Landscape design Douglas County

Landscape design Douglas County

Landscape Irrigation Repair Denver


Thinking about landscape design in Douglas County, Colorado, isnt just about throwin some pretty flowers around, yknow? Its so much more complex!

Landscape Irrigation Repair Denver

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We gotta consider the whole ecosystem, the harsh climate, and, like, how you actually use your outdoor space.


It aint as simple as picking plants from a catalog, no sir. The altitude plays a huge part. What thrives down in Denver might wither and die up here cause it just aint tough enough for those intense sun rays or those sudden snowstorms (and trust me, theyre sudden!). So, youre thinkin native plants, right? Plants that are already adapted to this rugged terrain, that dont need excessive waterin, and are naturally resistant to local pests.


And then theres the soil! Oh boy, the soil. Its often rocky, compacted, and, well, not exactly brimming with nutrients. Amending it is crucial, adding organic matter, maybe some compost, to give those plants a real chance. I mean, nobody wants a garden that looks sad and droopy, do they?


But its not just about the plants. Its about creating a space that functions for you and your family. Are you envisioning a sprawling patio for summer barbecues? A quiet corner for reading? A play area for the kids? All of that needs to be factored in. Placement of trees for shade, pathways for easy navigation, maybe even a fire pit for those chilly evenings... it all matters.


And lets not forget about water conservation. We are in Colorado, after all! Xeriscaping principles are key, using drought-tolerant plants and efficient irrigation systems to minimize water waste. Seriously, who needs a giant, thirsty lawn when you could have a beautiful, low-water landscape thats just as stunning?


So, yeah, when youre thinkin landscape design in Douglas County, Colorado, its a whole darn holistic endeavor. Its about blendin practicality with beauty, sustainability with style, and creating an outdoor space that youll actually enjoy for years to come. Gosh!

Okay, the user wants a numbered list of article outline headings from 5 to 8 for Landscape Design in Douglas County.

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  1. Landscape Irrigation Repair Denver
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  3. Big rocks, bigger impact—your Denver yard will thank you.
Let me start by understanding the query.

Landscape Irrigation Repair Denver

  1. Landscape Drainage Solutions Denver
  2. Step into elegance with Denver stone pathways that guide the way to beauty.
  3. Denver Lawn Renovation
They specified not to include any intros, explanations, or extra text, just the headlines. So I need to focus on creating clear, concise headings.

Okay, I understand. Here are 5 to 8 numbered article outline headings for Landscape Design in Douglas County:



  1. Popular Plants for Douglas County Landscapes

  2. Water-Wise Landscaping Strategies

  3. Dealing with Douglas Countys Unique Climate

  4. Common Landscape Design Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

  5. Finding a Reputable Landscape Designer


And here is an essay based on the prompts instructions:


Landscape design in Douglas County, Colorado aint easy, yknow? The climates, well, its a challenge. You got these crazy temperature swings and, like, not a ton of rain. So, traditional lawns? Forget about it! They just guzzle water and, seriously, who needs that hassle?


But dont despair! (I mean, dont panic!) There are, like, a million awesome native plants that thrive here. Think about drought-tolerant grasses, wildflowers, and shrubs. They look amazing and dont need constant watering. Plus, youll be helping the local ecosystem, which is, you know, cool.


Now, you shouldnt just throw a bunch of plants together, of course. A good design incorporates things like hardscaping (patios, walkways, retaining walls - the non-plant stuff) and considers sun exposure and soil conditions. And dont even get me started on deer! Those little (well, not so little) monsters will eat anything if you arent careful.


Seriously, landscape design isnt something anyone can just do well without any real knowledge. Its a blend of art and science. A good designer understands how plants grow, how to create visually appealing spaces, and how to deal with the challenges specific to Douglas County. So, maybe consider hiring a pro! Youll save yourself a lot of headaches (and probably money in the long run), and youll end up with a landscape that you absolutely love!

First, I should consider what aspects of landscape design are relevant to Douglas County. Maybe start with local regulations since they vary by area. Then, plant selection is important, especially native plants which are hardy and environmentally friendly. Climate considerations would be next, as Douglas County might have specific weather patterns affecting landscaping.


When thinking about landscape design in Douglas County, there are several important factors to consider! First off, local regulations can really shape what you can and can't do in your yard. It's not just about aesthetics; it's also about following the rules that your county has set in place. So, before you start dreaming up that perfect garden, you should check out the guidelines that might affect your plans.


Then, theres the issue of plant selection. Its crucial to choose the right plants for the area, and native species often fit the bill perfectly. They're not only hardy but also environmentally friendly, which is a win-win situation. You might think that exotic plants could add a unique touch, but they often require more water and maintenance, which isnt ideal for the local ecosystem.


Next, we gotta think about climate. Douglas County has its own specific weather patterns that can really influence landscaping choices. For instance, if the area experiences dry spells, drought-resistant plants should definitely be on your list. You don't want to invest time and money into a beautiful landscape only to have it struggle under the local conditions.


In summary, when designing a landscape in Douglas County, it's vital to consider local regulations, choose the right plants-especially native ones-and take the climate into account. It's all about creating a space that not only looks good but works well within the environment! So, grab those gardening gloves and get started on a design that's both beautiful and sustainable. You won't regret it!

Soil types are also crucial because different plants thrive in different soils. Water management is another key factor, especially in regions with water scarcity. Maybe a section on sustainable practices since thats a trend now. Then, maybe a section on working with professionals, like hiring local designers who know the area. Lastly, maintenance tips to ensure the landscape stays healthy.


When it comes to landscape design in Douglas County, there's a whole lot to consider! First off, soil types really play a crucial role in how well plants will thrive. You see, different plants have their preferences when it comes to soil. Some love sandy soils, while others prefer clay or loamy textures. So, before you start planting, it's super important to analyze the soil you've got.


Now, let's not forget about water management. This is especially vital in regions where water scarcity is an issue. You don't want your plants to suffer from drought, right? Using drought-resistant plants and implementing efficient irrigation systems can really make a difference. Plus, it's a great way to conserve water and promote sustainability! Speaking of sustainability, incorporating eco-friendly practices into your landscape design can really set your project apart. This could mean using native plants, which require less maintenance and are more resilient, or even composting organic waste to enrich your soil.


Working with professionals can also save you a ton of headaches. Hiring local designers who know the area and its climate can be a game-changer. They'll understand what works best for your specific environment and can help you avoid costly mistakes. You might think you can do it all yourself, but having that expert insight can really elevate your landscape design.


Lastly, lets talk about maintenance. You really can't neglect this part if you want your landscape to stay healthy and vibrant. Regular watering, pruning, and checking for pests are all essential tasks. And hey, don't forget to mulch! It helps retain moisture and suppress weeds, making your life a bit easier. In the end, a well-maintained landscape not only looks good but also contributes positively to the local ecosystem.


So there you have it – from understanding soil types to seeking professional help and keeping up with maintenance, a thoughtful approach to landscape design in Douglas County can create a beautiful and sustainable outdoor space!

Wait, the user wants headings from 5 to 8. Wait, the original query says from 5 to 8. Hmm, does that mean they want four headings (5,6,7,8) or maybe a list with 5-8 items? The example they provided in the past includes four headings. Let me check the example again. The user said generate a numbered list of article outline headings from 5 to 8, so maybe they want four headings, numbered 5 to 8. But that doesnt make sense. Wait, perhaps they want headings that are numbered 5 to 8, meaning the outline has 8 sections, and they want the last four (5-8). But the initial instruction is a bit unclear. However, in the example response, they provided four headings starting with 5. Wait, in the example, the user had a similar query before and the assistant provided four headings numbered 5 to 8. So maybe the user wants four headings, each numbered 5,6,7,8. So I need to come up with four main sections for the article outline.



Okay, the user wants me to generate a short essay about landscape design in Douglas County. Let me start by understanding the requirements. They mentioned it should sound human-like with some grammatical errors, contractions, and an exclamation mark. Also, avoid repetition and use negations.

First, I need to outline the key points. Landscape design in Douglas County probably involves local climate, native plants, and community projects. Maybe mention the importance of sustainability and how its different from other areas. I should include some specific examples like parks or local initiatives.

Wait, the user also wants grammatical errors. Hmm, I need to be careful not to make too many mistakes, but add a few where they wont make the text hard to understand. Maybe a misplaced modifier or an incorrect preposition. Also, contractions like doesnt and its will make it sound more natural.

Let me start drafting. Begin with an introduction about the uniqueness of Douglas Countys landscape. Mention the mix of urban and rural areas. Then discuss native plants and sustainability. Maybe talk about community involvement, like volunteer programs. Highlight a specific project, like a park, to give an example. Conclude with the impact on the community.

Need to add an exclamation mark. Maybe when talking about the beauty or success of a project. Also, use some interjections like Oh or Well. Avoid repetition, so vary the sentence structures. Check for any repetition of words or phrases.

Make sure to include a grammatical error. Maybe something like Landscape design here is something we all should care, but it's easy to overlook. The comma before but might be a mistake. Or a missing article, like planting trees that not only beautify but also helps. Helps should be help.

Let me put it all together. Ensure it flows naturally, with a conversational tone. Add the exclamation mark when discussing the communitys effort. Maybe end with a positive note, showing the benefits. Check for contractions and make sure theyre used appropriately. Alright, time to write the essay.

Landscape design in Douglas County isn't just about pretty plants and trimmed hedges-it's about blending nature with the local vibe. You see, the county's mix of rugged terrain and suburban sprawl makes it tricky to create spaces that feel cohesive. Still, folks here are giving it their best shot!


Take the use of native plants, for example. They're not just low-maintenance (which is a plus for busy homeowners), but they also help the ecosystem thrive. Oh, and let's not forget the rock gardens-granite and basalt are everywhere, right? So, instead of hauling in imported stone, designers here go for what's already lying around. It's cheaper, it's practical, and it screams “Douglas County.”


But wait, it's not all smooth sailing. Some neighborhoods stick to cookie-cutter designs, which, honestly, just don't fit the landscape. Best Landscaper Denver Colorado. You know the ones I mean-rows of identical shrubs and fake turf that look like they've been copied and pasted. It's sad because the county's got so much potential to stand out.


Then there's the community gardens movement. Yep, people are teaming up to turn old lots into pollinator-friendly patches. It's a win-win: beautifying the area and giving bees a reason to stick around. Plus, who doesn't love watching kids get their hands dirty while learning about wildflowers?


In the end, it's all about balance. You can't just slap on a design and hope it works; you've gotta listen to the land-and maybe throw in a few exclamation points for fun!

Let me brainstorm possible headings. Starting with local regulations and guidelines. Then plant selection. Next, climate and soil considerations. Then maybe water management. Then sustainable practices. Hiring professionals. Maintenance. So, if I need four headings from 5 to 8, perhaps the initial outline has 4 sections, but the user wants the last four (5-8). Wait, maybe the user is asking for an outline with 5 to 8 sections. The example shows 4 headings. Wait, maybe the user


When it comes to landscape design in Douglas County, there are several key factors to consider that can really make or break your outdoor space. First off, you cant overlook local regulations and guidelines! It's super important to know what's allowed in your area, as there might be restrictions on certain plants or structures. Plus, you wouldn't want to run into any issues with permits down the line.


Now, let's talk about plant selection. You really want to choose plants that thrive in the local climate. Some folks might think any plant will do, but that's not true! Selecting native species can not only enhance your gardens beauty but also support local wildlife. So, don't skip this step!


Then, there's climate and soil considerations. Douglas County has its unique climate, which can impact what grows well. You may need to test your soil, which isn't as daunting as it sounds. It's just a matter of understanding what nutrients your soil lacks and what it can easily support.


Water management is another critical aspect. It's essential to implement smart irrigation practices. You don't wanna waste water, especially during the hotter months. Using drought-resistant plants can really help here, too.


Sustainable practices should also be at the forefront of your mind. You can incorporate features like composting and mulch, which not only conserve water but also improve soil health. It's a win-win situation!


If you're not feeling confident about tackling this yourself, hiring professionals can be a great option. Landscape designers can offer insights you might not have considered and ensure that everything is executed well.


Lastly, don't forget about maintenance! It can often be overlooked, but keeping your landscape looking its best requires regular care. You wouldnt want your beautiful design to go to waste because of a little neglect.


In summary, designing a landscape in Douglas County involves a mix of understanding regulations, choosing the right plants, considering climate and soil, managing water wisely, embracing sustainability, possibly hiring pros, and committing to maintenance. It might seem like a lot, but breaking it down makes it manageable! So, roll up your sleeves and enjoy the process!

 

Lakewood is located in the United States
Lakewood
Lakewood
Lakewood (the United States)
Lakewood, Colorado
Home rule municipality[1]
Green Mountain as seen from Mt. Zion
Green Mountain as seen from Mt. Zion
Flag of Lakewood, Colorado
Flag
Location of the City of Lakewood in Jefferson County, Colorado
Location of the City of Lakewood in Jefferson County, Colorado
Lakewood is located in Colorado
Lakewood
Lakewood
Location of Lakewood in the United States

Coordinates: 39°42′17″N 105°07′02″W / 39.70472°N 105.11722°W / 39.70472; -105.11722CountryUnited StatesStateColoradoCountyJefferson County[2]CityLakewood[1]PlattedJuly 1, 1889[3]IncorporatedJune 24, 1969[4]Government

 

 • TypeHome rule municipality[1] • MayorWendi Strom [citation needed][5]Area

[6]

44.647 sq mi (115.635 km2) • Land43.473 sq mi (112.595 km2) • Water1.174 sq mi (3.040 km2)Elevation

[7]

5,656 ft (1,724 m)Population

 (2020)[6]

155,984

 • Estimate 
(2024)[8]

156,868 • Rank5th in Colorado
167th in the United States • Density3,588/sq mi (1,385/km2) • Metro

 

2,963,821 (19th) • CSA

 

3,623,560 (17th) • Front Range

 

5,055,344Time zoneUTC−07:00 (MST) • Summer (DST)UTC−06:00 (MDT)ZIP codes

Denver 80214-80215, 80227, 80226-80228, 80232, 80235-80236
Golden 80401
Littleton 80123

Area codesBoth 303 and 720FIPS code08-43000GNIS feature ID2411614[7]Websitewww.lakewood.org

Lakewood is the home rule municipality that is the most populous municipality in Jefferson County, Colorado, United States.[1] The city population was 155,984 at the 2020 U.S. Census, making Lakewood the fifth most populous city in Colorado and the 167th most populous city in the United States.[1] Lakewood is a suburb of Denver and is a principal city of the Denver–Aurora–Lakewood, CO Metropolitan Statistical Area and a major city of the Front Range Urban Corridor.

The city has a notable student population, as it is home to three higher education institutions: Colorado Christian University, Red Rocks Community College and Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design. Lakewood is also home to the Denver Federal Center, which houses the largest concentration of federal agencies outside of Washington, D.C.[9]

History

[edit]

The urban and suburban development of the community known as Lakewood was started in 1889 by Charles Welch and W.A.H. Loveland, who platted a 13-block area along Colfax Avenue west of Denver in eastern Jefferson County. Loveland, the former president of the Colorado Central Railroad, retired to the new community of Lakewood after many years of living in Golden.[citation needed]

Until 1969, Lakewood had no municipal government, relying instead on several water districts, several fire districts, several volunteer-staffed fire districts, and the government of Jefferson County, including the Jefferson County Sheriff. Additionally, some neighborhoods lacked street lights and sidewalks.[citation needed]

The City of Lakewood was incorporated in 1969 as Jefferson City. Soon after, an election was held and the city's name was changed to Lakewood, due to an overwhelming dislike of "Jefferson City" and the belief that it would be confused with existing communities in Colorado and Missouri.[10] At the time of incorporation, the city population was already over 90,000.[citation needed]

Lakewood never had a traditional downtown area.[11] West Colfax Avenue served the metropolitan area as U.S. Route 40 and the main route joining Denver with the Rocky Mountains. [citation needed] As such, Colfax from Harlan west to Kipling and beyond had mostly commercial establishments. In addition to the Jewish Consumptives' Relief Society (JCRS) for tuberculosis patients, the small, frame Methodist Church, and telephone exchange, by the 1950s grocery and drug stores, gas stations, restaurants and taverns, several motels, branch banks, a movie theater, a roller rink, a bowling alley, and used car lots emerged there. Several multiple-business "shopping centers" developed followed by much larger centers at JCRS and Westland. The Villa Italia Mall on West Alameda Avenue, 20 blocks south of Colfax, reflected the southward expansion of the Lakewood settlement and housed a larger concentration of retail space. As the mall went into decline, the Lakewood City Council developed a plan to demolish the Villa Italia Mall and replace it with a new development called Belmar.[12]

In 2011, Lakewood was named an All-America City for the first time.

December 2021 rampage

[edit]
Main article: 2021 Denver and Lakewood shootings

On December 27, 2021, a Denver gunman killed three Denver residents and two Lakewood residents before being killed by seriously wounded Lakewood Police Agent Ashley Ferris.[13]

Geography

[edit]

Lakewood is located at the junction of U.S. Route 6 and Colorado State Highway 121 in central Colorado, the city lies immediately west of Denver and 62 miles (100 km) north-northwest of Colorado Springs.[14][15]

Lakewood lies in the Colorado Piedmont on the western edge of the Great Plains just east of the Front Range of the southern Rocky Mountains.[14][16][17] Green Mountain, a 6,854-foot-tall (2,089 m) mesa, is located in the far west-central part of the city.[14]

The city is located in the watershed of the South Platte River, and several small tributaries of the river flow generally east through it. From north to south, these include Lakewood Gulch, Weir Gulch, Sanderson Gulch, and Bear Creek. Two tributaries of Lakewood Gulch, Dry Gulch, and McIntyre Gulch flow east through the northern part of the city. Turkey Creek, a tributary of Bear Creek, flows northeast through the far southwestern part of the city. In addition, Lena Gulch, a tributary of Clear Creek to the north, flows east then north through the extreme northwestern part of the city.[14]

Several small lakes and reservoirs are in Lakewood. The Soda Lakes lie in the extreme southwestern part of the city. East of them lies Bear Creek Lake, a reservoir fed by Bear Creek and Turkey Creek. Clustered near each other in central Lakewood are Main Reservoir, East Reservoir, Smith Reservoir, Kendrick Lake, and Cottonwood Lake. Northeast of them lies Kountze Lake. In the northwestern part of the city, Lena Gulch both feeds and drains Maple Grove Reservoir. In the extreme southern part of the city lies Bowles Reservoir No. 1 and, just outside the city limits to the reservoir's northeast, Marston Lake.[14]

At the 2020 United States Census, the town had a total area of 28,574 acres (115.635 km2), including 751 acres (3.040 km2) of water.[6]

As a suburb of Denver, Lakewood is part of both the greater Denver metropolitan area and the Front Range Urban Corridor.[18] It borders other communities on all sides, including Wheat Ridge to the north, Edgewater to the northeast, Denver to the east and southeast, Dakota Ridge to the south, Morrison to the southwest, and Golden, West Pleasant View, East Pleasant View, and Applewood to the northwest.

Climate

[edit]

According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Lakewood has a cold semi-arid climate, abbreviated Bsk on climate maps.

Climate data for Lakewood, Colorado, 1991–2020 normals, extremes 1962–present
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °F (°C) 74
(23)		 77
(25)		 84
(29)		 86
(30)		 94
(34)		 104
(40)		 103
(39)		 101
(38)		 96
(36)		 89
(32)		 82
(28)		 75
(24)		 104
(40)
Mean maximum °F (°C) 65.9
(18.8)		 65.6
(18.7)		 74.0
(23.3)		 78.4
(25.8)		 86.6
(30.3)		 94.9
(34.9)		 97.5
(36.4)		 95.0
(35.0)		 91.2
(32.9)		 82.4
(28.0)		 73.1
(22.8)		 65.2
(18.4)		 98.6
(37.0)
Mean daily maximum °F (°C) 44.8
(7.1)		 45.3
(7.4)		 53.4
(11.9)		 59.0
(15.0)		 67.9
(19.9)		 79.8
(26.6)		 85.9
(29.9)		 83.7
(28.7)		 76.2
(24.6)		 63.4
(17.4)		 52.1
(11.2)		 44.6
(7.0)		 63.0
(17.2)
Daily mean °F (°C) 32.9
(0.5)		 33.5
(0.8)		 41.0
(5.0)		 47.2
(8.4)		 56.0
(13.3)		 66.7
(19.3)		 72.8
(22.7)		 70.6
(21.4)		 62.4
(16.9)		 50.0
(10.0)		 40.0
(4.4)		 32.3
(0.2)		 50.4
(10.2)
Mean daily minimum °F (°C) 21.1
(−6.1)		 21.6
(−5.8)		 28.6
(−1.9)		 35.3
(1.8)		 44.1
(6.7)		 53.5
(11.9)		 59.6
(15.3)		 57.5
(14.2)		 48.6
(9.2)		 36.6
(2.6)		 27.8
(−2.3)		 20.0
(−6.7)		 37.9
(3.2)
Mean minimum °F (°C) 0.3
(−17.6)		 1.1
(−17.2)		 11.0
(−11.7)		 19.7
(−6.8)		 29.6
(−1.3)		 41.5
(5.3)		 50.6
(10.3)		 47.8
(8.8)		 34.6
(1.4)		 19.3
(−7.1)		 7.6
(−13.6)		 −0.3
(−17.9)		 −6.8
(−21.6)
Record low °F (°C) −26
(−32)		 −23
(−31)		 −11
(−24)		 −1
(−18)		 19
(−7)		 27
(−3)		 37
(3)		 40
(4)		 16
(−9)		 5
(−15)		 −7
(−22)		 −25
(−32)		 −26
(−32)
Average precipitation inches (mm) 0.64
(16)		 0.77
(20)		 1.33
(34)		 2.36
(60)		 2.62
(67)		 2.06
(52)		 2.00
(51)		 1.89
(48)		 1.38
(35)		 1.14
(29)		 0.82
(21)		 0.53
(13)		 17.54
(446)
Average snowfall inches (cm) 8.0
(20)		 8.6
(22)		 9.2
(23)		 9.1
(23)		 1.7
(4.3)		 0.0
(0.0)		 0.0
(0.0)		 0.0
(0.0)		 0.3
(0.76)		 5.2
(13)		 9.2
(23)		 6.7
(17)		 58.0
(147)
Average precipitation days (≥ 0.01 in) 4.5 4.9 5.6 7.2 10.3 8.4 9.4 9.7 7.2 5.7 4.4 3.9 81.2
Average snowy days (≥ 0.1 in) 3.6 4.2 3.7 2.4 0.6 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1 1.3 2.6 3.2 21.7
Source 1: NOAA[19]
Source 2: National Weather Service[20]

Demographics

[edit]
Historical population
Census Pop. Note %±
1960 19,338   —
1970 92,743   379.6%
1980 113,808   22.7%
1990 126,481   11.1%
2000 144,126   14.0%
2010 142,980   −0.8%
2020 155,984   9.1%
2024 (est.) 156,868 [8] 0.6%
U.S. Decennial Census

2020 census

[edit]
Lakewood, Colorado – Racial and ethnic composition
Note: the US Census treats Hispanic/Latino as an ethnic category. This table excludes Latinos from the racial categories and assigns them to a separate category. Hispanics/Latinos may be of any race.
Race / Ethnicity (NH = Non-Hispanic) Pop 2000[21] Pop 2010[22] Pop 2020[23] % 2000 % 2010 % 2020
White alone (NH) 113,755 101,504 103,355 78.93% 70.99% 66.26%
Black or African American alone (NH) 1,910 1,924 2,733 1.33% 1.35% 1.75%
Native American or Alaska Native alone (NH) 1,085 987 1,106 0.75% 0.69% 0.71%
Asian alone (NH) 3,854 4,347 5,798 2.67% 3.04% 3.72%
Pacific Islander alone (NH) 112 144 212 0.08% 0.10% 0.14%
Some Other Race alone (NH) 175 205 799 0.12% 0.14% 0.51%
Mixed Race or Multi-Racial (NH) 2,286 2,402 6,558 1.59% 1.68% 4.20%
Hispanic or Latino (any race) 20,949 31,467 35,423 14.54% 22.01% 22.71%
Total 144,126 142,980 155,984 100.00% 100.00% 100.00%

2010 census

[edit]

As of the 2010 census, 142,980 people, 61,986 households, and 35,882 families were residing in the city. The population density was 3,334.4 inhabitants per square mile (1,287.4/km2). Its 65,758 housing units averaged 1,533.5 per square mile (591.9/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 82.9% White, 3.1% Asian, 1.6% Black, 1.4% American Indian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 7.7% from other races, and 3.3% from two or more races. Hispanics and Latinos of any race were 22.0% of the population.[24]

Of the 61,986 households, 26.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 41.1% were married couples living together, 5.0% had a male householder with no wife present, 11.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 42.1% were not families. About 33.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.27, and the average family size was 2.92.[24]

The distribution of the population by age was 20.8% under the age of 18, 9.6% from 18 to 24, 27.1% from 25 to 44, 28.0% from 45 to 64, and 14.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39.2 years. The gender makeup of the city was 48.9% male and 51.1% female.[24]

The median income for a household in the city was $52,960, and for a family was $66,947. Males had a median income of $46,907 versus $41,476 for females. The city's per capita income was $30,027. About 9.1% of families and 11.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 20.3% of those under age 18 and 6.1% of those age 65 or over.[24]

 

Economy

[edit]

Lakewood's economy is diverse, while the largest employers are the government. Companies based in Lakewood include Einstein Bros. Bagels, FirstBank, and The Integer Group.

As of 2013, 67.3% of the population over the age of 16 was in the labor force. 0.1% were in the armed forces, and 67.3% were in the civilian labor force with 61.1% employed and 6.2% unemployed. The occupational composition of the employed civilian labor force was 38.6% in management, business, science, and arts; 25.9% in sales and office occupations; 16.9% in service occupations; 9.9% in production, transportation, and material moving; and 8.7% in natural resources, construction, and maintenance. The three industries employing the largest percentages of the working civilian labor force were educational services, health care, and social assistance (18.4%); professional, scientific, and management, and administrative and waste management services (13.8%); and retail trade (11.9%).[24]

The cost of living index in Lakewood, compared to a U.S. average of 100, is 107.4.[25] As of 2013, the median home value in the city was $238,500, the median selected monthly owner cost was $1,546 for housing units with a mortgage and $442 for those without, and the median gross rent was $940.[24]

Top employers

[edit]

According to the city's 2023 annual report, the top employers in the city are:[26]

Top employers by employee count
Rank Employer Number of
employees
1 Denver Federal Center 8,000
2 Jefferson County School District R-1 3,700
3 State of Colorado 2,610
4 St. Anthony Hospital 1,774
5 Terumo BCT 1,709
6 FirstBank 1,569
7 City of Lakewood 1,438
8 Red Rocks Community College 961
9 Encore Electric 892
10 Colorado Christian University 725

Government

[edit]
The Lakewood Civic Center (2009)

Lakewood maintains a council-manager form of government. Citizens elect a city council consisting of the mayor, who is elected at-large, and 10 city council members, 2 from each of the city's five geographical wards. The mayor and the council members assert the policies for the operation of the city government. The current City Manager, Kathleen Hodgson, is the longest-tenured City Manager in the State of Colorado.[citation needed]

The current mayor is Wendi Strom. The council members representing Ward 1 are Jeslin Shahrezaei and Glenda Sinks; Sophia Mayott-Guerrero and Isabel Cruz represent Ward 2; Roger Low and Rebekah Stewart represent Ward 3; Rich Olver and David Rein represent Ward 4; and Ward 5 is represented by Jacob LaBure and Paula Nystrom.

The City of Lakewood falls into Colorado House District 26, parts of House District 24, and House District 23. Lakewood is represented in the state house by Reps. Chris Kennedy, Kerry Tipper, and Monica Duran.[27]

List of mayors

[edit]

Education

[edit]
Red Rocks Community College Main Entrance, Lakewood, Colorado (2023)

Lakewood is within Jefferson County School District R-1.[36]

Lakewood also houses Lakewood High School, Green Mountain High School, Bear Creek High School, Brady Exploration High School, Alameda International High School, and International Baccalaureate schools in Jefferson County, as well as the private Colorado Academy.

Lakewood is home to several colleges and universities, including Colorado Christian University, Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design, Red Rocks Community College, and the Colorado School of Trades.

The town is served by the Jefferson County Public Library.

Transportation

[edit]

Highways

[edit]

Nine highways run through the city of Lakewood:

Mass transit

[edit]

Bus and light rail service within the city, and to other areas in the metropolitan area, is provided by the Regional Transportation District. Light rail service to Lakewood began on April 26, 2013, with the opening of the W Line. Seven light rail stations are located within the city, all of which are located along the W Line.

Intercity transportation is provided by Bustang. Federal Center station in Lakewood is along Bustang's West Line, which connects Denver to Grand Junction.[37]

Points of interest

[edit]

Landmarks and historical points of interest include:[citation needed]

  • Belmar is the town center with a mix of retail, residential, cultural, and public space.
    • The Laboratory of Art and Ideas at Belmar was located in Belmar until May 2009, and that location is now occupied by:
    • the Colorado Campus of the Ohio Center for Broadcasting, a private trade school for the radio and television industry.
    • Belmar has a designated Arts District that houses several artist studios and several gallery spaces, and
    • "Working with Artists", a nonprofit fine-art photography school.
  • Lakewood Cultural Center features a theater, gallery space, and art classrooms.
  • Heritage Lakewood Belmar Park is a 20th-century museum and festival grounds, with several historic buildings, and is located near Kountze Lake; the site formerly housed the Belmar family mansion.
  • At William Fredrick Hayden Park in the foothills of Green Mountain, the Colorado National Guard previously used the north side for artillery practice. Since 2012 the Department of Defense Military Munitions Response Program has financed investigations to identify unexploded ordnance there.[38]
  • The 40 West Arts District includes a bike and "walking art experience" along the light rail line.[39]

Notable people

[edit]
Main article: List of people from Lakewood, Colorado

Sister cities

[edit]

Lakewood has four sister cities, as designated by Sister Cities International:

See also

[edit]
 

Footnotes

[edit]
 

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d e "Active Colorado Municipalities". State of Colorado, Colorado Department of Local Affairs, Division of Local Government. Retrieved January 27, 2021.
  2. ^ "Colorado Counties". State of Colorado, Colorado Department of Local Affairs, Division of Local Government. Retrieved January 27, 2021.
  3. ^ "Historical Timeline: The 1880s". Jefferson County, Colorado.
  4. ^ Aguilar, John (June 24, 2019). "Lakewood marks 50th birthday, half a century after telling Denver "no" to annexation". The Denver Post.
  5. ^ "City Council Members". Lakewood, Colorado.
  6. ^ a b c "Decennial Census P.L. 94-171 Redistricting Data". United States Census Bureau, United States Department of Commerce. August 12, 2021. Retrieved September 4, 2021.
  7. ^ a b U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Lakewood, Colorado
  8. ^ a b "US Census Bureau City and Town Population Totals: 2020-2024". census.gov. United States Census Bureau. Retrieved May 15, 2025.
  9. ^ "Denver Federal Center". gsa.gov. U.S. General Services Administration.
  10. ^ Standish, LeRoy. "Lakewood's come a long way". Colorado Community Media.
  11. ^ Autobee, R. & Autobee, K. (2011). Early Lakewood. United States: Arcadia Publishing, p. 67.
  12. ^ The Christian Science Monitor (May 22, 2009). "After the mall: Retrofitting suburbia". The Christian Science Monitor.
  13. ^ Nicholson, Kieran (December 29, 2021). "Lakewood police agent shot on Monday in exchange with the suspected killer is identified". The Denver Post. Retrieved August 25, 2022.
  14. ^ a b c d e "Lakewood, CO". Google Maps. Retrieved March 4, 2015.
  15. ^ "Distance Calculator". Infoplease. Retrieved March 4, 2015.
  16. ^ "Physiographic Provinces of Colorado [Map]". Colorado Geological Survey. Archived from the original on February 25, 2015. Retrieved March 4, 2015.
  17. ^ "General Map of Colorado". Colorado Life Zones. Archived from the original on March 3, 2016. Retrieved March 4, 2015.
  18. ^ "OMB Bulletin No. 13-01" (PDF). Office of Management and Budget. February 28, 2013. Archived (PDF) from the original on February 7, 2017. Retrieved March 4, 2015 – via National Archives.
  19. ^ "U.S. Climate Normals Quick Access". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved August 9, 2022.
  20. ^ "NOAA Online Weather Data". National Weather Service. Retrieved August 9, 2022.
  21. ^ "P004 Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2000: DEC Summary File 1 – Lakewood city, Colorado". United States Census Bureau.
  22. ^ "P2 Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2010: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Lakewood city, Colorado". United States Census Bureau.
  23. ^ "P2 Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Lakewood city, Colorado". United States Census Bureau.
  24. ^ a b c d e f "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved March 4, 2015.
  25. ^ "Lakewood, Colorado". City-Data.com. Retrieved March 9, 2015.
  26. ^ Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (PDF) (Report). City of Lakewood, Colorado. 2023.
  27. ^ [Colorado] State House District 26. COMaps (Report). Archived from the original on February 12, 2009. Retrieved January 21, 2009.
  28. ^ ""Father of Lakewood" Jim Richey dies at 88", denverpost.com, April 26, 2016
  29. ^ Whitlock, Charles E. (Chuck) (Mayor of Lakewood CO), 1977-1979, Denver Public Library, Special Collections and Archives Department Repository, retrieved April 19, 2025
  30. ^ "Former mayor dies at 83", coloradocommunitymedia.com, December 3, 2009
  31. ^ "Contacting your elected officials", ci.lakewood.co.us, archived from the original on December 3, 1998 – via Wayback Machine
  32. ^ "Contacting your elected officials", ci.lakewood.co.us, archived from the original on June 15, 2000 – via Wayback Machine
  33. ^ "City Council", lakewood.org, archived from the original on September 13, 2015 – via Wayback Machine
  34. ^ "City Council", lakewood.org, archived from the original on June 4, 2019 – via Wayback Machine
  35. ^ "Suburban voters select new mayors in Lakewood and Arvada, decide on police and fire funding", denverpost.com, November 8, 2023
  36. ^ "2020 CENSUS - SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENCE MAP: Jefferson County, CO" (PDF). U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved July 19, 2022. - Text list
  37. ^ "Bustang Schedules". RideBustang. CDOT. Archived from the original on September 15, 2019. Retrieved November 30, 2019.
  38. ^ Briggs, Austin (July 29, 2015). "Old explosives still being found at Lakewood's Green Mountain park". The Denver Post. Digital First Media. Retrieved July 31, 2015.
  39. ^ "ArtLine". www.40westartline.org (org home page). Retrieved February 5, 2020.
  40. ^ Stade is located on the German Timber-Frame Road
  41. ^ "Sister cities". Sutherland Shire Council.
[edit]
 
 

 

Brighton is located in Colorado
Brighton
Brighton
Brighton (Colorado)
Brighton, Colorado
home rule city[1]
Brighton City Hall
Brighton City Hall
Flag of Brighton, Colorado
Flag
Motto: 
"What we value today is what we become tomorrow"
Location within Adams and Weld counties, Colorado
Location within Adams and Weld counties, Colorado
Brighton is located in the United States
Brighton
Brighton
Location of the City of Brighton, Colorado.

Coordinates: 39°59′07″N 104°49′14″W / 39.9853°N 104.8205°W / 39.9853; -104.8205 (Brighton, Colorado)[3]CountryUnited StatesStateColoradoCountiesAdams County seat and
Weld County[2]IncorporatedSeptember 1, 1887[4]Named afterBrighton Beach, New YorkGovernment

 

 • Typehome rule city[1] • MayorGreg Mills[citation needed]Area

[5]
 • Total

21.536 sq mi (55.777 km2) • Land21.247 sq mi (55.030 km2) • Water0.288 sq mi (0.747 km2)Elevation

[3]

4,987 ft (1,520 m)Population

 (2020)[5]
 • Total

40,083 • Density1,887/sq mi (729/km2) • CSA

 

3,623,560 (17th) • Front Range

 

5,055,344Time zoneUTC−07:00 (MST) • Summer (DST)UTC−06:00 (MDT)ZIP code[6]

80601-80603

Area codes303/720/983GNIS pop ID204736GNIS town ID2409911FIPS code08-08675WebsiteCity of Brighton

Brighton is a home rule city located in Adams and Weld counties, Colorado, United States.[1] Brighton is the county seat of Adams County and is a part of the Denver-Aurora, CO Combined Statistical Area and the Front Range Urban Corridor.[7] The city population was 40,083 at the 2020 United States census with 39,718 residing in Adams County and 365 residing in Weld County.[5]

History

[edit]

Brighton was founded as a stage/railroad depot and farming community named Hughes. The Hughes, Colorado Territory, post office opened on April 13, 1871,[8] Colorado became a state on August 1, 1876,[9] and the Hughes post office was renamed Brighton on August 4, 1879.[8] The town was named for Brighton Beach, New York.[10]

The Town of Brighton was incorporated on September 1, 1887.[4][11] Adams County was created on April 15, 1901, with Brighton as its seat.

Geography

[edit]

Brighton is a suburb of Denver located at coordinates

39°59′07″N 104°49′14″W / 39.9853°N 104.8205°W / 39.9853; -104.8205 (Brighton, Colorado) at an elevation of 4,987 feet (1,520 m).[3]

At the 2020 United States census, the city had a total area of 13,783 acres (55.777 km2), including 185 acres (0.747 km2) of water.[5]

Climate

[edit]

According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Brighton has a cold semi-arid climate, abbreviated BSk on climate maps.

Climate data for Brighton, Colorado, 1991–2020 normals, extremes 1973–present
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °F (°C) 74
(23)		 80
(27)		 82
(28)		 91
(33)		 99
(37)		 104
(40)		 105
(41)		 103
(39)		 100
(38)		 90
(32)		 82
(28)		 75
(24)		 105
(41)
Mean maximum °F (°C) 65.3
(18.5)		 67.7
(19.8)		 76.3
(24.6)		 82.4
(28.0)		 90.5
(32.5)		 97.8
(36.6)		 100.5
(38.1)		 97.8
(36.6)		 93.8
(34.3)		 85.1
(29.5)		 74.2
(23.4)		 65.5
(18.6)		 101.0
(38.3)
Mean daily maximum °F (°C) 44.4
(6.9)		 45.9
(7.7)		 55.9
(13.3)		 62.9
(17.2)		 71.9
(22.2)		 84.1
(28.9)		 90.0
(32.2)		 87.6
(30.9)		 79.8
(26.6)		 65.9
(18.8)		 53.3
(11.8)		 44.0
(6.7)		 65.5
(18.6)
Daily mean °F (°C) 30.2
(−1.0)		 32.2
(0.1)		 41.3
(5.2)		 48.4
(9.1)		 57.5
(14.2)		 68.3
(20.2)		 74.1
(23.4)		 72.0
(22.2)		 63.6
(17.6)		 50.4
(10.2)		 39.1
(3.9)		 30.2
(−1.0)		 50.6
(10.3)
Mean daily minimum °F (°C) 16.1
(−8.8)		 18.5
(−7.5)		 26.7
(−2.9)		 33.9
(1.1)		 43.2
(6.2)		 52.4
(11.3)		 58.2
(14.6)		 56.4
(13.6)		 47.4
(8.6)		 35.0
(1.7)		 25.0
(−3.9)		 16.3
(−8.7)		 35.8
(2.1)
Mean minimum °F (°C) −5.7
(−20.9)		 −2.6
(−19.2)		 9.4
(−12.6)		 20.4
(−6.4)		 29.8
(−1.2)		 42.7
(5.9)		 50.9
(10.5)		 48.5
(9.2)		 35.1
(1.7)		 18.9
(−7.3)		 5.4
(−14.8)		 −4.7
(−20.4)		 −13.5
(−25.3)
Record low °F (°C) −23
(−31)		 −24
(−31)		 −13
(−25)		 −8
(−22)		 19
(−7)		 34
(1)		 44
(7)		 41
(5)		 19
(−7)		 0
(−18)		 −14
(−26)		 −26
(−32)		 −26
(−32)
Average precipitation inches (mm) 0.42
(11)		 0.43
(11)		 0.98
(25)		 1.77
(45)		 2.35
(60)		 1.41
(36)		 1.72
(44)		 1.77
(45)		 1.18
(30)		 1.02
(26)		 0.69
(18)		 0.37
(9.4)		 14.11
(360.4)
Average snowfall inches (cm) 5.2
(13)		 5.3
(13)		 6.0
(15)		 3.1
(7.9)		 0.5
(1.3)		 0.0
(0.0)		 0.0
(0.0)		 0.0
(0.0)		 0.2
(0.51)		 3.2
(8.1)		 5.8
(15)		 5.2
(13)		 34.5
(86.81)
Average precipitation days (≥ 0.01 in) 3.9 4.4 5.6 6.9 8.3 6.6 6.9 6.1 5.4 4.9 4.4 3.7 67.1
Average snowy days (≥ 0.1 in) 3.8 3.9 3.3 2.1 0.3 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.2 1.1 3.1 3.9 21.7
Source 1: NOAA[12]
Source 2: National Weather Service[13]

Demographics

[edit]
Historical population
Census Pop. Note %±
1890 306   —
1900 366   19.6%
1910 850   132.2%
1920 2,715   219.4%
1930 3,394   25.0%
1940 4,029   18.7%
1950 4,336   7.6%
1960 7,055   62.7%
1970 8,309   17.8%
1980 12,773   53.7%
1990 14,203   11.2%
2000 20,905   47.2%
2010 33,352   59.5%
2020 40,083   20.2%
2024 (est.) 43,473 [14] 8.5%
U.S. Decennial Census

As of the census[15] of 2000, there were 20,905 people, 6,718 households, and 5,058 families living in the city. The population density was 1,224.1 inhabitants per square mile (472.6/km2). There were 6,990 housing units at an average density of 409.3 per square mile (158.0/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 76.91% White, 0.99% African American, 1.47% Native American, 1.10% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 16.29% from other races, and 3.20% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 38.22% of the population.

There were 6,718 households, out of which 40.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.6% were married couples living together, 11.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 24.7% were non-families. 19.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.92 and the average family size was 3.34.

In the city, the age distribution of the population shows 28.6% under the age of 18, 10.1% from 18 to 24, 32.7% from 25 to 44, 18.8% from 45 to 64, and 9.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 32 years. For every 100 females, there were 108.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 108.3 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $46,779, and the median income for a family was $53,286. Males had a median income of $35,686 versus $27,103 for females. The per capita income for the city was $17,927. About 6.1% of families and 9.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 11.0% of those under age 18 and 8.6% of those age 65 or over.

Economy

[edit]

Brighton is the home of two Vestas manufacturing plants, a wind turbine blade factory and a nacelle manufacturing plant. The factories are valued at $290 million and will provide 1,350 employment opportunities: 650 in the blade factory and another 700 in the nacelle manufacturing plant. Groundbreaking for the factories took place on March 25, 2009.[16]

The Prairie Center is a 396-acre (1.60 km2) shopping center with a pedestrian-oriented retail village.

The Greater Brighton Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Bureau began helping small businesses in the Brighton community in 1955, paving the way for the expansion of Brighton retail, and manufacturing. The Brighton Chamber helped to secure Brighton as an Agritourism destination within the Denver Metro area for Farm Fresh Produce and opening the Brighton Visitors Center in May 2020. The Greater Brighton Chamber of Commerce is ranked the 14th Best Chamber in the Denver area per the Denver Business Journal.[17][18]

Education

[edit]

School District 27J serves the community.

Notable people

[edit]

Notable individuals who were born in or have lived in Brighton include:

Sister city

[edit]

Brighton has a sister city, as designated by Sister Cities International:

See also

[edit]
 

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c "Active Colorado Municipalities". Colorado Department of Local Affairs. Retrieved February 13, 2025.
  2. ^ "Colorado Counties". Colorado Department of Local Affairs. Retrieved February 2, 2025.
  3. ^ a b c "Brighton, Colorado". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior. Retrieved February 2, 2025.
  4. ^ a b "Colorado Municipal Incorporations". State of Colorado, Department of Personnel & Administration, Colorado State Archives. December 1, 2004. Archived from the original on September 27, 2007. Retrieved September 2, 2007.
  5. ^ a b c d "Decennial Census P.L. 94-171 Redistricting Data". United States Census Bureau, United States Department of Commerce. August 12, 2021. Retrieved September 7, 2021.
  6. ^ "ZIP Code Lookup". United States Postal Service. Retrieved February 2, 2025.
  7. ^ "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Archived from the original on May 31, 2011. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
  8. ^ a b Bauer, William H.; Ozment, James L.; Willard, John H. (1990). Colorado Post Offices 1859–1989. Golden, Colorado: Colorado Railroad Historical Foundation. ISBN 0-918654-42-4.
  9. ^ Ulysses S. Grant (August 1, 1876). "Proclamation 230—Admission of Colorado into the Union". The American Presidency Project. Retrieved December 24, 2024.
  10. ^ "Profile for Brighton, Colorado, CO". ePodunk. Archived from the original on May 15, 2019. Retrieved May 7, 2012.
  11. ^ "City of Brighton celebrates 125th Anniversary". City of Brighton Colorado. Archived from the original on December 13, 2012. Retrieved May 7, 2012.
  12. ^ "U.S. Climate Normals Quick Access". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved August 8, 2022.
  13. ^ "NOAA Online Weather Data". National Weather Service. Retrieved August 8, 2022.
  14. ^ "US Census Bureau City and Town Population Totals: 2020-2024". census.gov. United States Census Bureau. Retrieved May 15, 2025.
  15. ^ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
  16. ^ "Vestas breaks ground on Colorado wind-turbine plants". March 25, 2009.
  17. ^ Nelson, Ethan (June 19, 2020). "2020 Denver-area chambers of commerce and economic development organizations". BizJournals.com. Retrieved 2024-05-13.
  18. ^ "About Us - Brighton Chamber of Commerce, CO".
  19. ^ Saunders, Patrick (August 17, 2014). "Former Rockies great Todd Helton content in first year away from game". The Denver Post. Retrieved May 2, 2016.
  20. ^ "Kane, John L. Jr". Biographical Directory of Federal Judges. Federal Judicial Center. Retrieved May 2, 2016.
  21. ^ "Dillon Serna". Major League Soccer. Retrieved May 2, 2016.
  22. ^ Asmar, Melanie (May 28, 2009). "Who was Angie Zapata? Her murderer's trial didn't tell the whole story". Westword. Retrieved May 2, 2016.
[edit]
 
 
 
 

 

The City of Westminster is a home regulation community situated in Adams and Jefferson counties, Colorado, USA. The city population was 116,317 at the 2020 USA demographics with 71,240 residing in Adams County and 45,077 residing in Jefferson Area. Westminster is the eighth most heavily populated city in Colorado. The city belongs of the Denver–-- Aurora–-- Lakewood, Carbon Monoxide Metropolitan Statistical Location and the Front Variety Urban Passage. The Westminster Municipal Center lies 9 miles (14 km) north-northwest of the Colorado State Capitol in Denver.

.
Commerce City is located in Colorado
Commerce City
Commerce City
Commerce City (Colorado)
Commerce City, Colorado
home rule city[1]
City of Commerce City
Commerce City Civic Center at 60th Avenue and Trenton Street
Commerce City Civic Center at 60th Avenue and Trenton Street
Flag of Commerce City, Colorado
Flag
Location of the City of Commerce City in Adams County, Colorado
Location of the City of Commerce City in Adams County, Colorado
Commerce City is located in the United States
Commerce City
Commerce City
Location of the City of Commerce City, Colorado.

Coordinates: 39°48′30″N 104°56′02″W / 39.8083°N 104.9339°W / 39.8083; -104.9339 (Commerce City, Colorado)[3]CountryUnited StatesStateColoradoCountyZZ[2]Incorporated as townDecember 12, 1952, as Town of Commerce Town[4]Incorporated as city1962 as City of Commerce CityGovernment

 

 • Typehome rule city[1] • MayorSteve DouglasArea

[5]
 • Total

36.399 sq mi (94.273 km2) • Land36.002 sq mi (93.246 km2) • Water0.397 sq mi (1.027 km2)Elevation

[3]

5,164 ft (1,574 m)Population

 (2020)[5]
 • Total

62,418 • Density1,734/sq mi (670/km2) • Metro

 

2,963,821 (19th) • CSA

 

3,623,560 (17th) • Front Range

 

5,055,344Time zoneUTC−07:00 (MST) • Summer (DST)UTC−06:00 (MDT)ZIP code[6]

80022 & 80037 (PO Box)

Area codes303/720/983GNIS place ID184666GNIS city ID2410212FIPS code08-16495Websitewww.c3gov.com

Commerce City is a home rule city located in Adams County, Colorado, United States.[1] The city population was 62,418 at the 2020 United States census, a 35.95% increase since the 2010 United States census.[5] Commerce City is the 18th most populous municipality in Colorado. Commerce City is located north of Denver and is a part of the Denver–Aurora–Lakewood, CO Metropolitan Statistical Area and the Front Range Urban Corridor.

Commerce City is known for being the home of the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge with its only entrance located in the city. Dick's Sporting Goods Park, a premier soccer stadium facility in Commerce City, hosts the Colorado Rapids of Major League Soccer.

History

[edit]

In 1859 after fighting in Bleeding Kansas, John D. "Colonel Jack" Henderson built a ranch, trading post, and hotel on Henderson Island in the South Platte River in Arapahoe County, Kansas Territory north of Denver, from which he sold meat and provisions to gold seekers on their way up the South Platte River Trail to the gold fields during the Pikes Peak Gold Rush. Henderson Island was the first permanent settlement in the South Platte River Valley between Fort Saint Vrain in the Nebraska Territory and the Cherry Creek Diggings in the Kansas Territory. Henderson Island is today the site of the Adams County Regional Park and Fairgrounds.

Among the first establishments in the modern Commerce City were cemeteries. Riverside Cemetery, founded in 1876, is located in the city's southwest corner at East 52nd Avenue and Brighton Boulevard. Rose Hill Cemetery, in the heart of historic Commerce City, was established in 1892 on what at the time was an open plain by the United Hebrew Cemetery Association.

The first school in the area began in 1871 as a one-room schoolhouse, with other schools added in 1899 and later in 1907. This latter school is now part of the North Building at the former site of Adams City High School, now Adams 14 School District Administration Buildings.

Several towns were founded in this part of Adams County in the 19th century. Derby, a Burlington Railroad station in 1887, was laid out as a town in 1889, although it was largely vacated by 1891. Irondale was first settled in 1889, named after a foundry that was opened that year. It was incorporated as the town of Irondale in 1924, but unincorporated in the 1930s due to increasing vacancy. Meanwhile, Adams City was laid out in 1903, with developers hoping the county seat would be established there; however, Brighton was elected county seat in 1904 and Adams City was vacated in 1922.

Until the late 1920s, the area was devoted to agriculture, including wheat fields, dairies, and pig farms. Industry moved in, with a refinery established in 1930 and grain elevators built in the late 1930s. Rocky Mountain Arsenal was founded in 1942 due east of the growing community.

In 1946 and 1947, Adams County School District 14 was formed from surrounding schools, and Adams City was redeveloped about that time. In 1951, as Denver was considering annexing the area, a plan to incorporate all of southern Adams County was developed. In July 1952, area residents voted 251 to 24 to incorporate Commerce Town, comprising neighborhoods such as Rose Hill and southern Adams City. Commerce Town annexed part of Derby in 1962, increasing the population over fourfold, enough for the town to gain the status of a city. The city name was duly changed to Commerce City.[7] In April 2007, the citizens of Commerce City voted more than 2:1 to retain their city's name.[8]

The Mile High Kennel Club, a greyhound racing park founded in 1949, is no longer operational. Purchased by the Commerce City Urban Renewal Authority (CCURA) in 2011, the site is an officially designated urban renewal area, which allows tax increment financing to be used as a funding source for the redevelopment. The CCURA and City Council adopted an updated Master Developer Agreement for the Mile High Greyhound Park in July 2019, and the project broke ground in October 2020.[citation needed]

A new Adams City High School has been constructed on land at 72nd and Quebec streets. This was formerly part of the Rocky Mountain Arsenal. The new school campus opened in 2009.[9]

Geography

[edit]

Commerce City comprises a downtown area, and northern community stretching north of Denver International Airport.[10][11]

At the 2020 United States census, the city had a total area of 23,295 acres (94.273 km2), including 254 acres (1.027 km2) of water.[5]

Climate

[edit]
Climate data for Commerce City, Colorado
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Mean daily maximum °F (°C) 47
(8)		 48
(9)		 56
(13)		 63
(17)		 72
(22)		 82
(28)		 88
(31)		 85
(29)		 78
(26)		 66
(19)		 54
(12)		 45
(7)		 65.3
(18.5)
Mean daily minimum °F (°C) 22
(−6)		 23
(−5)		 29
(−2)		 36
(2)		 44
(7)		 51
(11)		 57
(14)		 56
(13)		 48
(9)		 38
(3)		 28
(−2)		 21
(−6)		 37.75
(3.19)
Source: Accuweather[12]

Demographics

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Historical population
Census Pop. Note %±
1960 8,970   —
1970 17,407   94.1%
1980 16,234   −6.7%
1990 16,466   1.4%
2000 20,991   27.5%
2010 45,913   118.7%
2020 62,418   35.9%
2024 (est.) 70,245 [13] 12.5%
U.S. Decennial Census

As of the census[14] of 2000, there were 20,991 people, 6,668 households, and 4,974 families residing in the city. The population density was 812.2 inhabitants per square mile (313.6/km2) under the age of 18, 11.5% from 18 to 24, 30.6% from 25 to 44, 18.1% from 45 to 64, and 9.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 30 years. For every 100 females, there were 109.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 111.1 males.

The demographic breakdown of the city shows a composition of 74.15% White, 3.39% African American, 1.23% Native American, 2.46% Asian, 13.15% from other races, and 5.62% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino individuals of any race constitute 46.8% of the total population.

The median income for a household in the city was $69,268 and the median wage in the city was $54,340. The labor force was 28,684 with 31,086 jobs residing within the city. About 15.3% of families and 19.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 22.5% of those under age 18 and 15.1% of those age 65 or over.

 

Economy

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Dick's Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, home of the Colorado Rapids Major League Soccer franchise

Commerce City is home to an oil refinery with a capacity of 98,000 barrels per day (15,600 m3/d).[15] Originally, this facility existed as two separately owned refineries, one on each side of Brighton Boulevard.

Suncor Energy bought the west refinery from ConocoPhillips in 2003.[16] A project to upgrade this facility began in August of that year.[17]

Suncor purchased the east refinery from Valero in June 2005 with the eventual goal of combining the two operations.[18] As a result of a lawsuit by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and a number of states (including Colorado) alleging violations of the Clean Air Act, Valero agreed in June 2005 to make pollution-reducing changes to its refineries, including the Commerce City facility. Suncor's purchase agreement included an assumption of all liability from this suit.[19]

The west refinery's upgrade project, named "Project Odyssey," was extended to the east refinery. The west plant was shut down in February 2006 to complete the upgrade, while the east plant continued to refine 34,000 barrels (5,400 m3) of oil per day. The completion of the $445 million project was announced in June 2006 and allows Suncor to meet the EPA's mandate to reduce the sulfur content of diesel fuel. It also gives the refinery the ability to process Suncor's Canadian sour crude oil sands. The combined facility is the largest refinery in the Rocky Mountain region.[20]

Parks and recreation

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The city features 840 acres (340 ha) of parks and open spaces with 25 miles (40 km) of connecting trail system. There are two recreation centers run by the city, and a pool.[21][22]

The Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge is the largest land-based, urban wildlife refuge in the United States, featuring 27 square miles (70 km2) of open lakes, wetlands, and grasslands.[21]

Education

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Adams County school districts 27J and Adams 14 each include portions of Commerce City.[23][24]

The latter district's comprehensive high school is Adams City High School.

Notable people

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See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c "Active Colorado Municipalities". Colorado Department of Local Affairs. Retrieved July 26, 2025.
  2. ^ "Colorado Counties". Colorado Department of Local Affairs. Retrieved July 26, 2025.
  3. ^ a b "Commerce City, Colorado". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior. Retrieved July 26, 2025.
  4. ^ "Colorado Municipal Incorporations". State of Colorado, Department of Personnel & Administration, Colorado State Archives. December 1, 2004. Archived from the original on September 27, 2007. Retrieved September 2, 2007.
  5. ^ a b c d "Decennial Census P.L. 94-171 Redistricting Data". United States Census Bureau, United States Department of Commerce. August 12, 2021. Retrieved September 7, 2021.
  6. ^ "ZIP Code Lookup". United States Postal Service. Retrieved July 26, 2025.
  7. ^ Wagner, Alvin (1977). "Commerce Town Stops Denver Annexation". Adams County: Crossroads of the West. Vol. II. Brighton, Colorado: Board of Adams County Commissioners. ISBN 0-930952-01-4.
  8. ^ "Commerce City voters keep name the same". The Denver Post. April 3, 2007. Retrieved July 26, 2020.
  9. ^ Whaley, Monte. "Old Adams City High School to be renovated". Denver Post. Retrieved February 19, 2020.
  10. ^ Patterson, Kelly D.; Armon, Bruce D. (October 21, 2022). "Partisan Goals and Redistricting". Commonwealth. 7 (1). doi:10.15367/com.v7i1.551. ISSN 2469-7672.
  11. ^ Wise, Stephen (June 1999). "Extracting raster GIS data from scanned thematic maps". Transactions in GIS. 3 (3): 221–237. Bibcode:1999TrGIS...3..221W. doi:10.1111/1467-9671.00019. ISSN 1361-1682.
  12. ^ "Commerce City Weather". Retrieved May 27, 2015.
  13. ^ "US Census Bureau City and Town Population Totals: 2020-2024". census.gov. United States Census Bureau. Retrieved May 15, 2025.
  14. ^ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
  15. ^ "Suncor Refining and Marketing". suncor.com. Retrieved July 14, 2019.
  16. ^ Raabe, Steve (November 30, 2003). "Canada's sands of gold". The Denver Post. Archived from the original on May 12, 2004. Retrieved November 10, 2006.
  17. ^ "Suncor Energy's Commerce City refinery maintenance shutdown to begin February 3" (News release). Suncor Energy. February 2, 2006. Retrieved November 10, 2006.
  18. ^ "Suncor Energy acquires second refinery near Denver, Colorado". June 1, 2005. Archived from the original (News release) on October 16, 2006. Retrieved November 10, 2006.
  19. ^ "Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment Announces Agreement with Valero Refining Company; Air Pollution Emissions to be Reduced Dramatically at Commerce City Refinery". State of Colorado, Department of Public Health and Environment. June 16, 2005. Archived from the original on September 23, 2006. Retrieved November 10, 2006.
  20. ^ "Environmental and operational enhancements complete - Suncor Energy completes upgrade to its Commerce City refinery". Decisionplus.com. June 26, 2006. Retrieved November 10, 2006.
  21. ^ a b "Explore | City of Commerce City". City of Commerce City Website. January 25, 2025. Retrieved January 25, 2025.
  22. ^ "Paradice Island Pool at Pioneer Park". City of Commerce City Parks, Recreation & Golf Website. January 25, 2025. Retrieved January 25, 2025.
  23. ^ "2020 CENSUS - SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENCE MAP: Adams County, CO" (PDF). U.S. Census Bureau. p. 1 (PDF p. 2/3). Retrieved 2024-11-05. - Text list
  24. ^ Kirk, Alexander; Jordan Chavez (August 13, 2018). "No more Mondays for students in this Denver metro school district". 9 News. Retrieved August 14, 2018.
  25. ^ O'Brien, David (August 2, 1993). "Playing By The Book Dolphins Rookie Ronnie Bradford Is A Student Of The Game". Sun-Sentinel. Archived from the original on June 10, 2016. Retrieved May 2, 2016.
  26. ^ "Dominick Moreno's Biography". Vote Smart. Retrieved May 2, 2016.
  27. ^ "Joe Rogers, Colorado's second black lieutenant governor, has died". The Denver Post. October 8, 2013. Retrieved February 13, 2022.
  28. ^ "JoAnn Windholz, Rep. R-Commerce City, discusses powdered alcohol bill". The Denver Post. January 23, 2015. Archived from the original on December 8, 2015. Retrieved May 2, 2016.
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