Boulder Valley high school students reported significant improvements in mental health in the 2025 Healthy Kids Colorado Survey, with persistent sadness or hopelessness declining to a record low of 20.6%, down from 23.4% in 2023.
Youth who seriously considered suicide in the past year fell to 9.6%, the lowest on record, down from 11.6% in 2023. Suicide attempts remained unchanged at 4%.
The survey, conducted every two years by Boulder County Public Health and Boulder Valley School District, gathered responses from 3,904 students. Statewide, 134,431 students from 362 schools in 76 districts participated in 2025, marking the highest participation in the survey's history.
On substance use, marijuana consumption dropped significantly. Only 12.3% of Boulder County youth reported using marijuana in the past month, down from 16.9% in 2023. Cigarette use remained flat at 5.5%, and alcohol use held steady at 26.5%. Vaping increased from 9% in 2023 to 11% in 2025.
The survey asked about oral nicotine pouches for the first time in 2025. Boulder County reported higher use at 5.2% compared to the statewide rate of 3.4%.
Boulder County Public Health uses the results to guide school and community programs supporting youth health and safety. The survey maintains student privacy through anonymous and confidential data collection.