People Power the Region
In Northwest Colorado, economic development starts with people. Understanding who lives and works in this region—how they’re educated, where they’re employed, and what trends are shaping our future—is essential to making smart decisions about business growth, investment, and community development.
AGNC supports regional planning with accurate, actionable data on workforce and population trends across our five-county region: Garfield, Mesa, Moffat, Rio Blanco, and Routt counties. These communities aren’t just places on a map—they form a connected, resilient workforce ecosystem, built on grit, adaptability, and the legacy of industries that know how to get things done.
$95,144 (Routt)
$58,304 (Routt)
Population Trends and Regional Growth
Northwest Colorado is home to just over 270,000 residents, with Mesa and Garfield counties serving as population anchors. Routt County has seen steady growth driven by tourism, outdoor recreation, and lifestyle migration. Moffat and Rio Blanco counties—long connected to the coal economy—have experienced population declines, prompting new strategies in housing, business development, and workforce retraining.
This shifting landscape reflects both challenge and opportunity. Whether it’s expanding job access in growing communities or managing transition in legacy economies, population trends inform everything from infrastructure investment to labor pipeline development.
Lowest: 62.6% (Garfield)
Workforce Participation and Age Distribution
The region has a healthy mix of younger workers and aging residents. Counties like Routt and Rio Blanco boast labor force participation rates above 85%, signaling an engaged workforce that’s ready to work. In counties affected by coal transitions, participation remains strong but is complicated by industry realignment and economic uncertainty.
This balance creates a dynamic multigenerational workforce—one that fuels demand for healthcare, construction, logistics, and education while bringing decades of expertise to energy, agriculture, and the trades.
Northwest Colorado benefits from a strong education pipeline that includes:
- Colorado Mesa University (CMU)
- Colorado Northwestern Community College (CNCC)
- Colorado Mountain College (CMC)
Across the region, high school graduation rates are consistent, and post-secondary attainment is on the rise—especially in Garfield and Mesa counties. Technical education programs in healthcare, aviation, energy, welding, CDL, and business administration are equipping residents with workforce-ready skills that match employer demand.
The region also supports:
- Colorado Workforce Centers
- Internship and apprenticeship programs
- Employer-driven upskilling initiatives
- Industry-partnered career pathways
These programs ensure the workforce is not only present—but prepared.
Median household incomes in the region range from $64,000 to over $95,000, depending on the county. While energy remains a critical economic pillar—particularly in Moffat, Garfield, and Rio Blanco—diversification is gaining ground.
The top employment sectors across the AGNC region include:
- Healthcare and social assistance
- Education
- Retail trade
- Skilled trades and construction
- Professional and business services
- Tourism and outdoor recreation (especially in Routt and Mesa)
This diversification supports regional economic stability and opens new opportunities for investment in growth industries.
Attainable housing is a defining issue across Northwest Colorado. While homeownership rates remain high in most counties, areas like Routt and Mesa are seeing rising housing costs due to tourism, in-migration, and limited inventory.
Key housing trends:
- New construction is increasing but still lags behind demand
- Smaller communities are investing in infill and adaptive reuse
- Workforce housing initiatives are underway in several counties
For businesses, housing availability directly affects recruitment and retention—making this a critical part of any site selection conversation.
Championing the Pioneers of the New Western Frontier.
This five-county region is united by more than geography. It’s tied together by a shared commitment to workforce development, economic resilience, and building communities where people can thrive. Whether you’re hiring a skilled labor force, training future talent, or relocating to a community with staying power—Northwest Colorado delivers.