Saguache County
History and Geography
Saguache County’s past and present are as diverse as the
great expanse that it occupies. Its natural geography
made it a crossroads and settlement area for Ute and
other Natives Tribes, explorers, fur trappers, miners,
and settlers. Saguache County was officially founded in
1866. In the Ute language the word Saguache means,
“water at the blue earth.”
By the 1870’s, gold, silver and other large mineral
deposits were discovered in the Sangre de Cristo and San
Juan Mountain ranges. By the 1930’s, mining and railways
were replaced with farming and ranching. Saguache County
continues its agricultural heritage today despite the
challenges of receiving less than seven inches of
precipitation per year. This 3,170 square mile high
altitude desert is home to more than 75 percent public
land, including national forests, wildlife areas and
refuges, national park, and wilderness areas.
The County is comprised of the Towns of Saguache,
Moffat, Center, Crestone, Bonanza, and the
unincorporated areas of Sargents, La Garita, and Villa
Grove.
Demographics
In 2010, Saguache County’s population numbered
approximately 7000 people, with 53 percent living in the
unincorporated areas. This represents full-time
residents, however, many people are drawn to the County
for seasonal activities increasing the population and
the need for services. Population has grown about 11
percent since the year 2000. The largest minority group
is Hispanic/Latino, which represents about 34 percent of
the population.
Economy
Statistically, Saguache County has been one of the most
economically challenged counties in Colorado for
decades. Economic growth is the concern Saguache County
residents express most in planning processes. There is a
clear need for activities that can ensure economic
stability for residents while remaining consistent with
the core community values of preserving open space and
wildlife habitat.
The local economy is based on the traditional industries
of ranching and farming that now struggle to provide a
sustainable economic engine. The following industries
rank in order of income importance to Saguache County:
agriculture (38.1 percent), retirees (15.2 percent),
commuters (10.5 percent), public assistance (8.1
percent), tourism (7 percent), indirect (6.9 percent),
government (5.7 percent), and manufacturing (2.8
percent).
In the year 2000, the median household price was $73,900
and median household income was $25,495. While income
increased 18.4 percent, the cost of housing increased
nearly 90 percent, which indicates that home ownership
is less affordable for full-time residents now than it
was just a few years ago. This is reflected by the
estimated per capita income of $18,284 as compared to
$29,133 for the State of Colorado. Saguache County
taxes, land-values, and costs of goods and services
remain some of the lowest you can find in this and
surrounding states.
Education
Saguache County is home to three school districts:
Center Consolidated D26JT, Mountain Valley Consolidated
RE1, and Moffat Consolidated D2 that includes the
Crestone Charter School. During the 2010-2011 school
year, 580, 120 and 206 students were enrolled
respectively. Each district has experienced enrollment
decline over the past 10 years and continue to face
increasing challenges due to state education budget
cuts. Center and Mountain Valley Schools have been
identified by the Colorado Department of Education as
districts in need of Priority Improvement Plans. It is
not uncommon for Saguache County families to send
children to larger school districts as far as Alamosa or
Salida, which are both more than 50 miles away.
Other Resources
http://www.saguachecounty.net
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