Quick answer
⚠️ Possible, but a stretch. A police officer in Denver earns roughly $79,238/yr (~$4,619/mo take-home) and a 1BR costs $1,740/mo — that's 38% of take-home on rent. The standard is 30% or less.
CO · 2026
Can a Police Officer Afford to Live in Denver?
Using local salary estimates and Denver's actual cost of living — rent, taxes, utilities, and groceries — here's the real monthly picture for a police officer in Denver, CO in 2026.
Monthly Budget Breakdown
Gross monthly salary
$79,238/yr local estimate
$6,603
Taxes (federal + state + FICA)
4.4% state income tax
-$1,984
Monthly take-home
After all taxes
$4,619
1BR rent
38% of take-home
-$1,740
Utilities
Electric, gas, internet avg
-$145
Groceries
Single-person estimate
-$370
Transport
Car or transit average
-$350
Left for everything else
Dining, clothing, fun, savings
$2,014
At a 40% savings rate on discretionary income, a police officer in Denver could save roughly $9,672/year after covering all essentials.
What Does 38% Rent Burden Mean?
The standard rule of thumb is to spend no more than 30% of gross income on rent. At 38% of take-home pay, a police officer in Denver is above the recommended threshold. Not impossible, but you'll need to keep non-rent expenses lean.
These numbers use a local salary estimate of $79,238/yr — adjusted from the national Police Officer median of $69,160/yr based on Denver's cost of living index. Actual salaries vary by employer, experience, and specialization.
Best Neighborhoods in Denver for a Police Officer
Based on walkability, rent levels, and quality of life — not just lowest price.
Capitol Hill
Densest and most walkable neighborhood in Denver. Mix of apartment buildings, Victorian mansions, and Colfax Ave energy. Best value per square foot for renters who want walkability. Expect $1,600–2,000/mo for a 1BR.
RiNo (River North)
Brewery district in converted warehouses. Gentrification is complete — rents reflect it. Expect $1,900–2,400/mo for a 1BR. Still worth living in if you can afford it; the food and drink density is excellent.
Washington Park
Where people settle when they're done being trendy. Park-centric, bungalows, young families, good coffee, farmer's market Saturdays. Pricey but the lifestyle quality is legitimate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Police Officer in Denver?
A Police Officer in Denver earns approximately $79,238 per year, based on the national BLS median of $69,160/yr adjusted for Denver's cost of living. Actual pay varies by employer, experience, and specialization.
Is Denver affordable for a police officer in 2026?
It's a stretch. Rent takes 38% of take-home pay — above the recommended 30%. Sharing a 2BR or targeting higher-paying employers makes more sense.
How much take-home pay does a Police Officer get in Denver?
After federal taxes, 4.4% state income tax, and FICA, a Police Officer earning $79,238/yr takes home roughly $4,619/month in Denver.
What is the rent-to-income ratio for a Police Officer in Denver?
A 1-bedroom apartment in Denver costs a median of $1,740/month. On a Police Officer salary, that's 38% of monthly take-home pay. Financial experts recommend keeping this below 30%.