Median Income
$52,857
30% lower than US avg
Home Value
$77,900
72% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
1.9%
94% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$888
24% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.7%
11% higher than US avg
Unemployment
7.2%
100% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
23.5%
90% higher than US avg
How Thornton Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population449
Median Age39.8 yrs
Density458/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 94%
Veterans9.2%
Economy
C
Median Income$52,857
Per Capita$25,769
Unemployment7.2%
Poverty23.5%
County GDP$2,179M
Commute23 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$77,900
Rent$888
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$254,107
Housing Units220
Rent Burden13.9%
Health
Obesity35.7%
Uninsured12.7%
Smoking15.1%
Depression25.8%
Heart Disease5.6%
Climate
Avg Temp65°F (19°C)
AQI42 (Good)
Rain39.1 in/yr
Sunny Days303/yr
Elevation489 ft (149 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+1.9%
High School+91.1%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.10
Community
2024 VoteR 78% / D 21%
Commute23 min
Broadband78.3%
Libraries2
Is Thornton a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Thornton receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate. Thornton has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Thornton is $52,857, 30% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 7.2% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. The poverty rate of 23.5% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Thornton is $77,900, 72% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $888 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. At just 1.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
1.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.1/10.
Climate & Weather
Thornton enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 65°F. Winters average 46°F in January while summers reach 83°F in July. With 303 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 39.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42.
Thornton has a population of 449 with a density of 458 people per square mile. The median age is 39.8 years, 2% older than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly White (93.5%), with 1.3% Hispanic, 3.3% Black.
Population
39.8yrs
Median Age
2% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
| English Only | 98.6% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Spanish | 1.4% |
| 90% below US avg |
The median household income in Thornton is $52,857, which is 30% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate is 7.2% (above the 3.6% US average). 23.5% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
Income
| Median HH Income | $52,857 |
| 30% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $25,769 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,274 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $57,540 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 7.2% |
| 100% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 23.5% |
| 90% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 405 |
| County GDP | $2,179M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 41 |
| Healthcare | 57 |
| Retail | 75 |
| Manufacturing | 10 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,243 |
| 50% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 97.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 6.73% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 89.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.4% |
The median home value in Thornton is $77,900, 72% below the national average. Monthly rent averages $888 (24% below US avg). Zillow estimates the typical home value at $254,107.
Home Values
| Census Median | $77,900 |
| 72% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $254,107 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $888 |
| 24% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 13.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $887 |
| 1 Bedroom | $935 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,149 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,497 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,733 |
Ownership & Property
| Owner-Occupied | 75.3% |
| Housing Units | 220 |
| Median Year Built | 1960 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,243 |
| 50% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 6.73% |
In Thornton, 35.7% of adults are obese (above the 32.1% national rate). 12.7% of residents lack health insurance. 15.1% are current smokers. 25.8% report depression. 25.0% are physically inactive.
Health Metrics: Thornton vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.7% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.4% |
| Heart Disease | 5.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.4% |
| Asthma | 10.6% |
| COPD | 6.7% |
| Cancer | 7.0% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.1% |
| 8% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.0% |
| Depression | 25.8% |
| Mental Distress | 19.3% |
| Physical Distress | 13.4% |
| Short Sleep | 38.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 80.4% |
| Uninsured | 12.7% |
| 48% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,458 |
| Dentists | 1:2,782 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,854 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.8% |
| Dental Visits | 48.7% |
| Premature Death | 11,929/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 54.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 57 |
Thornton has an average annual temperature of 65°F (19°C). Winters average 46°F in January while summers reach 83°F in July. Annual precipitation is 39.1 inches. The area enjoys 303 sunny days per year. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42.
Temperature
46°F Jan (8°C)
83°F Jul (28°C)
| Annual Average | 65.3°F |
| 21% above US avg |
| January Average | 46°F (8°C) |
| July Average | 83°F (28°C) |
| Sunny Days | 303 days/yr |
Precipitation & Snow
| Annual Rainfall | 39.1 inches |
| 3% above US avg |
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 42.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Geography
| Elevation | 489 ft (149 m) |
| Area | 1.0 sq mi (2.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 458/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 31.4100°N, 96.5736°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County FIPS | 48293 |