New Americans Data Jump to Refugee Services Data
Colorado's New American population estimate
The 2021 American Community Survey estimates that approximately 570,273 foreign born individuals live in and call Colorado home. This population represents 9.8% of Colorado's total population.
Pie chart showing share of foreign born living in Colorado - 570,273 foreign born or 9.8 %
Colorado's New Americans are of working age
A majority of foreign born Coloradans are of working age. Currently, the Colorado workforce has two jobs available for every one available worker. Foreign born Coloradans already play a significant role in Colorado's workforce and economy, and this talent pool will continue to play a role in addressing Colorado's significant workforce gaps.
Pie chart showing age data of foreign born population - ages 18-64 or 81.4%
Colorado's New Americans positively contribute to the economy
Foreign born Coloradans significantly contribute to Colorado's economy. Foreign born led households in Colorado hold an estimated $15.9 billion in spending power. These are dollars that reach Colorado businesses and the general economy. It is also estimated that foreign born Coloradans paid $5.5 billion in taxes.
Text graphic showing immigrant household spending power: $15.9 Billion in foreign born household spending power. $5.5 Billion in foreign born taxes paid. Source: 2019 American Immigration Council.
Colorado's New Americans are educated
Approximately 32.5% of foreign born Coloradans aged 25 and over have at least a bachelor's degree. These individuals can fill workforce gaps in technically trained professions.
Table showing data of education of population 25 years and over:
High school graduate (includes equivalency) - 20.9%
Some college or associate's degree - 18.8%
Bachelor's degree - 18.4%
Graduate or professional degree - 14.1%
Colorado's New Americans play an important role in the workforce
Foreign born Coloradans bring diverse skill sets to Colorado's workforce. Colorado immigrants are not a monolith, as reflected by the diverse sectors they work in, from professional, scientific and management industries to arts, retail and construction.
Table showing data of top industries with highest share of foreign born workers:
1. Educational services, and health care and social assistance
2. Construction
3. Professional, scientific, and management, and administrative and waste management services
4. Arts, entertainment, and recreation, and accommodation and food services
5. Manufacturing
6. Retail trade
7. Other services (except public administration)
8. Transportation and warehousing, and utilities
9. Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, and mining
Colorado's New Americans speak many languages
Colorado's New Americans speak diverse languages. The benefits of speaking multiple languages include the ability to connect with diverse communities and markets, increased cultural awareness, and sensitivity. These are the top 10 languages according to American Community Survey data collected by the U.S. Census Bureau. In addition to these languages, there are many more languages spoken in Colorado.
Table showing data of top 10 languages:
1. Spanish
2. Vietnamese
3. Chinese (including Mandarin, Cantonese)
4. Amharic, Somali, or other Afro-asiatic languages
5. Korean
6. Russian
7. Nepali, Marathi, or other Indic languages
8. Arabic
9. Other languages of Asia
10. French (including Cajun)
Colorado's New Americans represent different genders and family types
This data reflects the gender diversity represented by foreign born Coloradans.
Pie chart showing share of foreign born men and women: 49.4% men and 50.6% women
Colorado Refugee Services Year-End Highlights FY 2023
Colorado Refugee Services Year-End Highlights FY 2023 Full Accessible PDF
Map showing data of:
New Arrivals: 2,081
New Arrivals = New Refugees, Special Immigrant Visa Holders, and Afghan Evacuees
Newly Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) Eligibles: 2,315
Newly ORR Eligibles = New Asylees, Cuban/Haitian Entrants, Victims of Trafficking, and Ukrainian Humanitarian Parolees
Secondary Migrants: 639
Secondary Migrants = Individuals previously served in another state who moved to Colorado
Infographic showing data of:
Living Wage Goal
85% - The percentage of full-time jobs started paying an hourly wage greater than, or equal to $3/hour above the state minimum wage. (State minimum wage: October-December 2022 = $12.56, January-September 2023 = $13.65) The goal for the year was 80%.
Hourly Wages
$19.34 - The average hourly wage among all the individuals who started a job in 2023.
$90.00 - The highest hourly wage among all individuals who started a job in 2023.
38% - The percentage of jobs started that pay $20 or more per hour.
Industries of Employment
Top 3 Industries of Employment:
Service - 41% of all jobs
Production, Transportation, and Material Moving - 30% of all jobs
Sales and Office - 10% of all jobs
Individuals Served
11,200 = The total number of individuals served by Colorado Refugee Services Program contractors.
Age breakdown of those served:
36% - age 18 or younger
60% - age 19-59
4% - age 60+