Saguache County

As of the 2020 U.S. Census, Saguache County, Colorado, had a population of approximately 6,368. The racial makeup includes 71.4% White, 1.1% Black or African American, 2.2% Native American, 0.6% Asian, and 23.8% from other races or two or more races. Hispanic or Latino individuals represent 42.3% of the population. The median household income is around $34,844, with a poverty rate of approximately 22.9%.

As of 2023, Saguache County, Colorado, has a median home value of around $200,000. The housing market remains relatively affordable compared to the state average. Rental rates average approximately $800 per month. The majority of housing units are single-family homes, with a homeownership rate of about 70%. The county has seen modest growth, with a low vacancy rate of around 10%. The real estate market is characterized by rural properties and expansive land, appealing to those seeking a quieter lifestyle.

As of the most recent update before my knowledge cut-off in October 2023, Saguache County, Colorado, holds various local elections, including positions such as County Commissioner, Sheriff, Clerk and Recorder, Assessor, Treasurer, and Coroner.

In the 2022 elections, candidates included:

• County Commissioner: Incumbent Tim Lovato (D) and challenger David Challinor (R)
• Sheriff: Incumbent Dan Warwick (R) and challenger Travis Goodwin (Unaffiliated)
• Clerk and Recorder: Trish Gilbert (R)
• Assessor: Peter Peterson (D)
• Treasurer: Connie Trujillo (D)
• Coroner: Tom Perrin (Unaffiliated)

Voter turnout was recorded at around 65%. Note that these figures and candidates may have changed in subsequent elections. For the most current information, consult the Saguache County Clerk and Recorder's official website or local election office.

Saguache County, CO, has a population with varying levels of educational attainment. Approximately 84.1% of residents 25 and older have at least a high school diploma or equivalent, compared to the national average of around 88.5%. For higher education, about 21.2% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, whereas the national average is roughly 32.1% and the Colorado state average is around 40%. These figures suggest that while high school completion rates are slightly lower than the national average, the gap widens more significantly for higher education levels.

As of the latest data, Saguache County, Colorado has a labor force of approximately 3,000 people, with an unemployment rate of around 4.3%. The top industries in the county include agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting; education services, and healthcare and social assistance. Agriculture is notably significant, employing about 25% of the workforce, reflecting the county's strong agricultural base.

Comparatively, on a national level, agriculture employs only about 1.3% of the workforce. In Colorado, the agriculture sector is also a small percentage but slightly higher than the national average, at around 2%. The dominance of education and healthcare in Saguache is more aligned with state and national patterns, though the emphasis on agriculture is a distinguishing feature of the county's economic profile.

As of the latest data, the median household income in Saguache County, CO is approximately $34,091. This is significantly lower than both the Colorado state median household income of around $77,127 and the national median household income of roughly $68,703.

Income Comparison Table

Saguache County's median income reflects its status as a rural area with an economy that may not be as robust as those in urban regions. This economic disparity highlights the challenges faced by residents in less densely populated areas in achieving income levels comparable to state and national averages.

As of the latest available data, Saguache County, CO, has a relatively low crime rate compared to national averages. Below are some crime statistics for the region:

Note: These values are indicative and based on the most recent data used for illustrative purposes. Actual numbers may vary, and it's advised to consult local law enforcement agencies or official records for precise and updated information.