Colorado State Information

As of July 1, 2024, the United States Census Bureau estimates Colorado's population at 5,957,493 residents. This represents a 3.2% increase from the 2020 Census and a growth of 56,154 people (0.95%) between 2023 and 2024. Colorado is the 21st most populous state in the nation.

Jared Polis (Democratic Party) is the 43rd governor of Colorado, serving since January 8, 2019. He was re-elected in 2022 with 53.4% of the vote, and his current term runs through January 12, 2027. Governor Polis is notable as the first openly gay person elected governor of any U.S. state. He previously served five terms in the U.S. House of Representatives from Colorado's 2nd congressional district.

Colorado's total GDP in 2024 was approximately $557.6 billion in current dollars. The real GDP (inflation-adjusted) was about $445.3 billion. Colorado's GDP per capita is $74,747, ranking 8th highest among all 50 states. The state's economy grew 2.4% in the fourth quarter of 2024, with the information industry showing the strongest growth.

Colorado's economy is diverse, with the information industry leading growth at 2.0 times its 2014 GDP level. Eight out of 11 major industries reported growth in 2024. Key sectors include technology and information services, natural resources, government, health services, tourism and hospitality, aerospace and defense, agriculture, and renewable energy. The state maintains above-average job growth and pay compared to national levels.

Colorado is known as "The Centennial State" because it achieved statehood in 1876, the same year as the centennial of the United States Declaration of Independence. The state is famous for the Rocky Mountains, world-class ski resorts, outdoor recreation, craft breweries, and its 300 days of annual sunshine. Colorado is the eighth-largest U.S. state by area and has the highest mean elevation of any state, with Mt. Elbert at 14,433 feet as its highest point.

Colorado has 64 counties. The largest county by population is Denver County, which is coterminous with the City and County of Denver, the state capital. The most populous metropolitan area is the Denver-Aurora-Lakewood metro area, which includes several counties and is home to more than half of Colorado's population. You can find detailed information about each county, including local government contacts and services, on our Colorado Counties page.

Colorado is bordered by seven states: Wyoming to the north, Nebraska to the northeast, Kansas to the east, Oklahoma to the southeast, New Mexico to the south, Arizona to the southwest, and Utah to the west. Colorado is one of only three states (along with Wyoming and Utah) to have borders defined entirely by lines of latitude and longitude, with no natural features as boundaries.

The official Colorado state government portal is Colorado.gov, where residents can access a wide range of state services, information, and resources. Key departments include the Department of Education, Department of Health Care Policy and Financing, Department of Labor and Employment, and Department of Public Safety. The Secretary of State's website provides election information, business filings, and vital records services.

Colorado offers extensive educational resources through its public school system, numerous colleges and universities, and public library system. The state is home to major institutions including the University of Colorado system, Colorado State University, Colorado School of Mines, and the United States Air Force Academy. The Colorado Virtual Library provides free online resources to all residents. For comprehensive education information, visit our Colorado Education page.

Colorado is a premier tourist destination featuring Rocky Mountain National Park, Mesa Verde National Park, Great Sand Dunes National Park, and Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. The state offers world-renowned ski resorts including Aspen, Vail, Breckenridge, and Keystone. Popular attractions include Pikes Peak, Garden of the Gods, Red Rocks Amphitheatre, and the historic mining town of Durango. Denver, the state capital, offers cultural attractions, professional sports teams, and vibrant neighborhoods. For detailed travel information, visit our Colorado Travel and Tourism page.