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
Bent County is a county in Colorado with a population of 5,524. It ranks #50 among counties in Colorado by population. The median age is 41.7, older than the national median. The population is 62.2% male and 37.8% female.
The median household income in Bent County is $49,194, below the US median of $74,580. 23.6% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $137,900, with monthly rent averaging $854. The homeownership rate of 66.1% is close to the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Bent County reflects 14.2% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 7.4% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 22.8 minutes each way.
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.