Many of Colorado’s mountain and rural counties are growing faster in population than the state’s metro-area counties, according to new data released by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Residents and businesses have been flocking to Weld County, which saw a 33 percent increase in population since 2000, adding almost 61,000 residents.
U.S. Census Bureau estimates to be released today indicate Eagle County, which includes mountain towns Gypsum and Vail, saw a 22 percent increase in population to more than 51,000 people since 2000.
“The Western Slope is growing fast compared to the Front Range — except for Weld,” said Elizabeth Garner, state demographer. “The area depends on a different economy than the Front Range.”
Oil and gas development, second- home owners and retirees are creating jobs and pushing growth, she added.
The only exception is Douglas County, which saw the highest percentage increase for a county in the state with a 51 percent jump in population from 2000.
Severance, a small town in northern Weld County, is the fastest-growing town in the state with a 378 percent increase between 2000 and 2007, taking on 2,200 new residents.
Weld Commissioner David Long attributes growth to a better economy, less congestion and appetizing business opportunities, including the county’s accessible, industrial rail corridor.
Denver increased its population by almost 33,000 since 2000, and Aurora by almost 34,000. Lakewood, however, lost more than 4,000 residents during the seven-year period.
Breckenridge added more than 500 new residents — an 18 percent increase since 2000. Loveland’s population increased by 24 percent.
Despite an overall growth in Weld County, Long said the number of residents in the past two years has leveled off due to a less-than-desirable economy.
“People have had to tighten their belts because of the increase in food and gas prices,” Long said. “And the little bit of increase in interest rates is enough to stop people from wandering and dreaming.”
Steve Graff: 303-954-1661 or sgraff@denverpost.com
