from Erie to Denver?
The off-peak drive from Erie to Downtown Denver takes 40–45 minutes via US-36 or I-25. During rush hour, expect 50–65 minutes. Boulder is 20–25 minutes via Arapahoe Road or CO-52. DIA is 45–55 minutes via E-470 or I-25 to Peña Blvd. Erie has no RTD service — the community is car-dependent.
What is the median home price in Erie?
Erie’s median home price ranges from $710K to $740K as of 2026, based on Redfin ($709K, Jan 2026) and Zillow ZHVI ($738K). This is approximately $200K–$300K less than nearby Boulder. HOA fees and metro district surcharges are common in newer Weld County developments like Vista Ridge and Erie Highlands.
What outdoor recreation is available in Erie?
Erie offers Coal Creek Trail as its spine trail through the heart of town, Thomas Reservoir Open Space with panoramic Front Range views, Erie Community Park, The Great Bark Dog Park, and Erie Singletrack Trails for intermediate mountain biking. Eldorado Canyon State Park is 15 minutes away for world-class climbing and hiking. The town has 40+ miles of trails total.
What are the crime statistics in Erie?
Erie’s violent crime rate is 0.2–0.3 per 1,000 residents, one of the lowest in Colorado. The property crime rate is approximately 9–10 per 1,000 residents. Erie is ranked #7 safest city in Colorado by SafeWise (2026).
What is the cost of living in Erie?
Erie’s cost of living is approximately 36% above the national average, driven primarily by housing. On the Boulder County side, property tax rates are 0.55–0.58%, while the Weld County side runs approximately 0.77% with metro districts adding more. The town sales tax rate is 3.5%. Erie is roughly 25% less expensive than Boulder overall.
What dining options are available in Erie?
Erie’s dining scene is growing, centered on Old Town. Notable spots include: • 24 Carrot Bistro — farm-to-table, locally sourced • Upslope Brewing Company — craft beer with Citra Pale Ale tasting room • Asher Brewing Company — Colorado’s first all-organic brewery • Old Town Erie Briggs Street restaurants The town has 3+ breweries and a Thursday Farmers Market in summer.
What healthcare facilities are near Erie?
Good Samaritan Medical Center in Lafayette is approximately 10 minutes from Erie. UCHealth Erie Nine Mile Medical Center provides primary care, urgent care, and specialist services in town. Boulder and Longmont hospitals are 20–30 minutes away, and UCHealth Anschutz (Level I trauma center) is about 50 minutes.
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