Moving from Westminster, CO to Thornton, CO
It is a short 9.0 mi hop from Westminster, CO to Thornton, CO β roughly 17 min behind the wheel. Even at local distance, household costs and housing values can diverge more than the mileage suggests. Below you will find a direct comparison on BEA cost-of-living, Zillow home values, Census demographics, BLS wages, and NOAA climate.
9.0 mi Β· 17 min by car Β· CO
Distance & route
| Route through | CO |
|---|---|
| Major cities en route | Denver, Aurora, Boulder, Centennial, Lakewood |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Westminster | Thornton | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 105.782 | 105.782 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 87.856 | 87.856 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 100.957 | 100.957 | 100.0 |
| Services | 146.919 | 146.919 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 105.782 vs 105.782 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
No meaningful housing gap at the typical-home level: ZHVI $527,654 vs $502,945.
YoY change: Westminster -3.3%, Thornton -3.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Westminster | Thornton |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52Β°F | 52Β°F |
| January avg low | 19Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 91Β°F | 91Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 44.8" | 44.8" |
| Annual precipitation | 14.5" | 14.5" |
Annual average temperatures in Westminster (52.4Β°F) and Thornton (52.4Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Thornton averages 44.8 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: NORTHGLENN, CO US, NORTHGLENN, CO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Westminster | Thornton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 115,546 | 142,878 |
| Median household income | $96,145 | $100,985 |
| Median age | 37.5 | 34.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 29.8% | 22.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.41 | 2.88 |
Households in Thornton earn about 0.0% more at the median β ACS 5-year 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Thornton MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 173,910 | $49,000 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 172,890 | $48,280 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 164,250 | $84,370 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 140,150 | $36,010 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 129,510 | $45,350 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Winter driving along this route
- Mountain passes on I-70 west of Denver and on I-25 near Raton can close for snow November through April β check CDOT alerts before departure.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Thornton averages 44.8 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Thornton average 91Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Thornton sees only 14.5 in of precipitation a year. A humidifier helps keep wood furniture from cracking and is easier on skin and sinuses.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Thornton compare to Westminster?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $58,490 in the Thornton MSA vs $58,490 in the Westminster MSA, on total employment of 1,590,330 and 1,590,330 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Thornton, CO from Westminster, CO?
The driving distance is 9.0 mi and the route typically takes 17 min via the primary interstate. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Westminster vs Thornton?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $100,985 in Thornton vs $96,145 in Westminster β a 5.0% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Westminster to Thornton?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 9.0 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Thornton compared to Westminster?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $502,945 in Thornton vs $527,654 in Westminster β a 4.7% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Westminster.
City profiles: Westminster, CO Β· Thornton, CO.