RANK #978 / 996 · POP 710,800 · CO
PROJECTED GROWTH: -4.3%
Denver County, home to the city of Denver, Colorado, is known for its access to the Rocky Mountains and 300 days of sunshine annually. Located at exactly one mile above sea level, giving it the nickname "The Mile High City," Denver offers a blend of urban amenities and outdoor recreation. Residents and visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, and kayaking in city parks like Confluence Park or venture to nearby Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre for trails and concerts. The city's climate features four distinct seasons, with mild winters where snow often melts quickly due to abundant sunshine. Commute options include the Regional Transportation District (RTD) light rail and bus system, as well as carpooling and vanpooling services.
Life in Denver County attracts a mix of families and young professionals, drawn to its urban feel and proximity to nature. Denver Public Schools serves the county with over 200 educational institutions. The economy is diversified, with significant sectors including technology, aerospace, healthcare, financial services, and energy. Recent economic developments show growth in employment and ongoing investment in commercial and residential areas. This growth has contributed to a rising cost of living, particularly for housing.
Below national median
Prices declining
Moderate climate & terrain
Prices detached from rents
Housing looks undervalued at 3.7x — home prices are low relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
River Mile Development
Kroenke Sports and Entertainment
|
$20,000M | Under Construction |
|
CoreSite DE3 Data Center Campus
CoreSite
|
$500M | Under Construction |
|
Ball Arena District Redevelopment
Kroenke Sports and Entertainment
|
$500M | Planned |
|
Renewable Natural Gas Facility at Denver Arapahoe Disposal Site
Waste Management (WM) and Denver Department of Public Health & Environment (DDPHE)
|
$50M | Planned |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Denver County has a Boom Town Index score of 2/100, ranking #978 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at -0.6% and a median household income of $85,853, it faces some economic headwinds compared to faster-growing counties.
The median home value in Denver County is $540,400 with median rent at $1,665/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.1589, which is less affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +0.6% year-over-year. Job growth: -0.6%. Home values changed -4.2% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 5.46% of Denver County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.