The Colorado population increases and decreases are a result of the natural rate of change (births minus deaths) and the change in net migration (people moving in the state minus people moving out of the state).
Over the past two decades the natural change gradually increased from 31,400 in 1991 to a peak of 40,230 in 2006.
Changes resulting from net migration are closely tied to the strength of the economy. For example, there were five years, from 1986 to 1990, when net migration was negative. More people moved out of state than moved into the state to escape a regional recession. During the past two recessions, net migration declined because it was difficult for people to move and net migration remained positive.
The Colorado population will increase by about 90,000 in 2014. The natural rate of change will rise to 37,000. Net migration will increase dramatically to 53,000, the highest level of change since 2001.
©Copyright 2011 by CBER.