Particle.news
Download on the App Store
5 ARTICLES
·
last wk.

CU Forecast: Colorado GDP to Rise in 2026, Job Growth Remains Subdued

Economists point to continued losses in high‑paying professional and tech roles alongside a lower unemployment rate.

Image
Colorado's economy is slowing and forecasting where it will head in 2026 has become difficult due ot a lack of key reports during the government shut down. This 2018 photo shows dense fog at Denver International Airport.

Overview

  • The Leeds School’s 61st Colorado Business Economic Outlook projects real GDP growth near 2.9% in 2026.
  • Employment is forecast to rise by 17,500 jobs, or 0.6%, after an estimated 12,500 gain in 2025.
  • The unemployment rate is expected to edge down to 4.1% as hiring slows but fewer workers switch jobs and population inflows remain weak.
  • Professional and business services and information are projected to lose jobs, while education and health add the most and leisure and hospitality likely declines.
  • Economists cite a sharp rise in effective tariffs on imports (from 3% to 21% in 2025), tighter immigration and recent federal data delays as headwinds, even as H.R.1 tax cuts and steady spending support growth with no recession expected.