Why Choose Colorado for Economic Development?
The Colorado Economy is a Thriving Business Economy
When companies choose to do business here, they know they can tap into Colorado’s exceptional economic advantages. The Colorado economy is vibrant and diverse, offering numerous benefits:
- Robust Economic Growth: The Colorado economy has been one of the fastest-growing in the nation. In the 3rd quarter of 2023, Colorado’s 5.8% GDP growth ranked 10th among all 50 states. With a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of over $520 billion, the state continues to attract a wide array of industries, from aerospace and technology to healthcare and renewable energy.
- Skilled Workforce: Colorado boasts one of the most educated workforces in the nation, ranking third in the U.S., with 41% of its population holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. This highly skilled talent pool is a significant attraction for businesses aiming to innovate and expand.
- Business-Friendly Environment: The state offers a favorable tax climate, with a flat corporate income tax rate of 4.55%. Additionally, numerous incentives and grants are available to support new and expanding businesses, including the Job Growth Incentive Tax Credit and the Strategic Fund Incentive.
- Strategic Location: Located in the heart of the United States, Colorado provides excellent access to national and international markets. Denver International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world, facilitating easy global connectivity.
- World-Class Research and Development: Colorado is home to leading research institutions and universities, such as the University of Colorado and Colorado State University. These institutions foster innovation and collaboration, driving advancements in various industries.
An Invigorated Workforce
When businesses come to Colorado, they discover an invigorated workforce that thrives on innovation and collaboration. The state’s residents are known for their entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to making a positive impact. This culture of innovation is supported by a network of world-class research and development facilities, ensuring that Colorado remains at the forefront of technological and scientific advancements.
A Landscape that Nourishes Work/Life Synergy
Add in a landscape that nourishes work/life synergy, and you’ve got a growing workforce that is happier, healthier, and more encouraged because of the place they call home. Colorado offers an unparalleled quality of life, breathtaking natural beauty, numerous outdoor recreational opportunities, and a strong sense of community.
Collaboration with a Business-Friendly Government
Colorado’s government is committed to fostering a business-friendly environment. The state continuously creates policies and programs supporting business growth and economic development through collaboration with innovative executives. This commitment to a supportive business climate is evident in the state’s proactive approach to addressing the needs of businesses and their employees.
An Invigorated Workforce
When businesses come to Colorado, they discover an invigorated workforce that thrives on innovation and collaboration. The state’s residents are known for their entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to making a positive impact. This culture of innovation is supported by a network of world-class research and development facilities, ensuring that Colorado remains at the forefront of technological and scientific advancements.
A Landscape that Nourishes Work/Life Synergy
Add in a landscape that nourishes work/life synergy, and you’ve got a growing workforce that is happier, healthier, and more encouraged because of the place they call home. Colorado offers an unparalleled quality of life, breathtaking natural beauty, numerous outdoor recreational opportunities, and a strong sense of community.
Collaboration with a Business-Friendly Government
Colorado’s government is committed to fostering a business-friendly environment. The state continuously creates policies and programs supporting business growth and economic development through collaboration with innovative executives. This commitment to a supportive business climate is evident in the state’s proactive approach to addressing the needs of businesses and their employees.
Join us and be part of a state leading the way in innovation, economic growth, and quality of life.
Douglas County: Where Innovation Meets Opportunity
Douglas County is a thriving hub for business and innovation, boasting the headquarters of five Fortune 500 companies: CH2M, DISH Network, Liberty Global, Liberty Media, and Qurate Retail. The county is renowned for its premier business parks and LEED-certified buildings, a testament to its commitment to sustainable and quality commercial development. This vibrant economic environment is fueled by key industries, including aerospace, communications/telecom, financial services, healthcare/bioscience, and professional services.
Transportation and Accessibility
Douglas County’s commitment to infrastructure is evident in its major transportation projects designed to serve businesses and residents alike. The Southeast Corridor light rail provides access to major employment centers and links the county to downtown Denver. The E-470 toll road offers easy access to Denver International Airport. It is known as a health corridor due to its proximity to key medical facilities, including Parker Adventist Hospital, Rocky Vista University, and Sky Ridge Medical Center. Centennial Airport, the nation’s third-busiest general aviation airport, is conveniently located near Douglas County’s office parks, providing additional connectivity for business operations.
Premier Business Environment
Douglas County’s strategic approach to economic development ensures a well-managed, high-quality commercial landscape. The county actively plans and pursues growth opportunities, attracting businesses with its robust infrastructure and commitment to excellence. The presence of Fortune 500 companies underscores the region’s appeal as a prime location for corporate headquarters and major operational centers.
See this report for current trends on Douglas County’s economic indicators.
Quality of Life
Douglas County is celebrated for its award-winning schools, libraries, parks, and open spaces. The region offers numerous master-planned communities and mixed-use developments that provide various housing options and cater to diverse lifestyles. The county’s unique blend of a high-quality lifestyle and a dynamic business environment makes it the centerpiece of the Denver/Colorado Springs development corridor.
Douglas County: Where Innovation Meets Opportunity
Douglas County is a thriving hub for business and innovation, boasting the headquarters of five Fortune 500 companies: CH2M, DISH Network, Liberty Global, Liberty Media, and Qurate Retail. The county is renowned for its premier business parks and LEED-certified buildings, a testament to its commitment to sustainable and quality commercial development. This vibrant economic environment is fueled by key industries, including aerospace, communications/telecom, financial services, healthcare/bioscience, and professional services.
Transportation and Accessibility
Douglas County’s commitment to infrastructure is evident in its major transportation projects designed to serve businesses and residents alike. The Southeast Corridor light rail provides access to major employment centers and links the county to downtown Denver. The E-470 toll road offers easy access to Denver International Airport. It is known as a health corridor due to its proximity to key medical facilities, including Parker Adventist Hospital, Rocky Vista University, and Sky Ridge Medical Center. Centennial Airport, the nation’s third-busiest general aviation airport, is conveniently located near Douglas County’s office parks, providing additional connectivity for business operations.
Premier Business Environment
Douglas County’s strategic approach to economic development ensures a well-managed, high-quality commercial landscape. The county actively plans and pursues growth opportunities, attracting businesses with its robust infrastructure and commitment to excellence. The presence of Fortune 500 companies underscores the region’s appeal as a prime location for corporate headquarters and major operational centers.
See this report for current trends on Douglas County’s economic indicators.
Quality of Life
Douglas County is celebrated for its award-winning schools, libraries, parks, and open spaces. The region offers numerous master-planned communities and mixed-use developments that provide various housing options and cater to diverse lifestyles. The county’s unique blend of a high-quality lifestyle and a dynamic business environment makes it the centerpiece of the Denver/Colorado Springs development corridor.
Douglas County
- Population: 351,528
- Median Age: 39.9
- Households: 132,895
Source: https://www.metrodenver.org/do-business/communities/douglas
Of all counties in the U.S., Douglas County ranked:
- 3rd for population age 25 and over with a college degree (by %)
- 6th for the highest median household income
- 54.3% of Douglas County residents worked within the county
Source: https://www.douglas.co.us/documents/douglas-county-economic-development-profile.pdf/