Colorado is a state of contrasts and choices—you’ve got skyscrapers and backroads, subdivisions and off-grid cabins, coffee shops and cattle ranches. But where do most people actually live?
According to the 2020 U.S. Census, roughly 86% of Coloradans live in urban areas, while 14% call rural Colorado home.
That split tells a story—not just about population, but about lifestyle, values, and vision. Whether you’re drawn to city life, small-town charm, or wide-open solitude, Colorado has a place for you.
🌆 Urban Colorado – The Bustling Majority
It’s no surprise that most Coloradans are clustered around the state’s economic and cultural hubs. These cities offer jobs, entertainment, healthcare, higher education, and housing density—plus the buzz of big ideas and fast pace living.
Top urban centers in Colorado include:
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Denver – The Front Range’s beating heart, with endless neighborhoods and opportunity.
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Colorado Springs – Military roots, family neighborhoods, and Pikes Peak views.
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Fort Collins – College town energy, tech growth, and bike paths for days.
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Pueblo – Historic architecture and affordability along the Arkansas River.
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Boulder – Creative, health-conscious, and connected to the foothills.
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Greeley and Grand Junction – Two of the fastest-growing hubs for those who want urban convenience with a bit more elbow room.
These cities—and others like Loveland, Longmont, and Castle Rock—offer a mix of employment opportunity, housing variety, and walkable amenities.
🏘️ The “In-Between” Urban Clusters
Beyond the metros, Colorado is also home to dozens of small but mighty urban clusters—towns that technically meet urban density requirements but feel more like community-driven retreats.
Examples include:
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Durango – Outdoor basecamp with a thriving arts and food scene.
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Steamboat Springs – Ski town charm with Western grit.
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Montrose and Glenwood Springs – Gateway towns with stunning scenery and local energy.
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Alamosa and Trinidad – Cultural hubs in the San Luis Valley and Southern Colorado, balancing affordability and access to open space.
These spots appeal to those who want a little more room to roam without giving up grocery stores, schools, and Wi-Fi.
🌄 What Counts as “Rural” in Colorado?
According to the Census Bureau:
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Urbanized Area: 50,000+ people
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Urban Cluster: 2,500–50,000 people
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Rural: Fewer than 2,500 people
That means most of Colorado’s landmass is rural—even though the population is not.
🐴 The Rural Life – 14% and Proud
Roughly 1 in 7 Coloradans lives in a rural area—by choice. The draw? Space, stillness, affordability, and land that works.
From off-grid living in Costilla County, to ranching near Walsenburg, to cabin life outside Creede, rural Colorado gives you room to breathe.
Why people choose rural:
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Lower cost of living – More land, lower property taxes, fewer restrictions.
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Connection to nature – Wildlife sightings and star-filled skies are daily perks.
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Community – Small towns with tight networks, real conversations, and neighbors who show up.
Popular rural areas include:
🧭 Why This Matters for Buyers
Whether you’re house-hunting in Denver or daydreaming about a cabin in the valley, understanding Colorado’s urban-rural divide helps you:
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Set realistic expectations for commute, utilities, and pricing
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Understand zoning, permitting, and land use rules
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Choose a location that aligns with your values, pace, and goals
🏡 Find Your Place—City, Suburb, or Backcountry
At Big Frontier Group, we help buyers explore it all. We’ll help you match your dream to a real place on the map.
🔗 Start exploring:
City streets or starlit skies—Colorado has both.
Let’s help you find your version of home.