Colorado Cities by Population 2026

Colorado’s system of local governance is defined by its 64 counties and 272 incorporated municipalities, which include both cities and towns. The state’s municipalities are further categorized into Home Rule and Statutory cities and towns, each with varying degrees of autonomy.

A Home Rule municipality in Colorado operates under its own charter, giving it greater legislative independence from state law. For example, Denver, the state capital and most populous city (population over 715,000), operates under a home rule charter, managing comprehensive services such as Denver Public Schools, Denver Police Department, and the Regional Transportation District (RTD). This enables Denver to control key aspects of public services independently from state oversight.

Other cities like Boulder and Colorado Springs (population approximately 500,000) also operate under home rule, allowing them to enact local ordinances tailored to their unique needs. Boulder, for instance, has its own public utility, Boulder Light and Power, which is a rare feature for a city of its size.

On the other hand, Statutory cities and towns like Fountain or Castle Rock follow state law more closely. These municipalities have more limited autonomy and depend on their respective counties for services such as public health or large-scale infrastructure projects.

In addition to cities and towns, a significant portion of Colorado‘s population lives in unincorporated areas, governed directly by counties. For example, unincorporated communities such as Highlands Ranch (population over 100,000) in Douglas County function like small cities but without formal incorporation. The county provides essential services such as law enforcement (via the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office) and public infrastructure, while homeowners associations often manage local amenities.

In rural areas, counties such as Las Animas County and Costilla County manage vast unincorporated territories with low population densities, often providing services like road maintenance and emergency response. The San Luis Valley, a largely agricultural region, is predominantly unincorporated and relies on counties for public services, as forming formal municipalities is not practical due to the sparse population.