Brighton is a home-rule city in Adams County and serves as the county seat. It is part of the Denver–Aurora–Lakewood metropolitan area. With a population of approximately 43,900 in 2025 and covering about 21.4 square miles, Brighton has experienced steady growth of around 1.7% annually
Brighton’s Parks & Recreation Department manages over 1,096 acres of municipal parkland, including 22 neighborhood parks, five community parks, 29 playgrounds, two pools, 48 miles of paved and soft-surface trails, 20 athletic fields, and community spaces such as the Brighton Recreation Center and Eagle View Adult Center. Highlights include the Brighton Sports Complex, Brighton Oasis Family Aquatic Park, Bromley Farm, and the Colorado Front Range Trail, offering diverse recreational opportunities.
Brighton experiences a cold semi-arid climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are warm and dry, while winters bring cold temperatures and moderate snowfall. The region enjoys over 300 sunny days per year.
The Adams County School District 27J serves Brighton. Students attend local elementary, middle, and high schools, including Adams City High School. The district is known for offering a range of traditional, magnet, and charter programs.
Brighton’s median age is about 34.4 years. The population is around 63% White, with Hispanic, multiracial, and other racial groups also represented. Approximately 57% of residents over 15 are married and 50% have children under 18. Median household income is roughly $100,100 to $121,700, and the poverty rate is near 8.8%.
Brighton’s crime rate is roughly twice the national average. Violent crime is about 24 per 1,000 residents, and property crime around 46 per 1,000. This translates to approximately a 1-in-131 annual chance of experiencing violent crime and 1-in-35 for property crime
The cost of living index for Brighton is about 107 to 109, indicating costs slightly above the national average. Median gross rent is approximately $1,833 per month. Housing remains the largest expense, while utilities, groceries, and transportation are moderately higher
Founded in the 1870s as a farming and railroad community, Brighton retains historical elements alongside modern growth. Local attractions include Bromley Farm, community events, and support for agritourism, emphasized by the chamber of commerce
Most residents commute by personal vehicle, with an average travel time of around 30 minutes. Brighton is served by RTD bus routes and park-and-ride facilities. An on-demand transit service is planned for fall 2025 to enhance local mobility and connectivity
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