Chaffee County

As of the latest estimates, Chaffee County, Colorado has a population of approximately 20,000 people. The racial composition is predominantly White (about 94%), with small percentages of other races including Hispanic or Latino (around 8%), and minor representations from other groups. The median age is around 47 years. The county covers an area of 1,015 square miles with a population density of roughly 20 people per square mile. The median household income is approximately $54,000, and the poverty rate stands at about 10%. Homeownership is around 70%, reflecting a largely settled community.

Chaffee County, CO, has a median home value of around $475,000 as of 2023. The median rent is about $1,500 per month. The county's population is approximately 20,000, and the housing market has seen steady growth. Homeownership is about 70%, with the remaining 30% renting. Over the past year, home values have increased by about 10%, reflecting regional and national housing trends. The housing availability is moderate, with new developments aiming to meet the growing demand.

Chaffee County, CO, conducts elections for various local, state, and federal offices. The County Clerk and Recorder’s Office oversees these elections. Voter registration for Chaffee County stands at approximately 15,000. Recent election cycles saw a voter turnout of around 70% in the 2020 Presidential Election and 45% in the 2021 Coordinated Election.

Key positions in local elections include County Commissioner, Sheriff, and School Board members. For instance, in the 2022 midterm elections:

• County Commissioner candidates were Rusty Granzella and P.T. Wood.
• Sheriff candidates included John Spezze (incumbent) and fellow law enforcement officers.

State and federal elections feature candidates for Governor, U.S. Senate, and House of Representatives, such as:

• Governor: Jared Polis (D, incumbent) and Heidi Ganahl (R).
• U.S. Senate: Michael Bennet (D, incumbent) and Joe O'Dea (R).

Election results, candidate information, and voter services can be accessed through the Chaffee County Clerk's website.

As of the most recent data, Chaffee County, CO, exhibits educational attainment levels comparable to national and state averages. Approximately 93.1% of Chaffee County residents have attained at least a high school diploma, slightly above the national average of around 88%. About 38.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is marginally below the Colorado state average of 42%. However, this is still above the national average of approximately 35%. In terms of higher education, Chaffee County shows a strong inclination towards continued education, aligning closely with broader educational trends found in more urbanized areas within Colorado and the United States.

As of the most recent data, Chaffee County, CO, has a labor force of approximately 10,000 people. Key industries in Chaffee County include healthcare and social assistance (approximately 15% of employment), accommodation and food services (about 13%), and retail trade (around 11%). Education services also play a significant role, employing roughly 10% of the workforce.

Compared to state and national averages, Chaffee County has a higher concentration in tourism-related industries like accommodation and food services, largely due to its natural attractions and outdoor activities. Conversely, sectors like manufacturing and professional, scientific, and technical services are underrepresented compared to national averages.

At the state level, Colorado has a more diversified employment landscape with a stronger presence in information technology, aerospace, and professional services. Nationally, sectors such as healthcare, retail, and professional services dominate, but with less dependency on tourism compared to Chaffee County.

As of the latest data, the median household income in Chaffee County, CO is approximately $58,411. Comparatively, the median household income in Colorado is around $77,127, while the national median income stands at roughly $68,703. This indicates that Chaffee County’s median income is below both the state and national averages.

Chaffee County’s lower median income relative to state and national figures might reflect factors such as local employment opportunities, cost of living, and industrial composition.

As of the latest available data, Chaffee County, CO, has a relatively low crime rate compared to national averages. The crime rate per 1,000 residents is as follows:

Chaffee County's total crime rate is approximately 17 per 1,000 residents, consisting of both violent and property crimes. This is below the national average, offering residents a relatively safe living environment.