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Littleton

city

Littleton, Colorado, is a home rule municipality and the county seat of Arapahoe County, situated south of Denver and west of the Denver Tech Center. As part of the Denver-Aurora-Lakewood Metropolitan Statistical Area, Littleton offers a blend of suburban comfort and access to urban amenities. The city is known for its mature trees, numerous trails, the South Platte River, and Chatfield Reservoir, making it a desirable place to live with a population of approximately 44,710 as of 2024. Littleton's economy is diverse, with key industries including professional, scientific, and technical services, healthcare, retail, and construction. Its strategic location provides residents with employment opportunities both within the city and in the wider Denver metropolitan area. Major employers contribute to a stable job market, and the city's economic development team actively supports local businesses. Founded during the Pike's Peak Gold Rush in 1859, Littleton has a rich history evident in its charming downtown area with turn-of-the-century buildings. The city was named after Richard Sullivan Little, an engineer who settled in the area and established the Rough and Ready Flour Mill. Today, Littleton offers a high quality of life with numerous parks, cultural attractions, and a strong sense of community.

Littleton, Colorado

Overview
Classification
Home Rule Municipality
FIPS Code
08-45255
Country
United States
County
Arapahoe County
Geography
Region
Denver-Aurora-Lakewood Metropolitan Statistical Area
Elevation
5,397 ft
Total Area
13.76 sq mi
Land Area
12.62 sq mi
Water Area
1.13 sq mi
Latitude
39.61333
Longitude
-105.01667
Climate
Littleton has a semi-arid climate with warm summers and cold, snowy winters. The temperature typically varies from 23°F to 88°F, with an average of 246 sunny days per year.
Notable Features
South Platte River · Chatfield Reservoir · Lee Gulch Trail
Neighboring Areas
Englewood · Centennial · Highlands Ranch
Demographics
Population (2020)
45,652
Est. Population (2024)
44,710
Median Age
40.8
Median Income
$98,839
Poverty Rate
6.13%
Family Households
55.3%
Owner-Occupied
61.2%
Racial & Ethnic Composition
In 2024, the racial makeup was 80.8% White, 13.3% Hispanic or Latino, 2.1% African American, and 2.6% Asian.
Governance
Government Type
Council-Manager
Governing Body
City Council
Body Size
7 members
School District
Littleton Public Schools
Municipal Services
Police · Fire · Public Works · Parks & Recreation · Library
Economy
Economic Profile
Residential/suburban · Commercial
Employment Sectors
Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services · Health Care & Social Assistance · Retail Trade
Major Employers
Centura Health · Lockheed Martin · Arapahoe Community College
Education
Schools
19
Students
12,904
School Districts
Littleton Public Schools
Colleges & Universities
Arapahoe Community College · Denver Seminary
Infrastructure
Transportation
Interstate access · Light Rail · Bus service · Bike trails
Utilities
Municipal water · Power · Fiber/broadband
Major Facilities
Hospitals · Denver Water
Recreation
Outdoor Access
Yes
Major Recreation Areas
Chatfield State Park · South Platte River · Hudson Gardens
Parks & Trails
South Suburban Parks and Recreation · High Line Canal Trail · Lee Gulch Trail
History
Founded
1859
Incorporated
1890
Named After
Richard Sullivan Little
Historical Significance
Littleton played a key role in the early development of the Denver area, serving as an agricultural and commercial hub. It later diversified into manufacturing and aerospace.
Key Events
Pike's Peak Gold Rush (1859) · Establishment of Rough and Ready Flour Mill (1867) · Incorporation as Town of Littleton (1890) · Arapahoe County Seat (1904)