Denver, CO Location Overview
Denver, Colorado is a beautiful, bustling city set against the backdrop of the Rocky Mountains, Denver is widely recognized for its exceptional balance of a thriving economy, healthy lifestyle, and urban, as well as natural amenities. The Denver MSA added almost half a million new residents (425,000) over the past 10 years, growing the city’s population to 2.9 million. A 2022 Visual Capitalist report ranked Denver one of the top 10 cities in the nation for technology talent, with the second-largest growth rate nationwide from 2016-2021. Colorado features 4 of the Top 100 Best Places to Live according to the U.S. News & World Report for 2023. Denver ranked as high as 2nd in 2020. Denver International Airport (DEN) ranked #3 for the busiest airports in the world in 2022 with nonstop service to over 215 destinations, DEN is a major domestic hub for air transportation also attracting top companies to call Denver, CO home.
Denver, Colorado is a young, active city with beautiful architecture, award-winning dining and unparalleled views. TIME Magazine named Denver one of the “World’s Greatest Places of 2021,” placing The Mile High City on a list of the top 100 destinations to explore. Denver was the only U.S. city included on National Geographic’s list of “Eight Sustainable Destinations for 2021 and beyond,” highlighting the commitment to sustainability and solidifying its image as a green city.
Over the past decade, Downtown Denver has grown into an established technology hub. As of 2023 Denver ranks in the top ten best metro areas when it comes to tech and is continuing to see growth, with the 4th highest rate of wage growth and the 6th highest rate of tech workforce growth. While tech wages for the city rank 10th nationwide, the Denver market is tied for 3rd for its rent-to-wage ratio, making it a more favorable option compared to its more expensive counterparts. Tech roles are approaching 10% of the overall workforce and 6,000+ more jobs are projected for 2023. Denver is continuing to grow its reputation as a major tech hub and that fact is attracting both tech talent as well as tech companies to make Denver their home.
3rd
Top State Economies
U.S. News
1st
Most Physically Active States
Chamber of Commerce
5th
Best Business Environment
USA Today
1st
Top States for Workforce
CNBC
2nd
City Where Millenials are Moving
SmartAsset
Top Highlights
- Denver MSA has had a growth rate that has consistently outpaced the national rate every decade since the 1930s. The region has grown steadily in the past 10 years, and by 2030, Denver’s population is anticipated to increase to more than 3.6 million.
- In early-May, U.S. News released its annual ranking of most educated states, where Colorado came in second. 52.7% of the population 25 years and older have an associate degree or higher, almost 10% higher than the national average. Colorado is home to 62 colleges and universities, and more than 30 research labs and institutions.
- Denver continues its FasTracks expansion, a 6.5+ billion public transportation expansion plans under construction. It includes 57 new transit stations and stops, 21,000 new parking spaces and the renovation of Denver Union Station as a multi-modal transportation hub.
- Top employers: DaVita, Newmont, Wells Fargo, Common Spirit Health, HealthONE, Molson Coors, Ball Aerospace, Liberty Media, Arrow Electronics, Optiv, Lockheed Martin, DISH and Western Union.
- Top educational institutions: University of Denver, Metropolitan State University, Regis University, University of Colorado Denver and University of Colorado Boulder.