Colorado (CO)

Known as the "Centennial State," Colorado is famous for its stunning Rocky Mountain landscapes, outdoor adventures, and vibrant cities. Whether you're exploring national parks, skiing in world-class resorts, or enjoying a thriving arts and food scene, Colorado offers something for everyone.

• Population: ~5.8 million
• Weather: Four distinct seasons; snowy winters (15-45°F) and warm summers (70-90°F).
• Famous Sites: Rocky Mountain National Park, Garden of the Gods, Mesa Verde National Park, Pikes Peak, Red Rocks Amphitheatre.
• Top Activities: Skiing, hiking, whitewater rafting, mountain biking, brewery tours, scenic drives.

Colorado’s job market is booming, with high demand in healthcare, technology, aerospace, construction, and education. These industries offer stable careers and attractive salaries. Below are five top-paying and in-demand jobs in Colorado. Click the job titles to get more details from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Colorado is known for its diverse cities and top-rated educational institutions. Throughout the state, cities boast rich cultures and bustling student populations. Listed below are Colorado's 10 largest cities along with their approximate population and college student enrollments.

Colorado is home to some of the best public and private universities, offering diverse programs in engineering, healthcare, business, and more.

Top Public Colleges & Universities in Colorado

• University of Colorado Boulder (CU Boulder) – The state's flagship university known for strong engineering, business, and environmental science programs.
• Colorado State University (CSU) – A top research university with strong agricultural, business, and veterinary medicine programs.
• University of Colorado Denver (CU Denver) – A leader in healthcare, business, and urban research.
• Colorado School of Mines – A top-ranked institution focused on engineering and applied sciences.
• University of Northern Colorado (UNC) – Known for strong education, business, and performing arts programs.

Top Private Colleges & Universities in Colorado

• University of Denver (DU) – A highly-ranked private university renowned for business, law, and international studies.
• Colorado College – A prestigious liberal arts college with a unique block plan academic system.
• Regis University – A Jesuit institution offering strong business, nursing, and education programs.
• Colorado Christian University (CCU) – A private Christian university known for faith-based education and business programs.
• Naropa University – A Buddhist-inspired institution offering programs in psychology, environmental studies, and the arts.

Colorado has some of the best public and private high schools, offering excellent academics, extracurricular activities, and college preparation. These schools help students achieve academic success and prepare for future careers.

Top Public High Schools in Colorado

• Cherry Creek High School, Greenwood Village – Known for strong academic programs, college prep courses, and outstanding extracurricular activities.
• Fairview High School, Boulder – Offers rigorous IB and AP programs, with a focus on academic achievement.
• Peak to Peak Charter School, Lafayette – A highly-rated charter school with a strong emphasis on college readiness.
• D'Evelyn Junior/Senior High School, Denver – Known for its classical education model and strong standardized test scores.
• Rock Canyon High School, Highlands Ranch – Offers an excellent academic curriculum with a variety of clubs and sports.

Top Private High Schools in Colorado

• Colorado Academy, Denver – A top private school focusing on college prep, arts, and athletics.
• Kent Denver School, Englewood – Known for academic excellence, leadership programs, and extracurricular activities.
• Regis Jesuit High School, Aurora – A Catholic private school offering strong academics and faith-based education.
• St. Mary’s Academy, Englewood – Provides excellent academic programs with a strong focus on leadership and service.
• Fountain Valley School, Colorado Springs – A prestigious boarding and day school known for its rigorous education and outdoor programs.

Colorado is home to several major league professional sports teams across different leagues, making it a vibrant state for sports fans. The state's high-altitude environment plays a unique role in shaping the performance of both home and visiting teams.

Here are the major professional sports teams based in Colorado:

Major League Sports Teams in Colorado

Football 🏈

• Denver Broncos (NFL) – One of the most successful franchises in the league, the Broncos have won three Super Bowls and have a passionate fan base known as the "Broncos Country."

Basketball 🏀

• Denver Nuggets (NBA) – The 2023 NBA champions, the Nuggets have built a strong team with global stars and continue to be competitive in the league.

Baseball ⚾

• Colorado Rockies (MLB) – Based at Coors Field, the Rockies are known for their high-scoring games due to Denver's high altitude.

Hockey 🏒

• Colorado Avalanche (NHL) – A powerhouse team with multiple Stanley Cup championships, including their latest win in 2022.

Soccer ⚽

• Colorado Rapids (MLS) – The Rapids compete in Major League Soccer and won the MLS Cup in 2010.

In addition to these major league teams, Colorado is home to several successful minor league and semi-pro teams in different sports.

Minor League & Semi-Pro Teams in Colorado

Baseball ⚾

• Albuquerque Isotopes (Triple-A – Colorado Rockies affiliate) – Though based in New Mexico, they serve as the Rockies' primary minor league team.
• Rocky Mountain Vibes (Pioneer League – Independent) – A fun and energetic team based in Colorado Springs.

Hockey 🏒

• Colorado Eagles (AHL – Colorado Avalanche affiliate) – A competitive minor league team that helps develop future NHL players.

Basketball 🏀

• Grand Rapids Gold (NBA G League – Denver Nuggets affiliate) – A developmental team that provides young players a pathway to the NBA.

Soccer ⚽

• Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC (USL League One) – A rising team in the American soccer system.

With successful teams at both the major and minor league levels, Colorado remains a top destination for sports fans who love high-energy competition.

1. First to Give Women the Right to Vote 🗳️ – Colorado was the first state to give women the right to vote through a popular vote in 1893, making history in the women's suffrage movement.
2. Home to the Highest Paved Road 🚗 – Mount Evans Scenic Byway is the highest paved road in North America, reaching an altitude of 14,130 feet.
3. Birthplace of the Cheeseburger 🍔 – The cheeseburger was reportedly invented in Denver in 1935 by Louis Ballast at the Humpty Dumpty Drive-In.
4. The Centennial State 🌄 – Colorado is nicknamed the Centennial State because it became a state in 1876, exactly 100 years after the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
5. Home to the Tallest Sand Dunes 🏜️ – Great Sand Dunes National Park has the tallest sand dunes in North America, with the highest reaching 750 feet.
6. Denver Brews More Beer Than Any Other City 🍻 – With over 150 breweries, Denver produces more beer per capita than any other U.S. city.
7. Contains Four National Parks 🌳 – Colorado boasts four amazing national parks: Rocky Mountain, Mesa Verde, Great Sand Dunes, and Black Canyon of the Gunnison.
8. World’s Largest Natural Hot Springs Pool 🏊‍♂️ – Glenwood Springs is home to the world’s largest natural hot springs pool, stretching over two city blocks.
9. The Only State to Have Hosted a Winter Olympics Rejection 🏅 – Denver was awarded the 1976 Winter Olympics but became the first city to reject them due to high costs and environmental concerns.
10. Location of the Mile High City ⛰️ – Denver is known as the Mile High City because its elevation is exactly 5,280 feet, or one mile, above sea level.