The city of Thornton was incorporated on May 26, 1956, with a population of 8,640. Named after Colorado’s former governor, Dan Thornton, the city is located nine miles north of downtown Denver and currently covers approximately 33 square miles. Today Thornton has a population of 143,282.
Thornton is the 6th largest city in Colorado and about to become 5th largest. Thornton will likely grow to about 242,000 by 2065. Thornton has also become a destination for primary employers and regional retail has discovered Thornton as a successful base of operations. Builders and Developers have found Thornton to be a desired location for a variety of new housing opportunities. Thornton has a very diverse population with a wide range of socio-economic conditions for residents throughout the city. Thornton benefits from its proximity to downtown Denver, Denver International Airport, and the foothills of the beautiful Rocky Mountains, and offers both established neighborhoods, and newer, affordable homes, creating a safe, sought-after, and active environment with a wide variety of municipal services.
Thornton has aggressively pursued recreation programs with nearly 1,000 acres of land developed or designated for public parks. The numerous lighted tennis courts, athletic fields, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, recreation centers and gymnasiums offer recreation opportunities for people of all ages and activity levels. Thornton is also in the process of adding a new community center with an attached library as well as a nature library in another location.