Greater Boulder, North Central Colorado, CO demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
309,407
0.9% year-over-year change
Median household income
$116,563/yr
1.3% year-over-year change
Housing units
136,267
2.3% year-over-year change

Boulder population

How many people live in Boulder

Boulder is home to 309,407 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50.5% of Boulder locals are male, and 49.5% are female.

Total population
309,407
0.9% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50.5%
156,319
Female
49.5%
153,088
Value Percent YoY change
Male 156,319 50.5% 0.8%
Female 153,088 49.5% 1.0%
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 is 40, with the population distributed as follows: about 14.9% are children under 15, then 16.4% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 27.3% of the population, while another 24.8% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 16.6% are 65 or older.

Median age
40.3
Age breakdown
Under 15
14.9%
15 to 24
16.4%
25 to 44
27.3%
45 to 64
24.8%
Over 65
16.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 46,240 14.9% -1.3%
15 to 24 50,633 16.4% 0.3%
25 to 44 84,591 27.3% 2.0%
45 to 64 76,733 24.8% -1.0%
Over 65 51,210 16.6% 4.7%
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 Boulder, 88.8% of the population are US-born citizens, while 6.6% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 4.7% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 76.7% of locals are Caucasian, 0.9% are African American and 4.4% have Asian roots. Another 0.4% are Indigenous American, 0.1% are Pacific Islanders, while 4.2% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 13.3% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
88.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
6.6%
Non-citizens
4.7%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 274,665 88.8% 1.0%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 20,334 6.6% 2.1%
Non-citizens 14,408 4.7% -2.4%
Racial breakdown
White
76.7%
Black or African American
0.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.4%
Asian
4.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.1%
Two or more races
13.3%
Other
4.2%
Value Percent
White 237,224 76.7%
Black or African American 2,866 0.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native 1,372 0.4%
Asian 13,541 4.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 184 0.1%
Two or more races 41,265 13.3%
Other 12,955 4.2%

Households in Boulder

A peek inside Boulder households

Boulder has 129,002 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 57% are families, while the remaining 43% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
129,002
2.2% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
55,495
Family households
73,508
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 55,495 43% 3.7%
Family households 73,508 57% 1.1%
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

The housing landscape of Boulder

Boulder's housing consists of 136,267 units, with 59.6% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 7.8% 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 2.7% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
136,267
2.3% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 81,186 59.6%
1 unit, attached 10,570 7.8%
2 units 2,078 1.5%
3 or 4 units 4,984 3.7%
5 to 9 units 7,424 5.4%
10 to 19 units 8,769 6.4%
20 to 49 units 7,866 5.8%
50 or more units 9,568 7%
Mobile home 3,713 2.7%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 110 0.1%
Homes built since 2020
3,152
75.1% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Boulder

In Boulder, the median construction year is 1978. About 5.7% 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, 15.2% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 12.9% between 2010 and 2019, and 2.3% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 7,726 5.7% -0.5%
Built between 1940 and 1949 1,924 1.4% 3.7%
Built between 1950 and 1959 5,873 4.3% 7.2%
Built between 1960 and 1969 11,628 8.5% 1.5%
Built between 1970 and 1979 24,193 17.8% 1.4%
Built between 1980 and 1989 18,423 13.5% -2.3%
Built between 1990 and 1999 25,014 18.4% -1.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 20,746 15.2% 2.6%
Built between 2010 and 2019 17,587 12.9% 5.8%
Built in 2020 or later 3,152 2.3% 75.1%
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 occupancy rates

Out of the 129,002 occupied housing units in Boulder, 63.3% are owner-occupied, while 36.7% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 5.3% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
129,002
2.2% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
47,374
Owner occupied
81,628
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 47,374 36.7% 3.0%
Owner occupied 81,628 63.3% 1.7%
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 housing costs

Housing costs in Boulder come to a median of $1,986 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $2,052.

Median housing costs per month
$1,986/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
$2,052/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

Boulder education at a glance

About 18.6% of the population in Boulder went to high school, while 20.8% pursued college studies. Another 6.1% earned an associate degree and 30.2% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 22.4% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 4,720 1.9% -6.5%
High school diploma 46,961 18.6% 0.3%
College diploma 52,459 20.8% 1.1%
Associate degree 15,355 6.1% -2.0%
Bachelor's degree 76,043 30.2% 1.5%
Graduate degree 56,411 22.4% 4.0%
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

How much people earn in Boulder

The average annual household income in Boulder was $154,061 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +4.8% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $116,563, reflecting a +1.3% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Boulder
$154,061/year
4.8% year-over-year change
Median household income in Boulder
$116,563/year
1.3% year-over-year change

Boulder income by age

In Boulder, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $126,150. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $152,550 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $64,678, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $80,599 in earnings. Overall, 89.7% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $64,678 10.3%
25 - 44 $126,150 3.2%
45 - 64 $152,550 -5.6%
Over 65 $80,599 -0.2%
Above poverty level
271,505
Below poverty level
31,107
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 271,505 89.7% 1.1%
Below poverty level 31,107 10.3% -1.1%

Average renter income in Boulder

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Boulder, their median household income was $45,189 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 54.5%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$45,189
Rent-to-income ratio
54.5%
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 Boulder

Workforce and job types in Boulder

86.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 13.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 12.6% run their own businesses, 64.8% are employed by private companies, and 14.3% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
146,550
Blue collar
23,122
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 146,550 86.4% 1.3%
Blue collar 23,122 13.6% -1.9%
Employer type
Self employees
12.6%
Private companies
64.8%
Governmental workers
14.3%
Not for profit companies
8.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 21,430 12.6% -1.9%
Private companies 109,886 64.8% 1.3%
Governmental workers 24,287 14.3% 1.4%
Not for profit companies 14,068 8.3% 0.4%

Transportation in Boulder

How people get around in Boulder

In Boulder, the average commute time is 148 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 88.6% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 4.9% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
148 min
-37.0% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 104,296 88.6% -3.7%
Taxicab 144 0.1% 152.6%
Bus or trolleybus 3,416 2.9% -14.5%
Railroad 57 0% 18.8%
Motorcycle 236 0.2% -16.3%
Bicycle 3,857 3.3% 6.5%
Walk 5,722 4.9% 4.4%
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 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
80455 501 212 $169,286 $201,642

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FAQs about Boulder demographics 

What is the total population of Boulder?

Boulder has a total population of 309,407 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 +0.9% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Boulder?

The gender ratio in Boulder is as follows:
  • 50.5% males (156,319 residents)
  • 49.5% females (153,088 residents)

What is the median age in Boulder?

The median age in Boulder is 40.3.

What is the age distribution of the population in Boulder?

The age distribution in Boulder is as follows:
  • Under 15: 14.9% (46,240 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 16.4% (50,633 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 27.3% (84,591 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 24.8% (76,733 residents)
  • Over 65: 16.6% (51,210 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Boulder?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Boulder is as follows:
  • White: 76.7% (237,224 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.9% (2,866 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.4% (1,372 residents)
  • Asian: 4.4% (13,541 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.1% (184 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 13.3% (41,265 residents)
  • Other: 4.2% (12,955 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 88.8% of the population in Boulder.

How many housing units are there in Boulder?

There are 136,267 housing units in Boulder, reflecting a +2.3% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Boulder has a total of 129,002 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Boulder?

Boulder has a median household income of $116,563, representing a +1.3% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Boulder?

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 86.4% (146,550 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 13.6% (23,122 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 12.6% (21,430 residents)
  • Private companies: 64.8% (109,886 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 14.3% (24,287 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 8.3% (14,068 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