State Population Approaches 5.2 Million – State Demography Office

On November 4, Cindy DeGroen, Projections Demographer, and Elizabeth Garner, State Demographer, presented their annual population update and key findings from the 2010 U.S. Census at the annual State Demographer‘s meeting. A sampling of the information from their reports follows.

In 2010, the state population topped 5 million. By 2012, the population will reach about 5.2 million, with about 72,300 births, 32,400 deaths, and net migration of 36,500. This represents a net gain of about 76,400 people.

The top five counties in population (July) are:
1 El Paso 627,096
2 Denver 605,722
3 Arapahoe 575,022
4 Jefferson 535,533
5 Adams 443,715

The five counties with the least population are:
60 Kiowa 1,399
61 Jackson 1,390
62 Hinsdale 847
63 (tie) Mineral 710
63 (tie) San Juan 710

The census showed that between 2000 and 2010 the state added a net of 727,935 people.
• Douglas County added 109,699
• El Paso County added 105,334
• Arapahoe County added 84,036
• Adams County added 77,746
• Weld County added 71,889
In total these five counties added 448,704 people, or about 62% of the population increase during this period.

From a municipal perspective, the following 5 cities posted the top gains:
• Colorado Springs 55,537
• Aurora 48,685
• Denver 45,522
• Thornton 36,388
• Castle Rock 28.007

The following 5 cities posted the largest losses:
• Wheat Ridge  -2,747
• Englewood  -1,472
• Lakewood  -1,146
• Walsenburg  -1,114
• Lamar  -1,065

From this sampling of data it is clear to see that the state is evolving rapidly, as certain areas gain and lose population and workforce.

 

©Copyright 2011 by CBER.