Chaffee County Public RecordsColorado

Chaffee County, CO, maintains relatively low crime rates compared to national averages. In 2022, the county reported a violent crime rate of 90 per 100,000 residents and a property crime rate of 1,320 per 100,000. The sheriff’s office uses online systems for public crime reporting and safety updates. Although occasional thefts and burglaries occur, incidents of violent crimes, such as assault and robbery, are rare. Community efforts and proactive law enforcement contribute to Chaffee County’s reputation as a safe and secure area for residents and visitors.

Chaffee County, CO has approximately 15,000 registered voters as of 2024. The county conducts general, primary, municipal, and special elections, with the 2022 General Election showing 56% of votes for Democratic candidates and 42% for Republican candidates. Voting centers include Buena Vista Community Center and Salida Scout Hut. Key issues involve water rights and public land use. Elections are managed by the Chaffee County Clerk & Recorder. Party registration is about 29% Republican, 29% Democrat, and 42% unaffiliated. Mail-in ballots are widely used, reflecting Colorado’s emphasis on accessible voting.

Chaffee County, CO, hosts 9 public schools, including 2 high schools. About 92.2% of adults hold a high school diploma, while 42.2% have a bachelor’s degree or higher (U.S. Census 2022). Average school proficiency scores in math and reading are close to Colorado’s state average. The student-teacher ratio is approximately 14:1. Chaffee schools emphasize safety with protocols and community partnerships, and offer programs in STEM, arts, and career technical education, alongside adult education opportunities through Colorado Mountain College.

As of 2023, Chaffee County, CO, boasts an employment rate of approximately 59.5%. The leading industries are health care & social assistance (17.2%), accommodation & food services (15.6%), and retail trade (13.4%). Major occupation types include management (12.1%), sales (10.5%), and office/administrative support (9.8%). About 70% of workers commute less than 30 minutes, with most employed locally—in Salida and Buena Vista—while less than 8% commute out of the county for work.

Chaffee County, CO has a homeownership rate of about 72%, with median home values around $540,000 as of 2024. The rental market is tight; median rent is approximately $1,500/month. Popular housing types include single-family homes and mountain cabins, especially in Buena Vista and Salida. Property values have risen nearly 10% year-over-year, driven by high demand. Key neighborhoods include Historic Salida and Nathrop. Property taxes average 0.38% of assessed value, lower than the national average. The region’s scenic appeal and recreational access continue attracting both buyers and renters.

Chaffee County, Colorado, had a 2023 population of about 20,900. Around 50.2% are female and 49.8% male. The median age is 48.6 years, with 21% under 18 and 25% over 65. Racially, 88% are White, 1.1% Black or African American, 1.2% Native American, 1.1% Asian, and 7.3% identify as Hispanic or Latino. Other races or multiracial comprise 4.6%.