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January 20, 2026

Will People Keep Moving to Colorado? The State Demographer Tells All

City Cast Denver

Will People Keep Moving to Colorado? The State Demographer Tells All

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A moving company recently published data showing that fewer people are moving to Colorado than moving away — but should our state really be concerned about becoming “the New Jersey of the West”? Factors like aging, housing affordability, international migration, and falling birthrates paint a more complex picture. Host Bree Davies sits down with State Demographer Kate Watkins to discuss everything from the impacts of a slowing economy to declining school enrollment, and what really contributes to growth or decline of our population. Kate also shares some future forecasting on what the population of the Mile High City could look like in 2060.

Kate talked about the State Demography Office’s 2025 report on Colorado’s housing shortfall.

We’re hiring for an Audience Development Manager! If you want to help us take our social media and marketing to the next level, check out the full job description to see if you’d be a good fit.

What do you think about Colorado’s changing population? We want to hear from you! Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418

For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm.

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  • Cozy Earth - Use code COZYDENVER for up to 20% off

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