As of the census of 2000, there were 102,153 people, 39,019 households, and 27,742 families residing in the city. The population density was 3,128.1 people per square mile (1,207.6/km²). There were 39,733 housing units at an average density of 1,216.7/sq mi (469.7/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 91.04% White, 0.66% African American, 0.65% Native American, 2.17% Asian, 0.07% Pacific Islander, 3.08% from other races, and 2.34% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 9.82% of the population.
There were 39,019 households out of which 34.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.5% were married couples living together, 9.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.9% were non-families. 23.1% of all households were made up of individuals and 7.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.60 and the average family size was 3.07.
In the city the population was spread out with 26.2% under the age of 18, 7.8% from 18 to 24, 30.4% from 25 to 44, 24.9% from 45 to 64, and 10.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females there were 96.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.9 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $55,541, and the median income for a family was $63,273. Males had a median income of $42,126 versus $30,802 for females. The per capita income for the city was $24,679. About 3.5% of families and 5.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 6.4% of those under age 18 and 6.1% of those age 65 or older.
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 State Highway 72, State Highway 93, and State Highway 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 the City of Arvada each morning and each evening. Full Amtrak passenger and parcel service is available at the nearby Denver Union Station.
The Denver Regional Transportation District (RTD) currently serves Arvada with seven local bus routes (31, 51, 52, 72, 76, 80, 100), seven express bus routes (58X, 68X, 72X, 76X, 80X, 82X, 108X), the CC regional bus route, and the Arvada Call-and-Ride service. RTD plans to provide Arvada with a commuter rail Gold Line along the old Colorado Central Railroad route (now operated by the Union Pacific Railroad) by 2015. Although this date is currently in question and should be resolved at the August 2008 RTD board meeting. In question is the FasTracks budget which is at least 30% over budget. The remedy will either be a. push the time line out several years b. cut lines or c. go to the voters for another tax increase. Flynn, K.: http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/jul/18/fastracks-budget-off-rails/"FasTracks Budget off the Rails"],
Arvada is served by Denver International Airport and nearby Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport.