Colorado Senior Living Options & Resources

Senior Living in Colorado: What You Need to Know

Colorado is home to 882,557 residents age 65 and older, representing 15.2% of the state's total population of 5.8 million. With a median age of 37.5 and a robust median household income of $92,470, Colorado offers a financially healthy environment for retirement planning. The state's senior living landscape includes 94 communities spread across 18 cities, offering diverse options from independent living to memory care and skilled nursing facilities.

The geographic distribution of senior living communities reflects Colorado's population centers, with the greatest concentration in the Front Range corridor. Colorado Springs leads with 16 communities, followed by Denver with 12, and Grand Junction with 9. Northern Colorado cities including Fort Collins (7 communities), Greeley (6), and Loveland (4) provide additional options, while the western slope and mountain communities offer smaller, more intimate settings. This distribution ensures seniors have access to care whether they prefer urban amenities or quieter mountain town living.

Colorado's cost of senior care runs moderately above national averages. Assisted living in Colorado averages $6,195 per month compared to the national average of $5,900, while nursing home care costs $9,741 monthly for a semi-private room versus $9,277 nationally. These costs reflect Colorado's higher cost of living and quality healthcare infrastructure, which includes world-class facilities like UCHealth, Intermountain Healthcare, and numerous specialized geriatric care centers. The state's commitment to senior wellness is evident in its extensive network of hospitals and medical centers concentrated along the Front Range.

Colorado's appeal for retirees extends beyond healthcare access. The state's 300 days of annual sunshine, outdoor recreation opportunities, and cultural amenities create an active retirement lifestyle. Colorado offers several Medicaid waiver programs to help eligible seniors afford long-term care, including the Elderly, Blind and Disabled (EBD) waiver and the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE). The state's emphasis on community-based services allows many seniors to age in place while receiving necessary support, making Colorado an attractive option for those seeking both quality care and quality of life.