Brighton,
Colorado

Population: 39,895

Welcome to Brighton, Colorado!

Here's what you need to know:

Brighton, Colorado, located in the suburbs of Denver, is a vibrant city with a rich cultural scene. The city hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including the 4th of July celebration, Art in the Park, Brighton Summerfest, and Flix & Kicks - Music & Movies in the Park. The city also has an Eye for Art program that showcases local artists in Brighton City Hall. Brighton is approximately 13,783 acres in size, with a small portion of that being water. One of the city’s significant establishments is the Brighton City Museum at Historic City Hall. Brighton has been recognized as one of the “100 Best Communities for Young People” by America’s Promise Alliance and ING.

Economy

Household Income

$79,280

2020 Median

Unemployment rate

4.6%

2020 Median

Income

The median household income in Brighton is $79,280.

Employment

The unemployment rate in Brighton is 4.6%.

The occupations of Brighton are:

Business, Science, and Arts: 33%
Service Industry: 15%
Sales and Office: 22%
Natural Resources, Construction, and Maintenance: 12%
Production, Transportation, and Materials: 17%

The industries in Brighton are:

Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing, Hunting, and Mining: 2%
Construction: 11%
Manufacturing: 9%
Wholesale Trade: 4%
Retail: 11%
Transportation, Warehousing, and Utilities: 8%
Information: 3%
Finance, Insurance, and Real Estate: 5%
Science, Administrative, and Waste Management: 8%
Education, Social Services, and Health Care: 21%
Arts, Entertainment, Food Services, Accommodation, and Recreation: 7%
Other Services: 5%
Public Administration: 5%

Transportation

The means of transportation in Brighton are:

Drive alone: 77%
Carpool: 11%
Public transportation: 2%
Walk: 1%
Taxi, motorcycle or bicycle: 0%

Approximately 8% work from home.

Demographics and Data

Area

21.28 mi²

Land Area

Population

39,895

2020 Population

Housing

$366,200

2020 Median

Average Age

2020 Median

Population

According to the US Census Bureau, the population of Brighton is 39,895.

Education

In Brighton, 87% of residents have a high school diploma or higher with 22% attaining a bachelor's degree or higher.

Age distribution

The median age of Brighton is 35. The majority of the population falls into the age range 0 to 19.

Housing

The median home value of Brighton is $366,200 and the homeownership rate is 69%.

Ethnicity and race

Brighton is 55% White, 20% Hispanic or Latino, 3% Asian, and 2% Black.

Language

Approximately 18% of the population of Brighton can speak a language other than English, with 16% Spanish being the most common non-English language. 82% of the population in Brighton speak English only.

Gender

The population of Brighton is made up of 48% female and 52% male.

Local Government 101

Local governments, often structured at the city or county level, play a pivotal role in shaping the daily lives of citizens. These governments can take various forms, including the council-manager and mayor-council systems. In the council-manager form, a city council is responsible for legislative functions, and it appoints a city manager to oversee administrative tasks and implement policies. In contrast, the mayor-council system divides powers between an elected mayor, who leads the executive branch, and an elected council, which holds legislative authority.

Citizens are not only beneficiaries of local-government services but also key stakeholders who can and should actively engage with their representatives. Engagement can take the form of attending city-council meetings, participating in public hearings, or voting in local elections. By voicing their concerns, preferences, and feedback, residents can influence policies, budget allocations, and other decisions that directly impact their communities.

Understanding the structure of local government is essential for effective civic participation. While local governments have the authority to enact laws, manage public services, and levy taxes within their jurisdictions, they must operate within the confines of state and federal laws. By staying informed and actively participating, citizens can ensure that their local governments remain accountable, transparent, and responsive to the needs of the community.

Your city's key contacts and information—simplified

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History

Brighton has a rich history that is deeply intertwined with the state’s agricultural roots. The city was a significant hub for Japanese farmers in the early 20th century, with the Japanese Farmers Association of Colorado being established there in 1909. This association played a crucial role in the development of the city and its surrounding areas. Brighton’s history is beautifully illustrated through the paintings of Charles Egebretson, which provide a chronological depiction of the city’s evolution.

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