Existing and Projected Jobs, Housing, and Population

• 2010 Census
• Data Tables: Exisiting and Projected Jobs, Housing and Population

Boulder Community Data Statistics

The purpose of forecasting future population, housing units and employment is to describe the likely future under current trends. This helps us understand where current policies might lead us and to determine whether they are leading us in the direction we want to go. They are also the basis for planning future facilities and services, and are used by each city department in preparing master plans.

Estimates for 2012 population, housing units and employment are from the City of Boulder and the Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG).  Future growth projections were developed in conjunction with the 2010 Major Update to the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan (BVCP). Estimated 2035 population and housing unit projections assume that residential growth will occur by 2035 at a rate of approximately One percent per year.

In order to manage growth of the city and provide urban services efficiently, the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan (BVCP) designates three areas for long-term planning purposes:

• Area I: Land within the City of Boulder, provided with city urban services (US Census definition of "City of Boulder").
• Area II: Unincorporated land in Boulder County, planned for annexation and provision of urban services within the 15 year planning period of the BVCP.
• Area III: Unincorporated land in Boulder County outside the Service Area, not expected to annex within the 15 year planning period of the BVCP.

For master planning purposes, Areas I and II are referred to as the City of Boulder's Service Area.
View Planning Areas Map

The existing and projected housing, population and employment tables contain the latest updated information on the city's official existing housing, population and employment, as well as projected growth by 2035 and buildout* based on current trends and current zoning for Areas I and II.

*buildout is defined by land use and may occur at some time in the future.

Data and additional resources:

•  2012 Housing Units, Population, and Empoyment Estimates and Projections
• 2011 Demographic Profile (prepared by the Boulder Economic Council)
• 2011 Economic Profile (prepared by the Boulder Economic Council)
• 2010 BVCP Key Trends Report

The 2010 U. S. Census

View a report on the highlights from the 2010 Census. Please note that the city's population estimate differs slightly from the U.S. Census.  

The 2000 Census Challenge

Estimating an undercount of approximately 2,200 housing units and 8,000 people, the City of Boulder formally challenged the results of the year 2000 United States Census. The challenge was considered by the Colorado State Demographer who agreed that Boulder had an estimated additional 2,014 housing units and 4,420 persons more than the official Census 2000 estimate. The final results accepted by the State Demographer are incorporated in the data tables of existing and projected housing units, population and employment (listed above). The census reports do not reflect the additional population.

Subcommunities

Subcommunities Map

View an interactive map of the subcommunities in Boulder - select the "Subcommunities" layer on the right.

Subcommunities are distinct areas within the Service Area of the city (Area I and II) as defined by physical boundaries such as roads and parks. For planning purposes, Boulder is divided into nine subcommunities. It should be noted that the Crossroads subcommunity is distinct from the shopping center and includes the entire Boulder Valley Regional Center. The CU subcommunity is also distinct from the University and includes residential property north and east of the campus.

Last Updated on Monday, 07 January 2013 16:46