Brighton, CO demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
42,059
2.1% year-over-year change
Median household income
$107,679/yr
7.5% year-over-year change
Housing units
14,116
2.1% year-over-year change

Brighton population

How many people live in Brighton

Brighton is home to 42,059 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50.5% of Brighton locals are male, and 49.5% are female.

Total population
42,059
2.1% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50.5%
21,225
Female
49.5%
20,834
Value Percent YoY change
Male 21,225 50.5% 0.5%
Female 20,834 49.5% 3.8%
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 Brighton is 34, with the population distributed as follows: about 22.5% are children under 15, then 12.4% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 31% of the population, while another 24% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 10% are 65 or older.

Median age
34
Age breakdown
Under 15
22.5%
15 to 24
12.4%
25 to 44
31%
45 to 64
24%
Over 65
10%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 9,466 22.5% 0.6%
15 to 24 5,229 12.4% 10.1%
25 to 44 13,044 31% 1.6%
45 to 64 10,092 24% 1.6%
Over 65 4,228 10% -0.7%
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 Brighton, 88.6% of the population are US-born citizens, while 6% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 5.4% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 59.3% of locals are Caucasian, 2.8% are African American and 2% have Asian roots. Another 1.5% are Indigenous American, 0.2% are Pacific Islanders, while 12.8% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 21.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
88.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
6%
Non-citizens
5.4%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 37,280 88.6% 0.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 2,520 6% 18.9%
Non-citizens 2,259 5.4% 15.3%
Racial breakdown
White
59.3%
Black or African American
2.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native
1.5%
Asian
2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.2%
Two or more races
21.4%
Other
12.8%
Value Percent
White 24,955 59.3%
Black or African American 1,171 2.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native 644 1.5%
Asian 827 2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 69 0.2%
Two or more races 8,987 21.4%
Other 5,406 12.8%

Households in Brighton

A peek inside Brighton households

Brighton has 13,618 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 73.2% are families, while the remaining 26.8% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
13,618
1.9% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
3,651
Family households
9,967
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 3,651 26.8% 3.2%
Family households 9,967 73.2% 1.4%
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 Brighton

The housing landscape of Brighton

Brighton's housing consists of 14,116 units, with 70.1% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 6.7% 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 2.9% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
14,116
2.1% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 9,890 70.1%
1 unit, attached 942 6.7%
2 units 122 0.9%
3 or 4 units 251 1.8%
5 to 9 units 560 4%
10 to 19 units 751 5.3%
20 to 49 units 710 5%
50 or more units 481 3.4%
Mobile home 409 2.9%
Homes built since 2020
727
97.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Brighton

In Brighton, the median construction year is 1999. About 5.5% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 1.6% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 25.3% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 18.5% between 2010 and 2019, and 5.2% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 775 5.5% -14.2%
Built between 1940 and 1949 221 1.6% -21.4%
Built between 1950 and 1959 943 6.7% 6.7%
Built between 1960 and 1969 889 6.3% 6.5%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,611 11.4% 1.5%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,054 7.5% 8.4%
Built between 1990 and 1999 1,712 12.1% -2.2%
Built between 2000 and 2009 3,571 25.3% -7.4%
Built between 2010 and 2019 2,613 18.5% 9.8%
Built in 2020 or later 727 5.2% 97.0%
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.

Brighton occupancy rates

Out of the 13,618 occupied housing units in Brighton, 71.5% are owner-occupied, while 28.5% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 3.5% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
13,618
1.9% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
3,885
Owner occupied
9,733
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 3,885 28.5% 0.3%
Owner occupied 9,733 71.5% 2.5%
Unoccupied housing units
3.5%
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.

Brighton housing costs

Housing costs in Brighton come to a median of $2,064 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,779.

Median housing costs per month
$2,064/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 Brighton
$1,779/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 Brighton

Brighton education at a glance

About 42.8% of the population in Brighton went to high school, while 22.3% pursued college studies. Another 8.6% earned an associate degree and 15.9% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 6.2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 1,243 4.1% -2.3%
High school diploma 13,015 42.8% 3.5%
College diploma 6,787 22.3% 2.5%
Associate degree 2,626 8.6% 1.6%
Bachelor's degree 4,835 15.9% 1.9%
Graduate degree 1,879 6.2% -2.9%
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 Brighton

How much people earn in Brighton

The average annual household income in Brighton was $125,794 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +3.4% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $107,679, reflecting a +7.5% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Brighton
$125,794/year
3.4% year-over-year change
Median household income in Brighton
$107,679/year
7.5% year-over-year change

Brighton income by age

In Brighton, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $130,232. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $117,563 overall. Overall, 90.5% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $130,232 12.7%
45 - 64 $117,563 4.0%
Over 65 $53,286 1.4%
Above poverty level
36,763
Below poverty level
3,842
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 36,763 90.5% 1.3%
Below poverty level 3,842 9.5% 9.1%

Average renter income in Brighton

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Brighton, their median household income was $56,910 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 37.5%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$56,910
Rent-to-income ratio
37.5%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Brighton

Workforce and job types in Brighton

The job market in Brighton is powered by 21,810 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 69.6% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 30.4% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 8.1% run their own businesses, 70.8% are employed by private companies, and 15.9% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
21,810
2.1% year-over-year change
White collar
15,173
Blue collar
6,637
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 15,173 69.6% 3.8%
Blue collar 6,637 30.4% -1.5%
Employer type
Self employees
8.1%
Private companies
70.8%
Governmental workers
15.9%
Not for profit companies
5.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 1,768 8.1% -6.6%
Private companies 15,437 70.8% 1.9%
Governmental workers 3,477 15.9% 13.1%
Not for profit companies 1,128 5.2% -9.2%
Unemployment rate
4.8%
13.4% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Brighton 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 Brighton

How people get around in Brighton

Commuting methods vary: 83.9% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.4% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 18,074 83.9% -1.2%
Bus or trolleybus 237 1.1% -6.3%
Motorcycle 6 0% 200.0%
Bicycle 38 0.2% -28.3%
Walk 98 0.4% 180.0%
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 Brighton by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
80601 42,127 13,686 $105,417 $124,045
80602 44,783 14,310 $151,737 $176,905
80603 16,811 5,622 $118,297 $129,247

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FAQs about Brighton demographics 

What is the total population of Brighton?

Brighton has a total population of 42,059 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 +2.1% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Brighton?

The gender ratio in Brighton is as follows:
  • 50.5% males (21,225 residents)
  • 49.5% females (20,834 residents)

What is the median age in Brighton?

The median age in Brighton is 34.

What is the age distribution of the population in Brighton?

The age distribution in Brighton is as follows:
  • Under 15: 22.5% (9,466 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.4% (5,229 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 31% (13,044 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 24% (10,092 residents)
  • Over 65: 10% (4,228 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Brighton?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Brighton is as follows:
  • White: 59.3% (24,955 residents)
  • Black or African American: 2.8% (1,171 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 1.5% (644 residents)
  • Asian: 2% (827 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.2% (69 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 21.4% (8,987 residents)
  • Other: 12.8% (5,406 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 88.6% of the population in Brighton.

How many housing units are there in Brighton?

There are 14,116 housing units in Brighton, reflecting a +2.1% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Brighton has a total of 13,618 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Brighton?

Brighton has a median household income of $107,679, representing a +7.5% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Brighton?

The employment rate is 95.2% in Brighton, with a workforce of 21,810 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 69.6% (15,173 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 30.4% (6,637 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 8.1% (1,768 residents)
  • Private companies: 70.8% (15,437 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 15.9% (3,477 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 5.2% (1,128 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