📊 Colorado Springs, CO Market Demographics
Population
761,000
🟢 Census ACS 2023
Median Household Income
$70,800
🟢 ACS Table B19013
Median Age
36.0 yrs
🟢 ACS Table B01002
Unemployment Rate
4.0%
🟢 BLS LAUS
Homeownership Rate
60.2%
🟢 ACS Table B25003
📋 Market Analysis: Why Colorado Springs for Franchising?
Income & purchasing power. Colorado Springs's median household income of $70,800 is 6% below the national median of $75,149. Markets near the national income median support a broad range of franchise categories — neither constrained to budget concepts nor reliant on premium positioning.
Labor market conditions. The unemployment rate in Colorado Springs is 4.0%, 0.4pp above the national average of 3.6%. A labor market near the national average provides balanced conditions for franchise operations — neither constrained by labor shortages nor burdened by weak demand.
Homeownership & service demand. At 60.2%, homeownership in Colorado Springs is 5pp below the national rate of 65.2%. Homeownership near the national average supports moderate demand across both home services and consumer-facing franchise categories.
Top opportunity: Coffee & Beverages. With a Penetration Index of 46 (54% below the national average), Coffee & Beverages has the highest Opportunity Score of 87/100 in Colorado Springs. The market has an estimated 63 existing units versus 137 expected based on population — a gap of roughly 74 units that represents white-space opportunity for new entrants.
How Colorado Springs compares. Demographically similar metro areas include Ogden, Charleston, Des Moines. Comparing franchise penetration across peer markets can reveal whether Colorado Springs's opportunity gaps are local (untapped demand) or structural (category fit for the region). Explore each peer market for side-by-side franchise category analysis.
#1
☕
Coffee & Beverages
Coffee shops, juice bars, tea houses, and specialty beverage franchises
87
Opportunity
Score
🟡 Estimated
Penetration Index
46
54% below avg
Est. Units (Colorado Springs)
63
vs 137 expected
Avg Investment
$150,000–$500,000
typical range
54% below peer-market average — 63 estimated units vs 137 expected for a market of 0.8M (Source: FDD Item 20 estimates)
📊 Source: Unit counts from FDD disclosures + SBA franchise data
Full Analysis — All 10 Categories in Colorado Springs →
#2
💪
Fitness & Wellness
Gyms, boutique fitness studios, yoga, martial arts, and wellness centers
84
Opportunity
Score
🟡 Estimated
Penetration Index
49
51% below avg
Est. Units (Colorado Springs)
45
vs 91 expected
Avg Investment
$200,000–$600,000
typical range
50% below peer-market average — 45 estimated units vs 91 expected for a market of 0.8M (Source: FDD Item 20 estimates)
📊 Source: Unit counts from IFA membership data + FDD Item 20
Full Analysis — All 10 Categories in Colorado Springs →
#3
🐾
Pet Services
Pet grooming, boarding, training, veterinary, and specialty pet care franchises
84
Opportunity
Score
🟡 Estimated
Penetration Index
49
51% below avg
Est. Units (Colorado Springs)
26
vs 53 expected
Avg Investment
$120,000–$350,000
typical range
50% below peer-market average — 26 estimated units vs 53 expected for a market of 0.8M (Source: FDD Item 20 estimates)
📊 Source: Unit counts from APPA + FDD Item 20 disclosures
Full Analysis — All 10 Categories in Colorado Springs →
#4
🍔
Fast Food / QSR
Quick-service restaurants including burgers, pizza, sandwiches, and ethnic fast food
75
Opportunity
Score
🟡 Estimated
Penetration Index
60
40% below avg
Est. Units (Colorado Springs)
182
vs 304 expected
Avg Investment
$250,000–$800,000
typical range
40% below peer-market average — 182 estimated units vs 304 expected for a market of 0.8M (Source: FDD Item 20 estimates)
📊 Source: Unit counts from FDD Item 20 + Census business patterns
Full Analysis — All 10 Categories in Colorado Springs →
#5
🚗
Automotive Services
Oil change, auto repair, detailing, and specialty automotive service franchises
75
Opportunity
Score
🟡 Estimated
Penetration Index
61
39% below avg
Est. Units (Colorado Springs)
37
vs 61 expected
Avg Investment
$180,000–$450,000
typical range
40% below peer-market average — 37 estimated units vs 61 expected for a market of 0.8M (Source: FDD Item 20 estimates)
📊 Source: Unit counts from Census business patterns (NAICS 8111)
Full Analysis — All 10 Categories in Colorado Springs →
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📈 Peer Market Comparison — Similar Metro Areas
| Metro Area | Population | Median HHI |
|---|
| 📍 Colorado Springs, CO (this market) | 761,000 | $70,800 |
| Ogden-Clearfield, UT |
699,000 |
$70,100 |
| Charleston-North Charleston, SC |
816,000 |
$68,100 |
| Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA |
695,000 |
$68,900 |
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best franchise categories to open in Colorado Springs?
Based on our data analysis, the top franchise categories in Colorado Springs by Opportunity Score are: 1. Coffee & Beverages (Score: 87/100), 2. Fitness & Wellness (Score: 84/100), 3. Pet Services (Score: 84/100), 4. Fast Food / QSR (Score: 75/100), 5. Automotive Services (Score: 75/100). These scores are based on population demographics from US Census ACS 2023 and franchise unit count estimates from FDD Item 20 disclosures.
How many people live in the Colorado Springs, CO metro area?
According to the US Census American Community Survey 2023 5-year estimates, the Colorado Springs, CO metropolitan statistical area has a population of 761,000.
What is the median household income in Colorado Springs?
The median household income in the Colorado Springs, CO metro area is $70,800, according to US Census ACS 2023 estimates (ACS Table B19013).
How many Coffee & Beverages franchise units are in Colorado Springs?
Based on FDD Item 20 disclosures and Census business pattern data, Colorado Springs has an estimated 63 Coffee & Beverages franchise units, compared to 137 expected based on the metro's population. This gives a Penetration Index of 46 — indicating a potentially underserved market.
How does the Colorado Springs market compare to similar metro areas for franchising?
Colorado Springs has a population of 761,000 and median household income of $70,800, which is -6% below the national median. Comparable metro areas include Ogden, Charleston, Des Moines. We recommend comparing opportunity scores across peer metros before selecting a territory, as penetration gaps vary significantly between demographically similar markets.
What factors should I consider before opening a franchise in Colorado Springs?
Key factors include: (1) local income levels — Colorado Springs's $70,800 median HHI determines which franchise price points the market supports, (2) category saturation — check the Penetration Index for your target category, (3) labor availability — the 4.0% unemployment rate affects staffing costs, and (4) real estate — homeownership at 60.2% influences both commercial lease availability and home services demand. Use our Territory Opportunity Finder for a complete category-by-category analysis.
📚 Data Sources & Methodology
This analysis is based on:
- US Census American Community Survey 2023 (5-year estimates)
- Franchise Disclosure Documents (FDD Item 20) through 2024
- International Franchise Association (IFA) market data
How Opportunity Scores are calculated: Scores combine franchise category penetration (estimated from FDD Item 20 data),
local income levels, unemployment, and regional market factors. A score of 80+ indicates strong underpenetration;
50–79 indicates moderate opportunity; below 50 indicates a saturated or challenging market.
What "estimated" means: Unit counts marked 🟡 are derived from FDD disclosures for major franchisors
and Census business pattern data. They are directional estimates, not precise counts. Verify through individual FDD Item 20 research.
Disclaimer: This analysis is for informational purposes only.
It does not constitute investment advice. Past market data does not guarantee future franchise performance.
Full methodology →
Last updated: April 1, 2026 · Data: US Census ACS 2023 · FDD through 2024
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