Thornton, CO Census Data
The 6th largest city in Colorado by population · 20 cities ranked
Thornton is the 6th largest city in Colorado by population and ranks 8th of 20 for median household income. With 142,878 residents, it has a lower poverty rate than 12 other Colorado cities. This snapshot draws from the 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.
Updated: 2026-04-13 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2023
Population
142,878
50.2% male · 49.8% female
Median Age
34.3
4.4 below the national average (38.7 yrs)
Median Household Income
$100,985
$22,447 above the national average ($78,538)
Bachelor's Degree or Higher
32.2%
2.8% below the national average (35.0%)
HS diploma or higher: 87.9%
Poverty Rate
7.3%
5.1% below the national average (12.4%)
Uninsured: 9.5%
Broadband Access
98.6%
8.9% above the national average (89.7%)
Median Home Value
$482,200
Median rent: $1,810 · 73% owner-occupied
Unemployment Rate
4.6%
Labor force participation: 70.7%
Per Capita Income
$49,723
Individual average income (not household)
Veteran Population
6.4%
Disability rate: 10.1%
How Thornton Compares to Other Colorado Cities
Rankings among all 20 Colorado cities tracked in the 2023 ACS.
| Ranking | Position | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| Largest by Population | 6th of 20 | Top half |
| Highest Median Income | 8th of 20 | Top half |
| Lowest Poverty Rate | 8th of 20 | Top half |
| Highest Bachelor's Attainment | 17th of 20 | Bottom 25% |
| Highest Home Value | 13th of 20 | Bottom half |
Demographics
Race & Ethnicity
Age Distribution
Commute to Work
Thornton, CO Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Thornton, CO?
The population of Thornton, CO is 142,878 according to the 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates. The median age is 34.3 years.
What is the median household income in Thornton?
The median household income in Thornton, CO is $100,985, above the national average of $78,538. Per capita income is $49,723.
What is the poverty rate in Thornton?
The poverty rate in Thornton, CO is 7.3%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. About 9.5% of residents lack health insurance.
What percentage of Thornton residents have a college degree?
32.2% of adults (25+) in Thornton hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 87.9% have at least a high school diploma. The national average for bachelor's degree holders is 35.0%.
What is the median home value in Thornton?
The median home value in Thornton, CO is $482,200. Median rent is $1,810 per month, with 73% of housing units owner-occupied.
What is the racial makeup of Thornton?
Thornton's population is 63.5% White, 2.2% Black, 37.4% Hispanic or Latino, and 5.8% Asian (source: 2023 ACS).
How does Thornton rank among Colorado cities?
Thornton is the 6th largest city in Colorado by population, the 8th highest for median household income, the 8th lowest for poverty rate, the 17th highest for bachelor's degree attainment among 20 ranked Colorado cities.
What is the unemployment rate in Thornton?
The unemployment rate in Thornton, CO is 4.6%, with a labor force participation rate of 70.7%. Per capita income is $49,723.
Cities Similar to Thornton
Other Colorado cities with comparable population and income levels.