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Thornton, CO


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Thornton, Colorado

Introduction to Thornton, Colorado

Thornton, Colorado, in Adams county, is 8 miles N of Denver, Colorado. The city is conveniently located inside the Denver metropolitan area. There are an estimated 82,384 people in Thornton.

Thornton History

Until 1953, the area now known as Thornton consisted primarily of farmlands. Sam Hoffman purchased land off of Washington Street in 1953 and planned what would eventually become Thornton. It was the first planned community in Adams county. The town was named in honor of Colorado Governor, Dan Thornton. Thornton was incorporated as a city in 1956.

Thornton and nearby Attractions

  • Forney Museum of Transportation
  • Colorado Governor's Mansion
  • Denver Zoo
  • Grasmer Lake
  • Holly Park
  • Park Hill Golf Club

Things To Do In Thornton

During a stay in Thornton, one can visit the historic sites in Denver like the Colorado State Capitol, the Colorado Governor's Mansion and the Denver Mint. Those interested in the regional history can pay a visit to the Forney Museum of Transportation, which has some interesting exhibits of antique automobiles, carriages, bicycles and locomotives. Golfers can spend a day at the Park Hill Golf Club. In addition, the city hosts the Harvest Fest every September and the Winterfest every December.

Thornton Transportation

Buckley AFB Airport is close by.

Thornton Higher Education

ITT Technical Institute is the closest school providing adult education opportunities. For higher learning, one can also enroll at Front Range Community College or Regis University.

High Points

Thornton strengths, compared to Peers (similar size places nationally) or State (other places in Colorado):

CategoryTrophy
Racial Diversity
(vs. State)		Top 8%Thornton Racial Diversity
Low Rate of Poverty
(vs. State)		Top 13%Thornton Low Rate of Poverty
Public Transportation Use
(vs. State)		Top 15%Thornton Public Transportation Use
People in Middle Class or Better
(vs. State)		Top 15%Thornton People in Middle Class or Better

Comparative Profile of Thornton, CO

Comparing Thornton to similar size places nationwide (Peers) and to other places in Colorado (State):

Ratings range from 1 (lowest) to 10 (highest).


The People

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers		Compared
to State
Children Under 5 Years Old99
Male Share of the Population95
Well-Paid Single Men66
Racial Diversity610
Well-Paid Single Women58
Female Share of the Population26
Age of the Population22
Senior Citizens13

Families

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers		Compared
to State
Average Household Size89
Portion of People Married88

Wealth

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers		Compared
to State
People Above Poverty89
People in Middle Class or Better79
Median Family Income78
College Educated Adults46

Commute & Sprawl

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers		Compared
to State
Public Transportation Use89
Working at Home74
Walking and Biking to Work35
Short Commute Times32

Housing

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers		Compared
to State
Housing Recently Built99
Affordability of Property Taxes73
Affordability of Rents32
Studio & One-Bedroom Rentals34
People Living Alone22
Seasonal and Vacation Housing11

Crime

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers		Compared
to State
Low Violent Crime65
Low Property Crime34

Detailed pages on related topics: Thornton colleges • Thornton mortgage and property.

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Additional Details

Thornton CollegesThornton Colleges
Thornton colleges and trade schools.
Thornton MortgageThornton Mortgage
Thornton property, mortgage, and real estate.

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