Chaffee County

Chaffee County is a rural mountain community encompassing 1,008 square miles in the high desert region of central Colorado, and is located more than two hours away from metropolitan areas, across mountain passes and winding highways. It is known for its year-round recreational activities, historic downtowns, local artists and culture, and beautiful surroundings.

The county, with its three primary towns of Buena Vista, Poncha Springs, and Salida, is home to approximately 16,883 residents, an increase of 30 percent since 1990. Approximately 22 percent of the population is younger than age 20, and 20 percent is 60 or older. The ethnic composition is approximately 89 percent Caucasian, 8.6 percent Hispanic/Latino, 1.6 percent African American, 1.1 percent Native American, and .04% Asian/Pacific Islander. The county has two school districts.

A 2006 housing study sponsored by the County Office of Economic Development reveals that from 1998 to 2006 the average home price more than doubled, jumping from $127,000 to $267,000, while the average wage increased by just 30 percent, to $25,000 annually. The county’s median household income of $37,226 is well below Colorado’s median income of $50,105 (Kids Count 2007). In Chaffee County, 11.7 percent of the overall population and 17. percent of children live below the poverty line. According to a 2004 Chaffee County Health Assessment, poverty, especially for families, is on the rise.

Trends Identified in Countywide Assessments

• Low-paying, seasonal employment insufficient to meet basic family needs /li>
• Parents working more than one job to make ends meet
• Affordable housing shortages
• Lack of quality affordable child care, especially for infants and toddlers of working parents
• Little or no access to dental care
• Limited access to mental health services
• Few programs for teens
• School facilities in need of significant improvements
• Limited available public transportation

In addition, the following health and wellness trends and priority issues have been identified by service agencies, in regard to personal and public health:

• Alcohol and substance abuse and addiction, especially among teens
• Tobacco use
• Domestic abuse
• The need to educate the public and promote community wellness
• An increased need for prevention and management of chronic diseases such as diabetes
• The need to increase early identification and intervention for children with developmental delays
• The need to provide health services to the uninsured and to increase access to dental care

In recent years, more than 100 nonprofits and county service agencies have made significant strides in addressing community issues, including:

• An afterschool program serving children age five through middle school
• Programs serving at-risk youth and their families
• A new clinic serving uninsured adults
• A home-visitation program for new parents
• New programs focusing on early childhood
• Programs promoting land management and the preservation of natural resources and the environment
• EEconomic and business development programs, including those promoting small businesses, arts and culture, and historic preservation

The county continues to face rapid growth, with significant land-development projects slated for the three towns of Buena Vista, Salida and Poncha Springs. Comprehensive planning will be critical to managing growth and promoting a safe, healthy, self-sufficient community for years to come. In addition, communitywide collaboration that engages multiple stakeholders, including nonprofits, business, government, and the public, will be needed to ensure our communities and residents thrive.

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