Moving from Lakewood, CO to Thornton, CO
Moving from Lakewood, CO to Thornton, CO is a 24 mi drive, about 37 min by car. This is a local relocation — same-day moves are typical — but cost-of-living, housing, and tax lines still shift enough to plan around. The sections below pull current figures from BEA, the Census Bureau, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA for a side-by-side look.
24 mi · 37 min by car · CO
Distance & route
| Route through | CO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 25, US 6, CO 391 |
| Major cities en route | Arvada, Centennial, Denver, Aurora, Westminster |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Lakewood | 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 |
Thornton and Lakewood are close on the overall BEA RPP (105.782 vs 105.782); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow typical home value is 0.0% lower in Thornton than Lakewood as of 2026-03.
YoY change: Lakewood -2.6%, Thornton -3.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Lakewood | Thornton |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 50°F | 52°F |
| January avg low | 21°F | 19°F |
| July avg high | 86°F | 91°F |
| Annual snowfall | 58.0" | 44.8" |
| Annual precipitation | 17.5" | 14.5" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean — 50.4°F vs 52.4°F per NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Thornton sees 44.8 in a year on NOAA normals — budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: LAKEWOOD, CO US, NORTHGLENN, CO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Lakewood | Thornton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 156,309 | 142,878 |
| Median household income | $85,789 | $100,985 |
| Median age | 38 | 34.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 29.1% | 22.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.26 | 2.88 |
Median household income in Thornton is 0.0% above Lakewood ($85,789 → $100,985, ACS 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 20–30% 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 — 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 — pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Thornton average 91°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 far is Thornton, CO from Lakewood, CO?
The driving distance is 24 mi and the route typically takes 37 min via I 25 and US 6. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Lakewood to Thornton?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 24 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Thornton compare to Lakewood?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $58,490 in the Thornton MSA vs $58,490 in the Lakewood 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 much do homes cost in Thornton compared to Lakewood?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $502,945 in Thornton vs $573,913 in Lakewood — a 12.4% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Lakewood vs Thornton?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $100,985 in Thornton vs $85,789 in Lakewood — a 17.7% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
What is the climate difference between Lakewood and Thornton?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 52.4°F in Thornton vs 50.4°F in Lakewood (2.0°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 44.8 in vs 58.0 in. Annual precipitation: 14.5 in vs 17.5 in.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Lakewood.
City profiles: Lakewood, CO · Thornton, CO.