2020 census
As of the 2020 census, the county had a population of 16,376. Of the residents, 23.4% were under the age of 18 and 16.2% were 65 years of age or older; the median age was 35.0 years. For every 100 females there were 96.0 males, and for every 100 females age 18 and over there were 93.1 males. 67.0% of residents lived in urban areas and 33.0% lived in rural areas. [9] [10] [11]
The racial makeup of the county was 61.5% White, 1.5% Black or African American, 4.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1% Asian, 0.1% Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander, 13.7% from some other race, and 17.7% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino residents of any race comprised 47.0% of the population. [11]
There were 6,377 households in the county, of which 30.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them and 30.2% had a female householder with no spouse or partner present. About 32.5% of all households were made up of individuals and 12.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. [10]
There were 7,064 housing units, of which 9.7% were vacant. Among occupied housing units, 58.0% were owner-occupied and 42.0% were renter-occupied. The homeowner vacancy rate was 1.7% and the rental vacancy rate was 7.9%. [10]
2000 census
At the 2000 census there were 14,966 people, 5,467 households, and 3,651 families living in the county. The population density was 21 people per square mile (8.1 people/km2). There were 6,088 housing units at an average density of 8 per square mile (3.1/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 71.19% White, 0.97% Black or African American, 2.34% Native American, 0.82% Asian, 0.19% Pacific Islander, 20.34% from other races, and 4.16% from two or more races. 41.41% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. [12] Of the 5,467 households 35.30% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.50% were married couples living together, 11.70% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.20% were non-families. 27.30% of households were one person and 8.70% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.56 and the average family size was 3.14.
The age distribution was 27.20% under the age of 18, 15.90% from 18 to 24, 26.70% from 25 to 44, 20.60% from 45 to 64, and 9.60% 65 or older. The median age was 31 years. For every 100 females there were 99.00 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.30 males.
The median household income was $29,447 and the median family income was $38,389. Males had a median income of $27,733 versus $22,806 for females. The per capita income for the county was $15,037. About 15.60% of families and 21.30% of the population were below the poverty line, including 27.40% of those under age 18 and 13.90% of those age 65 or over.
In 2000, the largest denominational groups were Catholics (with 5,716 members) and Evangelical Protestants (with 1,755 members). [13] The largest religious bodies were the Catholic Church (with 5,716 adherents) and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (with 1,155 adherents). [13]
United States
Colorado 
