Mesa County, Colorado Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 11th-largest in Colorado
The population of Mesa County, Colorado is 157,316 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 11th-largest county in Colorado. The median household income is $71,485, the median home value is $349,400, and the median age is 40.8.
The population of Mesa County has grown 10.3% since 2010 (146,266 → 161,260), a +0.70% annualized rate.
157,316
Population
+0.70%
Annual growth
47
People / sq mi
$71,485
Median Income
$349,400
Median Home Value
Mesa County covers 3,329 sq mi of land at 47.3 people per square mile.
About Mesa County, CO
Mesa County is a county in Colorado with a population of 157,316. It ranks #11 among counties in Colorado by population. The median age is 40.8, older than the national median. The population is 49.6% male and 50.4% female.
The median household income in Mesa County is $71,485, near the US median of $74,580. 7.3% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $349,400, with monthly rent averaging $1,154. The homeownership rate of 71.9% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Mesa County reflects 30.6% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 13.1% of workers primarily work from home, similar to the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 19.3 minutes each way.
Mesa County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Mesa County had a population of 146,266 in 2010 and 161,260 in 2024, a 10.3% growth over 14 years. The peak was 161,260 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.70%.
161,260
Population (2024)
146,266
Population (2010)
161,260
Peak (2024)
0.70%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 146,266 |
| 2011 | 147,205 |
| 2012 | 147,360 |
| 2013 | 147,249 |
| 2014 | 147,215 |
| 2015 | 148,159 |
| 2016 | 149,882 |
| 2017 | 151,435 |
| 2018 | 153,339 |
| 2019 | 154,552 |
| 2020 | 156,011 |
| 2021 | 157,458 |
| 2022 | 158,585 |
| 2023 | 159,690 |
| 2024 | 161,260 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 84.7% |
| Black or African American | 0.6% |
| Asian | 0.2% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 2.4% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
40.8
Median Age
50.4%
Female
49.6%
Male
20.4%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 17.1% · Seniors (65+): 20.4%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $71,485$-20,985 vs state |
| Mean household income | $92,470 |
| Per-capita income | $38,589 |
| Poverty rate | 7.3%+1.4% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.1% |
| Employment-to-population | 58.0% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Mesa County is professional & business services, accounting for 24.8% of workers.
How residents commute
0.8%
Drive alone
2.4%
Carpool
72.7%
Public transit
13.1%
Work from home
19.3 min
Avg commute
Housing
$349,400$-152,800 vs state
Median home value
$1,154
Median rent
71.9%
Homeownership rate
68,861
Total housing units
93.8%
Occupied
6.2%
Vacant
28.1%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
90.2%
With health insurance
95.0%
With broadband internet
45.6%
Foreign-born
9.3%
Veterans (18+)
15.3%
With a disability
93.3%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
92.4%
High School+
30.6%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Colorado
Other counties in Colorado
Part of Colorado
Metro areas in Colorado
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Mesa County, Colorado has a population of 157,316 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 11th-largest county in Colorado. Population density is 47 people per square mile.
The population of Mesa County has grown 10.3% since 2010 (146,266 → 161,260), a +0.70% annualized rate.
The median household income in Mesa County, Colorado is $71,485, with mean (average) household income of $92,470 and per-capita income of $38,589. 7.3% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Mesa County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (84.7%), Hispanic or Latino (2.4%), Black or African American (0.6%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Mesa County, Colorado is 40.8 years. Residents are 50.4% female and 49.6% male.
The median home value in Mesa County is $349,400 and median monthly rent is $1,154. 71.9% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 68,861 total housing units, 6.2% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Mesa County, Colorado is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 24.8% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.1%.
Denver is among the largest cities associated with Mesa County, Colorado, with a population of 713,734.
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Full rankings of Colorado counties
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.