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

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 & Cost of Living

Brighton has experienced rapid growth in the last 17 years, from about 21,000 in 2000 to nearly 40,000 today. By 2025, Brighton is anticipated to grow by roughly 20 percent. Brighton's housing costs remain among the lowest in the metro area. Median value of owner-occupied homes in Brighton is $307,000. We have a home-ownership rate of 71%. Residents can choose from a variety of housing options.

Brighton offers a culturally diverse population, with a high level of citizen involvement. The median age is 32.9, with a household median income of $65,544 which positions the City two percent higher than the state average and 16 percent higher than the national average.

Restaurants, retail and businesses continue to be attracted to Brighton. Currently 1,300 businesses are located in Brighton, employing 15,000 people. In the last year, we've created an additional 2,000 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.