WHY CUSTER COUNTY IS GROWING

Custer County ranks 12^th among Colorado’s fastest growing counties, and there’s good reason: it’s a great place to call home.

Although Custer’s population grew 26% from 1980 to 1990 – from 1,528 to 1,926 – you’d hardly notice the influx: with more than 740 square miles in the county, there’s plenty of elbow room for everyone.

Increasingly, there are three age groups making up Custer’s rapid growth – baby boomers, middle-agers, and retirees. In the past decade, the fastest growing segment were those between the ages of 45 and 64, up 66.7%. Those in the 30 to 44 age group had an increase of 51%, and the population of those 65 years of age and older increased 35.2%.

The number of school age kids also increased; there was a 25.7% increase among those between the ages of 5 and 17. But there was a marked decline – 34.9% – among those between 18 and 29; followed by a 11.6% decline for those under age 5.

The reasons people are moving here are simple:

• Custer County maintains its rural qualities while remaining close to several urban areas. There are several residents who commute to jobs in Pueblo, Canon City and elsewhere. (Despite our imposing mountains, there are no mountain passes to contend with, and state and county road crews often work around the clock to keep the roads in tip-top shape.)
• A recent upgrade in the technological qualities of our telephone system allows many residents to live here and "work" nationwide via telecommunications.
• The high standards of our consolidated school system attracts many young families. Approximately 300 students in grades kindergarten through 12 attend the school which operates on a four-day school week. In addition, we are close to institutions of higher learning, notably the University of Southern Colorado in Pueblo; Pueblo Community College with campuses in Canon City and Pueblo; Colorado College and the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs.
• Unlike many of Colorado’s mountain communities, Custer County has quality medical care available. A fully staffed clinic provides inpatient care and a crack EMT/Ambulance Corps is available around the clock. The local health care providers have close working relationships with regional hospitals and with Flight for Life Ambulance Service.
• Recreational opportunities abound. There are literally hundreds of miles of hiking trails in the sprawling San Isabel National Forest and the Sangre de Cristos provide some of the best technical mountain climbing opportunities anywhere. There are several public and private campgrounds available in the county and fishermen can try to outwit wily trout in mountain lakes and streams. Hunters find a paradise here, with seasons open certain times of the year for deer, elk, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, bear, mountain lion, antelope and other species. Winter sports enthusiasts can enjoy state-maintained snowmobile trails and countless miles of cross country ski trails. For downhill skiers, we’re about an hour away from the Monarch Ski Area and close to some of Colorado’s and the nation’s other top ski destinations.
• Custer County is experiencing a renaissance in the arts. Two active arts councils sponsor courses, shows and performances and many of the nation’s top artists live, work and visit here.
• An active community life is available for those wanting to enrich their lives. There are numerous social, civic and church clubs and organizations open to public participation.
• A rich quality of life without the cost. Custer County has a relatively low cost of living factor, with reasonable real estate prices, low property taxes and moderately priced goods and services.

If you aren’t already living in Custer County, come see for yourself why it’s a wonderful place to call home!

Area Map