Baca County is located on the Great Plains in the extreme southeast corner of Colorado, bordering Kansas, Oklahoma and New Mexico. Founded in 1889 it was named in honor of Felipe Baca, an early pioneer and Colorado territorial legislator. Today the area is rich with recreational activities, historical sites and western traditions as well as birding trails, excellent schools and opportunities for business expansion and relocation. With mild winters and hot summers, the semi-arid climate is excellent for ranching and farming. Most employment for the citizens is found in the area of agriculture followed by county and city government, health care, schools, services for tourists and cottage industries. The county is a wildlife paradise rich with deer, elk, big horn sheep, antelope, bobcats and over 400 species of birds. The museums, art galleries, cultural events and local amenities help to round out the balance and attraction of the area as a great place to visit but a better place to live.
Home to the towns of Campo, Pritchett, Springfield, Two Buttes, Vilas and Walsh
At a Glance
- Springfield, county seat
- Predominantly rural
- Population 4,188 (2007)
- Area 2,556 square miles / 2 people per sqare mile
- Elevation 4,295 feet
- Diverse terrain
- Cost of living index 74.8%, among lowest in the nation
- Unemployment rate 3.7% (2007)
- Median age 42.9 years
- Low crime rate / Safe towns
- Fresh air
- Clean water
- Historical and agricultural heritage
- Diverse business base
- Semi-arid climate
- Average annual precipitation 14 inches
- 5 Public schools
- Multiple churches
- Affordable housing
- Hospital
- Nursing care facility
- 4 Senior centers
- 2 Assisted living facilities
- General aviation airport (Springfield)