Get To Know Boulder County!
HISTORY
When the Territory of Colorado was created in 1861, Boulder County was one of the first 17 counties. The county name came from Boulder City and Boulder Creek, so named because many boulders in the creek hampered early gold prospecting efforts. Today, Boulder County retains essentially the same borders as it did then. However, 27.5 square miles (71.2 km²) of its southeastern corner and its approximate population of 40,000 became part of the City and County of Broomfield in 2001.
The area now Boulder was initially inhabited by Native Americans, and then it was later settled by European Americans. The first Europeans who came to the place were prospectors led by Captain Thomas Aikins. Aikins and his group arrived on October 17, 1858, at what is now called Boulder Creek Canyon. At first, Chief Niwot told the Europeans not to stay, but they promised they would return in the spring to prospect there. However, they decided not to go back east in 1858 and founded a settlement later known as Boulder on October 17, 1858. About one year after settling here, some of them also founded another settlement 10 miles west from here called Gold Hill, which started because of placer gold discovered there. The site of that first commercial scale placer mine in Colorado produced over 5500 ounces of gold in its first year of operations (1859).
GEOGRAPHY
The U.S. Census Bureau assesses that the county’s total area is 740 square miles (1,900 km2). Of this total, 726 square miles (1,880 km2) is land, and 14 square miles (36 km2) (1.9%) is water.
Adjacent counties:
Larimer County, Colorado – north
Weld County, Colorado – east
Gilpin County, Colorado – south
Grand County, Colorado – west
Jefferson County, Colorado – south
City and County of Broomfield, Colorado – southeast
DEMOGRAPHICS
According to U.S. Census Bureau, Boulder County is the 12th most populated county in Colorado; it has a population of 104,930 in 2021.
The racial distribution in Boulder County is 78.3% White, 10.6% Hispanic, and 5.9% Asian.
The median household income of Boulder County households was $74,902 in 2021. This figure was higher than the median household incomes of Adams County ($78,304) and Denver County ($78,177). However, 4.7% of Larimer County families live in poverty.
In Larimer County, the median age is 36.3 years.
COUNTY GOVERNMENT
Boulder County in Colorado is governed by the Board of County Commissioners, which consists of three elected officials by Boulder County voters. The City Council of Boulder is also part of the county government and consists of nine members elected from the city’s wards. The county government works in partnership with the City Council to ensure that all county residents receive quality services and are represented fairly. The Board of County Commissioners has various responsibilities, such as creating and approving budgets, setting policies, providing services for citizens and businesses, making decisions on land use issues, and more. In addition to this, they also appoint representatives to various boards and commissions within Boulder County.
EDUCATION
School districts serving Boulder County:
Boulder Valley School District RE-2
Estes Park School District R-3
St. Vrain Valley School District RE 1J
Thompson School District R-2J
NATIONAL PROTECTED AREAS
Boulder County, Colorado, is home to some of the most spectacular natural areas in the world. These protected areas are a vital part of the local ecology and provide essential habitats for numerous wildlife species. Boulder County has designated several national protected areas to ensure that these unique and essential ecosystems are preserved for future generations. In addition to providing habitat, these secure areas offer recreational opportunities such as hiking, camping, fishing, and more. By protecting these national forests, we can ensure that they remain a source of enjoyment and inspiration for years.
James Peak Wilderness
Indian Peaks Wilderness
Arapaho National Forest
Roosevelt National Forest
Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park is located in Boulder, Larimer, and Grand counties. Longs Peak—which rises to an elevation of 4,345 meters (14,255 feet)—is the park’s highest summit in Boulder County.
Rocky Mountain National Park in the city of Boulder is a stunningly beautiful destination that offers breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains and the surrounding area. The park has something for everyone, from hiking and camping to fishing and wildlife watching. Whether you’re looking for an outdoor adventure or want to take in the scenery, Rocky Mountain National Park is the perfect spot for your next vacation. With its diverse terrain, abundant wildlife, and scenic vistas, it’s no wonder why this park is one of Colorado’s most popular attractions.
Marshall Fire – A Wildfire
Boulder Colorado, is located in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains and is home to various natural wonders. In 2020, Boulder County was hit by a devastating wildfire known as the Marshall Fire. The fire burned over 17,000 acres of land and destroyed over 500 homes and businesses. It was one of the largest wildfires in Colorado’s history, causing an estimated $25 million in damages. In response to this tragedy, Boulder County has implemented several initiatives to reduce the risk of future fires and promote land use and sustainability. These initiatives include increasing fire mitigation efforts such as prescribed burning, creating a greenbelt around the county’s perimeter, and promoting fire-resistant building materials. By taking these steps now, Boulder County can ensure that it is better prepared for future disasters.