Colorado Springs and Southwest Arapahoe offer contrasting lifestyles, each with unique allure and benefits. Boasting scenic beauty, Colorado Springs is more urban compared to the suburban Southwest Arapahoe. However, the latter, with its proximity to Denver, presents its own benefits. Both have their unique charms, be it in terms of crime rates, cost of living, or education opportunities. This article takes a deep dive into what you can expect in these locations.
Colorado Springs has a higher than average crime rate compared to national averages, but most are property crimes. Southwest Arapahoe, with its lower population density, has a comparatively lower crime rate, providing a sense of security for residents and visitors alike.
Cost of Living
Comparatively, Colorado Springs has a higher cost of living due to its nature as a tourist destination and thriving economy. Real estate and rental prices are higher compared to Southwest Arapahoe which offers more affordable housing and everyday living costs.
Income Tax
Colorado Springs and Southwest Arapahoe, being in the same state, Colorado, share the same income tax system. The income tax is a flat rate of about 4.63%.
Property Tax
Property taxes in Colorado Springs average about 0.49%, while Southwest Arapahoe has lower property taxes averaging around 0.41%.
Sales Tax
City/state sales tax in Colorado Springs is approximately 8.25%, which is higher than in Southwest Arapahoe which stands at about 6.75%.
Income
Type
Colorado Springs
Southwest Arapahoe
Estimated median household income
$74,579
$94,400
Estimated per capita income
$39,808
$57,187
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
99.6
113.3
If you make $50,000 in Colorado Springs, you will have to make $56,878 in Southwest Arapahoe to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Colorado Springs, located at the eastern foot of the Rocky Mountains, is renowned for its hiking trails, parks, and scenic beauty. Southwest Arapahoe, though a little more flat, also offers beautiful landscapes and easy access to the Rockies.
Geographical information
Type
Colorado Springs
Southwest Arapahoe
Land area
185.7 sq. miles
69.4 sq. miles
Population density
2,605.5 people per sq. mile
2,907.1 people per sq. mile
Relative area comparison
Colorado Springs, CO Southwest Arapahoe, CO
Education
Colorado Springs offers a variety of high-ranked public and private schools, and with the presence of notable colleges like Colorado College and the University of Colorado, the city is quite education-friendly. Southwest Arapahoe, while it has fewer educational institutions, has quality schools and is close to major universities in Denver.
The economy of Colorado Springs is diverse with a strong basis in the defense and technology industry. Southwest Arapahoe, being a part of the Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO Metropolitan Statistical Area, shares in the diverse economy of the area, with significant employment in healthcare, retail trade, and professional services.
Biggest Employers
The biggest employers in Colorado Springs are the military and the high-tech industry. Southwest Arapahoe's major employers also include the military, but retail, healthcare, and professional services are significant too.
In Colorado Springs (El Paso County), 38.7% voted for Democrats and 59.2% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Southwest Arapahoe (Arapahoe County), 54.4% voted for Democrats and 44.4% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Colorado Springs
Southwest Arapahoe
Colorado Springs
Southwest Arapahoe
Colorado Springs
Southwest Arapahoe
2020
43.0%
61.3%
53.9%
36.6%
3.1%
2.1%
2016
34.1%
53.1%
56.6%
38.9%
9.4%
8.1%
2012
38.7%
54.4%
59.2%
44.4%
2.0%
1.3%
2008
40.0%
56.0%
58.9%
43.0%
1.1%
1.0%
2004
32.2%
47.6%
66.9%
51.6%
0.9%
0.8%
2000
30.9%
43.6%
64.1%
51.6%
5.0%
4.8%
1996
32.2%
41.9%
59.0%
50.8%
8.8%
7.3%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Colorado Springs
Southwest Arapahoe
Colorado Springs
Southwest Arapahoe
CATHOLIC CHURCH
8.4%
12.1%
5.4%
4.3%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
2.6%
1.6%
11.3%
9.9%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
1.0%
2.0%
2.3%
4.3%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.7%
1.0%
1.9%
2.6%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.4%
0.4%
1.6%
1.7%
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.4%
0.0%
1.2%
0.7%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.3%
0.1%
1.2%
1.7%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.0%
1.9%
0.2%
1.0%
VINEYARD USA
0.0%
0.5%
0.2%
0.3%
Weather
Colorado Springs experiences a semi-arid climate with four distinct seasons, featuring mild winters and hot, dry summers. Southwest Arapahoe has similar weather patterns but leans more towards a humid continental climate due to its geographical position.
Weather and climate
Type
Colorado Springs
Southwest Arapahoe
Temperature - Average
43.4°F
50°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
53.3%
50.6%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
30%
20%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
64%
55%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
34%
35%
Precipitation - Yearly average
18.6 in
17.5 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
77 in
113.9 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
21.2%
19.2%
Sunshine amount - Average
82.2%
75.6%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
10.5%
10%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
79.7%
74%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
69.2%
64%
Wind speed - Average
10.3 mph
8.6 mph
Average climate in Colorado Springs, Colorado
Average climate in Southwest Arapahoe, Colorado
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Colorado Springs
Southwest Arapahoe
Colorado Springs
Southwest Arapahoe
Colorado Springs
Southwest Arapahoe
Southwest Arapahoe
Colorado Springs
Southwest Arapahoe
Colorado Springs
Southwest Arapahoe
Colorado Springs
Southwest Arapahoe
Colorado Springs
Southwest Arapahoe
2018
60
100
N/A
0.40
N/A
22.3
32.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
29.2
6.3
8.2
N/A
0.7
2017
58
95
N/A
0.40
N/A
22.6
32.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
22.0
6.1
8.2
N/A
0.8
2016
48
90
N/A
0.45
N/A
24.5
32.2
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
22.6
6.9
7.9
N/A
1.0
2015
N/A
101
N/A
0.46
N/A
24.2
30.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
20.8
N/A
9.6
N/A
1.0
2014
N/A
94
N/A
0.45
N/A
23.2
30.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
23.8
N/A
10.1
N/A
1.3
2013
N/A
85
N/A
0.41
N/A
20.7
31.2
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
23.1
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.4
2012
N/A
91
N/A
0.34
N/A
18.9
31.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
24.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.3
2011
N/A
91
N/A
0.33
N/A
18.1
30.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
23.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.6
2010
N/A
82
N/A
0.42
N/A
16.3
28.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
26.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.0
2009
N/A
79
N/A
0.37
N/A
14.1
26.9
N/A
N/A
0.005
N/A
22.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.3
2008
N/A
85
N/A
0.42
N/A
17.3
30.1
N/A
N/A
0.008
N/A
25.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.6
2007
N/A
96
N/A
0.40
N/A
20.6
27.6
N/A
N/A
0.007
N/A
29.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.2
2006
15
89
0.50
0.50
N/A
19.0
27.1
N/A
0.005
0.018
N/A
28.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.4
2005
17
86
0.55
0.57
N/A
21.3
23.6
N/A
0.027
0.090
N/A
29.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.5
2004
17
82
0.56
0.60
N/A
21.2
22.7
N/A
0.010
0.024
N/A
28.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.8
2003
19
106
0.59
0.59
N/A
21.2
24.5
N/A
0.011
0.027
N/A
32.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.9
2002
24
86
0.66
0.64
N/A
19.2
24.1
N/A
0.010
0.021
N/A
35.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.5
2001
51
95
0.63
0.80
16.7
22.2
22.2
N/A
0.005
0.021
21.3
32.6
N/A
N/A
1.9
2.6
2000
78
93
0.58
0.78
22.5
12.5
23.1
N/A
0.010
0.023
21.0
12.2
N/A
N/A
2.3
2.1
Natural disasters
Type
Colorado Springs
Southwest Arapahoe
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
78.4%
125.3%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
816.1%
815.2%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
17%
10%
Transportation
Public transportation in Colorado Springs is well-organized, with the city being served by several major highways, and a bus system. Southwest Arapahoe, being part of the Denver Metro area, benefits from Denver's light-rail and bus systems, making commuting to and from Denver fairly easy.
Transport
Type
Colorado Springs
Southwest Arapahoe
Amtrak stations
1
0
Amtrak stations nearby
1
1
FAA registered aircraft
552
0
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
44
0
Means of transportation to work
Type
Colorado Springs
Southwest Arapahoe
Bicycle
0.3%
0.4%
Bus
0.4%
2.6%
Carpooled
9.2%
8.7%
Car alone
87%
79.5%
Motorcycle
0.1%
0.1%
Taxicab
0.1%
0%
Walked
2.1%
1.9%
Average travel time to work
Type
Colorado Springs
Southwest Arapahoe
Average
23.8 min
23.6 min
Real Estate
Real estate in Colorado Springs is pricey due to the city's popularity and economic strength. Southwest Arapahoe offers more affordable housing options, with a variety of suburban residences to choose from.
Neighborhoods
Colorado Springs offers diverse neighborhoods, each offering a unique lifestyle. Southwest Arapahoe is quaint and peaceful, great for families seeking a quieter lifestyle, yet wanting to stay close to the city.
Houses and residents
Type
Colorado Springs
Southwest Arapahoe
Houses
205,380
74,676
Average household size (people)
2.4
2.3
Houses occupied
197,542 (96.2%)
72,320 (96.8%)
Houses occupied by owners
123,398 (62.5%)
51,515 (71.2%)
Houses occupied by renters
74,144 (37.5%)
20,805 (28.8%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,458
$1,892
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$595,239
$836,561
Estimated median house or condo value
$390,500
$580,701
Median number of rooms in apartments
4.1
3.9
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
7.2
8.4
Renting percentage
39.9%
33.4%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,105.7
1,076.2
Household income disparities
41%
39.5%
Housing units without a mortgage
1,835 (2.1%)
10,129 (21.9%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
6,564 (7.3%)
188 (0.4%)
Housing units with a mortgage
87,580 (97.9%)
36,226 (78.1%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
86 (0.1%)
4,073 (8.8%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
7,898 (8.8%)
5,648 (12.2%)
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
0.6%
0.6%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
13,110
8,094
State government workers
7,029
2,412
Unpaid family workers
735
266
Industries and Occupations
Colorado Springs boasts strong industries in defense, tourism, and tech. Southwest Arapahoe, has a diverse occupational landscape, with a concentration in management, sales, health, and education sectors.
Colorado Springs has top-rated hospitals and a wide array of healthcare services available. Southwest Arapahoe shares the excellent healthcare facilities and services of the Denver Metropolitan Area.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Colorado Springs
Southwest Arapahoe
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Colorado Springs, being a populous city, is well-developed with complete infrastructure, from city layout to public facilities. Southwest Arapahoe, though smaller, has quality infrastructure that supports a comfortable suburban lifestyle.
Infrastructure
Type
Colorado Springs
Southwest Arapahoe
TV stations
18
16
Culture and Food
Colorado Springs offers a rich cultural scene with several food festivals, music events, and arts performances throughout the year. Southwest Arapahoe has a more subdued cultural life, but residents benefit from the proximity to Denver's vibrant scene.
Sports Teams
Home to the U.S. Olympic Training Center, Colorado Springs has a strong sports culture. Southwest Arapahoe, being close to Denver, benefits from the sporting infrastructure and teams of the major city.
Colorado Springs, CO
Southwest Arapahoe, CO
Colorado Springs, CO and 
Southwest Arapahoe, CO : 52.7 miles
