Population & Demographics: Understanding Our Diverse Community
Denver has grown steadily for over two decades and remains one of the fastest-growing major metropolitan areas in the country. The city itself is home to approximately 715,000 residents, with the broader Denver metropolitan area exceeding 3 million. Growth has been driven by job migration into the technology, aerospace, healthcare, and energy sectors, and the population skews young and well-educated relative to the national average.
Demographic Snapshot
| Metric |
Denver City |
Denver Metro |
| Population |
Approximately 715,000 |
Approximately 3.05 million |
| Median Age |
35 to 36 |
38 |
| Median Household Income |
Approximately $90,000 |
Approximately $100,000 |
| Bachelor's Degree or Higher |
Approximately 53 percent |
Approximately 47 percent |
| Owner-Occupied Housing |
Approximately 50 percent |
Approximately 65 percent |
Diversity and Cultural Makeup
Denver has a multicultural population reflecting its history as a Western crossroads:
- White (non-Hispanic): approximately 54 percent
- Hispanic or Latino: approximately 29 percent
- Black or African American: approximately 9 percent
- Asian American: approximately 4 percent
- Two or more races and other: approximately 4 percent
Major Employment Sectors
The Denver metro economy is unusually diversified for a city of its size, which contributes to economic resilience and a deep professional labor market. Leading sectors include:
- Aerospace and defense
- Technology and software
- Healthcare and life sciences
- Energy and renewables
- Telecommunications and media
- Financial services
- Government and federal facilities
- Tourism and outdoor recreation
Education Levels
Denver residents are notably well-educated. Around half of adults in the city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, well above the national average of around 35 percent. The University of Colorado Denver, the University of Denver, and Metro State provide a steady pipeline of graduates that supports the regional knowledge economy.
