Colorado is home to a variety of cities that range from bustling urban centers to smaller, scenic towns. The largest city and capital, Denver, has a population of over 700,000 and serves as the state’s economic and cultural hub. Other major cities include Colorado Springs, known for its military presence and the iconic Pikes Peak, and Aurora, which forms part of the larger Denver metropolitan area. Fort Collins and Boulder are prominent cities in the northern Front Range, each with strong educational and technological sectors, supported by Colorado State University and the University of Colorado, respectively. Smaller cities like Durango and Grand Junction offer historic charm and access to Colorado’s outdoor recreation, reflecting the state's blend of urban development and natural landscapes.
Explore Colorado state map with cities to locate all the major cities of Colorado state of United States of America.
List of Major Cities in Colorado
City Name
County
Population (Approx.)
Area (sq miles)
Elevation (feet)
Notable Features
Denver
Denver County
715,000
153
5,280
State capital, major cultural and economic center
Colorado Springs
El Paso County
480,000
195
6,035
Military bases, Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak
Aurora
Arapahoe, Adams, and Douglas Counties
386,000
154
5,471
Major suburb of Denver, healthcare and technology industries
Fort Collins
Larimer County
169,000
58
5,003
Home to Colorado State University, breweries, tech industry
Boulder
Boulder County
108,000
25
5,328
University of Colorado, tech and research hub
Pueblo
Pueblo County
112,000
56
4,692
Steel production, historic Arkansas Riverwalk
Lakewood
Jefferson County
157,000
44
5,518
Suburb of Denver, diverse economy, outdoor recreation
Thornton
Adams and Weld Counties
143,000
36
5,351
Rapidly growing Denver suburb
Arvada
Jefferson and Adams Counties
122,000
39
5,344
Historic district, strong community focus
Greeley
Weld County
108,000
47
4,675
Agricultural hub, University of Northern Colorado
Westminster
Adams and Jefferson Counties
116,000
32
5,384
Growing tech sector, suburban community
Parker
Douglas County
57,000
21
5,869
High-income suburb with family-oriented amenities
Castle Rock
Douglas County
73,000
34
6,202
Rapid growth, strong community and shopping areas
Loveland
Larimer County
76,000
35
4,982
Art hub, annual Valentine’s Day celebration
Littleton
Arapahoe, Jefferson, and Douglas Counties
47,000
13
5,351
Historic downtown, close to Denver with suburban appeal
Grand Junction
Mesa County
63,000
38
4,593
Gateway to Colorado National Monument, fruit production
Broomfield
Broomfield County
72,000
33
5,344
Technology and professional industries, growing suburban area
Longmont
Boulder and Weld Counties
98,000
30
4,984
Growing tech sector, close to Boulder and Fort Collins
Brighton
Adams and Weld Counties
42,000
20
4,984
Strong agricultural base, growing residential community
Durango
La Plata County
19,000
6.8
6,512
Historic railroad, access to outdoor recreation and national parks
Major Metropolitan Areas in Colorado
Metropolitan Area
Primary Cities
Counties Included
Population (Approx.)
Notable Features
Denver-Aurora-Lakewood
Denver, Aurora, Lakewood
Adams, Arapahoe, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas, Jefferson
3,000,000
Largest metro area in Colorado; major economic and cultural hub; Denver International Airport
Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs
El Paso, Teller
750,000
Home to the U.S. Air Force Academy, Garden of the Gods, and Pikes Peak
Fort Collins
Fort Collins, Loveland
Larimer
350,000
Colorado State University, tech and brewing industries, proximity to Rocky Mountain National Park
Boulder
Boulder
Boulder
330,000
University of Colorado, outdoor recreation, tech industry
Greeley
Greeley
Weld
340,000
Agricultural hub, University of Northern Colorado
Grand Junction
Grand Junction
Mesa
150,000
Western Slope region, gateway to Colorado National Monument and nearby wineries
Pueblo
Pueblo
Pueblo
170,000
Steel production history, Arkansas Riverwalk, Pueblo Riverwalk
Durango
Durango
La Plata
55,000
Historic railroad, access to the San Juan Mountains, outdoor recreation
Steamboat Springs
Steamboat Springs
Routt
40,000
Ski resort, hot springs, outdoor activities
Glenwood Springs
Glenwood Springs
Garfield
60,000
Glenwood Hot Springs, close to Aspen, tourism and recreation
Montrose
Montrose
Montrose
45,000
Gateway to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, agriculture, and outdoor recreation
Edwards
Edwards, Avon
Eagle
50,000
Close to Vail and Beaver Creek ski resorts, popular for luxury tourism
Cañon City
Cañon City
Fremont
35,000
Royal Gorge Bridge, Arkansas River, outdoor recreation
Trinidad
Trinidad
Las Animas
15,000
Historic architecture, art community, scenic location near New Mexico border
Cities of Colorado
Colorado’s cities offer a rich blend of economic opportunity, cultural vibrancy, and access to natural landscapes. The state is known for its variety of urban centers, from the bustling capital, Denver, to smaller cities rich in history and scenic beauty. This diversity provides Colorado’s residents and visitors with unique experiences across each region of the state.
Major Cities
Denver
Denver, the state capital and largest city in Colorado, has a population of over 700,000 residents. Known as the "Mile-High City" due to its elevation of exactly 5,280 feet above sea level, Denver is the economic and cultural center of Colorado. The city’s economy is diverse, featuring industries such as technology, finance, aerospace, and healthcare. Denver also offers numerous cultural attractions, including the Denver Art Museum, the Denver Botanic Gardens, and the Denver Performing Arts Complex. With a strategic location between the Rocky Mountains and the Great Plains, Denver attracts both residents and tourists looking to experience the natural beauty of Colorado.
Colorado Springs
Located in El Paso County, Colorado Springs is the second-largest city in the state, with a population of around 480,000. The city is known for its proximity to major landmarks such as Pikes Peak and the Garden of the Gods. Colorado Springs is home to several military installations, including the United States Air Force Academy and Fort Carson, which play a significant role in the city’s economy. In addition to defense, tourism and high-tech industries contribute to the local economy. Colorado Springs consistently ranks as one of the most desirable places to live in the United States due to its access to outdoor recreation and high quality of life.
Aurora
Aurora, with a population of approximately 386,000, is Colorado’s third-largest city and part of the Denver metropolitan area. Spanning Adams, Arapahoe, and Douglas counties, Aurora is known for its growing healthcare and bioscience sectors. The city is home to the Anschutz Medical Campus, one of the largest medical centers in the region, which includes the University of Colorado Hospital and Children’s Hospital Colorado. Aurora’s recreational opportunities are extensive, with over 100 parks and multiple reservoirs for outdoor activities.
Fort Collins
Fort Collins, located in Larimer County, has a population of around 169,000 and is the fourth-largest city in Colorado. Known for its vibrant arts and cultural scene, Fort Collins is home to Colorado State University, which contributes to the city’s youthful atmosphere and educated workforce. The economy in Fort Collins is driven by technology, education, and brewing industries, with major companies like Hewlett-Packard, Intel, and Anheuser-Busch having a presence in the city. Fort Collins is frequently recognized as one of the best places to live in the U.S., with abundant recreational trails and close proximity to the Rocky Mountains.
Boulder
Boulder, located at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Boulder County, has a population of about 108,000. The city is home to the University of Colorado Boulder, the state’s largest university. Known for its commitment to sustainability and outdoor lifestyle, Boulder has a thriving economy focused on technology, research, and natural foods. The city is a hub for innovation and is often ranked among the best cities for entrepreneurs. Boulder’s outdoor attractions include the Flatirons, Chautauqua Park, and extensive biking and hiking trails.
Mid-Sized Cities
Pueblo
Pueblo, with a population of around 112,000, is located in Pueblo County along the Arkansas River. Known historically as a steel-producing city, Pueblo’s economy today is supported by diverse sectors including renewable energy, healthcare, and manufacturing. The Pueblo Riverwalk, a waterfront development along the Arkansas River, is a popular attraction, showcasing the city’s revitalization efforts.
Lakewood
Lakewood, located west of Denver in Jefferson County, has a population of about 157,000. It is a suburban city with a mix of residential, commercial, and recreational areas. Lakewood is home to the Colorado Christian University and offers numerous parks and green spaces, including Bear Creek Lake Park. The city’s economy includes retail, healthcare, and education, benefiting from its proximity to Denver.
Grand Junction
Located on the Western Slope in Mesa County, Grand Junction has a population of approximately 63,000. Known as a gateway to Colorado National Monument and the surrounding wine country, Grand Junction is a center for agriculture, healthcare, and tourism. The city also serves as an access point for outdoor activities in the nearby Book Cliffs and Grand Mesa.
Greeley
Greeley, in Weld County, has a population of about 108,000. It is known for its agricultural roots, particularly in cattle ranching and farming. The city’s economy has diversified to include education, healthcare, and manufacturing. Greeley is home to the University of Northern Colorado and hosts an annual rodeo, reflecting its Western heritage.
Broomfield
Broomfield, with a population of approximately 72,000, is a consolidated city and county located between Denver and Boulder. Broomfield has a strong economy with a focus on technology, manufacturing, and finance. Major companies, including Vail Resorts and Oracle, have significant operations in the city. Broomfield offers a suburban lifestyle with easy access to the Denver metropolitan area.
Smaller and Historic Cities
Durango
Durango, located in La Plata County, has a population of about 19,000. Known for its historic downtown and the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, Durango is a popular destination for tourists exploring the nearby San Juan Mountains. The city’s economy is driven by tourism, outdoor recreation, and education, with Fort Lewis College located within the city.
Steamboat Springs
Steamboat Springs, in Routt County, is a small mountain city with a population of around 13,000. Known for its ski resort and hot springs, Steamboat Springs attracts visitors year-round for skiing, hiking, and other outdoor activities. The local economy is primarily tourism-based, supported by winter sports and a vibrant arts community.
Glenwood Springs
Glenwood Springs, located in Garfield County, has a population of about 10,000. Known for the Glenwood Hot Springs and its location along the Colorado River, the city is a popular destination for spa and outdoor activities. The local economy is driven by tourism, with visitors drawn to its hot springs, caves, and nearby hiking trails.
Trinidad
Trinidad, in Las Animas County, has a population of around 8,000 and is known for its historic architecture and art community. Located near the New Mexico border, Trinidad has a history rooted in coal mining. Today, the city is known for its scenic beauty, attracting outdoor enthusiasts and artists.
Manitou Springs
Located near Colorado Springs in El Paso County, Manitou Springs has a population of around 5,000. Known for its mineral springs and proximity to Pikes Peak, Manitou Springs is a popular tourist destination. The town has a strong arts and culture scene, with numerous galleries, festivals, and historic sites.
