Bent County, Colorado Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 50th-largest in Colorado
The population of Bent County, Colorado is 5,524 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 50th-largest county in Colorado. The median household income is $49,194, the median home value is $137,900, and the median age is 41.7.
The population of Bent County has declined 11.1% since 2010 (6,500 → 5,779), a -0.84% annualized rate.
5,524
Population
-0.84%
Annual growth
4
People / sq mi
$49,194
Median Income
$137,900
Median Home Value
Bent County covers 1,513 sq mi of land at 3.7 people per square mile.
About Bent County, CO
The poverty rate is what most separates Bent County from the typical county: 23.6% of residents live below the federal poverty line, against 12.4% nationally. Bent County is a county in Colorado with a population of 5,524. It ranks #50 among counties in Colorado by population.
Incomes run on the lower side: a median household income of $49,194, below the US median of $78,538. Hardship is pronounced — at 23.6%, poverty is near the top of the range for US counties, above the national 12.4%. Homes carry a median value of $137,900, with typical rent around $854.
Fewer adults hold degrees here than in most comparable places — 14.2%, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is below the national 14.0% at 7.4%, and the average commute runs about 23 minutes each way.
The elevated poverty rate is the context for the rest of the profile in Bent County: it pulls on median income, housing tenure, and the share of residents with a college degree.
Bent County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Bent County had a population of 6,500 in 2010 and 5,779 in 2024, a -11.1% growth over 14 years. The peak was 6,500 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.79%.
5,779
Population (2024)
6,500
Population (2010)
6,500
Peak (2010)
-0.79%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 6,500 |
| 2011 | 6,424 |
| 2012 | 5,850 |
| 2013 | 5,759 |
| 2014 | 5,821 |
| 2015 | 5,891 |
| 2016 | 5,832 |
| 2017 | 5,828 |
| 2018 | 5,793 |
| 2019 | 5,578 |
| 2020 | 5,480 |
| 2021 | 5,346 |
| 2022 | 5,430 |
| 2023 | 5,712 |
| 2024 | 5,779 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 70.2% |
| Black or African American | 3.5% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 6.9% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
41.7
Median Age
37.8%
Female
62.2%
Male
18.8%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 13.3% · Seniors (65+): 18.8%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $49,194$-43,276 vs state |
| Mean household income | $58,522 |
| Per-capita income | $20,360 |
| Poverty rate | 23.6%+17.7% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 1.6% |
| Employment-to-population | 33.7% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Bent County is professional & business services, accounting for 23.3% of workers.
How residents commute
2.7%
Drive alone
0.1%
Carpool
77.7%
Public transit
7.4%
Work from home
22.8 min
Avg commute
Housing
$137,900$-364,300 vs state
Median home value
$854
Median rent
66.1%
Homeownership rate
2,163
Total housing units
86.7%
Occupied
13.3%
Vacant
33.9%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
91.8%
With health insurance
92.1%
With broadband internet
31.6%
Foreign-born
5.9%
Veterans (18+)
19.1%
With a disability
90.7%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
81.2%
High School+
14.2%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Colorado
Other counties in Colorado
Part of Colorado
Metro areas in Colorado
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Bent County, Colorado has a population of 5,524 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 50th-largest county in Colorado. Population density is 4 people per square mile.
The population of Bent County has declined 11.1% since 2010 (6,500 → 5,779), a -0.84% annualized rate.
The median household income in Bent County, Colorado is $49,194, with mean (average) household income of $58,522 and per-capita income of $20,360. 23.6% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Bent County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (70.2%), Hispanic or Latino (6.9%), Black or African American (3.5%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Bent County, Colorado is 41.7 years. Residents are 37.8% female and 62.2% male.
The median home value in Bent County is $137,900 and median monthly rent is $854. 66.1% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 2,163 total housing units, 13.3% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Bent County, Colorado is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 23.3% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.6%.
Denver is among the largest cities associated with Bent County, Colorado, with a population of 713,734.
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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.