Metro Denver Population Growth — River Rise Capital
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Metro Denver Population Growth

Projected 10-year population growth by municipality across the Denver–Aurora–Lakewood MSA, extending north through the Carbon Valley corridor to Dacono. Data synthesized from U.S. Census Bureau estimates (2024), Colorado State Demography Office (DOLA) projections, and DRCOG regional forecasts.

U.S. Census Bureau PEP 2024 CO State Demography Office (DOLA) DRCOG Metro Vision 2035 February 2026
Intentional Strategy
Northern I-25 corridor and Douglas County communities project 25–57% growth over the next decade — well above the metro average of ~15%.
Diversify Risk
Growth is geographically distributed across multiple counties and corridors, with distinct demand drivers in each submarket.
The Opportunity
A 28–33 age demographic bulge and sustained international immigration support multifamily demand through 2053.
Projected 10-Year Growth Rate by Municipality (2025–2035) Hover for detail
<5%
50%+ Projected 10yr growth
Metro Population (2025 Est.)
~3.05M
Denver–Aurora–Centennial MSA
+2.8% since 2020 Census
Projected 2035 Population
~3.5M
+15% total metro growth over 10 years
DOLA / DRCOG forecast baseline
Fastest Growing Corridors
    County-Level Growth (2024 → 2035 Proj.)

    Douglas and Weld Counties are capturing the bulk of net new residents, driven by master-planned communities and relative affordability. Adams County benefits from I-25 corridor infill, while Jefferson County remains largely built-out with minimal organic growth.

    Projections by Growth Corridor

    10-year growth projections by city/town, informed by historical CAGR, active residential permits, planned developments, and DRCOG land use allocations.

    Methodology & Key Assumptions

    Projections blend Colorado State Demography Office (DOLA) county-level forecasts with municipal-level growth rates derived from Census PEP 2020–2024 vintages. High-growth communities (Erie, Parker, Castle Rock, Dacono, Frederick) reflect active master-plan development pipelines and building permit data. Mature/built-out cities (Lakewood, Wheat Ridge, Englewood) are projected at reduced rates reflecting infill-only growth. Carbon Valley corridor projections account for announced residential developments along the I-25/SH-52/SH-66 corridors. International immigration is assumed to continue at 2022–2024 rates (~14,000/yr metro-wide). The 28–33 age demographic bulge identified by the State Demographer supports continued natural population increase through 2053. Jefferson County school closures and aging suburban demographics are factored as headwinds in western metro projections.