Community

Brighton is a vibrant, close-knit Colorado city that deeply values its history and agricultural roots while embracing progress, innovation and sustainable growth. Conveniently located 20 miles north of downtown Denver, 20 minutes from Denver International Airport and about 30 minutes from Boulder, Brighton has attracted residents who want to feel like they are part of a small town while having access to the amenities of larger urban areas, making it the ideal location for nearly 40,000 residents. As the county seat for Adams County, we offer a diverse demographic population and a strong, well-educated workforce. Local industry includes energy, healthcare, retail, hospitality, higher education, agriculture and manufacturing.

Attractions & Features

• The Armory Performing Arts Center is a local historic landmark that serves as modern venue for a wide range of cultural arts.
• Eye for Art Program providing free public art shows within the Brighton City Hall building,
• Brighton’s Anythink Library
• Disc Golf at Benedict Park
• Eagle View Adult Center
• Brighton City Museum
• Recreation Center
• Brighton Oasis Family Aquatic Park
• Parks and Recreation
• State-of-the-art Platte Valley Medical Center
• Shopping in Historic Downtown or at Prairie Center
• Low crime rate and inclusive mindset make it a great place to raise a family while enjoying a balanced lifestyle.

Events

Annual and much anticipated events include Summerfest, Fourth of July, Eggstravaganza, Flix & Kicks concerts and movies in the park, Trunk or Treat, Turkey Trot, and the Festival of Lights (the second largest holiday parade in Colorado).

Education

Brighton offers a variety of educational outlets and resources for students of all ages. Support for Brighton's School District 27J is very important. The district serves nearly 17,000 students from the cities of Brighton, Commerce City and Thornton as well as portions of unincorporated Adams, Broomfield and Weld counties. Brighton is home to five elementary schools, three middle schools, and two high schools in addition to several charter schools and an alternative high school. Brighton is also home to a satellite campus for Front Range Community College and is in close proximity to many of Colorado's premier colleges and universities.

Growth & Economic Data

Brighton has experienced rapid growth, increasing from about 21,000 residents in 2000 to over 41,000 today. Brighton's housing costs remain competitive with the metro area. The median value of owner-occupied homes in Brighton is $475,100. With a relatively high home-ownership rate of 71% and an increasing number of for-rent homes, Brighton provides residents a variety of housing options.  

Brighton’s population is culturally diverse, with a high level of citizen involvement. The median age is 34.4, and the household median income is $100,134, which is 10% higher than Colorado’s as a whole.

Restaurants, retail and businesses continue to be attracted to Brighton. Currently 1,300 businesses are located in Brighton, employing over 17,000 people. In the last year we've created an additional 2,700 jobs and we anticipate that number to continue to rise. Brighton offers lower taxes and sustainable growth – a winning combination for a new business owner, or a large manufacturer planning to relocate.

(Data was taken from www.censusreporter.org, accessed February 24, 2025, except business and employment data were provided by the Denver Regional Council of Governments. Median income data vary and have a margin of error of 10%. Brighton median income estimates from studies not affiliated with the U.S. Census range from $87,000 to $95,000.)