Demographics of Denver facts for kids

Denver is a big city with lots of different people living there! According to a study from 2010, Denver's population is made up of many groups. About 69% are White, 10% are Black or African American, and 3% are Asian. Also, about 32% of the people in Denver are of Hispanic or Latino background. This mix of cultures makes Denver a really interesting place!

People from European Backgrounds in Denver

Many people in Denver have ancestors who came from Europe. In fact, about 77% of Denver's population has European roots. More than half of the city's population (about 53%) are White people who are not Hispanic.

Some of the biggest groups of people with European backgrounds in Denver include:

• Germans (about 15% of the population)
• British (about 11%)
• Irish (about 10%)
• Italians (about 4%)
• French (about 3%)
• Polish (about 2%)

Denver also has communities of people with Greek and Italian heritage.

Hispanic and Latino People in Denver

A large part of Denver's population is made up of Hispanic or Latino people. About one-third of everyone living in Denver (31.8%) is Hispanic or Latino. The West Side of Denver is known for having the largest Hispanic/Latino population in the city.

In 1983, Denver voters chose their first Hispanic mayor, Federico Peña. He was mayor until 1991. Many people of Mexican heritage live in Denver's Northside neighborhood.

First Nations People in Denver

Denver works to build good relationships with First Nations people, also known as Native Americans. The city has a group called the Denver American Indian Commission to help with this. Every March, Denver hosts a big event called the Denver Pow-Wow. It's one of the largest in the country! People from First Nations across the U.S. and Canada come to share traditional dances and culture. Many non-First Nations people also attend to learn and celebrate.

Black American History in Denver

Many of the first people to settle in Denver were of African heritage, including those who had escaped slavery. An African-American frontiersman named Jim Beckwourth settled land in what is now Denver in 1863. To honor these brave pioneers, the Black American West Museum was created in Denver by Paul Stewart.

The Five Points neighborhood is famous for its African-American culture and history in Denver. In the 1940s and 1950s, jazz clubs in Five Points were popular places where famous African-American musicians would perform.

Denver has also had African-American leaders. The city's first African-American mayor, Wellington Webb, served from 1991 to 2003. The current mayor, Michael Hancock, who was elected in 2011, 2015, and 2019, is also African-American. Other important African-American leaders in Denver include former city councilwoman Allegra "Happy" Haynes and former police chief Robert C. White. Wilma Webb, a former State Senator, helped make Martin Luther King, Jr. Day a state holiday in Colorado, even before it became a national holiday.

Asian-American Communities in Denver

Chinese people first came to Denver in 1870. They settled in a neighborhood called "Hop Alley." Sadly, in 1880, there was a terrible riot against Chinese people in Denver.

Denver also has a lively community of Japanese Americans. Sakura Square in downtown Denver was started in 1944 by Japanese Americans who moved from states like Washington, Oregon, and California after being held in internment camps during World War II. This community hosts public markets and restaurants.

Many immigrants from Southeast Asia first arrived in Denver at the former Lowry Air Force Base.

Jewish Community in Denver

In Denver, many Jewish people live in the West Colfax and Hilltop neighborhoods. You can see the long history of Jewish people in Denver through its many landmarks, including several important synagogues. Denver is also home to the National Jewish Medical and Research Center. A famous Jewish person who lived in Denver was Golda Meir, who later became the Prime Minister of Israel. The weekly newspaper Intermountain Jewish News is published in Denver.

Other Cultures in Denver

Denver is home to many other cultures and groups of people. There are also notable communities of people from Poland, Ethiopia, Senegal, Eritrea, and Lebanon living in Denver.