According to a new report by the Common Sense Institute, a non-partisan research organization, Colorado’s population growth has experienced a significant decline of nearly 53% over the past decade.
The study, which analyzed net migration from 2015 to 2025, revealed that nearly 40,000 fewer people relocated to Colorado in 2025 compared to previous years.
This downturn has been attributed to several challenges the state faces, including slowing economic growth and rising housing costs, which have contributed to reduced affordability.
The report emphasizes that the decline in migration is further compounded by an aging population, which poses risks to Colorado’s labor force capacity and overall economic dynamism.
Currently, the state sees a notable shift in its demographic profile, with individuals aged 65 and older becoming the largest and fastest-growing sector of the population.
By 2030, around 40,000 retirees are expected to leave the workforce annually, leading to concerns regarding talent shortages and difficulties in meeting workforce demands.
In terms of job growth, projections for this year indicate a modest increase of only 1.2%.
The city of Denver has been significantly affected by these trends.
The report labels Denver as being in the ‘slow lane,’ noting that the Denver Primary Metropolitan Statistical Area (PMSA) has seen a staggering 66% drop in inward migration over the past decade.
Colorado Springs is experiencing a similar trend with a nearly 29% decrease in new residents.
As of May 2025, Denver County’s unemployment rate stands at 4.6%, slightly above the national average of 4.2%.
Changing preferences among residents regarding living in high-density areas, exacerbated by the rise of remote work, are believed to be driving many to relocate to suburban areas or even leave the state altogether.
The State Demography Office, which collaborates with national census data, encompasses several counties, including Adams, Arapahoe, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas, and Jefferson in defining the Denver area.
Compared to similar commercial and cultural cities across the nation, Colorado’s decrease in migration is striking.
The only metropolitan area reporting a negative percentage change, transitioning from a 70% increase in inward migration to a notable decline, is the Denver-Aurora-Lakewood area over the past decade.
The study attributes this decrease to housing availability, quality of life issues, and longstanding affordability challenges, particularly in Denver.
Recent census data also indicates that building permits in Denver are declining, suggesting a decreased demand for residential housing.
Looking ahead, the report anticipates a possible increase in net population, peaking in 2028.
This temporary growth could bolster employment opportunities in service, construction, and tech sectors.
However, the report cautions that this growth may be short-lived, predicting a sharp population decline in 2029, which could pose challenges for long-term infrastructure, education, and housing planning.
The report urges policymakers to focus on balancing workforce development, housing policy, and regional planning to address these issues effectively.
‘State and local policymakers will need to closely monitor these trends and address the underlying causes driving out-migration,’ it states.
The anticipated decline in population is projected to continue gradually across the state until 2050.
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