Orivian

Colorado Municipal Index · Statewide

How much debt do Colorado cities carry per resident?

In FY2016, the latest year the Census Bureau covered every municipality, the median Colorado municipality carried $1,072 in debt per resident (220 with a published figure).

Measured against revenue instead, the median debt to annual revenue was 0.44 (183 with a published figure).

FY2023 is a sample year: the Census surveyed mostly larger cities, and the median of the 91 with a published figure was $2,130. It describes a different group, so the two medians aren’t directly comparable.

U.S. Census Bureau government finance and population data · Data retrieved October 12, 2026 · Methodology

Every municipality, FY2016

Debt per resident, Colorado median · 220 with a published figure
$1,072
Debt to annual revenue, Colorado median · 183 with a published figure
0.44
On this table
220 published
Debt per resident for Colorado municipalities, FY2016. Column headers sort the table.
Flags
AkronEastern Plains1,689$1,15353rd0.87Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 14.9% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.
AlamosaSan Luis Valley9,246$1,41059th0.90Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 10.0% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.Regional hub: Sales tax per resident is 1.6× the Colorado median.
AlmaCentral Mountains & Resort305$2,82379th
AntonitoSan Luis Valley758$17814th0.19Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 23.2% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.
ArribaEastern Plains202$17815th
ArvadaDenver Metro116,865$23622nd
AspenCentral Mountains & Resort7,734$7,02696th0.54Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 14.5% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.Regional hub: Sales tax per resident is 7.1× the Colorado median.
AultNorthern Front Range1,821$57132nd0.52Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 20.0% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.
AuroraDenver Metro369,952$1,73668th1.04Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 18.5% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.
AvonCentral Mountains & Resort6,676$86743rd0.33Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 0.0% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.Regional hub: Sales tax per resident is 2.2× the Colorado median.
BasaltCentral Mountains & Resort3,893$2,48374thRegional hub: Sales tax per resident is 2.6× the Colorado median.
BayfieldSouthwest2,530$1616th0.07Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 14.9% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.
BennettDenver Metro2,491$4,04390th1.85Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 14.7% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.Regional hub: Sales tax per resident is 1.8× the Colorado median.
BerthoudNorthern Front Range6,491$1687th0.05Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 9.6% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.
BethuneEastern Plains234$1,36859th
Black HawkCentral Mountains & Resort128$197,891HighestRegional hub: Sales tax per resident is 45.9× the Colorado median.
BlancaSan Luis Valley398$96047th0.89Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 20.1% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.
BonanzaSan Luis Valley18$61134th0.16Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 8.7% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.
BooneSouthern Colorado360$1,63665th
BoulderDenver Metro108,158$1,16153rd0.33Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 6.2% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.Regional hub: Sales tax per resident is 2.2× the Colorado median.
Bow MarDenver Metro961$663rd0.06
BransonSouthern Colorado67$17915th0.18Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 23.1% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.
BreckenridgeCentral Mountains & Resort4,986$2,85480th0.26Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 6.8% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.Regional hub: Sales tax per resident is 8.8× the Colorado median.
BrightonNorthern Front Range38,205$1,60765th0.85Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 13.0% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.
BrooksideSouthern Colorado248$48029th0.68Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 48.3% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.
BroomfieldDenver Metro66,596$3,92289th1.39Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 7.8% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.Regional hub: Sales tax per resident is 1.9× the Colorado median.
BrushEastern Plains5,380$1,35158th0.82Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 11.5% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.
Buena VistaCentral Mountains & Resort2,764$1729th0.08Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 16.3% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.Regional hub: Sales tax per resident is 1.7× the Colorado median.
BurlingtonEastern Plains3,606$1,92669th0.69Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 53.6% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.
CalhanPikes Peak826$39027th0.31Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 45.9% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.
Canon CitySouthern Colorado16,183$83743rd0.62Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 31.8% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.
CarbondaleWestern Slope6,618$75539th0.53Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 13.1% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.
Castle RockDenver Metro60,194$1,55163rd0.68Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 19.4% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.
CedaredgeWestern Slope2,206$38127th0.19Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 18.7% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.
CentennialDenver Metro109,694$261st0.03
Central CityCentral Mountains & Resort716$1,20755thRegional hub: Sales tax per resident is 2.8× the Colorado median.
CokedaleSouthern Colorado116$5,29394th3.94
CollbranWestern Slope707$1204th0.08Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 16.7% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.
Colorado SpringsPikes Peak459,213$5,40494th1.89Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 55.0% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.
Commerce CityDenver Metro53,201$5,87495th3.08Regional hub: Sales tax per resident is 1.9× the Colorado median.
CortezSouthwest8,689$87144th0.30Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 8.6% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.Regional hub: Sales tax per resident is 2.5× the Colorado median.
CraigWestern Slope9,018$39728th0.23Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 20.6% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.
CreedeSan Luis Valley309$3,32086th0.88Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 18.2% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.
Crested ButteCentral Mountains & Resort1,574$1,03949th0.17Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 7.0% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.Regional hub: Sales tax per resident is 3.2× the Colorado median.
CrestoneSan Luis Valley132$28023rd
Cripple CreekPikes Peak1,226$96247th
DaconoNorthern Front Range5,607$60534th0.44Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 20.3% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.
De BequeWestern Slope523$2,76179th
Del NorteSan Luis Valley1,557$2,92783rd0.26Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 6.8% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.
DeltaWestern Slope8,773$3,09185th1.55Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 45.9% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.
DenverDenver Metro696,273$8,99698th1.70Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 7.7% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.Regional hub: Sales tax per resident is 1.8× the Colorado median.
DillonCentral Mountains & Resort972$12,49699th1.11Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 9.5% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.
DinosaurWestern Slope328$64036th0.20Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 7.4% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.
DoloresSouthwest950$73538th0.76Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 16.3% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.
DurangoSouthwest18,964$1,48462nd0.42Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 6.7% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.Regional hub: Sales tax per resident is 3.1× the Colorado median.
EadsEastern Plains586$2,75478th2.38Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 40.5% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.
EagleCentral Mountains & Resort6,857$2,36773rd1.47Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 21.1% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.
EatonNorthern Front Range5,258$1,07450th1.03Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 20.1% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.
EckleyEastern Plains260$34225th0.35Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 24.4% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.
EdgewaterDenver Metro5,401$17511th0.19Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 23.1% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.
ElizabethEastern Plains1,491$1,69367th0.61Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 17.8% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.
EmpireCentral Mountains & Resort295$1,25857th
EnglewoodDenver Metro33,891$1,55964th0.67Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 11.2% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.
ErieDenver Metro24,018$3,65688th1.49Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 14.0% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.
Estes ParkNorthern Front Range6,384$2,01270th0.30Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 45.8% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.Regional hub: Sales tax per resident is 3.8× the Colorado median.
FairplayCentral Mountains & Resort747$17713th0.08Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 26.7% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.Regional hub: Sales tax per resident is 1.9× the Colorado median.
Federal HeightsDenver Metro13,199$1033rd0.08Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 14.2% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.
FirestoneNorthern Front Range11,915$37826th0.25Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 18.7% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.
FlaglerEastern Plains563$37726th
FlorenceSouthern Colorado3,867$3,57788th1.94Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 47.1% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.
Fort CollinsNorthern Front Range162,729$62436th0.21Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 30.5% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.Regional hub: Sales tax per resident is 1.6× the Colorado median.
Fort LuptonNorthern Front Range8,369$2,00070th0.87Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 22.7% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.
Fort MorganEastern Plains11,254$1,41760th0.30Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 61.8% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.
FountainPikes Peak29,315$1,68666th0.95Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 60.9% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.
FoxfieldDenver Metro778$32124th0.32
FraserCentral Mountains & Resort1,258$2,29772nd0.67Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 21.7% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.Regional hub: Sales tax per resident is 3.1× the Colorado median.
FrederickNorthern Front Range9,762$65137th0.31Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 40.2% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.
FriscoCentral Mountains & Resort2,946$1,13952nd0.18Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 5.7% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.Regional hub: Sales tax per resident is 2.6× the Colorado median.
FruitaWestern Slope13,739$2,32773rd2.10
GenoaEastern Plains144$18116th0.19Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 23.2% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.
GeorgetownCentral Mountains & Resort1,058$4,65992nd1.65Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 28.4% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.
GlendaleDenver Metro5,219$6,16895th1.01Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 6.0% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.Regional hub: Sales tax per resident is 6.2× the Colorado median.
Glenwood SpringsWestern Slope9,995$4,12291st0.87Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 27.3% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.Regional hub: Sales tax per resident is 3.2× the Colorado median.
GoldenDenver Metro20,096$1,14853rd0.34Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 9.2% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.Regional hub: Sales tax per resident is 1.6× the Colorado median.
GranadaEastern Plains496$2,88781st
GranbyCentral Mountains & Resort2,052$4,46291st1.30Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 13.0% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.Regional hub: Sales tax per resident is 2.4× the Colorado median.
Grand JunctionWestern Slope60,485$1,47961st0.72Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 4.9% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.
Grand LakeCentral Mountains & Resort471$88345th0.14Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 19.2% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.Regional hub: Sales tax per resident is 4.9× the Colorado median.
GreeleyNorthern Front Range104,637$1,30458th0.64Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 25.3% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.
Greenwood VillageDenver Metro15,188$3,99790th1.10Regional hub: Sales tax per resident is 4.1× the Colorado median.
GroverNorthern Front Range160$1,71967th1.76Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 25.6% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.
GunnisonCentral Mountains & Resort6,430$1,08051st0.36Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 29.2% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.Regional hub: Sales tax per resident is 2.0× the Colorado median.
GypsumCentral Mountains & Resort6,772$99449th0.55Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 12.9% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.
HaswellEastern Plains67$55232nd0.95Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 69.2% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.
HaxtunEastern Plains926$2,85080th
HaydenCentral Mountains & Resort1,916$39127th
HillroseEastern Plains257$2,63076th2.47Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 47.1% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.
HolyokeEastern Plains2,212$2,89282nd
HooperSan Luis Valley105$1718th0.19Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 22.9% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.
Hot Sulphur SpringsCentral Mountains & Resort671$18818th
HotchkissWestern Slope893$82942nd0.46Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 25.5% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.
HudsonNorthern Front Range2,557$3,24785th1.57Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 10.7% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.
HugoEastern Plains743$53431st0.33Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 19.4% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.
Idaho SpringsCentral Mountains & Resort1,766$1184th
IgnacioSouthwest943$72738th0.26Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 27.6% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.
IliffEastern Plains269$1,48762nd
JamestownDenver Metro259$18919th0.26Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 23.1% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.
JulesburgEastern Plains1,233$1,17354th0.49Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 42.9% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.
KeenesburgNorthern Front Range1,280$1,35258th1.18Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 20.0% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.
KerseyNorthern Front Range1,731$93846th1.23Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 24.9% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.
KimSouthern Colorado67$1,29957th1.98Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 54.5% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.
KiowaEastern Plains779$6,41896th5.45Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 73.6% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.
Kit CarsonEastern Plains240$1,60464th0.40Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 27.6% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.Regional hub: Sales tax per resident is 2.6× the Colorado median.
KremmlingCentral Mountains & Resort1,481$1,11752nd0.80Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 31.7% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.
La JaraSan Luis Valley812$97948th0.90Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 19.1% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.
La JuntaEastern Plains6,924$2,61976th0.77Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 60.1% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.
La SalleNorthern Front Range2,273$2,95684th
LafayetteDenver Metro27,454$1,07150th0.47Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 13.7% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.
LakesideDenver Metro8$1255th
LakewoodDenver Metro153,851$1646th0.11Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 0.5% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.
LamarEastern Plains7,551$1,16154th0.34Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 69.5% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.
LarkspurDenver Metro191$10,12098thRegional hub: Sales tax per resident is 2.8× the Colorado median.
Las AnimasEastern Plains2,169$98748th0.29Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 66.6% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.
LeadvilleCentral Mountains & Resort2,644$18618th
LimonEastern Plains1,937$1,86869th0.69Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 16.6% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.
LittletonDenver Metro45,088$71837th0.32
LochbuieNorthern Front Range5,672$55832nd0.28Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 32.2% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.
Lone TreeDenver Metro12,852$1,43460th0.39Regional hub: Sales tax per resident is 3.6× the Colorado median.
LongmontDenver Metro94,054$2,03371st0.75Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 31.8% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.
LouisvilleDenver Metro19,543$36025th0.12Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 22.2% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.Regional hub: Sales tax per resident is 1.6× the Colorado median.
LovelandNorthern Front Range79,177$321st0.01Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 30.2% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.
LyonsDenver Metro2,077$17612th
ManassaSan Luis Valley996$97348th
MancosSouthwest1,384$2,95284th
Manitou SpringsPikes Peak5,274$1,84768th0.87Regional hub: Sales tax per resident is 2.0× the Colorado median.
ManzanolaEastern Plains415$54231st
MarbleCentral Mountains & Resort128$19520th0.19Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 23.1% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.
MeadNorthern Front Range4,845$39828th0.35
MerinoEastern Plains284$2,85680thRegional hub: Sales tax per resident is 8.8× the Colorado median.
MillikenNorthern Front Range6,942$81141st0.73Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 32.3% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.
MinturnCentral Mountains & Resort1,156$92046th0.37Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 24.3% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.
Monte VistaSan Luis Valley4,116$61735th0.50Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 17.5% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.
MontroseWestern Slope18,946$1707th0.10Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 16.4% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.Regional hub: Sales tax per resident is 1.6× the Colorado median.
MonumentPikes Peak6,825$21421st0.21Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 11.8% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.
MorrisonDenver Metro433$82242ndRegional hub: Sales tax per resident is 3.3× the Colorado median.
Mountain ViewDenver Metro543$17713th0.19Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 23.2% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.
Mountain VillageCentral Mountains & Resort1,470$8,88297th0.44Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 5.6% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.Regional hub: Sales tax per resident is 8.0× the Colorado median.
Mt. Crested ButteCentral Mountains & Resort869$2,58375th0.66Regional hub: Sales tax per resident is 3.5× the Colorado median.
NaturitaWestern Slope521$20220th0.09Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 18.3% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.
NederlandDenver Metro1,552$3,54787th1.43Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 10.4% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.
New CastleWestern Slope4,687$1,51363rd1.12Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 15.8% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.
NorthglennNorthern Front Range39,270$61st0.00Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 15.9% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.
NuclaWestern Slope690$19019th0.24Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 50.5% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.
NunnNorthern Front Range483$1,21556th0.66Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 20.1% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.
Oak CreekCentral Mountains & Resort924$2,16572nd0.61Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 37.0% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.
OlatheWestern Slope1,804$74539th0.95Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 17.9% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.
OrdwayEastern Plains1,032$17410th0.19Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 23.2% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.
OurayWestern Slope1,026$76740th0.17Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 8.6% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.Regional hub: Sales tax per resident is 1.7× the Colorado median.
OvidEastern Plains322$17410th0.19Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 23.2% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.
Pagosa SpringsSouthwest1,857$2,72178th0.79
PalisadeWestern Slope2,774$1718th0.15Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 42.5% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.
Palmer LakePikes Peak2,833$1729th0.19Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 23.1% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.
PaoliEastern Plains34$2,88281stRegional hub: Sales tax per resident is 8.9× the Colorado median.
PaoniaWestern Slope1,413$1,43961st0.62Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 51.4% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.
ParachuteWestern Slope1,112$40829th0.15Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 12.3% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.Regional hub: Sales tax per resident is 1.6× the Colorado median.
ParkerDenver Metro52,121$1,24756th0.82
PierceNorthern Front Range934$57133rd0.33Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 20.8% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.
PlattevilleNorthern Front Range2,989$582nd0.05Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 22.5% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.
PritchettEastern Plains130$2,37774th1.93Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 25.0% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.
PuebloSouthern Colorado110,423$1,09151st0.62Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 18.2% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.
RamahPikes Peak128$18016th0.19Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 23.0% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.
RangelyWestern Slope2,349$79541st0.23Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 23.8% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.
Red CliffCentral Mountains & Resort289$2,64477th1.40Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 53.7% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.
RicoSouthwest262$612nd0.04Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 32.9% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.
RidgwayWestern Slope953$77540th0.33Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 14.8% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.
RockvaleSouthern Colorado489$4,86192nd
Rocky FordEastern Plains3,827$2,88882nd
RomeoSan Luis Valley405$17814th0.19Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 23.1% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.
SalidaCentral Mountains & Resort5,411$2,70477th1.15Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 12.4% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.Regional hub: Sales tax per resident is 2.1× the Colorado median.
San LuisSan Luis Valley673$1686th0.19Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 23.2% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.
SanfordSan Luis Valley878$89945th
SeibertEastern Plains218$60133rd0.12Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 5.7% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.
SheridanDenver Metro6,060$29,15199th7.38Regional hub: Sales tax per resident is 3.0× the Colorado median.
Sheridan LakeEastern Plains81$18517th0.18Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 23.2% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.
SiltWestern Slope3,039$18016th0.16Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 45.7% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.
Silver PlumeCentral Mountains & Resort176$18217th0.19Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 23.2% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.
SilvertonSouthwest628$28323rd0.08Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 15.3% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.Regional hub: Sales tax per resident is 2.7× the Colorado median.
SimlaEastern Plains672$17612th0.28Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 29.1% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.
Snowmass VillageCentral Mountains & Resort2,805$3,31285th0.30Regional hub: Sales tax per resident is 7.5× the Colorado median.
South ForkSan Luis Valley430$1265th0.07Regional hub: Sales tax per resident is 2.2× the Colorado median.
SpringfieldEastern Plains1,354$24722nd0.10Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 60.3% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.
StarkvilleSouthern Colorado52$2,44274th2.65Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 77.1% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.
Steamboat SpringsCentral Mountains & Resort12,755$3,89089th0.87Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 4.3% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.Regional hub: Sales tax per resident is 3.7× the Colorado median.
SterlingEastern Plains14,549$1,93569th
Sugar CityEastern Plains246$17511th0.19Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 23.0% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.
SuperiorDenver Metro13,144$5,17693rd2.34Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 13.1% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.Regional hub: Sales tax per resident is 1.8× the Colorado median.
SwinkEastern Plains596$87944th0.87Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 38.4% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.
TellurideCentral Mountains & Resort2,411$16,61099th1.61Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 5.4% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.Regional hub: Sales tax per resident is 3.7× the Colorado median.
ThorntonNorthern Front Range138,425$48230th0.28Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 12.7% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.
TimnathNorthern Front Range957$65737th0.18
TrinidadSouthern Colorado7,952$83043rd0.20Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 42.6% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.Regional hub: Sales tax per resident is 1.8× the Colorado median.
Two ButtesEastern Plains40$17511th0.18Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 23.7% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.
VailCentral Mountains & Resort5,672$1,64366th0.13Regional hub: Sales tax per resident is 8.1× the Colorado median.
VictorPikes Peak415$2,12071st
VilasEastern Plains106$3,41586th2.02Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 16.2% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.
VonaEastern Plains106$62335th0.90Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 53.4% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.
WaldenCentral Mountains & Resort594$5,14693rd1.54Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 60.7% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.
WalsenburgSouthern Colorado2,935$6,07495th1.27Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 21.5% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.
WalshEastern Plains509$1,60364th1.14Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 43.9% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.
WellingtonNorthern Front Range7,674$22121st0.19Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 23.2% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.
WestminsterDenver Metro114,282$2,61075th1.07Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 13.1% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.Regional hub: Sales tax per resident is 1.6× the Colorado median.
Wheat RidgeDenver Metro31,829$2Lowest0.00
WigginsEastern Plains904$4,01490th2.17Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 28.2% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.
WilliamsburgSouthern Colorado651$1,19255th2.38Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 75.8% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.
WindsorNorthern Front Range21,018$52230th0.33Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 13.9% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.
Winter ParkCentral Mountains & Resort1,034$8,06797th0.77
Woodland ParkPikes Peak7,608$3,50587th1.73Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 16.3% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.
WrayEastern Plains2,378$25022nd0.08Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 43.5% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.
YampaCentral Mountains & Resort449$2,94083rd
YumaEastern Plains3,527$32324th0.08Utilities: City-owned utilities (water, electric, gas, transit) brought in 26.1% of total revenue in FY2016. Revenue and spending per resident include them, so cities that run their own utilities read higher than cities that don't.

Percentile is the share of the 220 municipalities with a published figure that have a lower value in FY2016, on debt per resident. A higher percentile means a higher figure, not a better one. Debt to annual revenue is debt outstanding at fiscal year end divided by that year's total revenue: 1.00 means debt equal to one year's revenue. Withheld figures failed a quality check and wait on the city’s audited report.

Regional medians, FY2016

The median of the published figures in each region, with how many municipalities it covers. Regions with fewer than three published figures show no median.

Regional medians of debt per resident, FY2016
RegionMedianReporting
Central Mountains & Resort$2,23140
Denver Metro$1,20436
Eastern Plains$1,26246
Northern Front Range$63728
Pikes Peak$1,32410
San Luis Valley$61715
Southern Colorado$1,29913
Southwest$7359
Western Slope$75523

Why debt per resident can mislead

Examples are pulled from the FY2016 figures above.

  • Utility and enterprise debt is usually repaid from rates, not taxes

    Debt outstanding counts every bond and loan the city owes, including revenue bonds for water, sewer and electric systems. Those are usually repaid from the rates customers pay, not from taxes, so a city that runs its own utilities can read high without a heavier tax burden.

    • Lamar: $1,161 (utilities 69% of revenue)
    • Fort Morgan: $1,417 (utilities 62% of revenue)
    • Fountain: $1,686 (utilities 61% of revenue)
    In the methodology

  • One bond issue swings small towns sharply

    In a town of a few thousand, a single bond for a water plant or town hall can move debt per resident by thousands of dollars in one year, then fall back as it is repaid. One year's figure says little about the town's usual borrowing.

    In the methodology

  • Debt is a point-in-time balance at fiscal year end

    The figure is what the city owed on the last day of its fiscal year, not what it borrowed or repaid during the year. A bond issued or retired just before or after year end moves the figure without any change in the city's plans, and fiscal years end on different dates.

    In the methodology

  • Debt to annual revenue gives different context than debt per resident

    Debt per resident divides by population; debt to annual revenue divides by what the city collected that year. A city with high revenue per resident, from utilities or visitors, can sit at a high percentile on one measure and a much lower one on the other.

    • Vail: $1,643 (66th percentile per resident, 13th on debt to annual revenue)
    • Del Norte: $2,927 (83rd percentile per resident, 34th on debt to annual revenue)
    • Snowmass Village: $3,312 (85th percentile per resident, 39th on debt to annual revenue)
    In the methodology

Find your city

Each profile compares debt per resident with five matched peers and the Colorado median, and traces the figure to its Census source.

More from the Index

This is public data, published once a year.

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