List of Counties in Colorado
Colorado has 64 counties. The most populous counties are Denver County (which is also a consolidated city-county), El Paso County (Colorado Springs), Arapahoe County, Jefferson County, Adams County, Douglas County, Boulder County, Larimer County, Weld County, and Pueblo County. Denver County is the most populous and forms the core of the Denver metropolitan area. El Paso County, home to Colorado Springs, is also highly populated and serves as a major military and cultural hub.
List of All Counties in Colorado
- Adams County, Colorado
- Alamosa County, Colorado
- Arapahoe County, Colorado
- Archuleta County, Colorado
- Baca County, Colorado
- Bent County, Colorado
- Boulder County, Colorado
- Chaffee County, Colorado
- Cheyenne County, Colorado
- Clear Creek County, Colorado
- Conejos County, Colorado
- Costilla County, Colorado
- Crowley County, Colorado
- Custer County, Colorado
- Delta County, Colorado
- Dolores County, Colorado
- Douglas County, Colorado
- Eagle County, Colorado
- El Paso County, Colorado
- Elbert County, Colorado
- Fremont County, Colorado
- Garfield County, Colorado
- Gilpin County, Colorado
- Grand County, Colorado
- Gunnison County, Colorado
- Hinsdale County, Colorado
- Huerfano County, Colorado
- Jackson County, Colorado
- Jefferson County, Colorado
- Kiowa County, Colorado
- Kit Carson County, Colorado
- La Plata County, Colorado
- Lake County, Colorado
- Larimer County, Colorado
- Las Animas County, Colorado
- Lincoln County, Colorado
- Logan County, Colorado
- Mesa County, Colorado
- Mineral County, Colorado
- Moffat County, Colorado
- Montezuma County, Colorado
- Montrose County, Colorado
- Morgan County, Colorado
- Otero County, Colorado
- Ouray County, Colorado
- Park County, Colorado
- Phillips County, Colorado
- Pitkin County, Colorado
- Prowers County, Colorado
- Pueblo County, Colorado
- Rio Blanco County, Colorado
- Rio Grande County, Colorado
- Routt County, Colorado
- Saguache County, Colorado
- San Juan County, Colorado
- San Miguel County, Colorado
- Sedgwick County, Colorado
- Summit County, Colorado
- Teller County, Colorado
- The City and County of Broomfield, Colorado
- The City and County of Denver, Colorado
- Washington County, Colorado
- Weld County, Colorado
- Yuma County, Colorado
1. Las Animas County
Overview
Las Animas County is the largest county in Colorado by land area, located in the southeastern part of the state. It is bordered by New Mexico to the south, and it shares borders with several Colorado counties, including Huerfano to the west and Baca to the east. The county is known for its vast plains, mountain ranges, and natural resources, including coal and natural gas. Trinidad, the county seat, has a rich history tied to the coal mining industry and the Santa Fe Trail, which passed through the area. Established in 1866, Las Animas County has a diverse landscape, from the Raton Basin to the eastern plains, and it plays a significant role in Colorado’s energy production.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 15,000 (2023 estimate)
- County Seat: Trinidad
- Major Airports: Perry Stokes Airport (Trinidad)
- Major Highways: I-25, US-160, US-350
2. Weld County
Overview
Weld County is located in northern Colorado, bordering Wyoming to the north and several other Colorado counties including Larimer and Boulder. Greeley, the county seat, is an agricultural and educational hub, home to the University of Northern Colorado. Weld County is one of the top agricultural counties in the U.S., with a strong focus on livestock, dairy, and crop production. The county’s economy also benefits from energy production, including oil and natural gas extraction, particularly in the Niobrara Shale formation. Established in 1861 as one of the original counties of Colorado, Weld County has grown into a significant player in both agriculture and energy sectors.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 340,000 (2023 estimate)
- County Seat: Greeley
- Major Airports: Greeley-Weld County Airport
- Major Highways: I-25, US-85, US-34
3. Moffat County
Overview
Moffat County is located in the northwestern corner of Colorado, bordering Utah and Wyoming. It is one of the most remote and least densely populated counties in the state. The county seat, Craig, is known for its rich history tied to coal mining, ranching, and outdoor recreation. Moffat County’s rugged terrain includes parts of Dinosaur National Monument, as well as the Yampa River, which flows through the county. The economy is primarily based on energy production, including coal and natural gas, as well as agriculture and tourism. Established in 1911, Moffat County was named after railroad tycoon David Moffat, who was instrumental in developing the Denver, Northwestern, and Pacific Railway.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 13,000 (2023 estimate)
- County Seat: Craig
- Major Airports: Craig-Moffat Airport
- Major Highways: US-40, CO-13
4. Routt County
Overview
Routt County is located in northwestern Colorado, bordered by Wyoming to the north and Moffat County to the west. The county seat is Steamboat Springs, a well-known ski resort town and outdoor recreation hub. The county is named after John Long Routt, the last territorial and first state governor of Colorado. Established in 1877, Routt County has a diverse economy that includes tourism, agriculture, and mining. The Yampa River runs through the county, providing water resources and recreational opportunities. Steamboat Springs attracts visitors year-round for skiing, hiking, and fishing, while the surrounding areas remain active in cattle ranching and coal mining.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 25,000 (2023 estimate)
- County Seat: Steamboat Springs
- Major Airports: Yampa Valley Regional Airport
- Major Highways: US-40, CO-131
5. Gunnison County
Overview
Gunnison County is located in west-central Colorado, known for its mountainous terrain and outdoor recreational opportunities. The county is bordered by Pitkin County to the north and Saguache County to the south. The county seat, Gunnison, is home to Western Colorado University and serves as the gateway to nearby Crested Butte, a renowned ski and mountain biking destination. Gunnison County is known for its wide range of landscapes, including the Gunnison River, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, and the Elk Mountains. Established in 1877, the county has a history of mining, ranching, and tourism, with a focus on outdoor sports and conservation.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 17,000 (2023 estimate)
- County Seat: Gunnison
- Major Airports: Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport
- Major Highways: US-50, CO-135
6. Rio Blanco County
Overview
Rio Blanco County is located in the northwestern part of Colorado, bordered by Moffat County to the west and Garfield County to the south. The county seat, Meeker, is a small town known for its historic ranching and hunting heritage. Rio Blanco, which means “white river” in Spanish, is named after the White River that flows through the county. The county’s economy is driven by energy production, particularly natural gas and oil shale, along with agriculture and outdoor recreation. Established in 1889, Rio Blanco County’s history is closely tied to the settlement of western Colorado and the development of its natural resources.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 6,000 (2023 estimate)
- County Seat: Meeker
- Major Airports: Meeker Airport
- Major Highways: CO-13, CO-64
7. Garfield County
Overview
Garfield County is located in western Colorado, along the Colorado River, and is bordered by Rio Blanco County to the north and Mesa County to the west. The county seat, Glenwood Springs, is famous for its natural hot springs and serves as a popular tourist destination. Garfield County’s economy is diverse, with key industries including natural gas extraction, tourism, and agriculture. The county is also known for its scenic beauty, including the Roaring Fork Valley and the Glenwood Canyon. Established in 1883, Garfield County was named after U.S. President James A. Garfield and has played a key role in the development of Colorado’s energy sector.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 62,000 (2023 estimate)
- County Seat: Glenwood Springs
- Major Airports: Rifle Garfield County Regional Airport
- Major Highways: I-70, CO-82, CO-13
8. Eagle County
Overview
Eagle County is located in central Colorado and is bordered by Pitkin County to the south and Summit County to the east. The county seat is Eagle, and the largest town is Vail, home to the world-famous Vail Ski Resort. Eagle County’s economy is heavily based on tourism, with skiing, hiking, and outdoor recreation as major drivers. The county is part of the Colorado River Valley, and its geography includes mountain ranges, forests, and rivers. Established in 1883, Eagle County has a history of mining and agriculture, but in recent decades it has become a premier destination for winter sports and luxury tourism.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 56,000 (2023 estimate)
- County Seat: Eagle
- Major Airports: Eagle County Regional Airport
- Major Highways: I-70, US-6, CO-131
9. Pitkin County
Overview
Pitkin County is located in the heart of the Colorado Rockies, bordered by Eagle County to the north and Gunnison County to the southwest. Aspen, the county seat, is one of the most well-known ski resorts in the world and a hub for luxury tourism and outdoor activities. Pitkin County’s economy is driven by tourism, particularly in skiing, but it also has a rich history of mining, which helped establish Aspen in the late 19th century. The county is characterized by its mountainous terrain, including the Elk Mountains and the Roaring Fork River. Established in 1881, Pitkin County is named after former Colorado Governor Frederick Pitkin.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 18,000 (2023 estimate)
- County Seat: Aspen
- Major Airports: Aspen/Pitkin County Airport
- Major Highways: CO-82
10. Alamosa County
Overview
Alamosa County is located in the San Luis Valley in south-central Colorado, bordered by Saguache County to the north and Costilla County to the south. The county seat is Alamosa, a small city known for its proximity to Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. Alamosa County has a rich agricultural history, with crops such as potatoes, barley, and wheat being significant contributors to the local economy. Tourism is also important, with visitors drawn to the national park and other nearby natural attractions. The county was established in 1913 and remains a key agricultural hub in Colorado’s high-altitude San Luis Valley.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 16,000 (2023 estimate)
- County Seat: Alamosa
- Major Airports: San Luis Valley Regional Airport
- Major Highways: US-160, US-285