Demographics of Arvada, Colorado

Arvada is a city located in Jefferson and Adams counties in the Denver metropolitan area of Colorado. As of 2022, the population of Arvada was around 125,000, making it the 7th most populous city in Colorado. Arvada has seen steady population growth over the past few decades as the Denver metro area has expanded.

The city has a diverse population in terms of age, race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. Understanding the demographics of Arvada can provide insight into the community and how it has changed over time. This article will provide an in-depth look at key demographic statistics and trends in Arvada.

Population Growth

The population of Arvada has grown rapidly in recent decades. Here is a look at how the city’s population has increased since its incorporation:

• 1960 – 7,016
• 1970 – 22,938
• 1980 – 72,869
• 1990 – 92,044
• 2000 – 102,153
• 2010 – 106,433
• 2022 estimate – 125,000 (approximate)

Arvada experienced its biggest growth spurt between 1970 and 1980 when the population nearly tripled. Growth slowed in the 1990s and 2000s but has picked up again over the last decade.

Several factors have driven Arvada’s population growth:

• Expansion of the Denver metro area outward into the suburbs
• Availability of land for new residential and commercial development
• Construction of highways like I-70, making Arvada more accessible
• Job growth bringing new residents to the region
• High quality of life attracting families and professionals

Arvada is projected to continue growing in population over the next several decades. The city is estimated to reach 150,000 residents by 2040 if current growth trends continue.

Age and Gender

In terms of age, Arvada has a population distribution similar to most suburbs with a plurality of residents between the ages of 35 and 60. Here is a breakdown of the city’s population by age group according to 2022 census estimates:

• Under 18 years: 19%
• 18 to 34 years: 22%
• 35 to 59 years: 33%
• 60+ years: 26%

The median age in Arvada is 39.5 years old. This is slightly higher than the median age across Colorado of 38.2 years.

In terms of gender, Arvada’s population is 49% male and 51% female as of 2022. The city has historically had a fairly even gender split.

Racial and Ethnic Diversity

The racial and ethnic composition of Arvada has diversified over the past few decades as the city has grown. Here is a breakdown of the city’s racial demographics from the 2022 census estimates:

• White: 77%
• Hispanic/Latino: 16%
• Asian: 3%
• Black/African American: 1%
• Two or more races: 3%
• Other race: 1%

Whites still make up a majority of the population. But the Hispanic/Latino population has grown significantly and now represents 16% of city residents. The Asian and mixed-race populations have also grown as Arvada has become more diverse.

Arvada’s largest Hispanic/Latino ethnic subgroups are Mexican Americans and Puerto Ricans. For Asians, the biggest ethnic groups are Chinese, Filipino, Indian, and Vietnamese.

Households and Families

As of 2022, there are approximately 45,000 households in Arvada. The majority (67%) are family households consisting of married couples or single parents with children. The other 33% are non-family households, which includes people living alone or with roommates.

The average household size in Arvada is 2.5 people. This number has decreased over time as family sizes have gotten smaller and the share of non-family households has increased due to aging boomers.

Here is a breakdown of the most common household types in Arvada:

• Married couples with children: 27%
• Married couples without children: 21%
• Single parent households: 11%
• Single adults living alone: 19%
• Unrelated roommate households: 8%
• Multi-generational families: 5%

In terms of family structure, 70% of families in Arvada include a married couple. 30% are single-parent families led by either a male or female head of household.

The city has a significant retiree population, many of whom live in smaller non-family households after their children have grown up and moved out.

Income and Poverty

Arvada residents have relatively high income levels compared to state and national averages:

• Median household income: $83,000
• Per capita income: $41,000

However, there are still socioeconomic disparities within the city:

• Around 7% of Arvada residents live below the federal poverty line.
• Poverty rates are highest among Hispanics/Latinos (12%) and single female-led households (15%).
• Areas in western Arvada tend to have higher poverty rates than eastern sections.

While Arvada is an affluent area overall, pockets of poverty exist especially in certain demographic groups. There is also significant income inequality between the highest and lowest earning households.

Education

Arvada has an educated population, with 94% of adults over 25 having a high school degree or higher. 38% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or advanced degree.

The city is served by the Jefferson County Public School District, which operates five high schools, eight middle schools, nineteen elementary schools, and several alternative schools within Arvada.

In addition to public schools, Arvada has several private school options at the K-12 level. This includes religious schools, Montessori schools, and a charter school.

Arvada is home to Red Rocks Community College, which provides affordable higher education opportunities to area residents. Many students go on to complete four-year degrees at colleges and universities in Denver and across Colorado.

Housing

Most of Arvada’s housing stock consists of single-family homes, reflecting its history as a bedroom community:

• 67% single-family detached homes
• 15% apartments
• 10% townhomes and duplexes
• 8% mobile homes and other housing types

New construction in Arvada is a mix of suburban single-family housing developments, apartments, and mixed-use buildings in Olde Town Arvada.

The median home value is around $490,000 as of 2022. Home values have increased rapidly in recent years due to high demand and limited inventory. The median monthly rent is $1,800.

Arvada has a relatively high homeownership rate of 65%. Homeownership is most prevalent among middle-aged residents who have established themselves professionally.

Transportation

The typical Arvada household has 2 cars, reflecting the suburban nature of the community. Most residents commute by car with an average commute time of 30 minutes.

Key highways providing access to Arvada are I-70, SH-72, SH-93, and SH-95. These connect Arvada to Denver, Boulder, and other communities.

Public transportation is available via the Regional Transportation District (RTD). Arvada is served by several bus lines and the G Line commuter rail, which opened in 2019. Usage of public transit is steadily growing but most trips are still made by automobile.

Biking infrastructure like the Ralston Creek Trail also serves as an alternative transportation method for recreation and commuting.

Conclusion

In summary, Arvada has undergone steady population growth over the past several decades leading to its current size of around 125,000 residents. It has diversified racially and ethnically but remains predominantly white.

The city skews middle-aged and middle-to-upper income with an educated population. Housing stock consists largely of suburban single-family homes. Arvada will likely continue growing in the coming years while maintaining its character as a family-friendly Denver suburb.