Arvada, Colorado

Arvada (/ɑːrˈvædə/) is a home rule municipality located in Jefferson and Adams counties, Colorado, United States.[1] The city population was 124,402 at the 2020 United States Census, with 121,510 residing in Jefferson County and 2,892 residing in Adams County.[7] Arvada is the seventh most populous city in Colorado. The city is a part of the Denver–Aurora–Lakewood, CO Metropolitan Statistical Area and the Front Range Urban Corridor. The Olde Town Arvada historic district is 7 miles (11 km) northwest of the Colorado State Capitol in Denver.

"Arvada" redirects here. For other uses, see Arvada (disambiguation).
Arvada, Colorado
Home rule municipality[1]
Aerial image of Arvada
Aerial image of Arvada
Flag of Arvada, Colorado
Flag
Location of the City of Arvada in Jefferson and Adams counties, Colorado
Location of the City of Arvada in Jefferson and Adams counties, Colorado
Arvada is located in Colorado
Arvada
Arvada
Location of Arvada in the United States
Arvada is located in the United States
Arvada
Arvada
Arvada (the United States)
Coordinates: 39°50′01″N 105°09′01″W[2]
CountryUnited States
StateColorado
CountiesJefferson County[1]
Adams County
Settled1859[3]
PlattedDecember 1, 1870[3]
IncorporatedAugust 24, 1904[3][4]
Named forHiram Arvada Haskin
Government
 • TypeHome rule municipality[1]
 • MayorMarc Williams[5](2011- )
 • City ManagerMark Deven[6] (2011- )
Area
[7]
 • Total39.570 sq mi (102.485 km2)
 • Land38.910 sq mi (100.776 km2)
 • Water0.660 sq mi (1.709 km2)
Elevation
5,344 ft (1,662 m)
Population
 (2020)[7]
 • Total124,402
 • Rank7th in Colorado
229th in the United States
 • Density3,197/sq mi (1,234/km2)
 • Metro
2,963,821 (19th)
 • CSA
3,623,560 (17th)
 • Front Range
5,055,344
DemonymArvadan
Time zoneUTC−07:00 (MST)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−06:00 (MDT)
ZIP codes
80001-80007 and 80403[8]
Area codes303/720/983
FIPS code08-03455
GNIS feature ID0204709
Websitearvada.org

History
Cable-stayed bridge at Gold Strike Park

The first documented discovery of gold in the Rocky Mountain region occurred on June 22, 1850, when Lewis Ralston, a Georgia prospector headed for the California gold fields, dipped his sluice pan into a small stream near its mouth at Clear Creek.[3] Ralston found about 1/4 ounce (6 g) of gold, then worth about five dollars. Ralston's companions named the stream Ralston's Creek in his honor, but they all left the next morning, drawn by the lure of California gold.

During the Pike's Peak Gold Rush in 1858, Ralston brought another group of prospectors back to the site of his first discovery. The placer gold in the area soon played out, but hard rock deposits of gold were found in the mountains to the west. Some of the miners abandoned their search for gold and returned to farm the rich bottom land along Ralston Creek and Clear Creek. They found an eager market for their crops among other gold seekers. The Territory of Colorado was formed on February 28, 1861, and the farms in the valley expanded to feed the growing population of the region.

The water tower in Olde Town Arvada

In 1870, the Colorado Central Railroad laid tracks through the area on its route from Golden to link up with the Kansas Pacific Railroad and the Denver Pacific Railroad at Jersey Junction, 3 miles (5 km) north of Denver. On December 1, 1870, Benjamin F. Wadsworth and Louis A. Reno platted the Ralston Point townsite along the railroad. To avoid confusion with other communities along Ralston Creek, Ralston Point was soon renamed Arvada in honor of Hiram Arvada Haskin, brother-in-law of settler Mary Wadsworth.[9] Her husband, Benjamin Wadsworth, became the first postmaster of Arvada. Colorado was granted statehood on August 1, 1876, and the Town of Arvada was formally incorporated on August 14, 1904. A vibrant agricultural community, Arvada was once known as the "Celery Capital of the World."[10]

Arvada grew rapidly during the latter half of the 20th century as a suburb of nearby Denver, the state capital. Arvada became a Statutory City on October 31, 1951, and a Home Rule Municipality on July 23, 1963. By the end of the millennium, the population of Arvada exceeded 100,000.

Missionary shooting
Main article: 2007 Colorado YWAM and New Life shootings

On December 9, 2007, Matthew J. Murray walked into the Youth With a Mission Center in Arvada and, after he was refused his request to stay overnight in the dormitories, opened fire and killed two people, injuring two more.

A memorial was held the following Wednesday, December 12, in which Youth With a Mission leaders forgave Murray's family for what happened.[11]

Olde Town Square shooting

On Monday, June 21, 2021, Ronald Troyke fatally shot Arvada police officer Gordon Beesley with a semi-automatic shotgun. Troyke then returned to his truck and retrieved an AR-15 rifle. As Troyke proceeded down the street, bystander Johnny Hurley fatally shot Troyke with a handgun. When Hurley picked up Troyke's rifle, Arvada police officer Kraig Brownlow arrived on the scene and fatally shot Hurley, mistaking him for Beesley's shooter. Troyke was targeting Arvada police officers in general, but his motive has not been determined. On November 8, 2021, authorities have decided not to press charges against Brownlow for killing Hurley.[12] Troyke had reportedly been seen recording police at crime scenes.[13][14]

Geography

Arvada is located in northeastern Jefferson County at 39°49′12″N 105°6′40″W (39.819962, -105.110975).[15] A small portion of the city extends east into Adams County.

At the 2020 United States Census, the city had a total area of 25,325 acres (102.485 km2), including 422 acres (1.709 km2) of water.[7]

Climate

The climate is described as Humid Continental by the Köppen Climate System, abbreviated as Dfb.[16]

Climate data for Arvada, Colorado
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Average high °F (°C) 45
(7)		 48
(9)		 54
(12)		 63
(17)		 72
(22)		 83
(28)		 88
(31)		 87
(31)		 79
(26)		 67
(19)		 55
(13)		 46
(8)		 66
(19)
Average low °F (°C) 16
(−9)		 19
(−7)		 25
(−4)		 33
(1)		 41
(5)		 50
(10)		 56
(13)		 55
(13)		 45
(7)		 35
(2)		 25
(−4)		 18
(−8)		 35
(2)
Average precipitation inches (mm) 0.5
(13)		 0.7
(18)		 1.2
(30)		 2
(51)		 2.4
(61)		 1.4
(36)		 1.6
(41)		 1.7
(43)		 1.2
(30)		 1.2
(30)		 0.8
(20)		 0.6
(15)		 15.6
(400)
Source: Weatherbase[17]

Demographics
Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
1910840—
19209158.9%
19301,27639.5%
19401,48216.1%
19502,35959.2%
196019,242715.7%
197049,844159.0%
198084,57669.7%
199089,2355.5%
2000102,15314.5%
2010106,4334.2%
2020124,40216.9%
U.S. Decennial Census

As of the census[18] of 2010, there were 106,433 people, 42,701 households, and 28,927 families residing in the city. The population density was 3,028.1 inhabitants per square mile (1,169.2/km2). There were 44,427 housing units at an average density of 1,216.7 per square mile (469.8/km2) with a median value of $240,000. The racial makeup of the city was 89.08% White, 0.9% African American, 0.8% Native American, 2.2% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 3.5% from other races, and 2.7% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 13.7% of the population.

There were 44,427 households, out of which 31.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.5% were married couples living together, 10.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.3% were non-families. 26.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.48 and the average family size was 3.00.

In the city the population's ages were spread out, with 23.4% under the age of 18, 5.5% from 20 to 24, 25.1% from 25 to 44, 29.8% from 45 to 64, and 13.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40.5 years. There were 51,984 males and 54,539 Females.

The median income for a household in the city was $66,125 and the median income for a family was $78,591. Males had a median income of $42,126 versus $30,802 for females. The per capita income for the city was $24,679. About 4.6% of families and 6.4% of the population were below the poverty line.

Government

The City of Arvada is a Home Rule Municipality with a council–manager form of government. The Arvada City Council has seven members: a mayor and two councilmembers elected at large, and four councilmembers elected from council districts.

Arvada City Council[19]
Office Incumbent Term
Mayor Marc Williams[20] 2011-
Councilmember, District One Randy Moorman[21] 2021-
Councilmember, District Two Lauren Simpson[22] 2019-
Councilmember, District Three John Marriott[23] 2013-
Councilmember, Mayor Pro-Tem and District Four David Jones[24] 2015-
Councilmember At-Large Lisa Smith[25] 2021-
Councilmember At-Large Bob Fifer[26] 2011-

The city council selects the city manager. The Arvada City Manager is Lorie Gillis.[6]

Economy
"Monsella" tulip, blooming in Arvada 2006

Arvada is predominately a commuter town to Denver and Boulder. The Regional Transportation District (RTD) G line electric multiple unit commuter rail connects Arvada directly to Denver Union Station. RTD also serves Arvada with 13 bus routes. The primary retail corridors are along Wadsworth Boulevard, 52nd Avenue, 64th Avenue, Ralston Road, and Kipling Street.

Education

Arvada is served by the Jefferson County School District R-1.

Industry

The Rocky Flats plant operated from 1952 to 1992, as a manufacturing complex that produced nuclear weapons.

Tourism and recreation

Attractions include:[27]

Transportation

Arvada is the western terminus of Interstate 76, which begins at the intersection of Interstate 70 and State Highway 121. Other state highways in Arvada include SH 72, SH 93, and SH 95. Major highways near Arvada include Interstate 25, Interstate 270, U.S. Highway 36 and U.S. Highway 287.

The Amtrak California Zephyr passes through Arvada westbound each morning and eastbound each evening. This route through the scenic heart of the Rocky Mountains is one of the most popular rail routes in the United States. Full Amtrak passenger and parcel service is available at the nearby Denver Union Station.

Arvada is served by Denver International Airport and nearby Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport.

In 2014 the League of American Bicyclists designated Arvada as a Silver Level Bicycle Friendly Community.[28]

Notable people
Main article: List of people from Arvada, Colorado

Notable individuals who were born or have lived in Arvada include novelist Clive Cussler,[29] Joe King,[30] baseball pitcher Roy Halladay,[31] Isaac Slade[32] of the rock band The Fray, and professional golfer and U.S. Olympic track and field gold medalist Babe Didrikson Zaharias.[33]

Sister cities
See also: List of sister cities in Colorado

Arvada's sister cities are:[34]

See also

References
  1. "Active Colorado Municipalities". Colorado Department of Local Affairs. Retrieved October 15, 2021.
  2. "2014 U.S. Gazetteer Files: Places". United States Census Bureau. July 1, 2014. Retrieved January 5, 2015.
  3. "Arvada History". City of Arvada, Colorado. Archived from the original (HTTP) on June 28, 2007. Retrieved August 20, 2007.
  4. "Colorado Municipal Incorporations". State of Colorado, Department of Personnel & Administration, Colorado State Archives. December 1, 2004. Archived from the original on September 27, 2007. Retrieved August 18, 2007.
  5. "Marc Williams, Mayor". Archived from the original on April 8, 2022. Retrieved May 22, 2022.
  6. "City Manager's Office". City of Arvada, Colorado.
  7. "Decennial Census P.L. 94-171 Redistricting Data". United States Census Bureau, United States Department of Commerce. August 12, 2021. Retrieved September 2, 2021.
  8. "ZIP Code Lookup". United States Postal Service. August 18, 2007. Archived from the original (JavaScript/HTML) on August 18, 2007. Retrieved August 18, 2007.
  9. "Profile for Arvada, Colorado". ePodunk. Retrieved June 15, 2010.
  10. "Fun Facts About Arvada - City of Arvada". Archived from the original on April 27, 2016. Retrieved April 18, 2016.
  11. Holusha, John (December 9, 2007). "Gunman Kills 2 at Missionary Center Near Denver". The New York Times. Archived from the original on September 3, 2015. Retrieved December 9, 2007.
  12. Claire Cleveland and Allison Sherry (June 25, 2021). "Police Confirm 'Good Samaritan' Johnny Hurley Was Shot And Killed By Responding Officer In Arvada Shooting". Colorado Public Radio.
  13. Carol McKinley and Tom Roeder (June 26, 2021). "Warning triggered hunt for Arvada gunman minutes before shooting". The Gazette.
  14. Schmelzer, Elise (November 8, 2021). "No criminal charges for Arvada police officer who killed "good Samaritan" in Olde Town shooting". Denverpost.com. The Denver Post. Retrieved November 22, 2022.
  15. "US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990". United States Census Bureau. February 12, 2011. Retrieved April 23, 2011.
  16. Climate Summary for Arvada,Colorado
  17. "Weatherbase.com". Weatherbase. 2013. Retrieved on August 23, 2013.
  18. "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
  19. "Current Arvada City Councilmembers". City of Arvada, Colorado. Archived from the original (HTTP) on December 8, 2015. Retrieved November 28, 2015.
  20. "Marc Williams, Mayor - City of Arvada". arvada.org. Archived from the original on September 23, 2018. Retrieved March 9, 2022.
  21. "Randy Moorman, Councilmember for District 1 - City of Arvada". arvada.org. Archived from the original on March 9, 2022. Retrieved March 9, 2022.
  22. "Lauren Simpson, Councilmember for District 2". City of Arvada, Colorado. Archived from the original on October 25, 2022. Retrieved November 12, 2019.
  23. "John Marriott, Councilmember for District 3". City of Arvada, Colorado. Archived from the original on December 8, 2015. Retrieved November 28, 2015.
  24. "David Jones, Councilmember for District 4". City of Arvada, Colorado. Archived from the original on December 8, 2015. Retrieved November 28, 2011.
  25. "Lisa Smith, Councilmember At-Large - City of Arvada". arvada.org. Archived from the original on March 9, 2022. Retrieved March 9, 2022.
  26. "Bob Fifer, Mayor Pro Tem and Councilmember at-Large". City of Arvada, Colorado. Archived from the original on December 8, 2015. Retrieved November 28, 2015.
  27. "The Top 10 Things to Do in Arvada 2017 - Must See Attractions in Arvada, CO | TripAdvisor". www.tripadvisor.ca. Retrieved June 15, 2017.
  28. "Arvado, CO" (PDF). bikeleague.org. Spring 2014. Retrieved September 7, 2023.
  29. "Clive Cussler - Biography". IMDb. Retrieved April 18, 2016.
  30. Cohen, Jenn (April 13, 2013). "April 13 Feature - Joe King". Colorado Music Buzz. Retrieved April 18, 2016.
  31. Renck, Troy (December 9, 2013). "Former Arvada West star Roy Halladay might have right stuff for Cooperstown". The Denver Post. Retrieved May 18, 2017.
  32. Baca, Ricardo (February 3, 2012). "The Fray's Isaac Slade is proud of his scars". The Denver Post. Retrieved April 18, 2016.
  33. "Fun Facts About Arvada". City of Arvada. Archived from the original on April 27, 2016. Retrieved April 18, 2016.
  34. "Welcome". arvadasistercities.org. Arvada Sister Cities International. Retrieved January 18, 2021.
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