Establishment Growth Tops in Broomfield, Denver, and Douglas County

Since the end of the recession establishment growth occurred fastest in the following counties: Broomfield, Denver, and Douglas.

The Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW) data provides trends for the creation of establishments by county. To be included in the QCEW database, establishments must have at least one employee.

Between 2002 and 2013 the number of Colorado establishments increased at an annualized rate of 1.0%. Between 2009 and 2013 the number of Colorado establishments changed at an annualized rate of -0.1%.

Year Establishments
2002 153,830
2003 156,986
2004 160,104
2005 166,540
2006 171,682
2007 175,442
2008 175,410
2009 171,729
2010 168,176
2011 166,537
2012 168,824
2013 171,249

For the period 2002 to 2013, the number of establishments in Broomfield, Douglas, and Weld County grew at the fastest rate, while the number of establishments in Arapahoe, Jefferson, and Pueblo changed at the lowest rates.

Year County
County/State 2002 vs. 2013
Broomfield 5.1%
Douglas 4.2%
Weld 2.0%
Larimer 1.4%
Boulder 1.2%
El Paso 1.1%
COLORADO 1.0%
Denver 1.0%
Adams 0.7%
Arapahoe 0.4%
Jefferson 0.2%
Pueblo -0.5%

For the period 2009 to 2013, the number of establishments in Broomfield, Denver, and Douglas County grew at the fastest rate, while the number of establishments in El Paso, Jefferson, and Pueblo changed at the lowest rates.

County/State 2009 vs. 2013
Broomfield 2.5%
Denver 1.5%
Douglas 1.4%
Boulder 0.9%
Larimer 0.3%
Arapahoe 0.1%
Weld 0.1%
COLORADO -0.1%
Adams -0.2%
El Paso -0.2%
Jefferson -0.5%
Pueblo -1.9%

It is interesting to note that Boulder County, often regarded as the hotbed of entrepreneurship, was not at the top of the list for the percentage of establishments added.