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Data: Urban Institute; Map: Axios Visuals

Coloradans are far better off financially than they were 50 years ago, a new Urban Institute analysis finds.

Why it matters: The state's economic boom has helped lift incomes. But it's also fueled soaring housing costs, widening inequality and a growing gap between who can afford to live here and who can't.

By the numbers: Colorado's median household income has jumped 67% since 1970, after adjusting for inflation — more than double the national growth rate of 32%, per the report.

That's a rise from $55,766 five decades ago to $92,911 in 2023.

Zoom out: The state's growth ranks second-highest in the nation, trailing only Utah (78%).

Colorado now has the ninth-highest median household income among all 50 states.

What they're saying: "Income alone does not determine a family's prosperity, but it does offer a snapshot of economic growth," the D.C.-based think tank wrote.

Between the lines: Education is the single strongest factor tied to income growth, per the report. 

Another contributor: Immigrants. "This could be because immigration leads to economic growth, immigrants seek out growing areas, or both."

Zoom in: Bachelor's degree holders in Colorado increased 31% from 1970 to 2023, according to the Urban Institute.

The big picture: Income growth has surged in parts of the West, Mid-Atlantic and Northeast, while other regions have largely stagnated.

New Hampshire (62%), California (61%),  and Arizona (60%) round out the top growth states.

West Virginia was the only state where median household income fell, down 0.4%.

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Colorado has become one of America's biggest boom states

Colorado has become one of America's biggest boom states.

Change in inflation-adjusted median household income from 1970 to 2023. Utah leads at +77.6%, followed by Colorado, New Hampshire and California. The only state to see a decrease was West Virginia, at -0.4%.  The national change was +31.9%.

Coloradans are far better off financially than they were 50 years ago, a new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Urban Institute analysis" data-vars-click-url="https://www.urban.org/research/publication/your-state-better-now-it-was-fifty-years-ago" data-vars-content-id="04d95d54-a7f0-4327-bca3-f90a42cf337b" data-vars-headline="Colorado has become one of America&#x27;s biggest boom states" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.urban.org/research/publication/your-state-better-now-it-was-fifty-years-ago" target="_blank">Urban Institute analysis</a> finds.Why it matters: The state&#x27;s economic boom has helped lift incomes. But it&#x27;s also fueled <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="soaring housing costs" data-vars-click-url="https://unitedwaydenver.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Housing-Affordability-Crisis-Report-2025.pdf" data-vars-content-id="04d95d54-a7f0-4327-bca3-f90a42cf337b" data-vars-headline="Colorado has become one of America&#x27;s biggest boom states" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://unitedwaydenver.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Housing-Affordability-Crisis-Report-2025.pdf" target="_blank">soaring housing costs</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="widening inequality" data-vars-click-url="https://bellpolicy.org/growing-wealth-inequality-in-colorado/" data-vars-content-id="04d95d54-a7f0-4327-bca3-f90a42cf337b" data-vars-headline="Colorado has become one of America&#x27;s biggest boom states" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://bellpolicy.org/growing-wealth-inequality-in-colorado/" target="_blank">widening inequality</a> and a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="growing gap" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/11/12/millennials-cooling-denver-mortgages" data-vars-content-id="04d95d54-a7f0-4327-bca3-f90a42cf337b" data-vars-headline="Colorado has become one of America&#x27;s biggest boom states" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/11/12/millennials-cooling-denver-mortgages" target="_self">growing gap</a> between who can afford to live here and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="who can&#x27;t" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2024/09/17/renters-income-housing-cost" data-vars-content-id="04d95d54-a7f0-4327-bca3-f90a42cf337b" data-vars-headline="Colorado has become one of America&#x27;s biggest boom states" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2024/09/17/renters-income-housing-cost" target="_self">who can&#x27;t</a>.

News

Data: StreetLight Data; Chart: Axios Visuals

Denver metro areas roadways are a far cry from the country's safest, according to a recent report looking at the nation's biggest cities.

The big picture: The New York, Boston and Portland, Oregon, metros have the country's safest roadways, while Denver ranked 41st, per StreetLight Data's new "U.S. Safe Streets Index."

Why it matters: The report suggests the metro area's traffic safety needs considerable improvement, with Denver reeling from one of its deadliest years on record.

How it works: The rankings are based on five key factors among the 100 biggest U.S. metros:

Vehicle miles traveled, different speeds between vehicles, speed-based pedestrian risk, speeding in residential zones, and truck activity.

Zoom in: Metro Denver's roadways scored poorly on speed differential risk, truck activity and vehicle miles traveled.

Residential speeding earned the highest score. Notably, Denver has a 20 mph speed limit for residential streets.

Between the lines: "Larger metros tend to perform better overall for roadway safety, despite popular misconceptions that big cities are more dangerous," said the transportation analytics firm.

Metro Denver ranks poorly for safe streets

Denver ranked 41st in a new report report that scored metros on five metrics.

A list of the top 10 U.S. metro areas in the 2026 Safe Streets Index. New York ranks first, followed by Boston and Portland, Oregon. Boise, Spokane, Ogden, Seattle, Providence, Tucson, and San Francisco round out the list.

Denver metro areas roadways are a far cry from the country&#x27;s safest, according to a recent report looking at the nation&#x27;s biggest cities.The big picture: The New York, Boston and Portland, Oregon, metros have the country&#x27;s safest roadways, while Denver ranked 41st, per StreetLight Data&#x27;s new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="&quot;U.S. Safe Streets Index.&quot;" data-vars-click-url="https://learn.streetlightdata.com/us-safe-streets-index-ebook" data-vars-content-id="18d64eeb-fc0a-4697-97f1-b0cebaf7f4d3" data-vars-headline="Metro Denver ranks poorly for safe streets" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://learn.streetlightdata.com/us-safe-streets-index-ebook" target="_blank">&quot;U.S. Safe Streets Index.&quot;</a>

Transit

Public Safety

Data: Census Bureau; Chart: John Frank/Axios

Colorado's population topped 6 million for the first time last year, even as growth slowed to a glacial pace, new Census Bureau estimates show.

Why it matters: The state's 24,000 new residents are the lowest increase since 1990 amid the oil and gas industry's collapse.

By the numbers: The state's growth rate fell to 0.4% in 2025 from 1.29% the year prior.

Driving the news: Most of Colorado's growth came from natural increases (21,000), which is birth minus deaths, while migration into the state (15,000) barely exceeded the number of people leaving (12,000).

International immigration is the traditional driver of population increases, but the U.S. saw a historic decline amid tougher U.S. policies.

The big picture: The U.S. population grew just 0.5% from July 2024 to July 2025, adding 1.8 million people.— the slowest rate since the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic, when the population grew by an anemic 0.2%.

The fastest-growing states were South Carolina (+1.5%), fueled largely by domestic migration. Idaho (+1.4%) and North Carolina (+1.3%).

Shrinking states included California, Hawai'i, New Mexico, Vermont and West Virginia.

Colorado's population is growing, but just barely

Colorado's population topped 6 million for the first time last year, new Census Bureau estimates show.

A line chart that shows Colorado's population growth from 2020 to 2025. The population rises steadily from 5,786,873 in 2020 to 6,012,561 in 2025.

Colorado&#x27;s population topped 6 million for the first time last year, even as growth slowed to a glacial pace, new Census Bureau estimates show.Why it matters: The state&#x27;s 24,000 new residents are the lowest increase since 1990 amid the oil and gas industry&#x27;s collapse.By the numbers: The state&#x27;s growth rate fell to 0.4% in 2025 from 1.29% the year prior.Driving the news: Most of Colorado&#x27;s growth came from natural increases (21,000), which is birth minus deaths, while migration into the state (15,000) barely exceeded the number of people leaving (12,000).<ul><li>International immigration is the traditional driver of population increases, but the U.S. saw a historic decline amid <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="tougher U.S. policies" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/07/07/ice-immigration-enforcement-powers-colorado" data-vars-content-id="736d7406-1f65-4957-b5cd-3252eaff5acb" data-vars-headline="Colorado&#x27;s population is growing, but just barely" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/07/07/ice-immigration-enforcement-powers-colorado" target="_self">tougher U.S. policies</a>.</li></ul>The big picture: The U.S. population grew just 0.5% from July 2024 to July 2025, adding 1.8 million people.— the slowest rate since the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic, when the population grew by an anemic 0.2%.<ul><li>The fastest-growing states were South Carolina (+1.5%), fueled largely by domestic migration. Idaho (+1.4%) and North Carolina (+1.3%).</li><li>Shrinking states included California, Hawai&#x27;i, New Mexico, Vermont and West Virginia.</li></ul><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Go deeper" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/27/us-population-growth-slows-immigration-trump" data-vars-content-id="736d7406-1f65-4957-b5cd-3252eaff5acb" data-vars-headline="Colorado&#x27;s population is growing, but just barely" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/27/us-population-growth-slows-immigration-trump" target="_self">Go deeper</a>

Two-thirds of Denverites say they're either "very satisfied" or "satisfied" with the city, a newly released survey finds.

Why it matters: "Satisfaction" levels offer a decent vibe check on how people feel about everything from job prospects and housing costs to safety and overall livability.

By the numbers: The share of Denverites who are happy here clocks in at 66.9%, edging out other cities in the West like San Francisco (66.3%), and comfortably overtaking Portland, Oregon (59.9%).

Yes, but: It's nowhere near San Diego, where a striking 76% of residents say they plan to stay — the second-highest share among major U.S. cities.

Denver also trails Phoenix (69.4%) and Los Angeles (67.1%) by a hair.

What they're saying: "The biggest vulnerabilities for U.S. cities are cost of living and safety," says Sofia Song, global leader of cities research at Gensler's Research Institute, which conducted the survey.

People are "choosing cities that are more affordable and safer, and where they feel like they can actually age in place," Song adds.

Between the lines: Denver has struggled with affordability for years. And perceptions around public safety are still catching up to reality. Violent crime is down compared to the pandemic years — but the anxiety hasn't fully lifted.

How it works: Gensler surveyed about 13,500 residents across 27 major U.S cities between July and November 2024.

The findings are part of a broader report from the design and architecture firm's research wing, City Pulse 2025: The Magnetic City.

Most Denverites say they like living in the city, survey shows

The share of residents who are happy living in the Mile High City clocks in at 66.9%.

Two-thirds of Denverites say they&#x27;re either &quot;very satisfied&quot; or &quot;satisfied&quot; with the city, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a newly released survey finds" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/18/city-satisfaction-rates" data-vars-content-id="787bf5ad-3b5e-436a-b2f9-b07024b34093" data-vars-headline="Most Denverites say they like living in the city, survey shows" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/18/city-satisfaction-rates" target="_self">a newly released survey finds</a>.Why it matters: &quot;Satisfaction&quot; levels offer a decent vibe check on how people feel about everything from job prospects and housing costs to safety and overall livability.

Data: United Health Foundation / U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; Chart: Alex Fitzpatrick/Axios

The claim that many Coloradans enjoy an active, outdoorsy lifestyle isn't just a stereotype — it's backed by data.

The big picture: The state with the lowest obesity rate in the U.S. also leads the nation for physical activity and exercise beyond work, per a new report.

The findings are highlighted in the United Health Foundation's "America's Health Rankings" and based on 2024 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services data.

State of play: Even moderate exercise can have tremendous benefits for your physical and mental well-being, research has found.

However, about one in five Americans report no physical activity or exercise outside of their job requirements, the report shows.

Zoom in: That share is much lower in Washington, D.C. (13.9%), Colorado (15.6%) and Vermont (16%).

Meanwhile, Mississippi (30.6%), West Virginia (28.7%) and Arkansas (28.5%) have the highest (no data was available for Tennessee).

Colorado among the most active states in the U.S.

Turns out the claim of the active, outdoorsy Coloradan isn't just a stereotype.

People in helmets ride bicycles at a city street with a baseball stadium in the background. 

The claim that many Coloradans enjoy an <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="active, outdoorsy lifestyle" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/10/16/colorado-obesity-rate" data-vars-content-id="bfe537f5-ca0d-4933-a78b-7b871cf14d22" data-vars-headline="Colorado among the most active states in the U.S." data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/10/16/colorado-obesity-rate" target="_self">active, outdoorsy lifestyle</a> isn&#x27;t just a stereotype — it&#x27;s backed by data.The big picture: The state with the<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" lowest obesity rate in the U.S." data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/10/16/colorado-obesity-rate" data-vars-content-id="bfe537f5-ca0d-4933-a78b-7b871cf14d22" data-vars-headline="Colorado among the most active states in the U.S." data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/10/16/colorado-obesity-rate" target="_self"> lowest obesity rate in the U.S.</a> also leads the nation for physical activity and exercise beyond work, per a new report.

Health

Axios Salt Lake City

St. George's growth surge outshines Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City

A symbol map of the U.S. showing the top 10 metro areas by percentage growth in 2024-25. Ocala, Fla. leads at +3.4%.

Top 10 metro areas by percent growth, 2024-25

Data: U.S Census Bureau; Map: Axios Visuals

Mapped: America's highest electric bills

National

A choropleth map showing the estimated average 2025 monthly electric bill by U.S. county. The national average is estimated to be $160 per month. Some areas have averages above $200 per month, like eastern North Carolina, Alabama, Texas and California. States in the Mountain West tend to have the lowest average bills, at $100 or less.

Estimated average monthly electric bill in 2025

Data: Heatmap News, OEDI, EIA, HUD, U.S. Census; Map: Erin Davis/Axios Visuals

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Axios Chicago

Lawmakers weigh human composting in Illinois

Chicago

Axios San Antonio

San Antonio gained college grads but trails the rest of the U.S.

San Antonio

A chart showing the change in the share of population over 25 that has attained a bachelor's degree or higher by metro area from 2015-2019 to 2020-2024. Overall, there's been a 3.6% increase in degree holders. The largest increases have been in Durham, N.C. (8.1%), New Haven, Conn. (7%) and Austin (6.1%). In the San Antonio metro area, there's been an increase from 28.2% to 32.3%.

Alex Fitzpatrick

Featured stories

St. George's growth surge outshines Salt Lake City

Mapped: America's highest electric bills

Strait of Hormuz stays shut as Trump demands Iran stop tolls

Lawmakers weigh human composting in Illinois

San Antonio gained college grads but trails the rest of the U.S.