Real Estate Investing in Thornton, Colorado (80229)

Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.

Adams County • Population: 57,274 • Data updated: September 2026

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Should you buy in 80229 (Thornton, CO)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.

🏠 For Homebuyers
MIXED
Grade C (58/100)

Mixed — home prices are stretched relative to local incomes. Run the math on your specific situation.

📈 For Investors
WEAK
2.0 / 5 (33/100)

Structural challenges here. The numbers may look cheap but operational risk is high. Only for experienced, hands-on investors.

⚠️ Risks to Know
CLEAN

No major risk flags on the data we track.

What’s happening in Thornton, CO (80229)?

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2.0/ 5

Investability

Overall investment appeal

1.0/ 5

Appreciation

Long-term value growth

3.0/ 5

Cashflow ROI

Rental yield potential

Avg Home Value $422,077
Avg Monthly Rent $1,694
1% Rule ✗ Does Not Meet
Median Income $74,420
% Renters 33.6%

Market Analysis: 80229 Thornton

The 80229 ZIP covers a section of Thornton that demands careful diligence. Prices near $422K look accessible, but the work to make a deal cash flow is real.

If the plan assumes clean turnover, on-time rent, and low maintenance on a $422K asset, 80229 is the wrong submarket. If the plan prices in friction, the yield can still work.

In the broader CO picture, 80229 is a reminder that not every low-priced ZIP is a value-add opportunity — some are simply distressed, and the difference matters.

Demographically, 80229 is a market where tenant selection matters more than unit finishes. Operators who understand that tend to do fine; those who do not tend to learn why the ZIP trades at a discount.

Strategically, 80229 can be a high-return sleeve of a diversified portfolio — but it should not be the whole portfolio, and it should not be someone's first deal.

Explore the Data — Click a Tab Below
🏦 Current 30-yr Fixed Mortgage Rate: 6.76% as of Sep 10 Source: Freddie Mac PMMS

Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Thornton:

C+ Average
Buy Confidence Score: 63/100
Affordability
10/25
Appreciation
14/25
Stability
14/20
Timing
10/15
Rental backup
15/15
Affordability
Expensive
Homes cost 5.7× the median income
Value Trend
Declining (-0.3%)
How home values changed in the past year
Rental Backup
Strong
Could rent for $1,694/mo if you need to move
Market Conditions
COOL
More inventory, negotiating room for buyers
Bottom Line: Mixed signals in this market. Research specific properties carefully and be prepared to negotiate.
❄️
COOL MARKET
Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO Metro Area
More inventory, negotiating room for buyers
53 days
Average time to sell
Average
12.8%
Listings with price cuts
Few Cuts
0.0%
Sale price vs asking
Below Ask
0.0%
Income needed for mortgage
Affordable
📅 Market conditions as of August 29, 2026 — updated weekly from Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO metro data
🏠

Property Strategy for 80229

Which property type performs best in this market?

Best for Cash Flow
1BR
5.4% cap rate
Best for Appreciation
2BR
+5.0% 5yr CAGR
Best Overall Value
5BR
$99,987/bedroom
📊 Compare All Property Types →
Type Median Value Est. Rent Cap Rate 5yr CAGR $/Bedroom
1BR $239,788 $1,790 5.4% +4.0% $239,788
2BR $331,615 $2,130 4.6% +5.0% $165,808
3BR $419,910 $2,790 4.8% +4.5% $139,970
4BR $478,805 $3,110 4.7% +4.7% $119,701
5BR $499,935 +4.6% $99,987

Market Trends

Home Value History (with trend line)

$472K$399K$325K$252K$178K$105KJul 2006Jul 2016Jul 2026

Rent History (with trend line)

$1,930$1,797$1,664$1,531$1,398$1,265May 2017Dec 2021Jul 2026

📊 How Does 80229 Compare?

Metric 80229 Thornton Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO Colorado
Home Value $422,077 $511,309 N/A $535,778
5-Year CAGR 1.7% 1.7% N/A 4.9%
Avg Rent $1,694 $2,068 N/A -
Cap Rate 3.1% 3.1% - -
A great house in the wrong ZIP is still a bad deal — screen every market by cash flow & cap rate.
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Landlord Ground Truth

Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 80229 (Thornton, CO). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.

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Investability
Fair
Cap Rate
3.1%
Low
5yr Growth
+1.7%
Slow

📊 Market Snapshot

Home Value $422,077
Monthly Rent $1,694
Price-to-Rent 20.8:1
1% Rule ✗ Fails

💰 Return Metrics

Gross Yield 4.8%
Cap Rate 3.1%
5-Year IRR 4.8%

📈 Home Appreciation

1-Year -0.3% ▼
3-Year CAGR -0.3% ▼
5-Year CAGR +1.7% ▲
10-Year CAGR +5.7% ▲

🏠 Rent Trends

1-Year -5.4% ▼
3-Year CAGR -2.7% ▼
5-Year CAGR +0.8% ▲
Negative Leverage — IRR / Tax Play Cap Rate: 3.1%  |  30yr Rate: 6.8%
Leverage reduces cash returns at current rates.

The current 30-yr mortgage rate (6.8%) exceeds the estimated cap rate (3.1%). Financing reduces your cash-on-cash return below the cap rate. Markets like this may still make sense as IRR plays — factoring in appreciation, depreciation, and a future refinance when rates drop.

Run an IRR Analysis →

⚠️ Risk Signals

Composite view of factors that can impact a ZIP's stability and your downside risk.

Vacancy
3.0%
Low risk
Landlord Climate
5.0/5
Friendly
Value Trend (5yr)
+1.7%
Flat
Eviction process: Moderate Rent control: Favorable

Demographics in 80229

Population: 57,274

💰 Median Household Income
$74,420
This area
$74,420
State
$79,719
USA
$74,580
🏠 Renter Occupied
33.6%
This area
33.6%
State
26.4%
USA
34.0%
💼 Unemployment Rate
3.1%
This area
3.1%
State
-25.8%
USA
3.7%
🎓 College Educated
18.1%
This area
18.1%
State
5.8%
USA
33.7%
👤 Median Age
32.2 years
This area
32.2 years
State
-0.1 years
USA
38.9 years
🏚️ Vacancy Rate
3.0%
This area
3.0%
State
18.7%
USA
10.5%
👥 Population by Ethnicity
White 59.0%
Other/Mixed 35.6%
Hispanic/Latino 27.5%
Asian 4.0%
Black/African American 1.5%
👶 Under 18
24.9%
This area
24.9%
USA
22.0%
👴 65 and Over
8.7%
This area
8.7%
USA
17.3%
📊 Poverty Rate
7.5%
This area
7.5%
USA
11.5%

Crime & Safety

🚧

Crime & Safety Data Coming Soon

We're integrating comprehensive crime statistics including violent crime rates, property crime, and safety scores to help you make informed investment decisions.

Expected: Q1 2025

🎓 Schools in 80229

B Avg School Grade
16 Schools
19.0:1 Avg Class Size
$15,654 Avg Per Pupil

Schools in This ZIP Code

A Very Good

McElwain Elementary School

📚 K – 05 Elementary
👥
358 Students
👨‍🏫
13.5:1 Class Size
💰
$14,916 Per Student
A Very Good

Thornton Elementary School

📚 Pre-K – 05 Elementary
👥
372 Students
👨‍🏫
13.1:1 Class Size
💰
$14,916 Per Student
B+ Above Average

Coronado Hills Elementary School

📚 Pre-K – 05 Elementary
👥
433 Students
👨‍🏫
15.2:1 Class Size
💰
$14,916 Per Student
B+ Above Average

Mapleton Early Career Preparation

📚 09 – 12 High School
👥
302 Students
👨‍🏫
17.8:1 Class Size
💰
$16,096 Per Student
B+ Above Average

Thornton Middle School

📚 06 – 08 Middle
👥
719 Students
👨‍🏫
16.5:1 Class Size
💰
$14,916 Per Student
B+ Above Average

Welby Community School of the Arts

📚 Pre-K – 06 School
👥
319 Students
👨‍🏫
17.2:1 Class Size
💰
$16,096 Per Student
B Good

Academy High School

📚 09 – 12 High School
👥
415 Students
👨‍🏫
18.9:1 Class Size
💰
$16,096 Per Student
B Good

Achieve Academy

📚 Pre-K – 08 School
👥
386 Students
👨‍🏫
19.2:1 Class Size
💰
$16,096 Per Student
B Good

Clayton Partnership School

📚 K – 08 School
👥
441 Students
👨‍🏫
18.7:1 Class Size
💰
$16,096 Per Student
B Good

Explore Pk-8

📚 Pre-K – 08 School
👥
579 Students
👨‍🏫
20.1:1 Class Size
💰
$16,096 Per Student
B Good

Meadow Community School

📚 Pre-K – 08 School
👥
375 Students
👨‍🏫
19.7:1 Class Size
💰
$16,096 Per Student
B Good

Monterey Community School

📚 K – 08 School
👥
427 Students
👨‍🏫
20.3:1 Class Size
💰
$16,096 Per Student
B Good

Thornton High School

📚 09 – 12 High School
👥
1,416 Students
👨‍🏫
17.1:1 Class Size
💰
$14,916 Per Student
B Good

York International

📚 K – 12 K-12
👥
767 Students
👨‍🏫
18.9:1 Class Size
💰
$16,096 Per Student
C Below Average

New America School - Thornton

📚 09 – 12 High School Charter
👥
238 Students
👨‍🏫
26.9:1 Class Size
💰
$14,916 Per Student
D Needs Improvement

North Valley School for Young Adults

📚 09 – 12 High School
👥
94 Students
👨‍🏫
30.3:1 Class Size
💰
$16,096 Per Student
About Repit School Scores

Traditional school ratings rely heavily on standardized test scores, which often reflect family income more than school quality. Repit takes a different approach.

We evaluate schools based on factors that research shows actually impact educational outcomes:

  • Class Size — Smaller classes mean more individual attention
  • School Funding — Resources available for programs, staff, and facilities
  • Community Factors — Neighborhood characteristics that influence student success
  • School Environment — Size, type, and structure

Scores are updated annually using federal education data.

🎓 Nearby Colleges & Universities

8 Nearby 14,437 Off-Campus Students
D
Pima Medical Institute-Denver
764 students · 2.8 mi
C
Empire Beauty School-Thornton
104 students · 4.3 mi
C+
Front Range Community College
21,096 students · 5.3 mi
C
Regis University
4,631 students · 6.0 mi
C+
Elevate Salon Institute-Westminster
115 students · 6.0 mi
C+
Montessori Education Center of the Rockies
31 students · 6.4 mi
C
Denver College of Nursing
1,008 students · 7.3 mi
B
Emily Griffith Technical College
5,914 students · 7.7 mi

Investor Insight: With 14,437 students living off-campus nearby, this area has strong rental demand from the college population.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are home prices like in Thornton, CO?

The median home value in Thornton, CO is roughly $422K. That puts it reasonable relative to the CO statewide average.

How strong is the working-renter base in Thornton, CO?

Tenant demand in Thornton, CO is solid. The local workforce $1,694/mo rents across most rental classes.

How do experienced investors play Thornton, CO?

The best-fit strategy in Thornton, CO is careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management. That approach the rent and price profile of the market.

Are landlord laws favorable in Thornton, CO?

Rental owners in Thornton, CO deal with a landlord-friendly legal framework. Most standard eviction processes run on reasonable timelines.

Can owner-occupants cash flow in Thornton, CO?

Thornton, CO offers a challenging house-hacking opportunity. Small multifamily or rent-by-the-room plays can pair well with the $1,694/mo rent level.

You know 80229 now. You don’t know where it ranks.

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How 80229 ranks in Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO

Every ZIP in this metro, ranked. Free.

Cash Flow → Appreciation → Affordable →
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