Demographics

Grand Junction became a Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) in June 1995 and is wholly contained within Mesa County. The current population of the County/MSA is 139,082. During the 1990's the area was ranked 12th fastest growing Metro area in the Southwest and 38th in the nation, ahead of Salt Lake City-Provo, Albuquerque and many MSA's in California. With an average rate of 2.48% per annum, the population growth, though strong, is steady and can be attributed to the lifestyle that attracts many people to the area. The growth is forecast to continue over the next 25 years and at a stronger rate than the Denver area. In-migration is the main cause of population increase, typically accounting for over 80% of the population gain in any year. This is expected to continue, as migrants are attracted to the area's superb quality of life.

Improved educational attainment levels during the 1990s show that the population of the Grand Junction MSA is increasing its skills and labor quality. The median age is 36.9 and slightly higher than Colorado average of 34.30. This reflects the number of retirees who relocated here in the 1980s, attracted to the excellent medical facilities, the mild dry climate, and the strong sense of community that exists in the area.