Otero County, Colorado

Geography According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 3,289 km² (1,270 mi²). 3,271 km² (1,263 mi²) of it is land and 18 km² (7 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 0.54% water.

Demographics As of the census of 2000, there are 20,311 people, 7,920 households, and 5,472 families residing in the county. The population density is 6/km² (16/mi²). There are 8,813 housing units at an average density of 3/km² (7/mi²). The racial makeup of the county is 79.02% White, 0.76% African American, 1.43% Native American, 0.70% Asian, 0.08% Pacific Islander, 15.06% from other races, and 2.96% from two or more races. 37.62% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 7,920 households out of which 32.20% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.70% are married couples living together, 12.00% have a female householder with no husband present, and 30.90% are non-families. 27.80% of all households are made up of individuals and 12.90% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.49 and the average family size is 3.04.

In the county the population is spread out with 26.90% under the age of 18, 8.90% from 18 to 24, 24.40% from 25 to 44, 23.40% from 45 to 64, and 16.50% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 38 years. For every 100 females there are 95.60 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 91.50 males.

The median income for a household in the county is $29,738, and the median income for a family is $35,906. Males have a median income of $26,996 versus $21,001 for females. The per capita income for the county is $15,113. 18.80% of the population and 14.20% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 25.90% are under the age of 18 and 11.80% are 65 or older.

Cities and Towns

• Cheraw
• Fowler
• La Junta
• Manzanola
• Rocky Ford
• Swink