El Paso County, Colorado
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| El Paso County, Colorado | |
|---|---|
| County | El Paso County |
| State | Colorado |
| Founded year | 1861 |
| Founded date | November 1 |
| Seat | Colorado Springs |
| Largest city | Colorado Springs |
| Area total sq mi | 2129 |
| Area land sq mi | 2125 |
| Area water sq mi | 4.1 |
| Population as of | 2020 |
| Population total | 730,395 |
| Population density sq mi | 343.6 |
| Time zone | Mountain |
| Web | www.elpasoco.com |
| Named for | Spanish for "The Pass" |
El Paso County, Colorado is the most populous county in the state of Colorado, anchored by the city of Colorado Springs. The county is a major hub for national defense, technology, and tourism, home to significant installations like Peterson Space Force Base, Fort Carson, and the United States Air Force Academy. Its landscape is dominated by the eastern flank of the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains, featuring iconic landmarks such as Pikes Peak and the Garden of the Gods.
History
The region's history is deeply tied to indigenous peoples, including the Ute, Cheyenne, and Arapaho. Spanish and later American explorers, such as Zebulon Pike, traversed the area, with the Pikes Peak Gold Rush of 1858-59 spurring significant settlement. El Paso County was one of the original 17 counties created by the Territory of Colorado legislature in 1861. The founding of Colorado Springs in 1871 by William Jackson Palmer, developer of the Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad, established the county's urban core. The 20th century saw massive growth driven by the military, beginning with the establishment of Fort Carson in 1942 and later the United States Air Force Academy in 1958 and NORAD's operations at Cheyenne Mountain.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 2,129 square miles, of which 2,125 square miles is land and 4.1 square miles is water. The western portion is mountainous, part of the Front Range, and includes Pikes Peak and the Rampart Range. Notable natural features include the Garden of the Gods, Red Rock Canyon Open Space, and the Arkansas River, which forms part of the southern boundary. The eastern part of the county transitions into the high plains of the Colorado Eastern Plains. It is bordered by Douglas County to the north, Elbert County to the northeast, Lincoln County to the east, Pueblo County to the south, Fremont County to the southwest, and Teller County to the west.
Demographics
As of the 2020 United States Census, the population was 730,395, making it the most populous county in Colorado. The racial makeup was 74.5% White, 11.2% Hispanic or Latino, 6.2% Black or African American, 2.7% Asian, 1.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, and 0.3% Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander. The median household income was $75,100, with 9.2% of the population living below the poverty line. Major population centers include Colorado Springs, Fountain, Monument, and Security-Widefield.
Government and politics
El Paso County operates under a home rule charter with a board of county commissioners. The county seat is Colorado Springs, which also houses state judicial districts. Politically, the county is a Republican stronghold; it voted for Donald Trump in both the 2016 and 2020 presidential elections. It is represented in the U.S. House by Doug Lamborn and in the Colorado General Assembly by several Republican legislators. Key county offices include the El Paso County Sheriff's Office and the 4th Judicial District Attorney.
Economy
The economy is heavily influenced by the military and aerospace sectors, with major employers being the United States Department of Defense, Lockheed Martin, Boeing, and Northrop Grumman. Peterson Space Force Base is a central hub for United States Space Command and United States Northern Command. Tourism is another pillar, driven by attractions like Pikes Peak, the United States Olympic & Paralympic Museum, and the Broadmoor resort. Other significant industries include technology, healthcare with systems like UCHealth and Centura Health, and higher education led by the University of Colorado Colorado Springs and Colorado College.
Education
Primary and secondary education is provided by multiple school districts, including the large Colorado Springs School District 11 and Academy School District 20. The county is also home to prominent institutions of higher learning such as the United States Air Force Academy, University of Colorado Colorado Springs, Colorado College, and Pikes Peak State College. Other notable schools include the United States Air Force Academy Preparatory School and private institutions like Fountain Valley School of Colorado and The Colorado Springs School.
Transportation
Major highways include Interstate 25, which runs north-south, and U.S. Route 24, which provides east-west access. The county is served by the Colorado Springs Airport, which offers commercial service, and the City of Colorado Springs Municipal Airport for general aviation. Public transportation is provided by Mountain Metropolitan Transit within Colorado Springs. The county is a critical transportation corridor between Denver and Pueblo, and is a hub for freight rail operated by the Union Pacific Railroad and BNSF Railway.
Category:El Paso County, Colorado Category:Colorado counties Category:1861 establishments in Colorado Territory