Ouray County Public RecordsColorado

Ouray County, CO, hosts 4 public schools, including Ouray School (K-12) and Ridgway Secondary School, serving over 500 students. Graduation rates exceed 90%, and about 44% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, surpassing the state average. Schools regularly score above 7/10 in statewide academic rankings. Programs include AP courses, STEM, and career-tech education. School safety measures, such as secure campuses and emergency drills, are actively implemented. Adult education and community learning programs are available at regional libraries and online, supporting lifelong learning.

As of 2022, Ouray County, CO, has an employment rate of 62.3%. The largest industries are Health Care & Social Assistance (15.9%), Accommodation & Food Services (12.7%), and Construction (11.6%). The leading occupation types include Management (16.8%), Sales & Related (11.7%), and Office & Administrative Support (10.7%). About 71.2% of residents commute by driving alone, with an average commute time of 22.4 minutes. While 73.9% work within Colorado, only 15.4% are employed within Ouray County itself, with many commuting to neighboring counties.

Ouray County, CO, features a homeownership rate of around 74%, with median home values reaching $600,000 as of 2023. The median rent is approximately $1,200 per month. Housing types largely include single-family homes, cabins, and some condos, with neighborhoods like Ridgway, Ouray, and Log Hill Mesa being popular. Property values have risen over 40% since 2020 due to high demand. Property tax rates average 0.36%, relatively low compared to national figures. The area draws residents seeking mountain views and outdoor recreation, increasing both home prices and rental demand in recent years.

As of the 2020 Census, Ouray County, Colorado has a population of 4,874. The median age is 54.2 years, with about 51% male and 49% female residents. The population is predominantly White (93.4%), with small percentages of Hispanic or Latino (7.8%), two or more races (3.0%), Native American (0.3%), and Asian (0.2%). The county is sparsely populated, emphasizing a largely older, non-Hispanic White demographic.

Ouray County, Colorado, had approximately 3,890 registered voters as of 2022, divided among Democrats (about 35%), Republicans (28%), and Unaffiliated (37%). The county conducts general, primary, and special elections, with recent turnout rates reaching over 80%. In the 2020 presidential election, 55% voted Democratic and 42% Republican. Polling locations include the Ouray County Courthouse and the Ridgway Community Center. Key issues include public land use and property taxes. Elections are administered by the County Clerk & Recorder. Both major parties are active, with unaffiliated voters often swaying close elections.

Ouray County, CO boasts a low crime rate compared to national averages. According to recent FBI statistics, the county reported just 5 violent crimes and 29 property crimes in 2022, translating to rates of 0.7 and 3.9 per 1,000 residents, respectively. Local law enforcement agencies actively encourage community reporting and engagement, contributing to a high case clearance rate. Overall, Ouray County is considered a safe area, with crime rates significantly lower than Colorado’s state averages.