Thornton, Colorado Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Thornton, Colorado is 142,878 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 6th-largest city in Colorado. The median household income is $100,985, the median home value is $482,200, and the median age is 34.3.
The population has grown 22.9% since 2010 (119,391 → 146,689).
142,878
Population
3912
People / sq mi
$100,985
Median Income
$482,200
Median Home Value
Thornton covers 36.5 sq mi of land at 3912 people per square mile.
About Thornton, CO
Thornton is a city in Colorado with a population of 142,878. It ranks #6 among cities in Colorado by population. The median age is 34.3, younger than the national median. The population is 50.2% male and 49.8% female.
The median household income in Thornton is $100,985, above the US median of $74,580. 4.8% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $482,200, with monthly rent averaging $1,810. The homeownership rate of 73.1% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Thornton reflects 32.2% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 13.8% of workers primarily work from home, similar to the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 30.9 minutes each way.
Thornton city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of Thornton city had a population of 119,391 in 2010 and 146,689 in 2024, a 22.9% growth over 14 years. The peak was 146,689 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 1.48%.
146,689
Population (2024)
119,391
Population (2010)
146,689
Peak (2024)
1.48%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 119,391 |
| 2011 | 121,911 |
| 2012 | 124,361 |
| 2013 | 127,022 |
| 2014 | 129,479 |
| 2015 | 132,176 |
| 2016 | 134,574 |
| 2017 | 136,777 |
| 2018 | 139,352 |
| 2019 | 141,464 |
| 2020 | 142,191 |
| 2021 | 142,942 |
| 2022 | 143,459 |
| 2023 | 145,533 |
| 2024 | 146,689 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 63.5% |
| Black or African American | 2.2% |
| Asian | 0.1% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 3.9% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Economy & Income
$100,985
Median Household Income
$41,869
Per Capita Income
4.8%
Poverty Rate
3.4%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$482,200
Median Home Value
$1,810
Median Rent
73.1%
Owner-Occupied
Education
87.9%
High School+
32.2%
Bachelor's+
Commute
1.9%
Drive Alone
72.5%
Public Transit
13.8%
Work From Home
30.9 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
33.2%
Foreign Born
73.1%
Non-English at Home
6.4%
Veterans
10.1%
With Disability
90.5%
Health Insurance
98.6%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 18.5% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 12.1% |
| Construction | 10.4% |
| Manufacturing | 8.7% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 8.0% |
| Retail Trade | 7.3% |
| Information | 5.7% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 5.5% |
| Public Administration | 5.2% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 2.6% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 1.3% |
Largest cities in Colorado
Largest counties in Colorado
Part of Colorado
Metro areas in Colorado
City rankings
Common questions about Thornton, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Thornton, Colorado has a population of 142,878 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 6th-largest city in Colorado.
The median household income in Thornton, Colorado is $100,985, with 4.8% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Thornton, Colorado is $482,200, with median monthly rent at $1,810 and a homeownership rate of 73.1%.
The median age in Thornton, Colorado is 34.3 years. The population is 50.2% male and 49.8% female.
The population has grown 22.9% since 2010 (119,391 → 146,689).
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Statewide data for Colorado
Population, race, income, age, and trends across Colorado
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.