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
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Thornton covers 36.5 sq mi of land at 3912 people per square mile.
About Thornton, CO
Age is the most distinctive thing about Thornton: a median age of 34.3, younger than the national median. With 142,878 residents, Thornton is a city in Colorado. That makes it one of the ten largest cities in Colorado in the country, at #6 by population.
Median household income is $100,985, above the US median of $78,538. About 4.8% of residents live below the federal poverty level, below the national 12.4%. Home values run above average at $482,200, with typical rent around $1,810.
32.2% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national average of 35.0%. About 13.8% of the workforce is home-based, close to the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 31 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% |
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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).
Thornton city, CO Climate
Thornton city, CO has an average annual temperature of 10.2°C (50°F) and receives about 423 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
10.2°C
Avg Temp
423
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -1° / 30° | 13 mm |
| February | 1° / 34° | 13 mm |
| March | 5° / 40° | 38 mm |
| April | 9° / 48° | 52 mm |
| May | 14° / 57° | 66 mm |
| June | 20° / 67° | 47 mm |
| July | 23° / 73° | 48 mm |
| August | 22° / 71° | 40 mm |
| September | 17° / 62° | 36 mm |
| October | 11° / 51° | 27 mm |
| November | 3° / 38° | 27 mm |
| December | -1° / 31° | 16 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Thornton city, CO
The most comfortable months to visit Thornton city, CO are typically August, June and July, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 32°C high). The coldest is January (near -9°C low). May is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Thornton
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.