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Colorado Population Overview (2026 Projection)
Colorado is a state in the Western United States. It is bordered by Wyoming to the north, Nebraska to the northeast, Kansas to the east, Oklahoma to the southeast, New Mexico to the south, Utah to the west, and Arizona to the southwest at the Four Corners.
Colorado is the 21st most populous U.S. state. The state has a total land area of 103,718 square miles (268,875 square kilometers) and an average population density of about 55 people per square mile, making it the 37th most densely populated state in the country.
According to the 2020 U.S. Census, Colorado had a population of 5,773,714 (5.77 million). As of July 1, 2024, the estimated population of Colorado increased to 5,957,493, or approximately 6.0 million people, reflecting continued growth driven by domestic migration and urban expansion along the Front Range.
👉 Projected Population of Colorado (2026): ~6.1 million
Colorado Population Growth (2010–2020)
Colorado recorded a population growth rate of 14.8% between 2010 and 2020, adding 744,518 residents during the decade. This strong growth placed Colorado among the fastest-growing states in the Western United States. As of the 2020 Census, the median age of Colorado’s population was 36.4 years, with a nearly even gender distribution of 49.8% female and 50.1% male.
Colorado Census Snapshot (2020)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Population | 5,773,714 (5.77 million) |
| Median Age | 36.4 years |
| Population Rank | 21st |
| Total Land Area | 103,718 sq mi (268,875 km²) |
| Area Rank | 8th |
| Population Density | 55 per sq mi (21 per km²) |
| Capital City | Denver |
| Largest City | Denver |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau (2020)
Colorado Historical Population
Colorado has experienced strong long-term population growth, particularly in the 20th and early 21st centuries. In 1900, Colorado’s population was approximately 539,700, and by 2020 it had increased to 5,773,714, representing a net gain of over 5.2 million people. Growth accelerated during periods of industrial expansion, post-war migration, and more recently due to economic opportunities and lifestyle-driven migration.
Between 2010 and 2020, Colorado recorded a population growth rate of 14.8%, continuing its trend as one of the faster-growing states in the West.
Decadal Population Change in Colorado (1910–2020)
| Census Year | Population | % Change |
|---|---|---|
| 1860 | 34,277 | – |
| 1870 | 39,864 | 16.3% |
| 1880 | 194,327 | 387.5% |
| 1890 | 413,249 | 112.7% |
| 1900 | 539,700 | 30.6% |
| 1910 | 799,024 | 48.0% |
| 1920 | 939,629 | 17.6% |
| 1930 | 1,035,791 | 10.2% |
| 1940 | 1,123,296 | 8.4% |
| 1950 | 1,325,089 | 18.0% |
| 1960 | 1,753,947 | 32.4% |
| 1970 | 2,207,259 | 25.8% |
| 1980 | 2,889,964 | 30.9% |
| 1990 | 3,294,394 | 14.0% |
| 2000 | 4,301,262 | 30.6% |
| 2010 | 5,029,196 | 16.9% |
| 2020 | 5,773,714 | 14.8% |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau (1860–2020)
Colorado Demographics (Summary)
Religion and Affiliations (Overview)
Christianity is the majority religion in Colorado, followed by approximately 64% of the population. Among Christians, Protestant denominations account for about 43%, while Roman Catholics make up roughly 16%. Mormons represent around 2%, and Eastern Orthodox Christians account for about 1% of the population.
Approximately 29% of Colorado’s population is religiously unaffiliated, identifying as atheist, agnostic, or having no religious affiliation. Non-Christian religions account for the remaining 5%, including Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism.
Source: Pew Research Center
For more details, read Religion in Colorado.
Race and Ethnicity in Colorado (Overview)
According to the 2020 U.S. Census, the White alone (non-Hispanic) population is the largest racial or ethnic group in Colorado, comprising 65.13% of the total population. The Hispanic or Latino population is the second-largest group at 21.88%.
People identifying as two or more races make up 4.52% of the population. Black or African American residents account for 3.83%, while the Asian population represents 3.38% of Colorado’s total population.
Ancestry in Colorado (Overview)
Based on Census studies and estimates, the largest ancestry groups in Colorado are German, Irish, English, Italian, and American, reflecting the state’s European settlement history and internal migration patterns.
For more details, read Race and Ethnicity in Colorado
Cities and Counties in Colorado
As of 2022, Colorado is divided into 64 counties. The most populous county in the State of Colorado is El Paso County and Las Animas County with an area of 4773 sq. mi. is the largest county by land area.
The largest city, and the capital of Colorado, is Denver with a population of 735,538. It’s followed by Colorado Springs at the second number and Aurora at the third. Colorado is one of the fastest-growing US states and has 12 cities with populations of over 100 thousand.
read more about Cities and counties in Colorado
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