Costilla County, Colorado
|
|
Costilla County is a county located in the U.S. state of Colorado. As of 2000, the population is 3,663. The county seat is San Luis.
| Contents |
History
Costilla County was of the original 17 counties created by the Colorado legislature on November 1, 1861. Although San Miguel was originally designated the county seat, county government was moved to San Luis in 1863.
The county's original boundaries had the county extend over much of south-central Colorado. Much of the northern portion became part of Saguache County in 1866, and the western portions were folded into Hinsdale and Rio Grande counties in 1874. Costilla County arrived at its modern boundaries in 1913 when Alamosa County was created from its northwest portions.
Geography
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 3,187 km² (1,230 mi²). 3,178 km² (1,227 mi²) of it is land and 9 km² (3 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 0.27% water.
Demographics
As of the census2 of 2000, there are 3,663 people, 1,503 households, and 1,029 families residing in the county. The population density is 1/km² (3/mi²). There are 2,202 housing units at an average density of 1/km² (2/mi²). The racial makeup of the county is 60.91% White, 0.79% Black or African American, 2.48% Native American, 1.01% Asian, 0.14% Pacific Islander, 29.46% from other races, and 5.21% from two or more races. 67.59% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There are 1,503 households out of which 28.50% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.60% are married couples living together, 11.30% have a female householder with no husband present, and 31.50% are non-families. 28.10% of all households are made up of individuals and 11.60% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.44 and the average family size is 2.98.
In the county the population is spread out with 25.00% under the age of 18, 6.60% from 18 to 24, 23.30% from 25 to 44, 28.30% from 45 to 64, and 16.80% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 42 years. For every 100 females there are 99.80 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 96.20 males.
The median income for a household in the county is $19,531, and the median income for a family is $25,509. Males have a median income of $22,390 versus $16,121 for females. The per capita income for the county is $10,748. 26.80% of the population and 21.30% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 32.40% of those under the age of 18 and 23.30% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.
