Introduction to Adams County, Colorado
Adams County is located in the north-central part of Colorado, just northeast of Denver. Established in 1902 and named after Alva Adams, a former governor of Colorado, the county is one of the most populous in the state and serves as a major hub for the Denver metropolitan area. The county is bordered by Weld County to the north, Arapahoe County to the south, and the city and county of Denver to the west.
Adams County’s location makes it a prime area for both urban and rural lifestyles, with its mix of industrial development, suburban neighborhoods, and agricultural lands. The county experiences a semi-arid climate, with hot summers and cold winters. With a population of over 517,000 people, Adams County is rapidly growing, attracting both families and businesses.
- County Seat: Brighton
- Number of Cities and Towns: 10
- Major School Districts: Adams 12 Five Star Schools, Brighton 27J Schools, Mapleton Public Schools, Adams County School District 14
Brighton
City Overview
Brighton is the county seat of Adams County, located in the northern part of the county, about 20 miles northeast of downtown Denver. Founded in 1887 as a depot town for the Denver Pacific Railway, Brighton has grown into a thriving suburban community with a blend of residential, commercial, and agricultural land. The city maintains a small-town atmosphere while offering easy access to the Denver metropolitan area.
Brighton experiences a semi-arid climate, with hot summers and cold, snowy winters. Key landmarks in the city include Barr Lake State Park, a popular spot for birdwatching and outdoor recreation, and the historic Brighton Armory, which now serves as a cultural and performing arts center.
City Facts
- Population: 40,083 (2020 Census)
- Population Density: Approximately 1,700 people per square mile
- ZIP Codes: 80601, 80602, 80603
- Road Network: U.S. Route 85, Interstate 76
- Nearest Airports: Denver International Airport
- Libraries: Brighton Anythink Library
- Hospitals: Platte Valley Medical Center
Major Schools
Brighton is served by the Brighton 27J School District. Brighton High School (grades 9-12) enrolls approximately 1,800 students and offers a comprehensive curriculum, including Advanced Placement (AP) courses and career and technical education. Overland Trail Middle School (grades 6-8) has around 700 students, and Brighton Heritage Academy serves elementary-aged students, with a total enrollment of 500. The district places a strong emphasis on both academic achievement and extracurricular activities, including sports, music, and arts programs.
Commerce City
City Overview
Commerce City is a fast-growing municipality located in the southwestern part of Adams County, just northeast of Denver. Founded in the 1850s as a trading post, Commerce City has evolved into an industrial and residential hub. The city is known for its large oil refinery and the presence of Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, home to the Colorado Rapids soccer team. Its proximity to Denver makes it a popular choice for those seeking affordable housing with easy access to urban amenities.
Commerce City has a semi-arid climate with hot, dry summers and cold winters. Major landmarks in the city include the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, which offers visitors the opportunity to see bison, bald eagles, and other wildlife, and Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, a major venue for sports and entertainment events.
City Facts
- Population: 62,418 (2020 Census)
- Population Density: Approximately 1,300 people per square mile
- ZIP Codes: 80022, 80037
- Road Network: Interstate 270, Interstate 76, U.S. Route 85
- Nearest Airports: Denver International Airport
- Libraries: Commerce City Anythink Library
- Hospitals: Platte Valley Medical Center (Brighton)
Major Schools
Commerce City is part of Adams County School District 14. Adams City High School (grades 9-12) enrolls around 2,000 students and offers a wide range of academic programs, including AP courses and vocational training. Kearney Middle School serves students in grades 6-8, with approximately 700 students. The district also offers numerous elementary schools, including Kemp Elementary, with about 500 students. The district focuses on preparing students for college and careers through personalized learning plans and a strong emphasis on community engagement.
Thornton
City Overview
Thornton is located in the western part of Adams County, just north of Denver. Established in 1953 as a planned community, Thornton has grown into one of the largest cities in the county. The city’s rapid growth has been fueled by its proximity to Denver, as well as its development of residential and commercial spaces. Thornton offers a suburban lifestyle with plenty of parks, trails, and recreational activities.
Thornton experiences hot summers and cold winters, with occasional snowfalls. The city is home to several parks and recreational centers, including Carpenter Park, which features a large lake, playgrounds, and sports fields. Thornton is also known for its commitment to sustainability, with multiple green spaces and environmental programs.
City Facts
- Population: 141,867 (2020 Census)
- Population Density: Approximately 4,000 people per square mile
- ZIP Codes: 80229, 80233, 80241, 80260
- Road Network: Interstate 25, E-470, U.S. Route 36
- Nearest Airports: Denver International Airport
- Libraries: Thornton Anythink Libraries (Huron Street and Wright Farms branches)
- Hospitals: North Suburban Medical Center
Major Schools
Thornton is served by Adams 12 Five Star Schools. Thornton High School (grades 9-12) enrolls about 2,500 students and offers International Baccalaureate (IB) programs, along with a variety of extracurricular activities. Century Middle School serves students in grades 6-8, with around 800 students. Thornton Elementary Schools, such as Riverdale Elementary, serve younger students, and the district focuses on providing a well-rounded education with a strong emphasis on academic excellence and community involvement.
Federal Heights
City Overview
Federal Heights is a small city located in the southwestern part of Adams County, just northwest of Denver. Established in 1940, Federal Heights started as a small residential community and has since developed into a suburban city. The city is primarily residential, with several small businesses and a focus on community-oriented development.
Federal Heights enjoys a semi-arid climate, with hot summers and cold winters. One of the key attractions in the city is Water World, one of the largest water parks in the U.S., which draws visitors from across the state. The city’s proximity to Denver and other larger cities in the metro area makes it an attractive option for those seeking affordable housing.
City Facts
- Population: 14,382 (2020 Census)
- Population Density: Approximately 5,200 people per square mile
- ZIP Code: 80260
- Road Network: U.S. Route 287, Interstate 25
- Nearest Airports: Denver International Airport
- Libraries: Federal Heights Anythink Library
- Hospitals: North Suburban Medical Center (Thornton)
Major Schools
Federal Heights is served by the Adams 12 Five Star Schools district. Federal Heights Elementary School serves students in grades K-5 and has an enrollment of approximately 400 students. Middle and high school students typically attend nearby schools, such as Northglenn High School (grades 9-12), which enrolls around 1,800 students. The district offers a wide range of academic programs, including STEM education, arts, and athletics, ensuring a well-rounded education for students in the community.
Northglenn
City Overview
Northglenn is a suburban city located in the western part of Adams County, directly north of Denver. Founded in 1959, Northglenn was one of the Denver area’s first master-planned communities. Today, Northglenn remains a popular suburban destination, offering a variety of residential neighborhoods, parks, and commercial centers. The city is known for its focus on community engagement and recreational activities.
Northglenn’s climate features hot summers and cold winters, typical of the region. The city is home to E.B. Rains Jr. Memorial Park, which includes a large lake, playgrounds, and picnic areas. Northglenn also hosts several community events throughout the year, including outdoor concerts and festivals.
City Facts
- Population: 38,131 (2020 Census)
- Population Density: Approximately 4,500 people per square mile
- ZIP Codes: 80233, 80234, 80260
- Road Network: Interstate 25, U.S. Route 36
- Nearest Airports: Denver International Airport
- Libraries: Northglenn Anythink Library
- Hospitals: North Suburban Medical Center
Major Schools
Northglenn is part of Adams 12 Five Star Schools. Northglenn High School (grades 9-12) enrolls around 1,800 students and is known for its STEM programs and Advanced Placement (AP) courses. Silver Hills Middle School serves grades 6-8, with approximately 900 students. Northglenn has several elementary schools, such as Westview Elementary, and offers a strong academic foundation with a focus on college and career readiness, as well as extracurricular programs like sports and theater.