Study: Cherry Creek Teachers Can Afford A 1-BDR Apartment. DougCo, JeffCo And Denver? No

A new study shows teachers are not paid enough to put a roof over their heads in several large Colorado school districts.

For teachers with a bachelor’s degree and no experience, Cherry Creek is the only one of four districts studied where teachers salaries can support a one-bedroom apartment.

The study by the National Council on Teacher Quality also shows that Denver, Jefferson County and Douglas County are unaffordable. Rent in those communities is more affordable for teachers with five years experience and a masters degree.

But to save enough for an average down payment, those same experienced teachers in Denver, Jefferson County and Cherry Creek would need at least a decade. Data wasn’t available for Douglas County.