Poverty in Colorado
What is the poverty rate in Colorado?
The poverty rate in Colorado is 11.5%. One out of every 8.7 residents of Colorado lives in poverty.
How many people in Colorado live in poverty?
612,143 of 5,316,870 residents reported income levels below the poverty line in the last year.
How does the Poverty Rate in Colorado compare to the national average?
Colorado ranks 14th in Poverty Rate at 11.5%(poverty rankings by state).The Poverty Rate of Colorado is meaningfully lower than the national average of 14.6%.
Colorado Poverty Rate County Map
Colorado Poverty Rate By Sex
What is the poverty rate for men vs women living in Colorado?
Male
The Poverty Rate for men who live in Colorado is 10.5%.
Female
The Poverty Rate for women who live in Colorado is 12.5%.
Poverty Rate Disparity for Male vs Female Residents of Colorado
Female residents of Colorado are moderately(19%) more likely to live in poverty than males.
279,081 of 2,654,885 males in Colorado live below the poverty line.
333,062 of 2,661,985 females in Colorado live below the poverty line.
Colorado Poverty Rate By Age
What's the Poverty Rate in Colorado By Age?
Breakdown of Colorado Poverty Rate By Age
- Children Under 6 in Colorado have a Poverty Rate of 16.0%.
- Children 6 to 11 Years Old in Colorado have a Poverty Rate of 14.5%.
- Adolescents 12 to 17 Years Old in Colorado have a Poverty Rate of 13.1%.
- Adults 18 to 59 Years Old in Colorado have a Poverty Rate of 11.5%.
- Adults 60 to 74 Years Old in Colorado have a Poverty Rate of 7.8%.
- 75 to 84 Years Old in Colorado have a Poverty Rate of 7.8%.
- Over 85 Years Old in Colorado have a Poverty Rate of 9.7%.
Historical Colorado Poverty Rate
| Year | Poverty Rate | YoY % Change | National |
|---|---|---|---|
2010 |
13.4% | 15.3% | |
2011 |
13.5% | 0.0% | 15.9% |
2012 |
13.7% | 1.0% | 15.9% |
2013 |
13.0% | 5.0% | 15.8% |
2014 |
12.0% | 7.0% | 15.5% |
2015 |
11.5% | 4.0% | 14.7% |
2016 |
11.0% | 4.0% | 14.0% |
2017 |
10.3% | 7.0% | 13.4% |
Colorado Poverty Rate By Race
| Race | Population | Poverty Rate | National Poverty Rate | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Black |
209,645 |
19.9% | 25.2% | 3.9% |
American Indian |
48,853 |
21.1% | 26.8% | 0.9% |
Asian |
161,458 |
11.3% | 11.9% | 3.0% |
Pacific Islander |
8,169 |
15.6% | 19.0% | 0.2% |
Other |
223,078 |
20.7% | 23.8% | 4.1% |
Two Or More Races |
184,626 |
14.7% | 18.4% | 3.4% |
White |
3,658,343 |
8.5% | 10.3% | 67.3% |
Hispanic |
1,131,146 |
19.3% | 22.2% | 20.8% |
What's the Poverty Rate in Colorado By Race?
19.9% of Black residents of Colorado live below the poverty line.
The Poverty Rate of black residents in Colorado is dramatically lower than the national average of 25.2%. 41,732 of 209,645 black Coloradans live below the poverty line. Approximately 3.9% of the total population of Colorado are black.
11.3% of Asian residents of Colorado live below the poverty line.
The Poverty Rate of asian residents in Colorado is the same as than the national average. 18,258 of 161,458 asian Coloradans live below the poverty line. Approximately 3.0% of the total population of Colorado are asian.
8.5% of White residents of Colorado live below the poverty line.
The Poverty Rate of white residents in Colorado is dramatically lower than the national average of 10.3%. 310,952 of 3,658,343 white Coloradans live below the poverty line. Approximately 67.3% of the total population of Colorado are white.
19.3% of Hispanic residents of Colorado live below the poverty line.
The Poverty Rate of hispanic residents in Colorado is the same as than the national average. 218,275 of 1,131,146 hispanic Coloradans live below the poverty line. Approximately 20.8% of the total population of Colorado are hispanic.
Colorado Poverty Rate By School Enrollment
Understanding where poverty hits hardest in Colorado can be better understood by segmenting poverty by whether or not the resident is in school or not.
- Enrolled in School in Colorado have a Poverty Rate of 16.4%.
- Not Enrolled in School in Colorado have a Poverty Rate of 9.6%.
The Poverty Rate of Colorado residents enrolled in school is meaningfully lower than the national average of 20.1%. This translates to 218,502 of 1,335,473 Coloradans enrolled in school living below the poverty line within the past year. Approximately 24.6% of the total population of Colorado are currently enrolled in school.
The Poverty Rate of Colorado residents not enrolled in school is meaningfully lower than the national average of 12.2%. This translates to 361,937 of 3,783,897 Coloradans not enrolled in school living below the poverty line within the past year. Approximately 69.6% of the total population of Colorado are currently not enrolled in school.
Poverty for younger ages in Colorado is seen as the most undesirable for the future of the community.
- Enrolled in Nursery School in Colorado have a Poverty Rate of 12.7%.
- Enrolled in Elementary School(Grades 1-4) in Colorado have a Poverty Rate of 15.0%.
The Poverty Rate of Colorado residents enrolled in nursery school is dramatically lower than the national average of 18.0%. This translates to 10,827 of 85,266 Coloradans enrolled in nursery school living below the poverty line within the past year. Approximately 1.6% of the total population of Colorado are currently enrolled in nursery school.
The Poverty Rate of Colorado residents enrolled in elementary school(grades 1-4) is dramatically lower than the national average of 21.2%. This translates to 41,711 of 278,270 Coloradans enrolled in elementary school(grades 1-4) living below the poverty line within the past year. Approximately 5.1% of the total population of Colorado are currently enrolled in elementary school(grades 1-4).
Poverty for developing children and young adults in Colorado can have drastic impacts on graduation and college attendance rates.
- Enrolled in Middle School(Grade 5-8) in Colorado have a Poverty Rate of 13.4%.
- Enrolled in High School (Grades 9-12) in Colorado have a Poverty Rate of 13.2%.
The Poverty Rate of Colorado residents enrolled in middle school(grade 5-8) is dramatically lower than the national average of 19.0%. This translates to 37,343 of 279,463 Coloradans enrolled in middle school(grade 5-8) living below the poverty line within the past year. Approximately 5.1% of the total population of Colorado are currently enrolled in middle school(grade 5-8).
The Poverty Rate of Colorado residents enrolled in high school (grades 9-12) is significantly lower than the national average of 17.7%. This translates to 36,467 of 276,894 Coloradans enrolled in high school (grades 9-12) living below the poverty line within the past year. Approximately 5.1% of the total population of Colorado are currently enrolled in high school (grades 9-12).
Adult students in college, graduate or professional schools generally bring employers, revenue and higher living wages post-graduation and are seen as a positive to the community.
- Enrolled in Undergraduate School in Colorado have a Poverty Rate of 26.1%.
- Enrolled in Graduate or Professional School in Colorado have a Poverty Rate of 14.4%.
The Poverty Rate of Colorado residents enrolled in undergraduate school is moderately higher than the national average of 23.4%. This translates to 70,144 of 269,016 Coloradans enrolled in undergraduate school living below the poverty line within the past year. Approximately 4.9% of the total population of Colorado are currently enrolled in undergraduate school.
The Poverty Rate of Colorado residents enrolled in graduate or professional school is moderately lower than the national average of 17.2%. This translates to 11,079 of 76,905 Coloradans enrolled in graduate or professional school living below the poverty line within the past year. Approximately 1.4% of the total population of Colorado is currently enrolled in graduate or professional school.
Colorado Poverty Rate By Place of Birth
What is the poverty rate for residents of Colorado born US Citizens vs Foreign-Born?
11.0%
The Poverty Rate for residents of Colorado who were born citizens of the United States is 11.0%.
16.6%
The Poverty Rate for residents of Colorado who were born citizens of a country other than the US is 16.6%.
Poverty Rate for residents of Colorado born US Citizens vs Foreign-Born
Foreign-born residents of Colorado have a higher poverty rate than those who were born US citizens.
Of the 4,790,197 residents of Colorado who were born citizens of the United States, 524,554 (11.0%) had income levels below the poverty line within the past year.
Conversely, 87,589 (16.6%) of 526,673 residents of Colorado who were born citizens of a country other than the US reported income levels below the poverty line within the past year.
Colorado Poverty Rate By City
| City | Rank | Poverty Rate | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
Air Force Academy |
34th |
4.1% | 6,098 |
Alamosa |
212th |
34.8% | 9,675 |
Applewood |
67th |
6.4% | 8,173 |
Arvada |
72nd |
6.9% | 115,320 |
Aspen |
102nd |
9.5% | 7,097 |
Aurora |
139th |
13.7% | 357,323 |
Avon |
118th |
11.0% | 6,503 |
Berkley |
152nd |
14.9% | 11,868 |
Berthoud |
69th |
6.7% | 6,018 |
Black Forest |
9th |
1.7% | 14,188 |
Boulder |
192nd |
21.6% | 106,271 |
Brighton |
115th |
10.9% | 38,016 |
Broomfield |
51st |
5.2% | 64,283 |
Carbondale |
105th |
9.8% | 6,632 |
Castle Pines |
10th |
1.8% | 10,623 |
Castle Rock |
39th |
4.4% | 57,274 |
Cañon City |
184th |
20.6% | 16,298 |
Centennial |
37th |
4.3% | 108,448 |
Cherry Creek |
55th |
5.4% | 12,310 |
Cherry Hills Village |
15th |
2.3% | 6,542 |
Cimarron Hills |
84th |
8.0% | 17,744 |
Clifton |
207th |
26.2% | 20,045 |
Colorado Springs |
133rd |
12.8% | 450,000 |
Columbine |
19th |
2.7% | 25,060 |
Commerce City |
128th |
12.2% | 52,905 |
Cortez |
197th |
22.6% | 8,579 |
Craig |
112th |
10.7% | 8,903 |
Dakota Ridge |
22nd |
3.0% | 33,942 |
Delta |
159th |
16.4% | 8,739 |
Denver |
153rd |
15.1% | 678,467 |
Derby |
205th |
25.9% | 9,365 |
Durango |
119th |
11.2% | 17,986 |
Eagle |
53rd |
5.3% | 6,711 |
Edwards |
111th |
10.6% | 9,202 |
Englewood |
154th |
15.5% | 33,155 |
Erie |
45th |
4.8% | 22,019 |
Estes Park |
129th |
12.3% | 6,248 |
Evans |
146th |
14.3% | 19,967 |
Evergreen |
46th |
4.9% | 8,516 |
Fairmount |
88th |
8.4% | 8,298 |
Federal Heights |
187th |
21.1% | 12,449 |
Firestone |
32nd |
3.8% | 12,282 |
Fort Carson |
178th |
19.4% | 15,015 |
Fort Collins |
163rd |
17.0% | 159,150 |
Fort Lupton |
99th |
9.2% | 7,829 |
Fort Morgan |
93rd |
8.8% | 11,251 |
Fountain |
82nd |
7.9% | 28,799 |
Frederick |
12th |
2.1% | 11,397 |
Fruita |
156th |
15.8% | 13,039 |
Fruitvale |
101st |
9.4% | 7,785 |
Gleneagle |
14th |
2.3% | 6,706 |
Glenwood Springs |
123rd |
11.7% | 9,850 |
Golden |
181st |
19.7% | 20,365 |
Grand Junction |
171st |
18.3% | 60,882 |
Greeley |
166th |
17.5% | 100,760 |
Greenwood Village |
57th |
5.5% | 15,397 |
Gunbarrel |
94th |
8.8% | 9,321 |
Gunnison |
204th |
25.7% | 6,250 |
Gypsum |
74th |
7.0% | 6,926 |
Highlands Ranch |
28th |
3.6% | 105,264 |
Johnstown |
6th |
1.5% | 14,386 |
Ken Caryl |
54th |
5.4% | 33,087 |
La Junta |
208th |
27.2% | 6,900 |
Lafayette |
87th |
8.3% | 27,440 |
Lakewood |
113th |
10.8% | 151,411 |
Lamar |
183rd |
20.2% | 7,627 |
Littleton |
79th |
7.5% | 45,848 |
Lone Tree |
30th |
3.7% | 13,430 |
Longmont |
126th |
12.0% | 91,730 |
Louisville |
61st |
5.8% | 20,319 |
Loveland |
92nd |
8.7% | 74,125 |
Milliken |
44th |
4.7% | 6,362 |
Montrose |
193rd |
21.8% | 18,918 |
Monument |
25th |
3.3% | 6,760 |
Northglenn |
116th |
11.0% | 38,473 |
Orchard Mesa |
136th |
13.3% | 6,380 |
Parker |
40th |
4.4% | 51,125 |
Pueblo West |
86th |
8.3% | 30,901 |
Pueblo |
199th |
24.4% | 109,122 |
Redlands |
24th |
3.3% | 9,367 |
Rifle |
150th |
14.8% | 9,526 |
Roxborough Park |
2nd |
0.6% | 9,588 |
Security-Widefield |
96th |
9.0% | 37,325 |
Sheridan |
191st |
21.5% | 6,018 |
Sherrelwood |
124th |
11.8% | 18,616 |
Steamboat Springs |
122nd |
11.6% | 12,520 |
Sterling |
186th |
20.9% | 13,961 |
Stonegate |
11th |
2.0% | 9,379 |
Superior |
43rd |
4.6% | 12,879 |
The Pinery |
8th |
1.7% | 11,720 |
Thornton |
89th |
8.5% | 132,310 |
Trinidad |
177th |
19.4% | 8,054 |
Twin Lakes |
160th |
16.5% | 6,767 |
Welby |
151st |
14.8% | 16,002 |
Wellington |
27th |
3.5% | 7,941 |
Westminster |
90th |
8.6% | 111,895 |
Wheat Ridge |
120th |
11.4% | 31,162 |
Windsor |
49th |
5.1% | 23,386 |
Woodland Park |
83rd |
7.9% | 7,287 |
Woodmoor |
38th |
4.3% | 9,264 |
Research & Reports
National Poverty Statistics
Where are the most poverty-stricken areas in your state? We breakdown over 3,000 counties nationwide and show the rank the best and worst communities by poverty rate in your area.
See Poverty Statistics
Social Security Payments in Colorado
How are the Social Security Payments distributed throughout Colorado? We breakdown social security benefits by city and county statewide and rank communities with the most and least social security income per capita.
Colorado Social Security
Food Stamp Recipients in Colorado
Which areas receive the most food stamp public assistance in Colorado? We breakdown food stamps by city and county statewide and rank communities with the most and least food and nutrional supplements given to residents.
Colorado Food Stamps