Cheraw, Colorado Population, Hospitals, Airports, and Schools

Cheraw, Colorado is a small town located in the southeastern corner of the state. It is situated on the banks of the Arkansas River and surrounded by rolling hills and prairies. The climate in this area is semi-arid with hot summers and mild winters, although temperatures can drop sharply at night.

The history of Cheraw dates back to 1868 when it was founded as a trading post. Over the years, it has grown into a small city with a population of around 600 people. The economy of Cheraw is largely based on agriculture, with small businesses providing a variety of services to the community.

Cheraw has an elected mayor who serves as head of government for the city. The school system consists of two elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school; all are part of the Baca County School District.

The most prominent landmark in Cheraw is its old courthouse building which stands at the center of town and dates back to 1872 when it was built by local ranchers as a community gathering place for court sessions and other important events. Other notable landmarks include several ranches that have been in operation for generations as well as several historic churches that were built during Cheraw’s early days.

Population: 211. Estimated population in July 2024: 212 (+0.5% change)
Males: 100 (47.4%), Females: 111 (52.6%)

Otero County

Zip code: 81030

Demographics

Median resident age: 39.9 years
Median household income: $21,250
Median house value: $57,700

Population by Race

Races in Cheraw:

• White Non-Hispanic (87.7%)
• Hispanic (10.9%)
• Other race (2.8%)
• American Indian (1.4%)

(Total can be greater than 100% because Hispanics could be counted in other races)

Ancestries: German (17.1%), United States (10.4%), English (10.0%), Irish (8.5%), French (4.7%), Swedish (4.3%).

Elevation: 4130 feet

Land area: 0.2 square miles

Population by Education

Cheraw, Colorado is a small town located in the southeastern corner of the state. As of 2020, the population was estimated to be around 200 people. The majority of the population is white, accounting for 87% of the total population. The remaining 13% is made up of African Americans, Hispanics and Latinos, Asians, and Native Americans. The median age in Cheraw is 41 years old with a slightly higher percentage of females than males. The median household income in Cheraw is $29,000 per year and most households are single-parent families. Education levels are relatively low with only 14% having a high school diploma or GED and just 4% having a college degree or higher.

The town has a rural feel to it with plenty of open space for outdoor activities such as camping, fishing and hunting. There are several churches within the town limits including Baptist, Catholic and Methodist congregations. In addition to churches there are also restaurants within the city limits that offer local favorites like burgers, steaks and more. There are also several parks within the city limits that provide recreational activities such as baseball fields, basketball courts and playgrounds for children to enjoy during their free time. With its small size Cheraw offers residents a close-knit community with a tight-knit sense of community that makes it an ideal place to call home for those who enjoy living in small towns while still being close enough to larger cities like Pueblo or Colorado Springs for work or entertainment opportunities.

For population 25 years and over in Cheraw

• High school or higher: 76.4%
• Bachelor’s degree or higher: 15.3%
• Graduate or professional degree: 7.0%
• Unemployed: 5.3%
• Mean travel time to work: 12.6 minutes

For population 15 years and over in Cheraw town

• Never married: 18.3%
• Now married: 50.3%
• Separated: 0.0%
• Widowed: 10.5%
• Divorced: 20.9%

0.0% Foreign born

Population change in the 1990s: -59 (-21.9%).

Hospitals

Hospitals/medical centers near Cheraw:

• ARKANSAS VALLEY REGIONAL MED CENTER (about 8 miles; LA JUNTA, CO)
• WEISBROD MEMORIAL CTY HOSP – CAH (about 55 miles; EADS, CO)
• PROWERS MEDICAL CENTER (about 62 miles; LAMAR, CO)

Airports

Airports certified for carrier operations nearest to Cheraw:

• LAMAR MUNI (about 58 miles; LAMAR, CO; Abbreviation: LAA)
• PUEBLO MEMORIAL (about 69 miles; PUEBLO, CO; Abbreviation: PUB)
• CITY OF COLORADO SPRINGS MUNI (about 95 miles; COLORADO SPRINGS, CO; Abbreviation: COS)

Other public-use airports nearest to Cheraw:

• LA JUNTA MUNI (about 5 miles; LA JUNTA, CO; Abbreviation: LHX)
• MELON FIELD (about 15 miles; ROCKY FORD, CO; Abbreviation: 2V8)
• CITY AND COUNTY (about 20 miles; LAS ANIMAS, CO; Abbreviation: 7V9)

Amtrak station near Cheraw:

• 9 miles: LA JUNTA (1ST & COLORADO STS.). Services: ticket office, fully wheelchair accessible, enclosed waiting area, public restrooms, public payphones, vending machines, free short-term parking, free long-term parking.

Colleges and Universities

Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Cheraw:

• UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN COLORADO (about 75 miles; PUEBLO, CO; Full-time enrollment: 4,275)
• PUEBLO COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 78 miles; PUEBLO, CO; Full-time enrollment: 2,587)
• PIKES PEAK COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 103 miles; COLORADO SPRINGS, CO; Full-time enrollment: 5,307)
• UNITED STATES AIR FORCE ACADEMY (about 111 miles; USAFA, CO; Full-time enrollment: 4,330)
• UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO AT COLORADO SPRINGS (about 119 miles; COLORADO SPRINGS, CO; Full-time enrollment: 4,953)
• METROPOLITAN STATE COLLEGE OF DENVER (about 129 miles; DENVER, CO; Full-time enrollment: 12,938)
• UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO AT DENVER (about 129 miles; DENVER, CO; Full-time enrollment: 8,839)

Schools

Public high school in Cheraw:

• CHERAW HIGH SCHOOL (Students: 64; Location: 110 LAKEVIEW AVENUE; Grades: 09 – 12)

Public primary/middle schools in Cheraw:

• CHERAW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (Students: 110; Location: 110 LAKEVIEW AVENUE; Grades: PK – 05)
• CHERAW MIDDLE SCHOOL (Students: 53; Location: 110 LAKEVIEW AVENUE; Grades: 06 – 08)