Denver Colorado

The City in Brief

Founded: 1858 (incorporated, 1861)

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

City Population

1980: 493,: 467,: 554, 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,: 1,622,: 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,)

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

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Denver is situated in the high plains at the eastern edge of the Rocky Mountains, which protect the city from severe winter weather. These mountains, reaching higher than 14,000 feet, are the dominant feature of the area. The South Platte River bisects the city, and many creeks, small lakes, and reservoirs grace the metropolitan area. Denver's climate is semiarid and relatively mild, with more sunny days than either Miami, Florida or San Diego, California. Although visitors must make some adjustment to the high altitude, they find that the area's low humidity makes even the highest and lowest temperatures seem less extreme.

Area: 153 square miles (2000)

Elevation: 5,332 feet above sea level

Average Temperatures: January, 30.1° F; August 72.0° F; annual average, 50.0° F

Average Annual Precipitation: 15.81 inches