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Top 10 Cities in Colorado for Job Seekers in 2026

If you are on the hunt for job opportunities in Colorado, you’re in the right place. While Denver is often seen as the prime location for employment, recent data reveals that it may not be the top spot in the state for job seekers.

At Zippia, we leverage data analysis to uncover the best job markets. We meticulously evaluated numerous cities across Colorado to determine the most favorable locations for employment in 2026.

After examining over 51 cities in Colorado, we have identified the top ten places to pursue job opportunities in the Centennial State:

To our friends in Alamosa, take note as we explore how we compiled this ranking, which may provide valuable insights for your community.

Methodology: Determining Colorado’s Best Job Markets

Our analysis began with a thorough examination of data from all cities in Colorado. To ensure a fair comparison, we established a minimum population threshold of 5,000 residents.

This process left us with a total of 51 cities to evaluate.

We then ranked each location based on several key criteria, with one representing the best score.

The average ranking across all criteria was calculated, and the city with the lowest overall score earned the title of “Best Place for Jobs in Colorado.”

The criteria we considered included:

Unemployment rate
Recent job growth
Projected job growth
Median household income

Our data sources include the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and Sperling’s Best Places.

If your city isn’t listed among the top 10, scroll down to the end of the post for a detailed chart and downloadable file containing all the data.

Now, let’s take a closer look at how these cities excelled in the job market.

1. Durango

Population: 16,936 Unemployment Rate: 4.40%
Recent Job Growth: 5.16%
Future Job Growth: 45.90%

2. Aspen

Population: 6,607 Unemployment Rate: 4.50%
Recent Job Growth: 6.11%
Future Job Growth: 47.70%

3. Avon

Population: 6,383 Unemployment Rate: 4.60%
Recent Job Growth: 4.71%
Future Job Growth: 44.80%

4. Gypsum

Population: 6,396 Unemployment Rate: 4.60%
Recent Job Growth: 4.71%
Future Job Growth: 44.80%

5. Eagle

Population: 6,364 Unemployment Rate: 4.60%
Recent Job Growth: 4.71%
Future Job Growth: 44.80%

6. Wellington

Population: 6,186 Unemployment Rate: 4.40%
Recent Job Growth: 3.34%
Future Job Growth: 42.30%

7. Gunnison

Population: 5,892 Unemployment Rate: 5.10%
Recent Job Growth: 3.85%
Future Job Growth: 42.60%

8. Loveland

Population: 67,316 Unemployment Rate: 4.90%
Recent Job Growth: 3.34%
Future Job Growth: 41.80%

9. Rifle

Population: 9,163 Unemployment Rate: 5.70%
Recent Job Growth: 4.09%
Future Job Growth: 42.50%

10. Parker

Source: Wikipedia

Population: 45,195 Unemployment Rate: 4.40%
Recent Job Growth: 2.96%
Future Job Growth: 41.50%

Comprehensive List of Colorado’s Best Job Markets

City	Rank	Population	Unemployment Rate	Recent Job Growth	Future Job Growth
Durango	1	16,936	4.40%	5.16%	45.90%
Aspen	2	6,607	4.50%	6.11%	47.70%
Avon	3	6,383	4.60%	4.71%	44.80%
Gypsum	4	6,396	4.60%	4.71%	44.80%
Eagle	5	6,364	4.60%	4.71%	44.80%
Wellington	6	6,186	4.40%	3.34%	42.30%
Gunnison	7	5,892	5.10%	3.85%	42.60%
Loveland	8	67,316	4.90%	3.34%	41.80%
Rifle	9	9,163	5.70%	4.09%	42.50%
Parker	10	45,195	4.40%	2.96%	41.50%
Carbondale	11	6,428	5.70%	4.09%	42.50%
Boulder	12	99,177	4.10%	2.94%	41.80%
Erie	13	17,946	4.20%	2.94%	41.70%
Littleton	14	42,414	4.80%	2.96%	41.10%
Louisville	15	18,616	4.20%	2.94%	41.70%
Lafayette	16	24,753	4.20%	2.94%	41.70%
Milliken	17	5,553	5.50%	3.26%	41.00%
Superior	18	12,407	4.20%	2.94%	41.70%
Frederick	19	8,626	5.50%	3.26%	41.00%
Johnstown	20	9,748	5.50%	3.26%	41.00%
Windsor	21	18,640	5.50%	3.26%	41.00%
Firestone	22	10,067	5.50%	3.26%	41.00%
Evans	23	18,513	5.50%	3.26%	41.00%
Broomfield	24	55,913	5.00%	2.96%	40.90%
Longmont	25	86,355	4.80%	2.94%	41.10%
Golden	26	18,775	5.00%	2.96%	40.90%
Arvada	27	106,965	5.10%	2.96%	40.80%
Westminster	28	106,750	5.20%	2.96%	40.70%
Greeley	29	93,082	6.10%	3.26%	40.40%
Sheridan	30	5,708	5.50%	2.96%	40.40%
Lakewood	31	143,496	5.50%	2.96%	40.40%
Thornton	32	118,747	5.50%	2.96%	40.40%
Centennial	33	101,339	5.50%	2.96%	40.40%
Brighton	34	33,219	5.90%	2.96%	40.00%
Englewood	35	30,565	5.80%	2.95%	40.10%
Denver	36	604,356	5.80%	2.96%	40.10%
Sterling	37	14,642	4.70%	-0.10%	35.10%
Northglenn	38	35,958	6.10%	2.95%	39.80%
Brush	39	5,478	5.00%	0.05%	35.10%
Craig	40	9,301	6.20%	2.72%	39.20%
Cortez	41	8,453	6.80%	2.62%	38.40%
Aurora	42	326,249	6.10%	2.96%	39.80%
Delta	43	8,845	6.80%	1.70%	36.60%
Montrose	44	18,940	7.90%	2.93%	38.00%
Lamar	45	7,867	4.70%	-2.43%	30.40%
Fountain	46	25,602	7.00%	0.88%	34.80%
Monument	47	5,403	7.00%	0.88%	34.80%
Trinidad	48	9,032	7.70%	1.02%	34.30%
Pueblo	49	106,944	9.20%	1.55%	33.90%
Fruita	50	12,444	6.90%	-0.55%	32.00%
Alamosa	51	9,097	7.20%	0.12%	33.00%

In conclusion, Colorado offers diverse regions with promising job opportunities. Whether you are considering a move or just exploring options, these cities present some of the best prospects for employment in 2026. For further insights and data on the job market, be sure to check out the detailed chart above.

Never miss an opportunity that’s right for you.

Author

Chris Kolmar

Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.