Chaffee County, Colorado

Geography According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 2,629 km² (1,015 mi²). 2,625 km² (1,013 mi²) of it is land and 4 km² (2 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 0.15% water.

Demographics As of the census of 2000, there are 16,242 people, 6,584 households, and 4,365 families residing in the county. The population density is 6/km² (16/mi²). There are 8,392 housing units at an average density of 3/km² (8/mi²). The racial makeup of the county is 90.94% White, 1.58% African American, 1.09% Native American, 0.44% Asian, 0.05% Pacific Islander, 4.21% from other races, and 1.69% from two or more races. 8.58% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 6,584 households out of which 25.20% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.70% are married couples living together, 6.80% have a female householder with no husband present, and 33.70% are non-families. 28.40% of all households are made up of individuals and 11.20% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.26 and the average family size is 2.77.

In the county the population is spread out with 19.70% under the age of 18, 7.70% from 18 to 24, 28.00% from 25 to 44, 27.50% from 45 to 64, and 17.00% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 42 years. For every 100 females there are 113.60 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 116.20 males.

The median income for a household in the county is $34,368, and the median income for a family is $42,043. Males have a median income of $30,770 versus $22,219 for females. The per capita income for the county is $19,430. 11.70% of the population and 7.40% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 17.30% are under the age of 18 and 10.20% are 65 or older.

Cities and Towns

• Buena Vista
• Poncha Springs
• Salida