Population
Colorado Springs has a population of approximately 488,664 residents as of 2023, making it the second-largest city in Colorado behind Denver. The greater metropolitan area, including El Paso County, contains over 750,000 people.
History
Colorado Springs was incorporated as a city on June 19, 1886. However, it was originally founded in 1871 by General William Jackson Palmer as a resort town adjacent to his Denver and Rio Grande Railroad.
Region
Colorado Springs is located in El Paso County in central Colorado, approximately 70 miles south of Denver. The city sits at the eastern foot of the Rocky Mountains near Pikes Peak at an elevation of 6,035 feet, with the Front Range providing a dramatic backdrop to the west.
Classification
Colorado Springs is officially classified as a home rule city under Colorado law. It is the county seat of El Paso County and functions as a major urban center with its own independent municipal government, serving as a regional hub for military installations, tourism, and technology sectors.
| Location | Median Household Income (2023) | Population |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Springs | $83,198 | 488,664 |
| Colorado | $92,911 | 5,957,493 |
| United States | $80,610 | 334,914,895 |