La Plata County, Colorado
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La Plata County is a county located in the U.S. state of Colorado. It was named after the La Plata River and mountains; these were given the Spanish name for "silver". As of July 2003, the county's population is estimated to be 46,229, 5.2% more than the 2000 census figure of 43,941. The county seat is Durango.
The county is home to Durango Rock Shelters, the type site for the Basketmaker II period of Anasazi culture.
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[edit] Geography
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 4,403 km² (1,700 mi²). 4,383 km² (1,692 mi²) of it is land and 20 km² (8 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 0.46% water.
[edit] Adjacent Counties
- San Juan County, Colorado - north
- Hinsdale County, Colorado - northeast
- Archuleta County, Colorado - east
- San Juan County, New Mexico - south
- Montezuma County, Colorado - west
- Dolores County, Colorado - northwest
[edit] Demographics
As of the census2 of 2000, there are 43,941 people in the county, organized into 17,342 households and 10,890 families. The population density is 10/km² (26/mi²). There are 20,765 housing units at an average density of 5/km² (12/mi²). The racial makeup of the county is 87.31% White, 5.78% Native American, 0.40% Asian, 0.31% Black or African American, 0.05% Pacific Islander, 3.90% from other races, and 2.25% from two or more races. 10.40% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There are 17,342 households out of which 29.60% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.90% are married couples living together, 8.70% have a female householder with no husband present, and 37.20% are non-families. 24.80% of all households are made up of individuals and 6.10% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.43 and the average family size is 2.92.
In the county the population is spread out with 22.70% under the age of 18, 13.90% from 18 to 24, 29.00% from 25 to 44, 25.10% from 45 to 64, and 9.40% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 36 years. For every 100 females there are 103.60 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 103.10 males.
The median income for a household in the county is $40,159, and the median income for a family is $50,446. Males have a median income of $32,486 versus $24,666 for females. The per capita income for the county is $21,534. 11.70% of the population and 6.70% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 9.30% of those under the age of 18 and 7.70% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.
[edit] Towns
[edit] External links
- County of La Plata official website
- La Plata County State Register properties
- Official La Plata County website for the League of Women Voters
