Otero County, Colorado Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 27th-largest in Colorado
The population of Otero County, Colorado is 18,460 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 27th-largest county in Colorado. The median household income is $54,897, the median home value is $160,700, and the median age is 40.9.
The population of Otero County has declined 4.6% since 2010 (18,857 → 17,991), a -0.34% annualized rate.
18,460
Population
-0.34%
Annual growth
15
People / sq mi
$54,897
Median Income
$160,700
Median Home Value
Otero County covers 1,262 sq mi of land at 14.6 people per square mile.
About Otero County, CO
Otero County is a county in Colorado with a population of 18,460. It ranks #27 among counties in Colorado by population. The median age is 40.9, older than the national median. The population is 49.7% male and 50.3% female.
The median household income in Otero County is $54,897, below the US median of $74,580. 15.6% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $160,700, with monthly rent averaging $796. The homeownership rate of 68.9% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Otero County reflects 18.8% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 5.6% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 21.3 minutes each way.
Otero County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Otero County had a population of 18,857 in 2010 and 17,991 in 2024, a -4.6% growth over 14 years. The peak was 18,857 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.33%.
17,991
Population (2024)
18,857
Population (2010)
18,857
Peak (2010)
-0.33%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 18,857 |
| 2011 | 18,837 |
| 2012 | 18,631 |
| 2013 | 18,449 |
| 2014 | 18,334 |
| 2015 | 18,182 |
| 2016 | 18,279 |
| 2017 | 18,344 |
| 2018 | 18,354 |
| 2019 | 18,243 |
| 2020 | 18,664 |
| 2021 | 18,530 |
| 2022 | 18,272 |
| 2023 | 18,148 |
| 2024 | 17,991 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 71.0% |
| Black or African American | 1.0% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 4.1% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
40.9
Median Age
50.3%
Female
49.7%
Male
21.0%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 19.0% · Seniors (65+): 21.0%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $54,897$-37,573 vs state |
| Mean household income | $68,583 |
| Per-capita income | $28,634 |
| Poverty rate | 15.6%+9.7% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.6% |
| Employment-to-population | 54.0% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Otero County is professional & business services, accounting for 30.0% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
4.0%
Carpool
78.0%
Public transit
5.6%
Work from home
21.3 min
Avg commute
Housing
$160,700$-341,500 vs state
Median home value
$796
Median rent
68.9%
Homeownership rate
8,725
Total housing units
87.6%
Occupied
12.4%
Vacant
31.1%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
92.9%
With health insurance
90.1%
With broadband internet
27.6%
Foreign-born
8.7%
Veterans (18+)
17.6%
With a disability
85.9%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
89.2%
High School+
18.8%
Bachelor's+
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Part of Colorado
Metro areas in Colorado
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Otero County, Colorado has a population of 18,460 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 27th-largest county in Colorado. Population density is 15 people per square mile.
The population of Otero County has declined 4.6% since 2010 (18,857 → 17,991), a -0.34% annualized rate.
The median household income in Otero County, Colorado is $54,897, with mean (average) household income of $68,583 and per-capita income of $28,634. 15.6% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Otero County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (71.0%), Hispanic or Latino (4.1%), Black or African American (1.0%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Otero County, Colorado is 40.9 years. Residents are 50.3% female and 49.7% male.
The median home value in Otero County is $160,700 and median monthly rent is $796. 68.9% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 8,725 total housing units, 12.4% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Otero County, Colorado is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 30.0% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.6%.
Denver is among the largest cities associated with Otero County, Colorado, with a population of 713,734.
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Statewide data for Colorado
Population, race, income, age, and trends across Colorado
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.