Race & Ethnicity
Age Breakdown
Key Indicators
| Median Age | 41.8 yrs |
|---|---|
| Avg HH Size | 2.39 |
| Below Poverty | 22.7% ▲ 127% above avg |
| College Grads | 34.6% ▼ 11% below avg |
| Unemployment | 4.7% ≈ Avg |
| No HS Diploma | 121 (1%) |
| HS Graduate | 3,356 (28.9%) |
| Some College | 1,978 (17%) |
| Associates | 2,121 (18.3%) |
| Bachelors | 1,750 (15.1%) |
| Graduate Degree | 2,279 (19.6%) |
Education
Housing Tenure
Home Value Distribution
Financials
| Median HH Income | $54,701 ▼ 28% below avg |
|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $163,422 ▼ 41% below avg |
| Home/Income Ratio | 3.0x (nat avg ~3.5x) |
| Median Rent | $825/mo |
| Total Housing Units | 8,892 |
| Vacant Units | 1,114 |
Income Distribution
How People Get to Work
Commute Time
Year Built
Otero County is located in Colorado and encompasses 6 ZIP codes spanning 6 cities and communities. The county has an estimated population of 18,806 residents. With a median age of 41.81, it is a middle-aged county.
Otero County has a working-class economic profile. The median household income of $54,700 is below the national average. Unemployment stands at 4.7%, near the national average. The poverty rate of 22.7% is significantly above the national average, indicating economic challenges.
Housing in Otero County is an affordable housing market, with a median home value of $163,422 — below the national average. Monthly median rent is approximately $824. Homeownership rates are high at 68.8%, reflecting a largely residential, stable population.
The residents of Otero County are majority White (52.37%). Educational attainment is moderately educated — 34.6% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average.
Otero County, CO is a working-class area in Colorado. The 6 ZIP codes within the county each have their own character — browse the full list below to find the right community, whether you're looking for affordable housing, strong schools, or economic opportunity.
| ZIP | City | Population | Median Income | Median Home | Median Rent | Unemp. | College |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 81030 | Cheraw | 153 | $37,083 | $97,200 | $1,081 | 8.3% | 30.8% |
| 81039 | Fowler | 1,686 | $44,226 | $175,900 | $871 | 3.5% | 35.3% |
| 81050 | La Junta | 9,774 | $60,072 | $181,500 | $764 | 4.9% | 37.2% |
| 81058 | Manzanola | 967 | $60,106 | $123,000 | $728 | 3.4% | 35.1% |
| 81067 | Rocky Ford | 5,590 | $48,029 | $139,100 | $927 | 5.6% | 29.5% |
| 81077 | Swink | 636 | $54,583 | $143,700 | — | 0.0% | 38.4% |