Durango Population – Durango Downtown Community Profile

 Durango Population – La Plata County Population

Durango- 15,878         La Plata County 48,019

according to Colorado Demography based on the latest census

Population Totals – La Plata County
2000 Census Counts

Source: U.S. Census Bureau

For more detail about population characteristics in La Plata County visit the Census American Fact Finder web page at http://factfinder.census.gov.

La Plata County has experienced a steady but not overwhelming population growth, allowing for conscientious land use planning and overall economic development. In recent decades, much of the growth has occurred in unincorporated areas of the county, reflecting the conversion of agricultural land to subdivisions, though effort is now being made to retain ‘open space’ by clustering housing developments. The same holds true within the municipalities, including the remodel and reconstruction of historic buildings to facilitate density – again to help maintain open space and avoid sprawl.

Actual population growth has varied since the turn of the last century, tied primarily to the region’s boom and bust economies of mining and oil & gas production. Since the early 1960’s, however, the growth of tourism and other non-seasonal industries has prompted stabilized growth.

Growth

Between 1990 and 2000, La Plata County averaged 3.13% annual growth, with most of the growth occurring in Durango and unincorporated areas of the county. The City of Durango grew by an average of 1.13% annually. In the town of Bayfield there was 3.58% average annual population growth in the last decade. A primary goal for Bayfield is to provide for orderly growth in a way that does not adversely affect the community’s small town character, while providing the infrastructure for expansion. In the Town of Ignacio, population has declinined slightly, but with the economic strength of the Southern Ute Tribe and increased enterprises, a return to growth is likely.

The Colorado State Demography Section provides annual population estimates. These estimates are constantly revised based on a number of factors. To view the most recent estimates and projections visit their web page at http://www.dlg.oem2.state.co.us/demog/demog.htm.

Population Estimates – La Plata County
1996-2000

Source: Colorado Demography Section

The annual average growth rate in La Plata County is expected to decrease over the next 20 years, however the population is projected to be at 64,132 people by 2020.

Projected Growth Rate – La Plata County
2000-2020

Source: Colorado Demography Section

Ethnic Groups

The racial characteristics of La Plata County closely resemble those of the state of Colorado. However, two American Indian reservations are located in or close to the county. Also, the Navajo reservation is within 60 miles of the county. As a result, the Native American population is five percent. The following table shows a comparison of the breakdown in ethnic characteristics.

Ethnic Characteristics
La Plata County and Colorado
2000 Census Count

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Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Census 2000 Redistricting Data (Public Law 94-171) Summary File, Tables PL1, PL2, PL3 and PL4.

La Plata County is culturally diverse, as the following table shows. The breakdown in ethnic characteristics among the various towns and cities, along with the number of housing units is given.

Ethnic Characteristics and Housing Units
La Plata County and Municipalities
2000 Census Counts

* Persons of these ethnic origins may be of any race.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, General Housing Characteristics, Colorado, 2000,