Denver

The City in Brief

Founded: 1858 (incorporated, 1861)

Head Official: Mayor John W. Hickenlooper (D) (since 2003)

City Population

1980: 493,000

1990: 467,610

2000: 554,636

2003 estimate: 557,748

Percent change, 1990–2000: 18.6%

U.S. rank in 1980: 24th

U.S. rank in 1990: 26th

U.S. rank in 2000: 31st

Metropolitan Area Population (PMSA)

1980: 1,429,000

1990: 1,622,980

2000: 2,109,282

Percent change, 1990–2000: 29.9%

U.S. rank in 1980: 21st (PMSA)

U.S. rank in 1990: 22nd (MSA)

U.S. rank in 2000: 19th (MSA)

Area: 153 square miles (2000)

Elevation: 5,332 feet above sea level

Average Annual Temperature: 50.0° F

Average Annual Precipitation: 15.81 inches

Major Economic Sectors: Communications, utilities, transportation

Unemployment Rate: 5.6% (January 2005)

Per Capita Income: $24,101 (1999)

2002 FBI Crime Index Total: 32,132

Major Colleges and Universities: University of Denver, Metropolitan State University, University of Colorado at Denver

Daily Newspapers: The Denver Post; Rocky Mountain News