Otero County

As of the 2020 Census, Otero County, Colorado, had a population of approximately 18,690 people. The racial composition was around 73.6% White, 1.8% African American, 2.0% Native American, 0.5% Asian, and 15.6% from other races. Individuals identifying as Hispanic or Latino made up 45.6% of the population. The median household income was about $35,722, with around 20.6% of the population living below the poverty line. The county covers an area of 1,270 square miles and has a population density of roughly 14.7 people per square mile.

As of 2023, Otero County, Colorado has a median home value of approximately $130,000. The median rent is about $700 per month. Around 63% of residents own their homes, while 37% rent. The county's housing market has seen a 5% increase in home values over the past year. The average household size is around 2.4 people, and the vacancy rate for rental properties is roughly 8%. The number of available properties fluctuates, reflecting national and regional housing trends.

Otero County, Colorado, conducts local, state, and federal elections as part of the U.S. electoral system. The county has approximately 18,000 residents, with the eligible voter population being a subset of this total. Voter turnout varies by election type and year.

In recent elections, candidates for local positions like County Commissioner, Sheriff, and Clerk and Recorder are often featured. At the state level, Otero County voters participate in electing State Representatives and Senators. Federally, they take part in voting for U.S. Representatives, Senators, and Presidential elections.

To find detailed, up-to-date candidate lists and specific numerical values for recent or upcoming elections, check the Otero County Clerk and Recorder's official website or contact their office directly. They provide comprehensive information including voter registration statistics, candidate filings, and election results.

As of the most recent data, Otero County, CO, showcases the following education statistics:

• High School Graduation Rate: Approximately 85%, which is slightly below the national average of around 88% and Colorado's state average of approximately 90%.
• Bachelor's Degree or Higher: About 15% of Otero County residents aged 25 and over hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is significantly lower than the national average of around 33% and the Colorado state average of approximately 42%.

Overall, Otero County's education attainment levels tend to lag behind state and national averages, particularly in higher education degrees. Efforts to boost educational opportunities and attainment could help bridge this gap.

As of 2021, Otero County, Colorado, had approximately 18,000 residents, with an estimated labor force of around 7,500 people. The county's unemployment rate was about 6.5%, comparing to the national average of 6.0% and Colorado's average of 6.1%.

Top industries in Otero County include:

1. Agriculture: Accounts for approximately 20% of local employment, higher than national and state averages.
2. Healthcare and Social Assistance: Represents 18% of jobs, compared to 14.8% nationally and 13% statewide.
3. Retail Trade: Encompasses 12% of employment, closely aligned with national (12%) and state (11%) figures.
4. Education Services: Constitutes 10%, similar to the national average of 9%, and the state average of 10%.

The county's economy strongly relies on agriculture, a more significant focus than the national trend, while maintaining robust healthcare and retail sectors.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the median household income in Otero County, Colorado is approximately $41,135 as of recent data updates. For comparison, the median household income in Colorado is notably higher at around $77,127, and the national median household income stands at about $68,703.

Below is a summary table illustrating these income figures:

This shows that Otero County's median household income is significantly lower than both the state and national averages.

As of the latest data available (2021), Otero County, Colorado has a crime rate of approximately 3,228 incidents per 100,000 people. Here's a breakdown of crime statistics for the county:

These numbers help indicate the relative safety and crime trends in Otero County. Note that these figures are subject to change and should be interpreted within the context of broader crime reporting and data collection practices.