Thornton, Colorado
Thornton: The seventh most populous city in Colorado. It is located in the northeastern part of the state. Thornton is known for its many parks and green spaces, its many historical sites, and its many attractions, such as the Thornton Historical Society and the Thornton Town Center.
About
Thornton is a city located in the county of Adams in the U.S. state of Colorado. Its population at the 2010 census was 118,772. After 10 years in 2020 city had an estimated population of 148,113 inhabitants.
The city was created 69 years ago in 1956.
Thornton is a city located in Adams County in the Denver metropolitan area. With over 148,000 residents, Thornton is the sixth most populous city in the state of Colorado. The city is situated northeast of Denver.
History
The Thornton area was first inhabited by American Indians such as the Arapahoe. Settlers later arrived to farm the land in the late 19th century. In 1953, Thornton was incorporated as a city covering only 2 square miles.
Rapid suburban development occurred from the 1970s through the 1990s as Denver expanded. Farms and rural areas quickly gave way to housing, retail centers, and infrastructure to accommodate growth.
Economy and Attractions
Major economic drivers include:
- Numerous shopping centers like Thornton Town Center
- Major healthcare networks such as North Suburban Medical Center
- Agricultural processing and manufacturing facilities
- Adams County Fairgrounds and Regional Park
Parks and open spaces like Margaret Carpenter Recreation Center provide recreation like baseball fields, a golf course, and swimming pools.
Demographics
Thornton residents are predominantly white and Hispanic or Latino. However, Thornton has large African American and Asian American communities as well. About 22% of residents are foreign-born.
Overall, Thornton offers diversity and economic opportunity convenient to Denver but with a more suburban community feel.
Quick Facts about Thornton
| Population : | 148,113 (2020) |
| Country : | United States of America |
| State : | Colorado (United States) |
| County : | Adams County |
| Water as percent of area : | 3.08% |
| Land as percent of area : | 96.92% |
| Altitude : | 5,351 feet / 1631 meters |
| Establishment : | June 06, 1956 (69 years ago) |
| Time Zone : | Mountain Time Zone |
| Local time : | 05:06:39 (18th June 2025) |
| Postal code : | 80241 |
| Population growth : | 19.81% (2010-2020) |
Geography
Thornton is located at 39°52'5"N 104°58'19"W (39.8680400, -104.9719200).
Thornton map
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- Official Website
Official website of Thornton
Demographics
The population of Thornton increased by 19.81% in 10 years.
| Year | Population | % Change | Method |
| 2010 | 118,772 | - | census |
| 2011 | 121,911 | 2.57% | estimation process |
| 2012 | 124,361 | 1.97% | estimation process |
| 2013 | 127,022 | 2.09% | estimation process |
| 2014 | 129,479 | 1.9% | estimation process |
| 2015 | 132,176 | 2.04% | estimation process |
| 2016 | 134,574 | 1.78% | estimation process |
| 2017 | 136,777 | 1.61% | estimation process |
| 2018 | 139,352 | 1.85% | estimation process |
| 2019 | 141,464 | 1.49% | estimation process |
| 2020 | 148,113 | 4.49% | estimation process |
People born in Thornton (10)
People born in Thornton, including artist John Balistreri, National Women's Soccer League defender and former US national team member Nikki Marshall, boxer Adrian Mora, .
List
- Edward Casso (American politician) he was born in 03/03/1948
- Kyle Sleeth (American baseball player) he was born in 20/12/1981
- Josh Bredl (American professional wrestler) he was born in 28/01/1991
- Logan Hitzeman (American soccer player) he was born in 02/06/2001
- Abraham Rodriguez (soccer player) he was born in 19/06/2002
- Billy Gonzales (American football player and coach) he was born in 18/07/1971
- Clint Baumstark (American soccer player) he was born in 09/01/1983
Schools in Thornton
College & universities near Thornton, CO
| Code | Name | City | ZIP |
|---|---|---|---|
| 127787 | Altierus Career College-Thornton | Thornton (CO) | 80229-4339 |
| 404912 | Pima Medical Institute-Denver | Denver (CO) | 80221 |
| 454847 | National Beauty College | Denver (CO) | 80221 |
| 128337 | Empire Beauty School-Thornton | Thornton (CO) | 80233 |
| 482440 | DeVry University-Colorado | Westminster (CO) | 80234 |
Stations (12)
Amtrak & bus stations near Thornton, CO
| Code | Name | Address | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| DEB | Denver (Bus Station), Colorado | 1055 19th Street | BUS |
| DEN | Union Station | 1701 Wynkoop Street | RAIL |
| BLD | Boulder, Colorado | 30th & Diagonal Highway | BUS |
| LGM | Longmont, Colorado | 623 Main St. | BUS |
| PJT | Pine Junction, CO | 76 Mount Evans Boulevard | BUS |
Post offices near Thornton
| Post Office Name | City | ZIP |
|---|---|---|
| Thornton Post Office | Thornton (CO) | 80229 |
| Northview Post Office | Northglenn (CO) | 80234 |
| Dupon Post Office | Commerce City (CO) | 80022 |
| North Post Office | Denver (CO) | 80221 |
| Northglenn Post Office | Northglenn (CO) | 80233 |
Other places with the same name (6)
- Thornton , New Hampshire town in Grafton County, New Hampshire, United States with a population of 2,553 people.
- Thornton , Illinois village in Cook County, Illinois, USA with a population of 2,367 people.
- Thornton , Texas town in Limestone County, Texas with a population of 524 people.
- Thornton , Iowa human settlement in Cerro Gordo County, Iowa, United States of America with a population of 401 people.
- Thornton , Arkansas city in Calhoun County, Arkansas, United States with a population of 375 people.
Other cities in Adams County
Cities, towns, neighborhoods & other populated places in Adams County , CO.
| City Name | Population | Title |
|---|---|---|
| Aurora | 387,377 | The third most populous city in Colorado and the center of the Denver metropolitan area. |
| Westminster | 115,046 | The most populous city in Adams County, Colorado. |
| Commerce City | 60,336 | The most populous city in Adams County, Colorado. |
| Brighton | 40,783 | A city in Adams County, Colorado. |
| Northglenn | 38,845 | City in Colorado |
| Sherrelwood | 18,287 | Census-designated place in Adams County, Colorado |
| Welby | 14,846 | Census-designated place in Colorado |
| Lone Tree | 13,614 | City in Douglas County, Colorado, United States of America |
| Federal Heights | 13,598 | City in Adams County, Colorado, United States |
| Berkley | 11,207 | Census designated place |
| Twin Lakes | 6,101 | City in Freeborn County, Minnesota, United States of America |
| Todd Creek | 3,768 | Census-designated place in Adams County, Colorado |
| Bennett | 3,017 | Town in Colorado |
Distance to Other Cities
Thornton distances to largest Colorado cities
