Research Corner: State Demography Summit

For the last several years, Colorado has been synonymous with growth. While the state’s population continues to grow, it is growing at a much slower pace, according to the State Demography Office. The slowdown is the result of declining birth rates and in-migration from other states and abroad.

The combination of fewer births and fewer people relocating to Colorado means fewer people supporting our state’s economy. With record low birth rates, net migration (people moving to Colorado – people moving out of Colorado) is a key part of the population equation. Net domestic migration has slowed in recent years, likely due to the high cost of living in Colorado, compared to other states. The high cost of living likely compounds the situation, contributing to many people’s decisions to have fewer children, if at all.

Population gains in 2024

17,300
Natural increase (births – deaths)

5,400
Net domestic migration

32,200
Net international migration


A changing population

2048
Colorado’s expected crossover date, or where deaths exceed births.

-50%
Net migration to Colorado in 2025 compared to 2015 (reduced by half).

1.5
Average number of births among women statewide. This rate would need to increase to 2.1 in order to fully replace Colorado’s population.

15,035
Estimated decline in the number of children aged 0 – 17 by 2030.

10
Counties that would have declined in population without international immigration.

80% / 20%
Since the pandemic, the rate of international migrants to Colorado (80%) and the rate of domestic migrants to Colorado (20%). Before 2020, these numbers were flipped.

Sources: The Denver Post, State Demography Office, U.S. Census Bureau