Custer County Public RecordsColorado

Custer County, Colorado, had 3,653 registered voters as of 2023, with party affiliation roughly 50% Republican, 19% Democratic, and 31% Unaffiliated. The county holds general, primary, and special elections, with recent results reflecting strong Republican support—Trump received 74% in 2020. Main polling locations include the Custer County Courthouse and Wet Mountain Fire Station. Election issues have included rural broadband and land use. Elections are administered by the County Clerk & Recorder. In 2022, turnout was over 70%. Both parties are active locally, and ballots may be returned by mail or at official drop boxes.

Custer County, CO, has a relatively low crime rate compared to national averages. In 2023, the county reported approximately 10 property crimes and 3 violent crimes per 1,000 residents. With a population of around 5,000, law enforcement agencies maintain high visibility and encourage community reporting, resulting in quick response times. The overall safety index for Custer County remains above 80/100, making it one of Colorado’s safer rural areas. Annual crime statistics are published by the Custer County Sheriff’s Office and submitted to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation.

Custer County, Colorado, serves about 300 K-12 students across three public schools, including Custer County School District C-1’s consolidated K-12 facility. The high school graduation rate is approximately 94%, while about 28% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. School safety is a focus, with no major incidents reported in recent years. Average test scores rank slightly below the Colorado state average. Educational programs include advanced placement and career-technical opportunities. Adult education resources are limited but available via nearby community colleges.

As of 2023, Custer County, CO, had an employment rate of approximately 53.6%. Major industries include educational services, health care, and social assistance (21.5%), construction (16.2%), and retail trade (10.7%). The largest occupation types are management, business, science, and arts (35.4%), and sales and office occupations (20.6%). Most workers (60%) commute out of the county, with an average travel time of 34 minutes. The primary employment locations for commuters are Fremont and Pueblo counties.

Custer County, CO, features a homeownership rate of about 81%, with median home values near $400,000 in 2024. Rental options are limited, with median monthly rents around $1,000. The market has seen steady value increases of 6% annually. Housing types range from single-family homes and cabins to ranch properties, especially in neighborhoods like Westcliffe, Silver Cliff, and Rosita Hills. Property taxes are relatively low, averaging around 0.37% of assessed value, making homeownership attractive. The area’s scenic mountain views and rural charm drive ongoing demand, particularly among retirees and remote workers.

As of 2023, Custer County, Colorado has a population of approximately 4,800. The median age is 58, reflecting a predominantly older demographic. About 52% of residents are male and 48% female. The county is overwhelmingly White (about 93%), with Hispanic or Latino residents making up roughly 6%, and all other racial or ethnic groups combined accounting for less than 2% of the population.