Sustaining Boulder’s Economic Vitality
A Diverse, Unique Economy
Home to a world-class research university, a diverse mix of key industry clusters, major government research facilities, visionary entrepreneurs and the nation’s most highly educated population, Boulder’s economy is truly unique in size and diversity. Key Boulder highlights include:
- 8,800 employers
- Approx. 120,000 jobs
- Over 700 primary employers
- Approx. 105,000 population
- Top research university
- 17 federally funded research labs
- Nationally recognized center of entrepreneurship and innovation
- Leading industry clusters, including aerospace, bioscience, cleantech, IT, natural products, and outdoor recreation
Boulder’s economic development leaders strive to advance a strong local economy and sustain this rare ecosystem, supporting new businesses to start up and succeed and established businesses in key industries to innovate and expand.
Demographic & Economic Data
A snapshot of Boulder demographic & economic data on labor and employment, consumer activity, and commercial and residential real estate.
Key Industries & Companies
Several major key industries & companies have high concentrations of employment in Boulder.
Research Economy
Boulder is a global leader in Research and development and commercialization of new technologies.
Tourism Economy
Supported by the area’s scenic beauty and recreational opportunities, tourism is a major contributor to the Boulder economy.
Boulder's Innovation Economy
With a high concentration of talent, Boulder's economy is an epicenter of innovation and supports a flourishing entrepreneurial community.
From Start-ups to Fortune 500
While small businesses and start-ups continue to represent the majority of the 8,800 employers in Boulder, several Fortune 500 corporations diversify employment opportunities and fuel our economy, including:
- Agilent Technologies
- BAE Systems
- Emerson Electric / Micro Motion
- General Electric
- IBM
- Kyndryl
- Medtronic
- Northrop Grumman
- Pfizer
- Qualcomm
- Raymond James Financial
- Scaled Agile
- Zayo
While approximately 96% of the 8,800 employers in Boulder have fewer than 50 employees, employers with 100 or more employees (1.6% of total) employ about half of all workers.