Colorado is a state located in the western region of the United States. It is known for its beautiful landscapes, outdoor recreation opportunities, and diverse population. One common question that arises when discussing Colorado is the population of the state.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the estimated population of Colorado as of 2020 was approximately 5.8 million people. This makes Colorado the 21st most populous state in the country. The population has been steadily increasing over the years, with a growth rate of 14.8% between 2010 and 2020.
The population of Colorado is diverse, with a mix of different ethnic and racial groups. The largest group is White, making up approximately 68% of the population. Hispanic or Latino people make up the second-largest group at 22%. Other significant groups include Black or African American, Asian, and Native American or Alaska Native. Understanding the population of Colorado is important for a variety of reasons, including planning for resources and services, understanding cultural diversity, and more.
Current Population of Colorado
Colorado is a state located in the western region of the United States. As of 2021, the estimated population of Colorado is approximately 5.8 million people. The state has experienced steady population growth over the years, with an increase of approximately 14% since the 2010 census.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the population of Colorado is diverse, with approximately 21% of the population identifying as Hispanic or Latino, 4% as Black or African American, 3% as Asian, and 1% as Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander. The remaining 71% of the population identifies as white.
The largest cities in Colorado by population are Denver, Colorado Springs, Aurora, Fort Collins, and Lakewood. Denver, the state capital, has the largest population of any city in Colorado with an estimated population of over 700,000 people.
The table below provides a breakdown of the estimated population of Colorado by county as of 2021:
| County | Estimated Population |
|---|---|
| Adams | 517,421 |
| Alamosa | 16,333 |
| Arapahoe | 656,590 |
| Archuleta | 14,145 |
| Baca | 3,543 |
| Bent | 5,717 |
| Boulder | 327,171 |
| Broomfield | 74,818 |
| Chaffee | 20,674 |
| Cheyenne | 1,806 |
| Clear Creek | 9,071 |
| Conejos | 8,132 |
| Costilla | 3,530 |
| Crowley | 6,307 |
| Custer | 4,397 |
| Delta | 32,242 |
| Denver | 727,211 |
| Dolores | 2,046 |
| Douglas | 365,155 |
| Eagle | 57,413 |
| El Paso | 741,526 |
| Elbert | 28,059 |
| Fremont | 48,406 |
| Garfield | 61,079 |
| Gilpin | 6,292 |
| Grand | 15,234 |
| Gunnison | 17,080 |
| Hinsdale | 828 |
| Huerfano | 6,957 |
| Jackson | 1,392 |
| Jefferson | 588,863 |
| Kiowa | 1,341 |
| Kit Carson | 7,673 |
| La Plata | 60,276 |
| Lake | 8,017 |
| Larimer | 356,899 |
| Las Animas | 14,012 |
| Lincoln | 5,502 |
| Logan | 23,167 |
| Mesa | 155,303 |
| Mineral | 796 |
| Moffat | 13,038 |
| Montezuma | 29,328 |
| Montrose | 43,119 |
| Morgan | 28,816 |
| Otero | 17,724 |
| Ouray | 4,855 |
| Park | 18,136 |
| Phillips | 4,333 |
| Pitkin | 18,395 |
| Prowers | 11,099 |
| Pueblo | 170,191 |
| Rio Blanco | 6,047 |
| Rio Grande | 11,038 |
| Routt | 29,301 |
| Saguache | 6,957 |
| San Juan | 728 |
| San Miguel | 7,531 |
| Sedgwick | 2,113 |
| Summit | 32,676 |
| Teller | 26,992 |
| Washington | 4,785 |
| Weld | 338,324 |
| Yuma | 10,003 |
Historical Population Trends
Colorado has experienced significant population growth over the years. The state's population has increased by more than 1 million people since 1990, reaching a total of 5,773,714 in 2020.
The following table shows the historical population trends in Colorado from 1900 to 2020:
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 1900 | 539,700 |
| 1910 | 799,024 |
| 1920 | 939,629 |
| 1930 | 1,035,791 |
| 1940 | 1,123,296 |
| 1950 | 1,325,089 |
| 1960 | 1,753,947 |
| 1970 | 2,207,259 |
| 1980 | 2,889,964 |
| 1990 | 3,294,394 |
| 2000 | 4,301,261 |
| 2010 | 5,029,196 |
| 2020 | 5,773,714 |
As shown in the table, Colorado's population increased steadily throughout the 20th century. The state's population growth rate peaked in the 1970s, with an increase of over 500,000 people in just 10 years.
In recent years, Colorado's population growth rate has remained high, with an increase of over 400,000 people between 2010 and 2020. This growth can be attributed to factors such as a strong economy, job opportunities, and the state's natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities.
Population Density
Colorado is the 21st most populous state in the United States, with a population of approximately 5.8 million people. The state has a land area of 269,837 square kilometers, making it the 8th largest state in the country. With a population density of 21.5 people per square kilometer, Colorado is the 37th most densely populated state in the US.
The population density of Colorado varies greatly across the state. The most densely populated areas are along the Front Range, which includes the cities of Denver, Colorado Springs, and Fort Collins. These cities have a combined population of over 3.5 million people and a population density of over 200 people per square kilometer.
In contrast, the eastern plains and western slope regions of Colorado have much lower population densities. These areas are primarily rural and have a population density of less than 10 people per square kilometer.
Overall, Colorado's population density is relatively low compared to other states in the US. However, the state's population is growing rapidly, with an estimated increase of over 14% between 2010 and 2020. This growth is primarily driven by migration to the state, particularly to the Front Range region.
Demographic Breakdown
Colorado has a diverse population, with a mix of different ethnicities and races. According to the United States Census Bureau, the estimated population of Colorado in 2020 was approximately 5.8 million people. Of this population, around 69.5% are White alone, while the remaining 30.5% are people of color.
The largest racial minority group in Colorado is Hispanic or Latino, making up around 21.3% of the population. The next largest group is Black or African American, at 4.6%, followed by Asian at 3.3%, and Native American or Alaska Native at 1.8%. The remaining 0.5% of the population identifies as two or more races.
In terms of age, the median age in Colorado is around 37 years old, with the largest age group being 25-44 years old, making up around 30.3% of the population. The next largest age group is 45-64 years old, at 24.7%, followed by 18-24 years old at 15.6%. The population of Colorado is relatively evenly split between males and females, with females making up around 50.8% of the population.
Overall, Colorado's diverse population is a reflection of the changing demographics of the United States as a whole. As the state continues to grow and evolve, it will be interesting to see how these demographic trends continue to shift and change over time.
Urban Vs. Rural Population
Colorado is a state with a diverse population, with a mix of urban and rural areas. The state's urban population is concentrated in the Denver metropolitan area, which is home to more than 2.8 million people. The city of Denver itself has a population of over 700,000 people.
In contrast, the rural population of Colorado is spread out across the state, with many small towns and communities located in the mountains and plains. The rural population of Colorado is estimated to be around 1.5 million people.
The table below provides a breakdown of the urban and rural population in Colorado:
| Population | Number |
|---|---|
| Urban Population | 2.8 million |
| Rural Population | 1.5 million |
The urban population of Colorado is growing at a faster rate than the rural population, as more people are attracted to the job opportunities and amenities available in the cities. However, many people still choose to live in rural areas, either for the lifestyle or because of family ties.
Overall, the mix of urban and rural areas in Colorado creates a unique and diverse state, with something to offer for everyone.
Projected Future Population
According to the United States Census Bureau, the current population of Colorado is estimated to be around 5.8 million people. However, this number is projected to increase significantly in the coming years.
By 2030, it is estimated that Colorado's population will grow to over 7 million people, with the majority of this growth coming from the Denver metropolitan area. This growth is due to several factors, including the state's strong economy, attractive job market, and high quality of life.
The following table shows the projected population growth for Colorado from 2020 to 2040:
| Year | Projected Population |
|---|---|
| 2020 | 5.8 million |
| 2025 | 6.5 million |
| 2030 | 7.1 million |
| 2035 | 7.6 million |
| 2040 | 8.1 million |
It is important to note that these projections are based on current trends and can be impacted by various factors, such as changes in immigration policies and economic conditions.
Overall, Colorado's projected population growth highlights the need for continued investment in infrastructure, healthcare, and education to support the state's growing population and maintain its high quality of life.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Colorado has a population of approximately 5.7 million people, with a growth rate of 1.41% per year. The state's population is diverse, with a mix of ethnicities and races. The largest racial group is White, making up 69.1% of the population, followed by Hispanic or Latino at 21.7%, and Black or African American at 4.7%.
The population density of Colorado is relatively low, with an average of 56.6 people per square mile. However, the population is concentrated in the metropolitan areas of Denver, Colorado Springs, and Aurora. These areas have higher population densities, with Denver having the highest population density at 4,044 people per square mile.
The state's economy is diverse, with industries such as agriculture, mining, and tourism contributing to its GDP. The median household income in Colorado is $77,127, which is higher than the national median household income of $68,703.
Overall, Colorado is a growing and diverse state with a strong economy and a mix of urban and rural areas.