Community

POPULATION


Population changes in La Plata County and Durango have been erratic since the turn of the century due to the local economy's ties to the oil, gas and mining industries. However, since the early 1960s, the steady increase in tourism has contributed to a rather steady but modest population growth. The following table gives 1990 census population counts for La Plata County, Durango, Bayfield and Ignacio. Durango and areas immediately adjacent to the town contain more than half the county population.

TABLE I - 2


Population Totals - La Plata County 1990 Census Counts

PLACEPOPULATIONDISTRIBUTION
La Plata County 32,284 100.0%
Durango 12,430 38.5%
Bayfield 1,090 3.4%
Ignacio 7202.2%
Unincorporated Areas 18,044 55.9%

Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Census

POPULATION FORECAST



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 5 percent. The following table shows a comparison of the breakdown in ethnic characteristics.

TABLE II - 2

Ethnic Characteristics
La Plata County and Colorado 1990 Census Count

:
Race La Plata County Percentage State of Colorado Percentage
White 29,022 89.9% 2,905,474 88.2%
Black 710.2%133,1464.0%
Other3,1919.9%255,7747.8%
TOTAL 32,284100.0%3,294,394100.0%
Hispanic* 3,58611.1%424,302 12.9%
American Indian* 1,602 5.0% N/A N/A
Asian* 179 0.6% N/A N/A
Adult (18+) Population Only
RaceLa Plata County Percentage State of Colorado Percentage
White 21,841 90.9% 2,176,390 89.4%
Black 44 0.2% 90,602 3.7%
Other 2,155 8.9% 166,136 6.9%
TOTAL24,040 100.0% 2,433,128 100.0%
Hispanic* 2,364 9.8% 271,631 11.2%
American Indian* 1,044 4.3% N/A N/A
Asian* 145 0.6% N/A N/A

Source:U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, Characteristics of the Population, General Population Characteristics, Colorado 1990, Washington, D.C. (These population counts from the recently completed census are unofficial and are subject to possible correction.)
* Persons of these ethnic origins may be of any race. 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. The housing supply has increased significantly in the past decade.

Table III - 2

Ethnic characteristics and Housing Units
La Plata County and Municipalities
1990 Census Counts

Race La Plata County Durango Bayfield Ignacio
White 29,022 11,149 978 522
Black 71 39 4 4
Other 3,191 1,242 108 194
TOTAL 32,284 12,430 1,090 720
Hispanic* 3,586 1,444 127 330
American Indian* 1,602 N/A N/A N/A
Asian* 179 N/A N/A N/A
Adult (18+) Population Only:
Race La Plata County Durango Bayfield Ignacio
White 21,841 9,041 625 341
Black 44 28 3 2
Other 2,155 927 59 128
TOTAL 24,040 9,996 687 471
Hispanic* 2,364 1,060 66 202
American Indian* 1,044 N/A N/A N/A
Asian*145 N/A N/A N/A

Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, Characteristics of the Population, General Population Characteristics, Colorado, 1990, Washington, D.C. (These population counts from the recently completed census are unofficial and are subject to possible correction.) * Persons of these ethnic origins may be of any race. Most growth since 1980 has taken place in the unincorporated areas adjacent to the city of Durango.

Source: La Plata County Business Opportunities 1995
Sponsored by Durango Industrial Development Foundation
Research - Fort Lewis College Office of Business Analysis

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