Population growth fuels new housing developments

February 11, 2026•3 min read

Population growth fuels new housing developments

The official population statistics are in, and Colorado has hit a new milestone.

For the first time, Colorado’s population exceeds six million residents, according to the U.S. Census Bureau's July 2025 estimates.

The report shows the state’s population increased by 0.4% over the prior year. Growth was driven primarily by a 4.6% increase in births, with domestic and international migration slowing down. The nation’s population grew at about the same rate, reaching 0.5%.

As more people live in the state, the impact is unfolding differently across communities. One town in Boulder and Weld counties stands out.

Erie surges ahead

The once sleepy rural town of Erie is now the No. 15-fastest-growing city in the nation, according to U.S. Census Bureau estimates released in May 2025.

Erie’s population rose 9.2% from July 2023 to July 2024, adding more than 3,200 residents, bringing the total to 38,594 and reaching about 42,000 in 2025.

Towns in the surrounding area posted more modest gains. Loveland’s population grew by 1.99%, Broomfield's by 1.68%, and Greeley's by 1.5%. Boulder and Longmont saw smaller increases, 0.16% and 0.72%, respectively.

Why Erie?

Erie and nearby communities, such as Firestone, Frederick, and Dacono, offer strong attributes for growth. It begins with undeveloped land that provides room to grow and a location near I-25, with easy access to Denver and Boulder. Erie also has infrastructure to support expansion, and amenities and employment opportunities that continue to grow.

There’s also a broader housing trend playing out. Many homebuyers are moving away from established cities in search of more space, better schools and more affordable homes.

The city exodus is especially pronounced among millennials. Once drawn to urban living and walkable lifestyles, millennials are transitioning into family life, which is shifting their priorities. A report from Harvard University’s Joint Center for Housing Studies notes that forming new households, having children, and striving to become homeowners — combined with high urban housing costs — are pushing buyers toward exurban communities.

Residential developments take shape

To meet the demand for homes, new developments are emerging across Boulder County.

In Erie alone, Realtor.com lists 134 single- and multi-family new construction homes, priced from $350,000 to $1.9 million. The largest share of listings falls between $500,000 and $700,000.

New housing developments in Erie and other Boulder Valley towns include a mix of options:

Erie

·The Nest Villas at Canyon Creek Community, from $489,990

·Urban Collection at Parkdale Community, from $499,950

·Westerly, from the $500s to $1.5M

·The Nest Classic at Canyon Creek Community, from $574,990

·Erie Town Center - Heights Collection new townhomes, from $590,000

·Colliers Hill Community, from $783,950

·Sunset Village - The Grand Collection, from $858,900

Superior

·Montmere at Autrey Shores, from $774,900

·Edge at Downtown Superior, from $890,000

Broomfield

·Grand Vue at Interlocken condos and townhomes, from $419,990

·Dillon Pointe – Journey, from $819,900

Longmont

·Highlands at Fox Hill, from $399,900

·Sugar Mill Village paired homes, from $489,900

·West Grange, from $974,900

Lafayette

·Urban Collection at Parkdale, from $499,950

·Silo, coming soon

·Cornerstone Homes, coming soon

Commercial growth follows rooftops

Erie’s population growth is also fueling new commercial areas. With existing commercial inventory about 95% to 97% occupied, Erie leaders are focused on expanding opportunities for commercial development, improving the downtown, and laying the infrastructure to attract more employers and create jobs for residents, according to the Daily Camera's coverage of recent presentations by the mayor and town manager.

Plans include a 10,000-square-foot mixed-use development in Historic Old Town; retail, grocery store, and potential hotel in the Town Center area at Erie Parkway and County Line Road; 170,000 square feet of flex industrial space at Flight Business Park; and exploring ways to market Erie to visitors attending the Sundance Film Festival.

Bottom line

Colorado’s population growth may be slowing from the robust increases of the last decade, but the appeal of the Boulder Valley remains strong. Demand for homes continues, especially for more affordable homes for first-time homebuyers. Affordable options are available, and a knowledgeable local Realtor® can help you find the perfect fit.

For more, read https://www.dailycamera.com/2026/01/28/erie-growth-development-plans/, https://bizwest.com/2025/05/14/erie-ranks-15th-in-u-s-population-growth/ and https://cdola.colorado.gov/press-release/colorados-state-demography-office-summarizes-the-us-census-data-released-today

Jay Kalinski

Jay Kalinski is an experienced Realtor, lawyer, and veteran of the U.S. Air Force. Jay grew up in and around Boulder, Colorado, obtained his undergraduate degree from the University of Colorado at Boulder and his J.D. from the University of California, Berkeley Law School, and his MBA from the University of Colorado. Jay is the owner of RE/MAX Elevate and RE/MAX of Boulder and leads the Kalinski Team, which has decades of experience helping people buy and sell real estate along the Front Range.