Crowley County is located on the high plains of Southeast Colorado and was established in 1911. At one time the county was included within the bounds of the Louisiana Purchase. Today the area is rich with recreational activities and rural living, as well as birding trails, excellent schools and opportunities for business expansion and relocation. Primary employment for the citizens is found in a 55,000 head capacity cattle feed lot as well as two correctional facilities located within the county. Agriculture, county and city government, education and healthcare provide the balance of employment. The lakes and reservoirs in the area provide an abundance of areas for boating, camping, fishing and hunting. The museum, fiestas and fair 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 Crowley, Olney Springs, Ordway and Sugar City
At a Glance
- Ordway, county seat
- Population 5,322 (2013)
- 7 people per square mile
- Area 802 square miles
- Elevation 4,300 feet
- Median age 38 years (2010)
- Predominantly rural
- Rolling grasslands and fertile river bottoms
- 300 days of sunshine
- Mean temperature of 25.5º F in January
- Mean temperature of 74.7º F in July
- 11.2 inches average rainfall annually
- 21.46 inches average snowfall annually
- Mild semi-arid climate
- Low cost of living index 90.8% (2012)
- Unemployment rate (December 2014) 4.6%
- Low crime rate
- Low property taxes
- Affordable housing
- Friendly, safe communities
- Nursing home center
- Health care center
- Long term care facility
- Licensed Day Care facility
- Fitness center
- 3 Public schools 13:1 teacher / student ratio
- State approved preschool
- Library
- 9 Churches