Growth continues in Colorado

Colorado did see population growth between July 1, 2006, and July 1, 2007, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s latest estimates. But what the state and its communities didn’t see was enough of an increase to make the bureau’s “fastest-growing” lists, which they have appeared on often in the past.

Instead, cities in Louisiana – New Orleans, in particular, with a growth rate of 13.8 percent during the year – as well as Texas and Nevada dominated the fastest-growing lists for communities of all sizes and for growth between 2000 and 2007. Not surprisingly, several California cities ranked high for population increases, as well.

McKinney, Texas, was the nation’s fast-growing city from April 1, 2000 and July 1, 2007, as its population more than doubled to 115,620, and North Las Vegas was second with growth of 83.6 percent. New York was the highest numerical gainer during the seven-year spread, adding 265,873 residents.

Among Colorado’s Front Range counties, Boulder had the second-slowest growth, with 1.4 percent, while Jefferson had the lowest at 0.8 percent. Douglas was the fastest-growing among Front Range counties with 4.8 percent growth for the year, followed by Garfield’s 4 percent increase. Many counties as well as the state as a whole saw population grow 2 percent, which is a solid increase though not as robust as in years past. Here’s a look at how Colorado and its counties along the Front Range grew from 2006 to 2007, according to the U.S. Census Bureau: