Colorado Sees First Net Domestic Migration Loss in 20 Years

State demographer reports more people leaving Colorado than moving in from other states

Jan. 31, 2026 at 9:55am

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For the first time in 20 years, more people left Colorado to go to other states than moved here from elsewhere in the country, according to the state demographer's office. Colorado's total net migration - the number of people coming here versus the number of people leaving - has dropped by over 50% from 2015 to 2025, slowing the state's population growth to its lowest level since 1989.

Why it matters

The shift in migration patterns raises concerns about Colorado's economic competitiveness and ability to attract and retain residents, especially younger workers and families. High housing costs, increased regulations, and slowing job growth have been cited as factors driving people out of the state.

The details

The Denver Metro area saw a 69.6% decline in net migration relative to 2015, and Colorado Springs experienced a 29% decrease. Analysts cite national demographic shifts, high housing costs, high costs of living, and an increase in congestion as reasons for Colorado's slowing growth. State policies, including a rise in legislative bills and regulations, may also be inhibiting economic growth and competitiveness.

  • In 2025, Colorado's population grew 0.4% overall, the lowest level since 1989.
  • Between July 1, 2024 and June 30, 2025, Colorado saw 12,100 more people leave the state than move in from other states.

The players

Elizabeth Garner

Colorado State Demographer.

Bill Craighead

Program director for the UCCS Economic Forum in Colorado Springs.

Marianne Goodland

Chief legislative correspondent for Colorado Politics.

Colorado Business Roundtable

An organization representing senior executives in Colorado.

Common Sense Institute

A Colorado-based think tank that has analyzed the state's housing and economic competitiveness.

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What they’re saying

“It's disorienting. The population numbers do highlight that we have historically been very good at getting people in their 20s and 30s to move here, particularly people with college degrees.”

— Bill Craighead, Program director, UCCS Economic Forum (Denver Gazette)

“More than 50 senior executives described a business climate slipping beneath the national average, shaped not by economic cycles but by state public policy. Nearly two-thirds of the executives said they anticipate conditions will worsen, warning that the very ecosystem that once attracted businesses is starting to drive them away.”

— Marianne Goodland, Chief legislative correspondent, Colorado Politics (Denver Gazette)

What’s next

The state demographer's office will continue to monitor migration patterns and population growth in Colorado. Policymakers are expected to focus on addressing housing affordability, reducing regulations, and improving the state's economic competitiveness in order to attract and retain residents.

The takeaway

Colorado's slowing population growth and net domestic migration loss highlight the need for the state to address key issues like housing costs, business regulations, and economic competitiveness in order to maintain its appeal as a destination for workers, families, and businesses.