Boulder County, CO demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
328,961
0.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$103,994/yr
1.2% year-over-year change
Housing units
144,729
1.3% year-over-year change

Boulder County population

How many people live in Boulder County

Boulder County is home to 328,961 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50.4% of Boulder County locals are male, and 49.6% are female.

Total population
328,961
0.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50.4%
165,850
Female
49.6%
163,111
Value Percent YoY change
Male 165,850 50.4% 0.1%
Female 163,111 49.6% 0.3%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Boulder County is 38, with the population distributed as follows: about 14% are children under 15, then 19% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 26.2% of the population, while another 24.5% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 16.4% are 65 or older.

Median age
37.7
Age breakdown
Under 15
14%
15 to 24
19%
25 to 44
26.2%
45 to 64
24.5%
Over 65
16.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 45,912 14% -2.8%
15 to 24 62,420 19% 0.7%
25 to 44 86,201 26.2% 0.1%
45 to 64 80,486 24.5% -0.8%
Over 65 53,942 16.4% 4.0%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Boulder County, 88.2% of the population are US-born citizens, while 6.9% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 4.8% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 77.8% of locals are Caucasian, 0.8% are African American and 4.7% have Asian roots. Another 0.3% are Indigenous American, 0.1% are Pacific Islanders, while 3.3% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 13% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
88.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
6.9%
Non-citizens
4.8%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 290,264 88.2% 0.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 22,778 6.9% 3.5%
Non-citizens 15,919 4.8% -3.3%
Racial breakdown
White
77.8%
Black or African American
0.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.3%
Asian
4.7%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.1%
Two or more races
13%
Other
3.3%
Value Percent
White 255,881 77.8%
Black or African American 2,770 0.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native 1,121 0.3%
Asian 15,523 4.7%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 204 0.1%
Two or more races 42,689 13%
Other 10,773 3.3%

Households in Boulder County

A peek inside Boulder County households

Boulder County has 137,008 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 55% are families, while the remaining 45% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
137,008
1.3% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
61,722
Family households
75,286
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 61,722 45% 2.6%
Family households 75,286 55% 0.3%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Boulder County

The housing landscape of Boulder County

Boulder County's housing consists of 144,729 units, with 57.2% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 8.8% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 2.3% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
144,729
1.3% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 82,809 57.2%
1 unit, attached 12,734 8.8%
2 units 2,245 1.6%
3 or 4 units 5,918 4.1%
5 to 9 units 8,904 6.2%
10 to 19 units 9,316 6.4%
20 to 49 units 8,811 6.1%
50 or more units 10,555 7.3%
Mobile home 3,360 2.3%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 77 0%
Homes built since 2020
2,884
38.6% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Boulder County

In Boulder County, the median construction year is 1986. About 5.9% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 1.4% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 12.4% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 11.4% between 2010 and 2019, and 2% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 8,578 5.9% -2.4%
Built between 1940 and 1949 2,075 1.4% 4.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 7,600 5.2% 7.2%
Built between 1960 and 1969 14,410 10% 1.5%
Built between 1970 and 1979 27,511 19% 1.1%
Built between 1980 and 1989 20,578 14.2% -2.0%
Built between 1990 and 1999 26,698 18.4% 0.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 17,931 12.4% 0.7%
Built between 2010 and 2019 16,464 11.4% 3.3%
Built in 2020 or later 2,884 2% 38.6%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Boulder County occupancy rates

Out of the 137,008 occupied housing units in Boulder County, 62% are owner-occupied, while 38% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 5.3% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
137,008
1.3% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
52,108
Owner occupied
84,900
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 52,108 38% 2.6%
Owner occupied 84,900 62% 0.5%
Unoccupied housing units
5.3%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Boulder County housing costs

Housing costs in Boulder County come to a median of $1,992 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,966.

Median housing costs per month
$1,992/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Boulder County
$1,966/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Boulder County

Boulder County education at a glance

About 16.7% of the population in Boulder County went to high school, while 21% pursued college studies. Another 5.1% earned an associate degree and 30.8% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 24.6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 4,742 1.8% -8.7%
High school diploma 45,296 16.7% 2.0%
College diploma 57,056 21% -0.2%
Associate degree 13,856 5.1% -3.3%
Bachelor's degree 83,485 30.8% 0.7%
Graduate degree 66,811 24.6% 2.4%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Boulder County

How much people earn in Boulder County

The average annual household income in Boulder County was $148,847 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2.8% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $103,994, reflecting a +1.2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Boulder County
$148,847/year
2.8% year-over-year change
Median household income in Boulder County
$103,994/year
1.2% year-over-year change

Boulder County income by age

In Boulder County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $123,880. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $145,485 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $30,249, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $78,463 in earnings. Overall, 88.8% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $30,249 5.3%
25 - 44 $123,880 3.2%
45 - 64 $145,485 2.5%
Over 65 $78,463 2.1%
Above poverty level
279,119
Below poverty level
35,070
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 279,119 88.8% 0.5%
Below poverty level 35,070 11.2% -2.3%

Employment in Boulder County

Workforce and job types in Boulder County

The job market in Boulder County is powered by 177,475 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 88% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 12% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 13.6% run their own businesses, 63.7% are employed by private companies, and 14.3% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
177,475
0.0% year-over-year change
White collar
156,174
Blue collar
21,301
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 156,174 88% 0.2%
Blue collar 21,301 12% -1.6%
Employer type
Self employees
13.6%
Private companies
63.7%
Governmental workers
14.3%
Not for profit companies
8.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 24,125 13.6% -3.3%
Private companies 113,028 63.7% 1.0%
Governmental workers 25,349 14.3% -1.3%
Not for profit companies 14,973 8.4% 0.6%
Unemployment rate
4.8%
4.8% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Boulder County stands at 4.8%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Boulder County

How people get around in Boulder County

In Boulder County, the average commute time is 22 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 58.1% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 4% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
22 min
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 101,482 58.1% -5.1%
Taxicab 132 0.1% 76.0%
Bus or trolleybus 4,606 2.6% -14.4%
Motorcycle 208 0.1% -21.8%
Bicycle 5,474 3.1% 4.9%
Walk 7,045 4% 5.6%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Boulder County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
80020 54,201 21,326 $117,243 $139,601
80025 138 87 $134,102 $135,831
80026 32,701 13,524 $120,187 $157,962
80027 34,127 13,180 $154,232 $191,402
80301 25,007 12,371 $95,207 $133,639
80302 29,569 12,425 $61,698 $131,276
80303 24,996 11,783 $78,555 $129,932
80304 25,383 11,358 $126,558 $198,075
80305 16,291 6,976 $126,107 $172,532
80310 7,692 2 $0 $-333,333,333

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FAQs about Boulder County demographics 

What is the total population of Boulder County?

Boulder County has a total population of 328,961 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +0.2% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Boulder County?

The gender ratio in Boulder County is as follows:
  • 50.4% males (165,850 residents)
  • 49.6% females (163,111 residents)

What is the median age in Boulder County?

The median age in Boulder County is 37.7.

What is the age distribution of the population in Boulder County?

The age distribution in Boulder County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 14% (45,912 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 19% (62,420 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 26.2% (86,201 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 24.5% (80,486 residents)
  • Over 65: 16.4% (53,942 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Boulder County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Boulder County is as follows:
  • White: 77.8% (255,881 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.8% (2,770 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.3% (1,121 residents)
  • Asian: 4.7% (15,523 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.1% (204 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 13% (42,689 residents)
  • Other: 3.3% (10,773 residents)

What percentage of the population in Boulder County are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 88.2% of the population in Boulder County.

How many housing units are there in Boulder County?

There are 144,729 housing units in Boulder County, reflecting a +1.3% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Boulder County and what is the average household size?

Boulder County has a total of 137,008 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Boulder County?

Boulder County has a median household income of $103,994, representing a +1.2% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Boulder County?

The employment rate is 95.2% in Boulder County, with a workforce of 177,475 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 88% (156,174 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 12% (21,301 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 13.6% (24,125 residents)
  • Private companies: 63.7% (113,028 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 14.3% (25,349 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 8.4% (14,973 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025