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
Housing cost is the defining feature of Mesa County: the median home is valued at $349,400. With 157,316 residents, Mesa County is a county in Colorado. It ranks #11 among counties in Colorado by population.
The typical household earns $71,485 a year, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 7.3%, below the national 12.4%. The median home value is $349,400, with typical rent around $1,154.
About 30.6% of adults 25 and older have a bachelor’s degree, below the 35.0% national figure. Remote work is on the higher side at 13.1%, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 19 minutes each way.
High housing values reframe the income picture in Mesa County — even solid earnings stretch less against home prices and rents at this level.
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.