Durango, Colorado

Geography Durango is located at 37°16'43" North, 107°52'17" West (37.278666, -107.871293)¹.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 17.6 km² (6.8 mi²). 17.6 km² (6.8 mi²) of it is land and 0.1 km² (0.04 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 0.44% water.

Demographics As of the census of 2000, there are 13,922 people, 5,492 households, and 2,603 families residing in the city. The population density is 792.8/km² (2,052.4/mi²). There are 5,819 housing units at an average density of 331.4/km² (857.8/mi²). The racial makeup of the city is 86.84% White, 0.50% African American, 5.51% Native American, 0.74% Asian, 0.11% Pacific Islander, 4.12% from other races, and 2.17% from two or more races. 10.31% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 5,492 households out of which 22.4% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 34.2% are married couples living together, 9.4% have a female householder with no husband present, and 52.6% are non-families. 31.8% of all households are made up of individuals and 9.0% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.23 and the average family size is 2.83.

In the city the population is spread out with 16.6% under the age of 18, 26.1% from 18 to 24, 27.2% from 25 to 44, 19.4% from 45 to 64, and 10.7% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 29 years. For every 100 females there are 104.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 103.8 males.

The median income for a household in the city is $34,892, and the median income for a family is $50,814. Males have a median income of $31,812 versus $25,022 for females. The per capita income for the city is $19,352. 17.2% of the population and 7.3% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 11.2% are under the age of 18 and 8.9% are 65 or older.

Things to Do Durango is surrounded by mountains and has a river flowing through it, so there are many outdoor activities to be done in the area, even within the city limits. Hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing and rafting are extremely popular, and hardcore enthusiasts partake all year. In the winter, Durango has easy access to five major ski areas.

After dark, downtown Durango has a happening night life. You can catch some live music by one of the local bands, shoot some pool, or just sit down with your friends and drink some beer from one of the four microbreweries. You're sure to get the most action on Wednesdays and Fridays.

Tips for Tourists from a Local ? If you ask us why our main drag is called Main Avenue rather than Main Street, we will not only laugh at you, but we will also give you bad directions, so please, don't ask.

? Speaking of directions, the street that's labelled College Drive will often be referred to as 6th Street. When asking directions and numbered streets are involved, make sure that "avenues" and "streets" are specified. For instance, I have friends who live on 8th and 8th. The rule is that numbered "avenues" run north to south while "streets" run east to west.

? With our 13,922 population, we are a tight-knit community. When you visit an establishment, please be nice. The customer is not always right. However, human decency wins every time.

? During hockey season, you are an Avalanche fan. You hate the Red Wings. Got it?

? We get 300 days of sunshine a year. Be sure to wear protection.

? If you sleep with one of us, you've slept with us all. Be sure to wear protection.

? If someone nods hello to you on the street, they're not trying to mug you. Feel free to respond in kind.

? Don't drink and drive, they'll be looking for you.

? If you're from Texas, trust me, don't advertise it. If you're too proud of Texas not to advertise it, then trust me, be extra nice.

? To answer an old tourist question, deer and elk are separate species. There is, in other words, no altitude where deer turn into elk. However, jackelopes are very real, you just have to believe in order to see one.

? If you're a firefighter who hails from Montana, we still love you.

? If you need a ride and the busses aren't running, just stick out your thumb. Durango is very hitchiker friendly.

? If a destitute fellow approaches you in the parking lot and says, "Hey bro, I'm trying to get to Albuquerque, can you help me out," don't believe him. He's been using the same story for at least six years to scrounge change for more booze. It's fun to come up with a clever comeback.

? If you come down here during the last week of January and find us all behaving oddly, don't worry, it's our Snowdown festival. Feel free to go insane with the rest of us!

? When sitting down at a bar, the locals will respect you more if you order a Pinstripe. We're proud of our local beer. The bars are open until 2 AM, unless it's a slow night, then they close earlier.

Here are some outside links to help you get more acquainted:

• The Durango Herald (http://www.durangoherald.com/)
• Durango.com (http://www.durango.com/)
• The Durango Telegraph (http://www.durangotelegraph.com/)
• Information on Crime (http://www.durangoherald.com/index_police.asp)
• Local Internet Provider (http://www.gobrainstorm.net/)
• A Guide to Attractions, Lodging and Restaurants (http://www.creativelinks.com/)